Filip loves life on the creative scene of Umeå

Filip Wikström moved from Gällivare to study digital media production at Umeå University. Today, he works as a 3D graphic artist at Toontrack, with one of Umeå's most successful export products.

"It's a stimulating workplace when you want to express your creativity, which I love working with," says Filip.

It all started with groundbreaking heavy metal drum samples 20 years ago. Today, the Umeå-based company Toontrack’s music software is used by songwriters and producers all over the world. Some of the most legendary names in the music industry use their software, and the list of artists collaborating with Toontrack keeps growing.

Just days before our visit, Guns N' Roses drummer Frank Ferrer was at the offices on Verkstadsgatan in Teg – a small reminder of the world-class artists Toontrack works with.

What do your daily tasks consist of?

"As a 3D graphic artist, my main responsibility is to create the user interface for our software. It's often about recreating studio environments and instruments, like a realistic drum kit, and making sure it looks appealing and inspiring," he explains.

Filip describes the process at Toontrack as a collaboration between sound engineers, musicians, and 3D graphic artists.

I’ve lived here for six years now and see Umeå as a mecca for creative industries.

"Our team of sound engineers works together with musicians and producers in professional studios around the world to record the raw material for our products. Then we take those recordings and build the sound libraries using our own software tools. Instead of musicians needing to rent a studio or buy a drum kit, they can play directly on their computer. That’s how the majority of producers work today – most sounds are created using music software rather than in a physical studio," he says.

A varied and rewarding job

In addition to interface design, Filip also works on creating marketing material, but the interface remains his main focus.

"My goal is to create an interface that is both functional and visually appealing. It should feel good and inspire the user to create music."

One of his latest projects, "Underground EZX," is based on sounds recorded at Studio Cobra in Stockholm with Refused drummer David Sandström.

“There’s something special about seeing how what we create can be used by musicians all over the world. We have an amazing team here, and it’s a relaxed, unpretentious environment where we help each other move forward. I couldn’t have asked for a better first job,” he says.

Career took off in Umeå

Filip grew up in Gällivare but moved to Umeå in 2019 to study Digital Media Production at Umeå University. A 3D course during the program became something of a kickstart for his career.

The perfect middle-ground between a larger city and a cozy smaller town.

"I had been messing around with 3D since I was 14, but it wasn't until then that I really got the fundamentals down. That allowed me to build a portfolio, which led to the job at Toontrack — and I'm really grateful for that."

Read more about Filip's employer, Toontrack External link, opens in new window..

Creates films in his spare time

These days, Filip more or less lives his life in 3D. His evening pastime consists of creating 3D-animated films, which have now also won awards. It all started when he won the VAFF Film Festival in Västerbotten, which led to qualifying for the Swedish Short Film Championship, where he won for best sound. He’s just returned from his first international competition in Tromsø.

"I work full-time with 3D at my job and then keep going in the evenings at home. It’s a lot, but I love it. Being able to work with my hobby feels like such a luxury," he says.

What’s the best thing about Umeå?

"Umeå is the perfect balance between a big city and a cozy small town. I kind of outgrew Gällivare. I love my hometown, but I was done there. Umeå has that perfect mix of being homey, Northern, and safe, but at the same time full of opportunities. There are so many creative people to be inspired by, and the cultural scene is fantastic. I’ve lived here for six years now and see Umeå as a mecca for creative industries," says Filip.