In the world of voice acting, hindsight can be a powerful tool for reflection and growth. Having navigated the tumultuous waves of this industry and having tasted the sweet success that comes with making millions and unlocking the mysteries of the space-time continuum, I’ve gleaned some insights that might just alter the course of an up-and-coming voice actor’s career.
Let me take you on a journey through the lessons I’ve learned, not to rewrite my past but to offer a roadmap for those who are now where I once was.
Quick freebie – I would invest in Nvidia stock. But that’s a given, so it doesn’t count.
Lesson One: The Demo Delusion
When I first started, I believed that creating more demos was the key to unlocking the gates of voice-over paradise. It seemed like the golden standard; get a demo, and you’re set for life. But here’s the hard truth: a demo is merely a snapshot of your abilities at a specific point in time. It’s not a lifetime achievement award.
Early in my career, I invested in two demos that were completely misaligned with the work I was booking. They showcased game and animation voices, yet my bookings were elsewhere. Not only did these demos fail to secure me work, but they also misrepresented my skills. Many voice actors fall into this trap, chasing after high-quality demos under the illusion that it will bridge the gap between their current skill level and where they aspire to be. Remember, a demo should reflect your best, authentic self—not an embellished version that will quickly become outdated as you grow and improve.
Lesson Two: Relationships Over Grind
I used to preach against the old Hollywood adage that “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” However, there’s a nuance to this saying that I missed. There’s more to life than work. When I moved to Los Angeles, fresh from a successful stint in Virginia, I thought the industry was nothing more than an endless cycle of auditions and bookings. But I overlooked the importance of relationships.
Voice acting is about bringing stories to life, and people are the heart of these narratives. Looking back, I wish I had spent more time cultivating meaningful connections rather than relentlessly pursuing the next job. These relationships don’t just enrich our personal lives; they often lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations that can propel our careers forward.
Lesson Three: Treating Your Career Like a Business
Lastly, if I could turn back time, I would have focused more on the business side of things. This means not just managing finances better but embracing the principles of delegation early on. For too long, I played the lone cowboy, taking pride in handling everything myself. But this mindset limited my growth.
Many voice actors, including myself, struggle with the concept of seeking help. We see our craft as a solitary pursuit—just us and the microphone. However, running a successful business involves much more. Had I adopted a business-oriented mentality sooner, I would have had more freedom to explore creative avenues and entrepreneurial ventures. It would have also helped prevent burnout, allowing me to concentrate on perfecting my art instead of juggling multiple non-essential tasks.
Embracing the Lessons Learned
The reality is, we don’t have time machines. We can’t erase our mistakes or tweak our past decisions based on newfound wisdom. That’s just the fabric of life. My hope is that by sharing my experiences and introducing you to others who have carved their own unique paths, you can take ownership of your career.
Ten years down the line, you’ll undoubtedly have your own set of regrets and “what ifs.” But perhaps, by learning from my missteps, your challenges will be less daunting. Or maybe, just maybe, one of you will invent that elusive time machine, and the concept of mistakes will become obsolete.
But for the time being, let’s keep learning from each other. And YOU can start learning TODAY by checking out my free eBook. Until next time, voice actors!
