Hey! I’m Manuel — artistically known as Manuel Martínez — a queer Colombian sound designer, composer, and producer based in San Francisco, California. Sound and music are not just what I do — they’re how I connect, feel, and tell stories.

I hold a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the Pontifical Xaverian University in Bogotá and a Master of Music in Technology and Applied Composition from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I’ve had the privilege of studying under incredible mentors like Daria Novoliantceva, Lennie Moore, Jason O’Connell, Carolina Noguera, Guillermo Gaviria, and Juan Antonio Cuéllar.

A central part of my creative process is synesthetic: I draw deep inspiration from the relationship between color and sound. I often start a piece by visualizing color palettes, letting them guide the emotional tone and texture of the music. This sensory interplay shapes how I design immersive soundscapes, interactive scores, and dynamic sound effects that breathe life into stories — whether in indie games, film, or experimental media.

I’m especially passionate about crafting sound for non-humanoid creatures and designing bold, imaginative weapon effects — the weirder and more otherworldly, the better. My work blends traditional orchestral techniques with modern digital tools to build emotionally resonant and sonically rich worlds.

Professionally, I’ve contributed to projects across the game, film, education, and stage management industries — always pushing the boundaries of what sound can communicate. Outside of work, I explore music beyond societal expectations, using sound as a form of raw, personal expression. Every project is a chance for me to connect more deeply — with myself, my collaborators, and the world around me.