voiceover

Breaking In or Breaking Through In Voiceovers

February 23, 2023 by Leesha S

February is celebrated in America as Black History Month. As a Black person, I’ve been studying history, including Black American History, for most of my life. Many of the programs and movies showing on streaming services highlight the lives and journeys of famous Afro-American actors and writers. Most of the programs also have commentators who tell their stories and how they identify with the famed person of color. These are feel-good stories of sorts. I thought about how in my family, the children were encouraged to break in and breakthrough. You see, if my parents or relatives accomplished a goal or some remarkable feat, those coming up behind them were expected to take what others had done to the next level. Not too much time was spent reflecting on what had been done, but more time was spent thinking of what one could do more significantly than what had already been done. Voiceovers are a lot like that. Don’t just break in, breakthrough as a voice talent.

In this changing society, new and improving voice actors should focus on breaking into and breaking through the business. It’s more than just making money; it’s making one’s own unique space in the voice-over industry. Becoming an authentic, sought-after talent is breaking through as a voice actor.

Reflect On The Past But Aim For The Future

Many of us have heard of Don LaFontaine, Mel Blanc, and Jean Vander Pyl. These voices are only a few of the many talents who have blazed trails in the voice-acting business over the decades. The names of many famous talents, who broke the voice-acting mold, will never graze our lips in casual conversation.

Voice actors should study the efforts and strides of talents of all races and backgrounds and then use that information to help shape their breakthrough journey. “Breaking in” stops you at the door. “Breaking through” leads you up the steps and paths of new challenges for greater success.

Voice talents are expected to do a good job no matter their level of experience. As a talent, you should always do your best and look for new leads and opportunities for voice work. Ace a style that you may be perfect for in a particular genre. See what talents and skills lie within you and find out how you can become the best at being you.

Breaking Through Is Hard

Don’t let words like “can’t, no, too hard, too old, not talented enough, or don’t know,” hold you back. Breaking through is about learning what one needs to learn and going for the job or assignment. What works for one voice talent may not work for another. So, find what works for you and do the hard work. Don’t let procrastination or fear rob you of your breakthrough moments.

In one of my first directed sessions, a comment made by a couple of the producers changed the timbre of the session for me. They remarked about how another voice actor was so easy to work with and took almost no time when being directed. As a talent in my second session, hearing producers sing the praises of another talent was not encouraging. In fact, the comments made me feel insecure, and the session did not go well for me. Later, I realized I can’t control comments made by producers, but I could control my behavior. I learned from this experience. Now when I’m in a directed session, I remind myself that I am working in my studio and on my time. I think to myself, “I am enough for THIS job.” It’s up to me if I want to do this job or not. Taking control of the session helps me break through and unleash my talent and success.

“Every success is built on the ability to do better than good enough.”
Zig Ziglar

No End To Real Breakthrough

Many famous people don’t achieve all their dreams and goals. If you were to interview history makers in entertainment at the end of their careers, many would say they have not achieved the success they wanted. Still, breakthrough people keep going forth and don’t spend too much time counting their former success. Part of that is why they are successful.

As a voice talent, it’s your job to become better than your last job. So, continue your learning and growing with the industry. Keep your chops, knowledge, and equipment ready to keep you competitive. Yes, acknowledge your success, but don’t stop growing. Keep moving forward as a voice actor, meeting the challenges, and growing your success. If you’ve reached your business goals, great. Now go make new ones.

Learn to review and appreciate the past achievements of others. But more importantly, learn from the break-in talent and push to make your breakthrough success.

Go ahead and break that lip! #breakthatlip

Speak your Truth as a Voiceactor

August 24, 2022 by Leesha S

Should your individual opinions affect your choices in voiceover projects? I recently read a blog related to truth, or should I say, statements reported as news in the American news media. The post was about how some people shrewdly use social and news media platforms to develop messages. These messages may contain misleading or belief-based information to sway receivers to a particular point of view. If accepted, the persuasive message may convince receivers that an opinion-based report is a fact.

I wondered how voice actors cope with questionable information they must communicate through scripts and projects. For example, how do you deal with voicing projects where you believe the information is askew? It’s one thing to listen to the news and read social media, but what if you’re voicing a message that is contrary to your values? The wrong answer can affect one’s finances. As a talent, define your standards of truth as a voice of integrity.
Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” Oscar Wilde

Set The Standards

To run a successful business, you must have standards within that business. Those standards govern what you can and should do to please a customer. So, first, become clear on what you prefer to voice as an actor; the rest is follow through. For example, I know actors specific on the types of reads they record and only voice those types. The actors are not biased in any way; they have simply decided what kinds of projects they will perform.

