I love this quote from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
Believing things that seem impossible is, in my opinion, a most excellent muscle to strengthen (hint: if you’re reading this blog, and have either stepped into or are considering a voice-over adventure, and you are already working that fantastic muscle).
A reminder before we dive into this blog’s gems and tools: the choice to step into a career in voice-over is brave. Like most artistic pathways, there is no guarantee that Action A will produce Result B. For some of us who have come from the world of a steady paycheck, or are on-fire to see results, this is a new universe of both possibilities and unpredictability. There will always be times – in my experience – when we just have no idea what to do next.
Where is the guide book?
The great news is that YOU get to write one. Here are three ideas to begin a road map for yourself, for times when things seem a little more impossible than possible…or you find yourself wondering what the heck to VO do (all of which can move your voice-over magic forward).
- Do a “Six Impossible Voice-Over Things” Vision Board or List
Get your dreams up in front of you.
Doodling, dreaming, daydreaming, visualizing: it’s how many of the world’s favorite inventions, products and breakthroughs began. A Vision Board is literally a flat surface of any kind (a piece of poster board, a cork board, paper in a journal, even a blank screen on your computer) where you place images and/or words that are a match to a big, bright, future voice-over career element you would like to bring into your world.
Dream really big here.
Seeking an amazing agent? Place an image there that represents that supportive, powerful human. Want to work for a particular company as a VO Artist? Place their logo on the board. Drooling over some new gear or items for your studio? Put those images or words on the “board,” and put it somewhere you will see it often. The idea is that every time you see this board, both your conscious and subconscious minds are repeatedly getting the message, “Oh, yes, this thing can happen for me!” A powerful mindset and resilience-building tool, this just may spark lots of ideas about teeny next-right-steps.
- Give Your Studio Some Love
I also adore the idea that every impossible thing stays that way until one person does it. In order to live happily in the gorgeous but unpredictable voice-over world, I want to suggest that you consider being ferociously comfortable in your recording space. I say this all the time because I believe (and live by) this myself.
Not a teeny bit comfy, not sometimes mostly comfy – FEROCIOUSLY comfortable in your space.
This does not have to cost a lot. Do you need to swap out your chair or cushion it up? Raise or lower your computer? Bring in a little fan that you turn off when recording? Are there things in your studio that you really like to be around, that make you happy while sitting/standing and creating your storytelling magic? Images? A plant or flowers? Colors that make you happy (in the form of photos or posters or even a certain color of pillow or foam)? It’s also a great idea to review everything in your studio from A-to-Z at least once a year, if not more: test all cables and connections, test the ethernet and upload/download speeds – all of that studio goodness. If you’re having an, “I’m not sure what to VO do,” moment, giving your recording space a once-over and some loving attention is not only a best practice, it feels yummy, and can spark new voice-over thoughts and ideas.
- Review Your Voice-Over Character List (and add to it)
Don’t have a voice-over character list yet? It’s never too late to start one, and it will help you bring your unique energies to your reads much more easily.
Here’s what I mean: make a list somewhere of all of the answers to, “Who are you talking to”, “Who are you?”, “What are you REALLY selling”, and “What are you reacting to?” questions that have either gotten you into a really authentic storytelling place, or that you just enjoyed because they were really fun!
Is “Aunt Mable” the perfect “Who are you talking to” to get you into that warm and educational vibe? Does channeling your favorite Marvel superhero bring out your authoritative, authentic best? Make a note! You can drop these winning choices into new material, and see where else they’re a fit. (Bonus: anything new or surprising coming out of a recent read? Add it to the list. Feeling stuck? Try on a favorite hat or pair of glasses and see who wants to come forth! Talk into your mic while recording and interview this new-aspect-of-you human!)
So, lovely reader! Thank you for spending a few moments with me. Whenever you’re having one of those “What the heck do I VO do?” moments, I hope these three gems/tools will assist, and get you moving in a fun and productive way.
Another reminder: you belong to (or are thinking of joining) a village of humans who are in the same creative boat right along with you – happily waking up daily to create magic, and do six (or more) impossible things before breakfast. I wish you splendiferous success.
Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voice-over actors here!
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