Meet Molly Woodward | Composer & Audio Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Molly Woodward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Molly, what do you attribute your success to?

The factor I believe to be most important is my ability to continue to pursue what I love despite the difficulty and the potential delays in my success. It has taken me years to see the fruits of my labor, while I occasionally get tastes of success behind my short-term goals, I will never stop persevering to reach my long-term goals.

I find it extremely important to reach for the stars regardless of the challenges. One of my biggest fears was not setting my goals too high and falling short, but rather aiming too low and hitting my mark.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I have pursued a creative career as a composer and audio designer! I excel in adding realism to gaming experiences through the sounds I create which include; collecting, editing, and creating sound effects, ambiances, and original soundtracks for video games or other interactive media.

I graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree as Valedictorian within 26 months. During that time I worked two jobs. This was to build my experience and network while I was in school. After some time I was offered a position as an Audio Designer at an indie game studio known as Wonder Works. There I worked with large companies such as “Foot Loops”, “Forever 21”, and “Puma” to help create unique gaming experiences for the Roblox community. I thrive under pressure and always hunger to turn information into action. I try to push boundaries through every composition I create or by directing each vocalist I work with. To create a strong team I am always providing instruction and assisting those around me to ensure a polished product for audiences to experience. From starting as a solo artist to creating a sound department, it has been a fun challenge working with animators, programmers, modelers, and concept artists to produce media for those around me to enjoy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my friends were to visit I would take them to college or professional games depending on the season. Additionally, I also enjoy the Renaissance festival. There is lots of good food, music, and jousting to be had. A few local restaurants I would take them to are a ramen shop known as “Piranha Ramen and a Thai restaurant called “Sunny Tahi”. These two spots serve wonderful food that’s unique to their respective cultures. For breakfast dining there is a local place known as the “Egg Bar.” It serves classic breakfast meals and the atmosphere is always calming. If my friends and I were looking to get something to drink I would introduce them to Boba at a store named “Kokee Tea.” There are many options to choose from, coffee, fruit, and milk. After gathering our tea I would probably visit the local library to enjoy a good book along with our tea.

Additional places I would bring my friends if we had time would be local hiking trail locations, anywhere we could swim, the stockyard to watch the rodeo, and any anime or comic conventions nearby. I love trying new things with a group of friends. There is no better time to do that than with people so memories can be made and cherished.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to recognize the producer at Sound Forge Studio, Jason Vorpagel. This gentleman was my mentor for a year while I was taking classes in college. I had moved to Washington state searching for an opportunity to further my audio skills and Jason not only provided me with his knowledge but also gave me hands-on experience. I would be leading and mixing live bands one evening, then performing the next. We found common ground as he had graduated from the school I was attending as Valedictorian. Jason would offer up his studio and any equipment for me to learn from. He would help train my ears to be a better Audio Engineer and taught me the technicality of putting on a live performance. I went from a small-town girl with no experience to a polished audio engineer and musician. It is because this gentleman was willing to take me under his wing that I can do what I love and train those around me to create fun and engaging gaming experiences.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollywoodward15/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-woodward-5657321a0/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MollyWood1515

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/molly.woodward.10485/

Image Credits
Jason Vorpagel, Anthony Clark, Tyler Hissam, Paul Gaberial, Molly Woodward