When crawling the web we stumbled upon an impressive motion graphic video called “Zeroing”. Both the motion and sound design appealed to us, because of the strong synergy between organic and graphic elements. The motion design is made by the Russian designer Andrey Nepomnyaschev and the sound design by a Dutch studio called Takt. We must admit we’d never heard of the name Takt before, but while browsing through their portfolio we had a couple of a-ha! moments. The studio has been working for an impressive range of clients – such as Onezero and Canon – and created the sound design for well-known projects like the titles of the Dutch Playground festival, the titles and leaders of the internationally operating OFFF festival and several pieces by the hand of motion designer and director Onur Senturk. Working internationally, Takt’s headquarters remain in the city of Utrecht in the heart of The Netherlands. The studio specializes in the design of music and design for all types of media.

Browsing through the online portfolio we notice a lot of strong audiovisual projects, where motion graphics form the basis. Curious as we are, we asked Takt a few questions regarding their work and vision on sound design.

Can you tell us something about your style? Is there something like a Takt style?
It’s always hard to describe your own style, and I make a lot of different types of music and sound design, depending on the job. But what I always like to do, if the client lets me, is to try and look for something that is a little bit different, just trying to find some different ways to do the sound. You can really let a video “pop” if the sounds are unexpected. Draw attention to elements by giving them a sound that you wouldn’t normally hear in real life. This kind of disconnection from reality is something I like to play with, but a lot of clients don’t want that, or it simply doesn’t work. But i guess that that is my style, kinda.

What makes a good sound design for you?
That depends on the visuals i guess. It can be anything. Good sound design should make the video better, give it more impact or emotion. Sound quality isn’t even always that important. It should just fit, it’s hard to explain in words.

What new developments can we expect in the audiovisual and sound design field?
The biggest development in sound design is probably going to be that it will be easier to get into. You don’t need a giant studio to get started anymore. So there will be more competition, and that might be good for the quality.

Can you tell us something (in word and/or image) about new projects you are working on?
I just came back from China where I worked on a project under my music alter ego Krampfhaft (http://soundcloud.com/krampfhaft) together with In A Cabin With.. that should become an album to be released in a couple of months. And I have a new EP coming up on Rwina Records in September. I will also be speaking (as Studio Takt) on the upcoming Playgrounds Festival in Tilburg and there are more projects coming up for Onesize and Menno Fokma.