Times and thinking have changed a lot in the past five or even two years. Your standards should be top of mind throughout your daily business life. In Focusing on Your Core Values as a Small Business, Matt Wilson says, “And if you started your company a week ago or 10 years ago, I urge you to spend a bit of time considering just who you want your company to be and make sure that it is living up to your standards.”

Live With The Choices

When a voice actor hangs out the “For Hire” sign, they tell the world they are available for almost any project. But before a voiceactor is ready to work, they must be clear as to the tone of the business. Producers may not just judge you on your demo, but your previous projects and affiliations posted online may also be reviewed. You don’t have to pen a statement of values per se, but if you note on your public profiles the types of projects you enjoy and the work you want to voice, it’s a subtle way of letting others know your choices.

You also show your choices through social media followers, posts, and support. It’s a given today that someone will review your social media pages to see what you’re really about. So, make sure your post and support align with your principles.

Distance yourself from causes and pages that can give a bad and incorrect view of your business and who you are as a voice actor. Sometimes, it’s best not to participate in publicly bashing elected officials or celebrities. While you can have your point of view, making political statements as a voice actor and offending potential future clients may not be suitable for business.

Voice Integrity

You are the most intuitive as a voiceactor when you participate in projects you can agree with or believe in the message. Don’t take any job because money is slow. Your voice recording could be heard indefinitely, and you may become the talent that supports a particular position. In addition, if you believe in what you’re saying or selling, your read will go much better because you can connect with the message and why it’s important to others. Moreover, if you want to connect with a message, know what you want the listeners to feel, and that will come through in your voice.

I’m not saying you have to love aftershave cream or hard tack screws, but if the message is one you can believe in, such as the importance of aftershave cream and hard tack screws, you can voice the script with meaning and conviction.

Know What Fits For You

I know from experience that sometimes we get asked to do projects that don’t align our values even though the position is popular in the media. Going against the social media influencers or the messages in the news may seem like walking into a windstorm headfirst. But you cannot compromise yourself and still be an effective, emotive voiceactor.

Seek projects that you can proudly stand behind and would not be embarrassed if your parents or children recognized your voice. It may seem hard, and that’s because it is. You may have to walk away from some big-dollar jobs, but in the end, you’ll have done what’s right for your future.

Speak your truth at a voiceactor, and you’ll never have to lie about who you are or how you feel. Your feeling matter as a voice actor. Now, do what you do best as you #breakthatlip

Voice Actors, Don’t Get A Dog

November 26, 2021 by Leesha S

The Dog You Love — Dog with Paw-He Cares

We love our pets, but like getting a new pet or going into voiceacting, we sometimes buy without considering the overall cost to maintain our new furry friends or a new business. If you’re a voice talent like me, we have to think about the long term. Will voiceacting return the love we put in it? Who can say? It’s kinda of like getting a new pet. Allow me to draw a few parallels in my story about investing in a pet, in this case a dog, and pursuing a voice-over career.

When New Things become New Headaches

I have a friend who was down in the dumps because his beloved new dog needed surgery. He adopted the dog from an animal shelter at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdowns. My friend and the dog really hit it off. The pup was only a few years old and seemed to bring the companionship feeling that my friend longed. But, the animal had a few hidden health issues that have recently surfaced. So, my friend is struggling to keep his little canine healthy and happy.

Many voice actors have a great start and a honeymoon relationship with their career for the first couple of years or good jobs. Then, as it usually happens, the jobs start to become less and less as delivery styles change. As a result, the talent may struggle to stay sustainable in the voice-over industry. Now time and what little money is made may be spent on the wrong items. A person may start to feel hopeless and concerned that the pursuit of voiceovers was only a pipe dream.

How to keep New Things Feeling New

When it comes to pets, my friend does have some options. He is considering purchasing insurance for future bills or delaying the surgery for as long as he safely can for his pet. He enjoys his new dog and does not want to lose his new friend. My friend is also working a little overtime to help bring down the impending veterinarian debt. While finances are tight, he wants to keep his new four-legged companion.

Voice acting is incredibly rewarding and can allow a person to experience so much personal fulfillment. So, while voice actors are faced with challenges like automation and Artificial Intelligence voices, actors may still want to stay in business and find ways to adapt and evolve with the industry.

When It’s Time to Call It Quits

My friend is lucky because he wants to keep his dog, but he has admitted if his beloved pet suffers another financially burdening illness, he may need to give him up. Pets can be a lot of fun to have, but paying big bills and prolonged hospital stay costs may not be within the owners’ budget.

You do not write your life with words…You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.” Patrick Ness, A Monster Calls

In voice-overs, when running a business becomes more of a burden than a job, or when it’s no longer fun, a voice actor must consider his future. While there is more work than ever, competition is more fierce that ever! Keeping up with the industry can seem like a foot race. Voice talent must stay in contact with their peer groups and industry leaders to keep up with what is happening as well as continue to train and adapt to industry changes.

