Attending a voice-over conference can feel like a whirlwind—so much information it can make your head spin, so many amazing speakers, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others in the industry. But once the conference is over, it’s easy to feel a little lost or unsure about what to do next. You’ve learned a ton, made some great connections, and maybe even picked up a few tips on how to take your voice-over career to the next level. So, now what?
Let’s talk about how you can turn all that positive energy and excitement into something usable. Here are some actionable steps you can take to keep growing as a voice actor after attending a conference.
1. Take a Second to Reflect
Before jumping into action, take some time to think about everything you experienced. What really stood out to you? Maybe it was a specific workshop or a piece of advice from a mentor. Whatever it was, write it down. Reflecting on your takeaways will help you focus on what you really want to work on. Did you discover a new technique or maybe realize that you need to sharpen up certain skills? Jot it down so you have a clear idea of what you want to prioritize.
2. Make Practice a Daily Habit
Let’s be honest: there’s no shortcut when it comes to getting better at voice acting. The key is consistent practice. You likely got some valuable feedback during the conference that pointed out areas where you can improve, so now’s the time to put that feedback into action. Whether it’s working on your vocal range, delivery, or character development, set aside time each day to practice. Recording yourself regularly and listening back is a great way to hear where you can make improvements.
And hey, if you learned something new or discovered a technique that excites you, why not record a fresh demo to show off those new skills? Your demo reel is your calling card, and keeping it updated is an important step in your growth as a voice actor.
3. Revamp Your Demo Reel
Speaking of demos, let’s talk about yours. If you got a fresh perspective on your voice-over style during the conference, it might be time for an update. Maybe you learned how to add more variety to your reads or better showcase your range. Take a moment to update your reel with your new skills. If you’re not sure where to start, working with a professional (like the great team at Such A Voice) to produce a high-quality demo can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived by agents, casting directors, and clients.
4. Stay Connected with People You Met
For my money, the best part of any conference is the people you meet. Whether it’s fellow voice actors, coaches, agents, or casting directors, you probably connected with some awesome folks. Don’t let those connections fade away—follow up with them! A quick message to say, “It was great meeting you” or, “Thanks for the advice” goes a long way. Building these relationships can lead to great opportunities down the road. Plus, staying connected with the voice-over community is a great way to keep learning, growing, and staying motivated.
5. Consider Mentorship
If you met someone at the conference who really inspired you or if you feel like you’d benefit from some one-on-one guidance, consider asking for mentorship. A mentor can offer valuable insights, feedback, and support as you continue to build your career. Be specific about what you’re looking for, whether it’s advice on technique, career guidance, or business strategies. A mentor can help keep you on track and give you the confidence to push yourself further.
6. Keep Learning and Growing
The learning doesn’t stop once the conference is over. Nope! In fact, this is the perfect time to invest in your continued education. If you didn’t get to dive deep into a certain aspect of voice-over at the conference (like improv or video games), now’s your chance to explore it. There are tons of classes, webinars, and even smaller conferences that can help you level up your skills.
If there’s a specific area where you feel less confident like, commercials or animation, seek out some specialized training. The more skills you can add to your toolkit, the more opportunities you’ll be ready for.
7. Build Your Personal Brand
In today’s super competitive voice-over world, having a strong personal brand is a must. After attending the conference, you probably have a better sense of how you want to present yourself in the industry. This might mean updating your website, cleaning up your social media profiles, or reconsidering the type of work you want to pursue.
It’s imperative to stay visible and consistent with your branding. Post regularly on your social media, share clips of your work, and show a little behind-the-scenes action of what your day-to-day as a voice actor looks like. This will help people connect with you and remember you when opportunities arise.
8. Stay Patient and Keep Pushing
Let’s keep it 100: success in voice-over doesn’t happen overnight. After attending a big conference, it’s easy to get excited and expect immediate results—sure there are always the unicorns but that’s not how it usually happens. Keep practicing, keep auditioning, and don’t be discouraged if things don’t happen right away.
Every step you take, whether it’s sending out auditions or getting feedback from a mentor, is helping you grow. The key is to stay persistent, consistent, and patient. The more effort you put into your craft, the more chances you’ll have to land the right opportunities.
Wrapping It Up: Use What You Learned to Move Forward
Attending a conference is just the beginning of this next leg in your voice-over journey. The key is to take what you learned and turn it into actionable steps. Reflect on the advice you received, practice regularly, keep learning, and nurture the connections you made. By staying focused on your goals and consistently improving, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more confident and successful voice actor.
P.S. If you haven’t yet taken our introductory voice-over class, where we go over everything one needs to know about getting started in the voice-over industry, sign up here!
