Life & Work with Carol Yan Li

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Yan Li.

Hi Carol Yan, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
My name is Carol. I’m a sound designer for films, games, and multimedia. 

My journey into the world of sound and narrative began with the vivid imagination of my childhood, a time so early that I hardly remember telling my dad about seeing colors in the sounds I heard. I fondly recall humming melodies while seated on the back of my dad’s bicycle, blissfully unaware of the existence of MP3s, unable to distinguish between a song and a score. My foray into sound editing began at the age of 15 with podcasts, and it was around this time that I also ventured into shooting short films for class projects. This newfound passion quickly escalated; I fell in love with filmmaking, prompting me to join my high school’s film club, where I shot more films, often exploring wild and imaginative stories. By my senior year, I had risen to become the chief of the film club, marking a significant milestone in my journey. 

Parallel to my own exploration of film, my dad produced commercial videos as both a hobby and a side job, which added another layer of inspiration to my growing interest in the field. After high school, my path led me to the School of Visual Arts in New York for a film program, a move that signified the beginning of my professional career in sound engineering for film. College was a transformative period, during which I had the privilege of mentoring under two Oscar winners, Chris Newman and Tom Fleishman. In 2021, my work was recognized when I was nominated as a Student Recognition Award finalist by the Cinema Audio Society. 

That same year, I embarked on a graduate program in Music Technology at NYU, a decision that opened up new avenues of exploration for me in areas like 3D audio and interactive audio. It’s within this rich, diverse context of experiences and learning that I find myself expanding my career toward game audio, driven by the same passion and imagination that characterized my early beginnings. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered my fair share of ups and downs. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the guidance of exceptional mentors and enriching learning experiences. However, as an introverted Asian female, I’ve sometimes found that I don’t always receive the same level of recognition as my peers. This discrepancy has occasionally led me to question my worth and wonder if the challenges I face stem from my identity. 

Being an international student has added another layer of complexity, making me feel lost in situations where perhaps others wouldn’t. To navigate these struggles, I’ve focused on building my inner strength and self-recognition. Understanding and acknowledging who I am, along with the achievements I’ve accomplished, play a crucial role in maintaining my sense of self-worth. 

This self-awareness has been vital in reminding myself of my value and place in the world, especially in moments of doubt. It’s through this process that I’ve learned the importance of recognizing my own achievements and strengths, allowing me to persevere despite the challenges. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in sound design for films, games, and multimedia, with additional expertise in production sound recording on set. In 2022, I post-mixed the sound for the feature documentary “Dear Mother, I Meant to Write About Death,” which was showcased at the Busan Film Festival and received awards. The following year, two films I worked on for post-sound, “A Brief History of Bubblegum” and “3 Blind Mice,” were featured in the Cannes Film Festival. 

What distinguishes me in the field is my acute sensitivity to narrative and human emotions. This sensitivity not only fuels my inspiration for sound design but also enhances my communication with directors, enabling me to forge stronger connections. My approach to sound is deeply intertwined with storytelling, allowing me to contribute to projects in a way that resonates with audiences on an emotional level. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
One of my most cherished childhood memories related to sound involves sitting on the backseat of my parents’ bicycle. As we rode along, I was captivated by the changing sounds of our environment. The experience was like a live symphony, each movement marked by a shift in scenery and sound. From the rhythmic patter of the wheels against the pavement to the melodic conversations of passersby, each sound painted a vivid picture of the world around me. I was a curious child, keenly observing the lives of people we passed, immersing myself in the stories that unfolded with each pedal push. This early fascination with sound and observation laid the foundation for my deep appreciation of auditory experiences and the stories they tell. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carolyanli.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyanl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-yan-li-b6b38619a
• Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm10075461/