“Wow, that take sucked!”, “What? They won another award?!”, “Why can’t I get this right?” Have you ever said these things to yourself? This is what imposter syndrome sounds like, and it affects us all.
Imposter syndrome is that nagging voice in your head that won’t shut up, telling you that you’re a fraud, that you’re not good enough, and that you’ll never measure up to the talent you admire. It’s that unsettling feeling that no matter how many gigs you land or how many clients rave about your work, you’re just one step away from being unmasked as a total imposter.
But here’s the thing, my fellow voice-over warriors: imposter syndrome is not unique to you. It’s a universal phenomenon that plagues artists, professionals, and creatives from all walks of life, myself included. The voice-over industry is no exception, and today, we’re going to explore how to tackle this beast, overcome self-doubt, and embrace the journey towards becoming a confident and authentic voice actor.
Patience is the Name of the Game
We all want to be the best, to land that dream client, and to become the next big thing in the voice-over world. But guess what? The road to success is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. In this industry, you’re going to stumble over lines, miss out on gigs (trust me I know all about that), doubt your abilities, and bump your butt along the way.
It’s essential to be patient with yourself. Understand that this career is all about growth and learning. You’re not going to wake up one day as the perfect voice actor – it takes time to refine your skills, discover your unique style, and build a solid body of work. Embrace your imperfections, learn from your mistakes, and remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time and make mistakes.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Stop the Unhealthy Comparisons
Social media is both a blessing and a curse in our industry. It’s a platform for showcasing your talents and connecting with talent and voice-over buyers, but it can also be a breeding ground for imposter syndrome. You see your peers winning awards, landing dream roles, and posting behind-the-scenes glimpses of their glamorous voice-over studios and fancy booths, and you start to wonder, “Why can’t I be like that?”
Well, let’s get one thing straight – comparing yourself to others will drive you crazy.. It’s a recipe for self-doubt and insecurity. Remember that everyone’s journey in the voice-over industry is unique and that everyone’s path to success is different. What works for one person might not work for you. Instead of letting envy take over, focus on your growth and progress. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and find inspiration in your peers rather than using them as yardsticks for your own success.
Embrace the Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is like a magic wand that can transform imposter syndrome into a source of motivation. Instead of seeing challenges as threats to your competence, view them as opportunities for growth. For example, instead of beating yourself up for not being selected for a huge gig, listen to the commercial and learn from the direction they went. Every gig, every script, and every audition is a chance to improve and refine your skills.
Rejecting a rejection mindset will also contribute to a growth mindset. I have heard many times over the years that actors will say they were “rejected” from a gig. This gives the impression that the producer, casting director or voice-over buyer didn’t like you as an actor and that your audition was awful, when in fact it has nothing to do with that. So, what actors refer to as rejection is actually a simple case of not being selected for the part. For more on rejection in voice-over, (https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/voice-acting-myth-rejection-11191/) check out this articles written by the best in the business, Joan Baker and Rudy Gaskins, Founders of SOVAS (The oscars of voice-over).
Voice acting is an art that evolves over time. Your voice changes, your delivery gets better, and your versatility increases. So, welcome those challenges with open arms. Don’t let the fear of failure paralyze you. Keep learning, experimenting, and pushing your boundaries. The more you embrace a growth mindset, the more confident you’ll become in your abilities.
Perfectionism – A Trap to Avoid
Perfectionism can be the biggest culprit in your battle against imposter syndrome. Sure, you want your work to be excellent, but striving for absolute perfection is a never-ending chase that leaves you feeling inadequate. The reality is that nobody, not even the pros, delivers a flawless performance every time.
Instead of setting unreasonably high standards, focus on delivering quality work consistently. Learn from your mistakes and use them as stepping stones toward improvement. Remember that perfectionism can lead to stress, burnout, and self-doubt. It’s better to aim for progress, not perfection.
In the voice-over industry, we’re our own harshest critics. We’re quick to judge ourselves, question our abilities, and worry about being exposed as frauds. But it’s essential to recognize that imposter syndrome is just a trick your mind plays on you. You’re not alone in this battle, and you’re certainly not an imposter. You ARE a voice actor!
To wrap it up, be patient with yourself, stop comparing your journey to others’, embrace a growth mindset, and ditch the pursuit of perfection. Voice acting is an exciting adventure, full of twists and turns, and it’s your unique path that makes it all worth it. So, keep pushing forward, one audition at a time, and remember, you’re a voice-over artist, and you’re here to shine!
Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voice-over actors here!
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