We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Felipe Collazos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Felipe, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful projects in my career have been deeply impactful for both personal and professional growth. Firstly, contributing to the sound design of “Slide,” the final masterpiece from the Oscar Nominated Illustrator and director Bill Plympton, was a pivotal moment. It was an honor to collaborate on this project, and the experience opened doors to new opportunities in my career. The gravity of being involved in the last movie from Plympton, combined with its nomination for the prestigious Annecy awards, made this project particularly meaningful.

My involvement in editing TEDed videos, particularly in editing the VO’s and sounds for a variety of TEDed videos, including “A Tour into the Underworld,” proved to be an enlightening experience. This endeavor demanded not only technical prowess but also a keen understanding of narrative flow and audience engagement. As I meticulously crafted the voiceovers and soundscapes, I found myself immersed in a world where every sonic detail mattered. This hands-on approach not only refined my editing skills but also deepened my appreciation for the intricate interplay between audio and visual elements. It was a journey of exploration and refinement, ultimately equipping me with a versatile skill set to tackle future projects with confidence and creativity.

In both instances, working on animated projects provided an opportunity to explore the intersection of creativity and technical proficiency. These experiences have not only enriched my portfolio but have also shaped me into a more versatile and resilient professional, ready to take on new challenges in the field of sound design and editing.

Felipe, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m deeply passionate about using sound design and mixing to help audiences connect with diverse stories on a profound level. My mission in this industry is to offer a unique blend of high-quality audio and compelling storytelling that immerses listeners in an unforgettable experience. I believe that as a sound designer, my role is not only to enhance the picture but also to enrich the narrative without ever detracting from the overall scene.

My journey began as a musician, bass player, and singer-songwriter hailing from Bogota, Colombia. My thirst for knowledge led me to Berklee College of Music, where I honed my skills in music and sound engineering. Alongside my academic pursuits, I’ve delved into the world of mixing and sound design, where I’ve found a perfect intersection of my creative passions and technical expertise. Additionally, I’ve embarked on my own indie music project, where I write and produce my own songs, further fueling my love for storytelling through music.

Despite the challenges inherent in this industry, I take pride in my unwavering persistence and dedication to my craft. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of standing on stage in front of audiences exceeding 11,000 people, delivering unforgettable performances tailored to Latin audiences. Furthermore, I’ve had the honor of contributing to TV ads for esteemed brands such as Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Nike, and many others, leaving an indelible mark on the advertising world.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I had to unlearn revolved around the notion that rigidly adhering to my original life plan was the sole route to success. From a young age, I meticulously outlined my goals and strategies, convinced that this was the surefire path to achieving my aspirations. However, life often threw unexpected curveballs, leading me down unanticipated paths that diverged from my meticulously crafted trajectory. Initially, these detours left me feeling frustrated and disheartened, as if I was falling short of my own expectations. Through this journey, I came to appreciate the inherent unpredictability of life and the necessity of embracing flexibility and adaptability. I realized that veering from the plan didn’t signify failure but rather presented opportunities for growth and exploration. Embracing this mindset shift empowered me to take new risks and explore alternative paths that I may not have considered before. Ultimately, relinquishing the need for strict adherence to a predetermined plan has brought me a greater sense of fulfillment and opened doors to unexpected experiences.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Upon my arrival in NYC fresh out of Berklee College of Music, I harbored grand aspirations of becoming a renowned recording engineer. However, the industry landscape I encountered vastly differed from what I had anticipated. The prevalence of home production and the decline of large studio setups threatened to dash my dreams.

I refused to succumb to despair. Instead, I embraced the shifting tide and sought out alternative avenues to pursue my passion for sound. This led me to the dynamic world of sound design and audio post-production for various visual media—a realm I had previously overlooked but eventually grew to cherish.

Through this journey, I learned a crucial lesson in resilience: setbacks are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth and reinvention. By remaining adaptable and open to change, I discovered a new path that reignited my passion and opened doors to unforeseen possibilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14136103/
• Instagram: @Collazosmusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipe-collazos-465237217