About me & resumé
Ryan "Smiley" Smiley
Ryan Smiley, a dedicated Audio Engineer and beat maker from Woodbridge, Virginia, is transitioning from a successful career as a rapper and beatmaker in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where he collaborated with local artists. With a passion for music reignited, he shifted his educational focus to sound arts, earning an Associate's degree in Sound Arts from a local community college. Eager for further advancement, he enrolled at Full Sail University, majoring in Audio Production. Inspired by modern-day Hip-Hop/R&B and Trap genres, Ryan draws influence from producers like Noah "40" Shebib, Metro Boomin, and T-Minus. He now operates his own recording studio, Titans Forge, a testament to his commitment to honing his skills and pursuing a full-time career in Audio Engineering and Sound Design as he transitions out of the military.
Education
2016-2021
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Through hands-on experience in recording studios and with audio equipment, I gained valuable experience working with artists and musicians, strengthening my proficiency in sound production, design, and business, as well as artist relations.
2021-2024
Full Sail University
At Full Sail University, I cultivated sound production, design, and business skills as an entrepreneurial-minded self-starter. Developing a diverse portfolio and global perspective, I'm poised to thrive as an independent audio creator.
Bachelors of Applied Science
Associates of Applied Science
Certificates
User Certified
Pro Tools 2020
Obtaining this certification showcases my expertise in utilizing Pro Tools for various audio tasks, including recording, editing, mixing, and mastering. It signifies my comprehensive understanding of the software's functionalities, enabling me to effectively navigate Pro Tools in professional audio production settings.
Skills
-
Pro Tools
-
Logic Pro
-
Ableton
-
Audiokinetic Wwise
-
Audio Tracking
-
Audio Editing
-
Audio Mixing
-
Vocal Tracking
-
Vocal Editing
-
Vocal Tuning
-
Preamps
-
Condenser Mic’s
-
Dynamic Microphones
-
Field Recording
-
Music Theory
-
Microsoft Word
-
Excel
-
PowerPoint
-
Mac Pages
-
Keynote
-
Strong communication
-
Reliable
-
Efficient
-
Self-Motivated
Academic Experience
· Fundamentals of Music (Music Theory)
· Listening Skills
· Recording Principles
· Sound Design for Games
· Game Audio Production Techniques
· Structure of Music
· Contemporary Production Techniques
· Audio Post Production
· Vocal Techniques
· Advanced Editing techniques
· Advanced Mixing Techniques
Work Experience
-
Intern at Tangerine Recordings (Jan 22’ – Present)
-
Studio Intern
-
Mic Placement
-
Patch bay setup
-
Tracking Preparation
-
Tracking (Vocals)
-
Mix Preparation
-
-
-
Knowledge Operations Management w/USAF (Jan 21’ – Present) (Supervisory)
-
Records/File management
-
Microsoft Applications
-
Creating, formatting, reviewing Publications and Forms for Government use
-
Privacy Act Manager/Freedom of Information Act Manager
-
-
Command Support Staff w/USAF (Sep 11’ – Jan 21’)
-
Government Purchase Card Holder
-
Orders Clerk
-
Travel Voucher Clerk
-
Fun Facts
as of March 2024
-
Favorite DAW: Pro-Tools and Fl Studio. I enjoy producing, mixin and mastering in Pro-Tools but, FL Studio I feel a little more free at times. giving me the chance to explore plugins without the need of "creating a project"
-
Favorite Plug-in/Plug-in Suite: Kontakt. Right now I'm exploring what Kontakt can do, other than being such a powerful library of sounds. I'm exploring the options of making my own instruments and how to use it as a looper for creating samples and to jump-start my production process.
-
Favorite studio to work from: Currently my own. Though it does not have heat just yet. I enjoy learning my new space. I enjoy the intimacy my space has has and I enjoy the thought of continuously improving it.