As we head towards February it’s possible that ‘new year, new me’ has become ‘same old story.’ But never fear - even if your exercise bike is doing duty as a clothes hanger, we have some resolutions for voice actors that are sure to turn 2020 around!
Five Essential Resolutions for Voice Actors
One: Do the Admin
OK, we know that admin can be a bit of a snooze-fest. But starting the year strong will pay off in time saved (and potential jobs!)
Take some time to seek out your voiceover profiles and check that they are up to date. Maybe your profile has an old headshot or reel. Double check that your records don’t have an address from several moves ago. Big plans for the coming year? Make sure your agent has it in the diary!
Two: Embrace Technology
Do you find signing contracts a nightmare? Recording voice tests a trial? Even the most tech-friendly person can be tripped up on occasion.
The great news is that there are plenty of apps and programs around that can help with virtually all (non-speaking!) aspects of the job. Other voice actors are a great source of info, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations.
Thinking bigger? If Santa didn’t bring you that home studio you asked for, now might be the time to start some research…
Three: Listen more!
With the rise of audiobooks and podcasts, there is more demand than ever for our audio time. But carving out some time and popping on the headphones is a great habit to get into.
Whatever area of voice work you want to grow in, listening to others is the best place to start. There are thousands of audiobooks and dramas to be enjoyed, but you don’t have to stop there. Want to refresh your reels? Listen to fellow voice actors’ reels for inspiration. Want to know more about gaming voiceovers but don’t play games? Watch YouTube videos of gameplay and hear the voices in action.
Four: Stay in Touch
Are your social media profiles full of great content? Are you liking, friending, and following? If so, great! However, there are plenty of ways to mix it up offline. Attending events, chatting with other voice actors, staying in touch with producers – they are all ways of making your voice heard.
Equally if you’ve got lots to say in person but your social media needs a little work, getting online and engaging with the online community will help keep you up to date (and get your voice out there!)
Five: Don’t be too hard on yourself
We know that life for voice actors can be a tough one, with a lot of ups and downs. While we hope this advice will start 2020 on the right path for you, it’s also enough to just keep on keeping on.
Whatever 2020 brings, we wish you the very best. Here’s to a fantastic year!
If you liked this you may enjoy Squad Goals: Voice Work Ups and Downs and Sore Throats: Soldiering on Through a Voiceover Session.