I believe when you approach a project that has any foley or sound effects work to be done, You need to 'See With Your Ears'. In this I mean, To create a great effect you have to first look at the material that surrounds were the effect will be placed... the visual and the audio as well. I then have to discuss what effect or mood the client wants to create with that sound. I will then choose the correct materials to 'custom tailor' that sound to have a seamless fit to the scene. I then must 'see with my ears' to perform and execute the effect to have a perfect fit.