Don’t Be A Jerk

That’s it.

That’s the only hard and fast, black and white, non-negotiable rule for running your own voice over business.

Everything else is just somebody’s opinion. And honestly? I’m a little tired of it.

In voice over and in life in general, humans tend to want to put labels on things or to frame them in black-and-white terms. I think it makes people feel more comfortable. In reality, most things exist somewhere in the gray area. In a spectrum. Answers are dependent on many factors and they change throughout our lives. That may be inconvenient or uncomfortable for some people to accept. It may not work with their business plan. It is, however, the truth.

So let’s talk about many of the voice over industry topics that are often misrepresented as having a “right way” or “wrong way”, shall we?

Voice Over Studio and Gear

Go on the internet and you will find folks shouting from the rooftops about exactly what kind of professional equipment you HAVE to have in order to run a successful business. Some people will say that a treated environment and low noise floor are the most important thing and outweigh both audio equipment and even performance. Others will argue that you can get a fantastic sound from a walk-in closet and a mic that costs $200.

Personally? My very first vocal booth was one made from pvc pipe and moving blankets along with a mic and audio interface both in the $200 range. I then gradually upgraded as my career got busier and my bank account got bigger.

So, I would say that the RIGHT answer is the one that works for you right now and sounds good enough to get your hired. And this can and will change throughout the years.

Social Media and Branding

There are a bajillion podcasts out there talking about the importance of internet presence, of consistent branding, of getting your name out there and raising awareness around who you are and what you do? And beyond that there are more rules (aka opinions stated to sound like rules) about where to post, how often to post, and even what and what not to post.

And you know what? That’s great! If it’s right for you. If you’re one of those voice actors that enjoys engaging on social media, that has a knack for creating content, that wants to write a regular newsletter…awesome! Go for it! Enjoy!

And if that sounds less enticing than a root canal? Then, for god’s sake, let it go! You do not need to be feeling guilty for skipping out on something that makes your miserable. There are other ways to build your voice over business and brand awareness that might feel less painful.

As for me? I’m somewhere in the middle honestly. Sometimes I feel inspired and really enjoy it. Other times? I just don’t have the energy and I allow myself to take a break.

I am okay with that.

Travel Rig (or not)?

Here’s another topic people love to argue about online. Many voice actors will say that they NEVER, EVER leave home without their travel rig (even on a grocery run). They want to always be ready should a job or urgent audition come in.

Others will say that this is WRONG and that we should allow ourselves to disconnect  and truly leave our work at home sometimes so that we can be present in our lives.

I know this is going to shock you but…I believe both are right and both are wrong. In other words, do what you darn please and what feels right for YOU and where you are in your life and in your career.

I traveled without a rig for many years. Eventually my career got busy enough with certain gigs that kind of relied on my regular availability (like my TV Affiliate work for example) and I began to bring a travel rig with me when I traveled (NOT on trips to Costco). But this past summer, we took a very special trip to Europe to celebrate my son’s high school graduation and I left my travel rig at home. I am glad that I did. It was a fast-moving, once-in-a-lifetime trip and I knew that I would not really be present with my family if I had to worry about work.

That was the answer that felt right for me at this time in my life and career. And I give myself permission to change my mind always.

Trust Yourself

I could go on forever with a hundred topics but you get the point. And I will point out that part of this confidence in my own choices comes from having a long career that spans 23 years. I would be far more susceptible to the noise if I were just starting out.

But please…trust yourself and be okay with what feels okay to you. Remember, that those folks that are painting things in black and white are often doing so out of insecurity, small-mindedness, or the desire to profit off of you.

And when in doubt, maybe reach out to someone you trust in the industry. Someone who sees all the grays and will reassure you that what you’re doing is just fine…

as long as you’re not being a jerk 😉