It seems that when someone asks you how they can get into VO, they obviously see you as an established working talent with the guaranteed keys to success!  And it’s a great realization that you’ve definitely accomplished some career goals this person admires.  So why do I still feel like an imposter faking it when I’m still struggling up the ladder to achieve, ”success?”

First, it initially irritates me that in this person’s ignorance is often an arrogant assumption it would be easy for them.  They confidently assure me they have a great voice, can do all kinds of voices, they love to read and… yada, yada, yada.  If they’ve not yet done any research in the field, most likely, they aren’t seriously considering VO as a career.

But I also feel flattered that they see me as a pro with all the answers!  I’m very proud to be a pro animation voice talent and I’ve worked really hard to be where I am but am I an expert?  Hardly!  But knowing I’m being asked the same questions my VO mentors and coaches answer every day, I get a tingle of excitement and satisfaction.  It’s happening to me!  I am a working and admired voice talent!  Someone wants my advice and that is so cool!

What do I tell these eager wanna be’s?  I essentially tell them what I was told by my mentors who realized I was serious and determined.

1.  Can you act?  Yes or no, get a great coach!  Put most of your start up investment into training! I promise this pays off tremendously after 9 months to a year of building or polishing these skills.

2.  Explore your own personality, strengths and weaknesses till you find your “brand.”  Clients want to know what to expect when they go shopping for Voice Over Talent.  What adjectives describe what you can deliver on the mic?

3.  Develop a killer website as you prepare your first demo.  Don’t be in a hurry or try to take short cuts to save money.  Like an actor’s headshot, your site should introduce you in a way that makes the potential client want to get to know you.  The demo should deliver what you are promising by showcasing your talent and excellent commercial broadcasting standards.

4.  Plan on becoming an over caffeinated marketing fool!  This also takes research, patience and time.

5.  Invest and build your personal recording booth and learn how to use it.  You can do this step relatively easy and inexpensively with research and expert advice.  YOU DON’T NEED BELLS AND WHISTLES
when you start out.  Use the money you will save by just working with the basics and invest the cash into more training and network conferences.

I formally opened my VO business after two years of coaching, recording practice sessions, creating my website and demos and finding a couple of agents.  And I’m still working hard to nurture my business.  Most of my
energy is not even spent behind the mic.  Researching new clients, keeping in touch with those who’ve hired me in the past, continued coaching and networking is mandatory.  So are auditions!  When those come in, I’m
like a cat on a June bug or a mouse.

So, it really is happening to me!  The questions my mentors and colleagues get all the time are now coming my way.  It’s a great job to have but it isn’t for everyone.  Self discipline and patience is probably the most
important skill for this line of work.  And I’m not going to lie, money IS necessary.  Talent might be the second most important skill needed.  If you mix passion into this mix, you won’t go wrong!

If you ask me, “How do you get into voice over?”  my short answer is, “Everyone finds their own way.”
Real candor is sometimes insisted on and I will then say, “Prepare to put in the work and financial equivalent to a college degree.” Both are honest answers!

It’s happening to me and I’m proud of my journey to this point in my career!