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LEARN SOMETHING NEW
I want to help my fellow game developers bring their careers to the next level.
I write about life, the industry, and how to better yourself so that you become more successful.
Let me know what other topics you want to see covered, and how I can help!
I've also written a book that you can purchase on Amazon!
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You Can Work For Free, But Don’t Work for Nothing
A common question that every creative asks is "can I work for free?" Of course, there are a thousand nuanced answers to this, but my simplified take is: "you can work for free, but don't work for nothing." Ideally, yes, you get paid. Even if you're at the early stages of your career, it's good to at least try and get some sort of monetary compensation. But, barring that, ask for *something* in return. Connections in the industry, tickets to conferences, profit shares, and ski
Akash Thakkar
Dec 2, 20251 min read


It’s More Important than Ever to Generate Your Own Experience
Unfortunately, internships and beginner-friendly entry level jobs in game audio are few and far between. So, it’s more important than ever before to generate our own experience. Whether it be through game jams, student work, or mini-projects that satiate your curiosity, all of those little bits of experience go a long way. The output doesn’t always need to be amazing, but the sheer fact that you’re doing something, *anything*, of your own accord is immediately impressive.
Akash Thakkar
Nov 25, 20251 min read


What Pro Audio Designers Do Differently
This is what professional composers/sound designers do differently to keep work coming in - regardless of how the industry is doing.
Akash Thakkar
Jun 10, 20255 min read


Three Big Myths about Working in Game Audio
There are 3 big myths that are peddled to folks wanting to work in game audio. Here's why they're all lies.
Akash Thakkar
Jun 4, 20254 min read


How to Find Game Audio Work (Even When the Industry is Imploding)
You've probably noticed that the tech and game industries are in an... interesting position right now. Mass layoffs are the norm, it...
Akash Thakkar
May 5, 20255 min read


How to Get Good at Sound Design (Even if you Have No Idea What You're Doing)
In my last two newsletters, we talked about the deep frustration of learning sound design , and how to think like a storyteller when you...
Akash Thakkar
Mar 5, 20254 min read


The Myth of “Getting Really Good”
A lot of creatives are taught a common myth: that if they just sit around and get good enough at their craft, everything else will take...
Akash Thakkar
May 27, 20241 min read


Game Audio Purgatory
Have you been in Game Audio Purgatory? I certainly have. You've know been there if you're in the place where you want more clients -...
Akash Thakkar
Feb 27, 20242 min read


Why just "getting good" isn't enough for a career in game audio
Fun fact: bananas, one of my favorite fruits in the whole world, are radioactive. Yes indeed! You heard that right. Eat enough bananas,...
Akash Thakkar
Jul 8, 20234 min read


Why One Habit Can Give You a Great Sound Design Career
There's one habit that separates sound designers from the rest of the pack, and almost no one does it.
Akash Thakkar
Jan 3, 20235 min read


How to Charge for Your Sound Design Work
I simply must tell you about my favorite sport in the entire world. It's got everything: Athleticism, thoughtfulness, planning, and it...
Akash Thakkar
Aug 25, 20224 min read


How to Find Game Audio Gigs (Especially In a Small Town)
How to find game audio gigs, even if you live outside of places like Seattle, Los Angeles, or even the US.
Akash Thakkar
Feb 2, 20225 min read


The Four Seasons Method: Know Exactly How to Spend Your Time
How, exactly, to use your time this year.
Akash Thakkar
Jan 4, 20224 min read


Why You Don't Need to Live in a Big City to Work in Game Audio (And Why You Do)
You may think you need to live in a big city to make things happen... but do you?
Akash Thakkar
Nov 30, 20215 min read


The Visibility Cloak Method: How Composers Can Find Work
How composers can find work - no matter where in the world they are.
Akash Thakkar
Nov 2, 20215 min read


Working on Hollywood‘s Biggest Movies with Jason Poss
An interview with orchestrator, arranger, music transcriber, and music prep expert Jason Poss.
Akash Thakkar
Oct 13, 20211 min read


Mental Health, the Myth of Talent, and Impostor Syndrome with Sydney Kjerstad of Smart Game Piano
In this interview with Sydney Kjerstad, we discuss the myth of talent, imposter syndrome, mental health, and much more!
Akash Thakkar
Sep 15, 20211 min read


From Punk Rocker to Mixing Engineer with Jason LaRocca
In Episode #6 of the Sound Business Podcast, we're interviewing the incredible Jason LaRocca.
Akash Thakkar
Aug 11, 20211 min read


Working in Games & Film, Being Rejected, and Helping Others with Austin Wintory
For Episode #4 of the Sound Business Podcast, we're interviewing the ever-delightful Austin Wintory.
Akash Thakkar
Jul 28, 20211 min read


Loving Our Work, Self-Care, and Recording The World with Melissa Pons
Melissa Pons is a field recordist and sound designer who is known for her beautiful nature recordings.
Akash Thakkar
Jul 28, 20211 min read
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