So, the lesson of this little anecdote is to consider the cost of every choice, whether it’s a new pet or a new career. Like getting a furry new pet, the first few days or months after making a significant choice or decision may seem like a honeymoon, but only at first. Voice acting is a fun, fulfilling career, but it’s a lot of challenging work. Training is necessary. Good demos are necessary, and finding customers is a must.
We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ― Joseph Campbell
Think about your choices beyond the new, fun stage and into the long term of living with the selections you’ve made.

Keep breaking that lip.

In Voiceovers-Just Be You

September 1, 2021 by Leesha S

I’ve just returned from a lovely voiceover conference. It was my first real jaunt since the COVID-19 lock downs, so I was looking forward to the time away from my city. To my surprise, I learned something unexpected at the conference. Nothing new was added to my knowledge, but more of a reminder of the importance of being myself. It’s essential to keep in mind our specialness and worth. I believe you’ll agree that the real you is your best performance at whatever you do in life.

Somewhere between December 2020 and August 2021, the voiceover industry’s preferred style changed yet again. The calming voice of season individuals between the ages of 35-55 is now passé. Instead, the current (as of this writing) industry norm has changed (back) to the younger, hipper, conversational tone. The announcer tone that has been a mainstay for decades in media is again seen as unthinkable.

Change is a regular part of the voice-acting industry. Voice seekers are looking for something that stands out from the rest of the crowd, which is a great point. But, unfortunately, our industry has been so saturated with styles and deliveries, it’s becoming harder and harder to have a sound that has never been heard or felt somewhere in the audio world.

A voice talent can get pretty insecure trying to keep up with all the changes and may feel like their style is still not enough to impress the most understanding of voice seekers. Yes, it can be a daunting task, but perhaps the focus needs an adjustment.

Be You Anyway

Most people can learn to act and portray characters or types of voiceover delivery. However, if the most popular style changes with each cycle of the moon, it can be challenging to keep with “what’s in.” Perhaps the answer is trying not to fully fit in. The best advice I keep hearing from others is to “just be you.” Becoming comfortable in being oneself can be a lifelong task. However, if we master being ourselves, we may reach our own voiceover nirvana.
“This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. ― William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Know the Great One – You

Becoming “you real,” starts with a review and study of how you talk and deliver words and emotions. Recording yourself in different situations like while talking to a friend, a client, or someone you care for, can help you learn your authentic sound. Once you’ve studied the true actor in you, you can shape your voiceover deliveries to reflect your sound. That original “you” voice sound is conversational and authentic. Once you’ve studied and mastered you, your sound will never go out of style. There is an audience for your realness as you use that talent to connect and deliver your scripts.

As I’ve blogged before, change in life is a constant, but no one or thing should force you to switch from being who you really are. As voice talents, let’s remember that our best performance is when we are genuinely ourselves and free to give our best performance.

Brake that lip!

What now in Voiceovers? Thoughts on Coping with Change

August 18, 2021 by Leesha S

Man Overwhelmed by What's Next in Voiceovers — Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

How many times have you said in the last year, ‘What now?’ It’s incredible to me all the stuﬀ I have to adjust to every week. As a voice talent and business owner, it seems that I’m constantly questioning the latest things. So how do you handle the constant daily changes in your voiceover business and life in general? What do you do when you feel you can’t take another new thing? Here are some thoughts on how to get a grip on ever-present changes in voiceovers.

Don’t panic. Take it slow.

While I genuinely believe I am incredible, sometimes I have to read or hear something a few times before I get it. New social media sites or home appliances can take a moment or two to understand and learn how to operate correctly. If I get stuck in my understanding, I’ll seek expert help. Depending upon the situation, a good YouTube video can be a great source of information, reducing my anxiety and helping me get up to speed on a matter.

In voiceovers, taking direction is essential to success. One key focus of any good talent is to learn to take direction. Taking direction means correctly hearing or receiving feedback and then making the appropriate changes for the next performance. Being directed can be stressful and may seem like a lot. So, it’s essential to calm the mind and then focus on the critical points of the direction. If there is still a disconnection, repeat to the director what is wanted or ask for clarification. It’s better to ask for help than to deliver something completely different or unwanted by the producer.

Accept the Change (That’s life)

News flash. We are all getting older with every passing second. While this reality may not matter to a young adult, anyone over 35 acutely feels the aging process, especially in today’s youth fixated society. We should see change as an opportunity to grow and become more than we are at the present moment. Whether it’s a new technology, a road, app, or business style, there’s usually a simple explanation available to help us through.

The rise in automated voices or Automated Intelligence (AI) software has many voice actors panicking. Voice professionals wonder if the AI will make it hard to make a living or work in an industry they love and enjoy.

