We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lúcia Carvalho. Check out our conversation below.
Lúcia , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing a good future by doing something I truly love. Foley feels a bit like a game to me, every sound is a small challenge, something new to discover.
If I stopped, it would feel like losing that game and losing a part of myself. So I keep going, trying to grow and build the future I imagine for myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Lúcia Carvalho, 24 years old, from Portugal. Sound has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started with music at the conservatory, completing the 8th grade in piano, and later studied Electronic Music and Music Production at university.
During my second year, I took a class on the history of sound design, and in that very first lecture, I discovered Foley. I was immediately fascinated. Foley is the art of creating and recording everyday sounds for film and media, things like footsteps, clothes rustling, or doors opening. It’s an essential part of a film’s post-production process, helping scenes feel real and immersive. I threw myself into learning everything I could from books and YouTube.
For my final project, I created Foley for an animated short, setting up my very first tiny studio in a basement room at home. Everything was improvised, but I loved it and knew this was what I wanted to do.
After graduating, I looked for a Foley internship in Portugal. There aren’t many, but I was lucky to join a post-production company in Lisbon in 2023. I learned so much there and really enjoyed being part of the team. After the internship, I started freelancing, taking on small projects and continuing to grow my skills.
This year, I attended a Foley workshop with Pete Burgis and the team at 344 Audio in Manchester. I learned so many amazing techniques and absolutely loved meeting them. Freelancing isn’t always easy, and I work hard every day, but every time I finish a project on my own, it feels like a real achievement.
Right now, I’m setting up a larger, more flexible studio in the basement of my home, where I can work on new projects and push my Foley work even further. I’m really excited about all the possibilities this new space will open up.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The people who have taught me the most about work are my parents. My father started his own company, and I’ve always been inspired by how dedicated and determined he is, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles every day. My mother has also been a constant source of support, encouragement, and guidance throughout my career. Together, they’ve taught me the importance of persistence, passion, and believing in what you do.
Professionally, my internship at a post-production company in Lisbon and the Foley workshop with Pete Burgis and the team at 344 Audio in Manchester gave me a lot of confidence in the work I do today. These experiences taught me practical skills, creative approaches, and the value of attention to detail.
Every day, I apply what I’ve learned and strive to continue improving my work.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is the fear of stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve always been a very shy person, and trying new things or putting myself in unfamiliar situations used to feel intimidating. Setting up my first studio at home, applying for an internship, and later attending a workshop in Manchester were all big steps that pushed me beyond that fear. Facing these challenges has helped me gain confidence and has allowed me to truly show what I love doing. Every time I step out of my comfort zone, I grow a little more, both personally and professionally.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is doing work I love and following my passions. They know how much I care about Foley and how I’m always trying to learn and improve.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I would say I’m not exactly doing what I was born to do, but ever since I discovered Foley, it’s something I truly want to dedicate myself to completely. I love what I do, and I’m committed to pursuing it fully, learning and improving every day, and I’ll keep going until I can’t anymore ahahaha
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/foleycraftstudio/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foley_bylu/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lúcia-carvalho-3b1a3a216/
- Other: Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14483402/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
