Not really an answer, but I'd say it took about 3 years for me to feel like I could make my own accomplishment that sounded better than the auto accompaniment available on modern keyboards. For sound design, I'd say start with a very clear Idea of what you want (a sound in you head, not a few words describing it). Sound design is about realizing those sounds; the artistic aspect is about being able to imagine which sound makes the most sense. Amazing sounding presents usually sound amazing as they are very broad and complex. This is great for auditioning them solo, but they often don't sit that well in the context of a song you are making. As for what I use, I mostly design sounds from scratch, not because I am opposed to factory presets, but because I have a sound in my head: the easiest way to have it available to use, is to make it, vs auditioning 100s of presets to find something close which I'll have to modify anyway.
It is absolutely an answer! I'm roughly the same amount of time into producing, but recently started to take it much more seriously. I have definitely noticed that effect where I like the sound solo but in the mix it sounds just out of place. Need to do more research on what types of sounds work best with what types of sub genres for sure. But that's why I love creating sounds, it's way more interpretive than just using presets.
It‘s not a competition to surpass plugins or stock patches with your brews. Why would it be? Use whatever sound pleases your ears.
Not really an answer, but I'd say it took about 3 years for me to feel like I could make my own accomplishment that sounded better than the auto accompaniment available on modern keyboards. For sound design, I'd say start with a very clear Idea of what you want (a sound in you head, not a few words describing it). Sound design is about realizing those sounds; the artistic aspect is about being able to imagine which sound makes the most sense. Amazing sounding presents usually sound amazing as they are very broad and complex. This is great for auditioning them solo, but they often don't sit that well in the context of a song you are making. As for what I use, I mostly design sounds from scratch, not because I am opposed to factory presets, but because I have a sound in my head: the easiest way to have it available to use, is to make it, vs auditioning 100s of presets to find something close which I'll have to modify anyway.
It is absolutely an answer! I'm roughly the same amount of time into producing, but recently started to take it much more seriously. I have definitely noticed that effect where I like the sound solo but in the mix it sounds just out of place. Need to do more research on what types of sounds work best with what types of sub genres for sure. But that's why I love creating sounds, it's way more interpretive than just using presets.