Voiceovers is like any other business. Change happens. A good approach would be to research and fully understand the new variations happening in the business. With understanding can come a since of where one can fit into the AI industry. It’s better to face change head-on and find a way to make it your friend, not your foe.
“He was swimming in a sea of other people’s expectations. Men had drowned in seas like that.” Robert Jordan

Don’t Become Overwhelmed.

Of late, I’ve noticed that keeping up with the social media world can be a little challenging. Finding something to post that is stunning and gets a lot of net traction can be like throwing paint on a wall and hoping it sticks.

Seemingly, there is a new app, program, social media platform, or computer thing every week! I’m not sure if humans were built for our technology roller-coaster ride. Many of us are just hanging on or faking it. Some are about to get thrown oﬀ at the next curve! So instead of barely making it, choose what to add to your business platform or home studio and what to just put on hold.

In Mark Schaefer’s article, Keeping Up with the Furious Pace of Social Media Change, he recommends avoiding Fear of Missing Out or FOMO. Mr. Schaefer comments, ” As you build your social media tribe and the conversations multiply, you have to adjust and come to grips with the fact that you have a life beyond social media. Some thing(s) are going to slip through the cracks. Allow that to be OK.”

Your life and time are precious, so take on what you can do well and do them consistently. Learn what you must in voiceovers and pick up the rest down the road. It’s better to do a few things well than a lot of things poorly. You’ll sleep better too.

Break that lip!

5 Types Of Voice-over Enthusiasts

July 27, 2021 by Leesha S

Boy shouting into microphone — Photo credit: Yingnan Lu from Pixabay

Do you ever wonder what makes a quality voiceactor or narrator? There is no sure-fire predictor. Quality is forged in fire and effort, and top voice talents are no different. Let’s look at five of the most popular types of voiceover or VO enthusiasts that could lead to great voice talents.

Curiosity Seekers

The seekers have become aware of voiceacting and think it’s great. Perhaps they are into gaming or elearning and have become curious about voice acting. They may know someone or have seen an advertisement about voiceover and believe they can have a good shot at being a top in the industry. They think with some information and an agent, they can start working as a voiceover practically overnight.

Professional VO Students

These students have taken class after class and have a good handle on the voiceover basics. They may have had instruction in Improv and or acting plus have an idea of their best niche. But, year after year, they have still not invested in a good demo or actively pursued any voiceover jobs. They may feel they need a little more time or need to become better situated in their day job before looking for VO work. It will be soon for them, but not today. They feel they’re not quite ready.

VO Sales Pitch Buyers

These poor souls may have attended a class at their local community college or participated in an online advertised voice-over presentation, and as a result, invested money in a voice-over demo. Unfortunately, they recorded their demo before they had the basic skills necessary as an actor and business owner. They may have paid out thousands of dollars (sometimes from credit cards or needed savings). While they have tried to make sound business and marketing gains, the work is just not coming in. They have or are starting to become discouraged about voice acting altogether.

“Where’s My Money” Talents

These folks had a few good jobs at the start of their voice-acting career. It looked like they were headed towards great success. Yet, after that great start, the work came to an abrupt halt. They are puzzled as to what is wrong since they booked some great jobs at the start of their career. They are beginning to lose confidence and wonder if the system is rigged.

Enthusiasts Turned Professionals

These budding professionals may have started voice acting career as anyone of the first four. They may have been told they have a nice voice and should consider voice acting. As a result, they invested money in the field, but, initially, were unable to maintain a business or find VO jobs. Some may have procrastinated because they dreaded marketing or rejections from lost auditions. Yet, while the times were tough, these folks did not quit. They made changes to keep their VO business dream alive.
“Unfortunately, … ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.’”
Rita Mae Brown, mystery novelist, in her 1983 book “Sudden Death”
The enthusiast turned professional did something about their situation. They understood fictional character Jane Fulton’s quote in Rita Mae Brown’s novel. Instead of doing the same, they found their path to growing their success. Perhaps they worked more hours at their day job to pay for good voice-over training. They may have attended Improv and other training to improve their creativity. Some may have sought professional help to set up their home studio equipment properly and learned how to edit their recordings. Some may have also partnered with others, joined mastermind-type groups to learn how to set up and run their business. They learned about marketing their business according to their particular personality type and style.

The professionals don’t take audition rejections personally and taking care of themselves and others to ward off burnout or arrogance with their success. Unlike the other four types, these up-and-coming talents realized that it doesn’t matter how you get into voice acting. What matters is knowing and deciding if voiceover is right for you. The professionals learned that following a dream is a decision that leads to a commitment to do what it takes to become a quality working voice talent.

Being in voiceovers is not easy, but it can be very rewarding for talents and buyers. Helping clients develop great products can be so gratifying. But it takes work and devotion to becoming the best voice talent one can and reaching one’s goal for success.

Keep breaking that lip!