Last month marked a milestone in my career as a musician and sound designer as I had the opportunity to collaborate with Google on a project that was both exciting and creatively fulfilling. My task? To create the music, sound design, and effects for Google’s “Celebrating Pizza” Google Doodle. This venture allowed me to peek behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic tech companies and contribute to the magic that unfolds.
Google Doodles
Google Doodles have become a beloved tradition, and their origin story is fascinating. The very first Google Doodle was born in 1998 when co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin decided to alter the Google logo to notify users of their absence in case the servers crashed while they attended the famous Burning Man event in the Black Rock desert of Nevada. Little did they know that this quirky alteration would evolve into a worldwide phenomenon that brings joy and celebration to users around the globe.
Over the years, the demand for Google Doodles has grown exponentially, both in the United States and internationally. Today, creating these imaginative and often interactive doodles is a collaborative effort. A team of talented illustrators, affectionately known as “doodlers,” and engineers work together to enliven the Google homepage, commemorating holidays, events, achievements, and notable historical figures of various countries. These doodles have become more than just temporary homepage alterations; they are moments of delight and connection in the online world.
For me, being entrusted with the task of crafting the music, sound design, and effects for the “Celebrating Pizza” Google Doodle. Pizza, a universally loved culinary creation, provided the perfect canvas for a doodle that would resonate with people across cultures. The challenge was to capture the essence of pizza through sound, evoking the sensations and emotions associated with this beloved dish.
The creative process involved careful consideration of how each element of the doodle would come to life through sound. From the sizzling of toppings on a hot pizza to the delightful chomping of a slice, every detail had to be meticulously crafted to create a truly immersive and enjoyable experience for users. It was essential to strike a balance between realism and whimsy, ensuring that the soundscape felt authentic yet playful.
Collaboration was at the heart of this project. Working closely with the Google team, we exchanged ideas and feedback to fine-tune the audio elements. It was inspiring to witness the dedication and passion of everyone involved, all committed to making this doodle a memorable and enjoyable experience for users worldwide.
As a musician, there’s something magical about creating music and sound that can evoke emotions and transport people to different places and moments in time. Being a part of the Google Doodle tradition, even for a short time, was an opportunity to bring a smile to the faces of Google users around the world. It was a reminder of the power of art and technology to connect people and brighten their days, even in the digital realm.
The “Celebrating Pizza” Google Doodle is a testament to the spirit of creativity and innovation that Google embodies. It’s a reminder that behind every doodle, there’s a team of dedicated individuals working tirelessly to bring a touch of wonder and joy to our online lives. I’m grateful to have played a small part in this remarkable journey.
As December 6 approaches and the “Celebrating Pizza” Google Doodle makes its debut, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. To know that my music and sound will be a part of this special moment, shared by countless people as they visit Google’s homepage, is a truly rewarding experience.
So, when you come across the “Celebrating Pizza” Google Doodle on December 6, take a moment to appreciate the magic that goes into creating these digital works of art. It’s a celebration not only of pizza but also of the creativity, collaboration, and joy that the world of Google Doodles brings to our lives.
Pizza Team:
- Art | David Lu, Alyssa Winans
- UX Design | Anthony Irwin
- Producer | Brenna Fallon
- Engineering | David Lu
- Marketing | Sierra Menzies, Perla Campos
- Doodle Team Leads | Jessica Yu, Nate Swinehart, Brian Kaas
- Music/Sound | Christel Veraart