Yes, I’m finally going to say it out loud:
“Doing voice overs makes me happy, but writing makes me happier.”
I know it’s a weird thing to say for someone who makes a living talking into a microphone and who’s coaching others to do the same.
Allow me to explain.
I proudly call myself an independent contractor, but as a voice over, I know I’ll always depend on others to give me work and send me money. I have to deal with THEIR deadlines, THEIR scripts, and THEIR conditions.
As a writer I can do whatever I want, whenever I want it. Rather than being dependent on lines others feed me, I come up with my own. Writing is about creation. Doing voice overs is often about re-creation.
Most days, the creative fire that is burning inside wants to paint outside the lines and come up with new content. I don’t get that satisfaction from talking into a microphone, repeating other people’s words.
THE GLORIOUS PAST
There was a time when every new client and every new project was exciting. I still remember my first national commercial, my first international industrial, my first time making thousands of dollars for saying ten words. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, but it was all made out of thin air, and quickly forgotten.
Every once in a while I stumble upon something I had done many years ago. I listen to myself as if I’m listening to a stranger. Is that really me? I can’t even remember I recorded that, and you know what? It doesn’t matter because it is completely irrelevant. And that’s the last thing I want to be: irrelevant.
At least writing gives me a sense of relevancy. I tell myself that what I’m doing has some weight and is meaningful, and that it may have a positive effect on a few people based on the feedback I’ve received. I’m not just putting words on paper to please myself. Relevancy is about connections and relations.
MAKING MONEY
But writing does not pay the rent, and so I have thought about monetizing this blog. I could put up a paywall and see how many people are willing to spend money on my thoughts. If I could get a thousand people to pay a dollar a week, that would be a nice start. But something tells me that in the age of FREE and EASY, I won’t stand a chance. Publishing a book seems a much safer bet, but there are not too many authors who can live off of their book sales.
If you have any thoughts on the above, please share them in the comments. I’m not sure which direction to take. Part of me wants to keep offering my musings for free, but part of me also tells me that if something is seen as valuable, it’s okay to put a small price on it to show support and appreciation. I’d prefer to be supported by my readers, rather than by a group of sponsors like companies that make microphones or produce demos. I wish to avoid any conflicts of interest.
NOW WHAT?
So, I record voice overs to generate an income, even though it’s not as fun as it used to be. There are worse things to do, professionally speaking. Who says your work has to be FUN and EXCITING all the time? Maybe this is just a natural progression… something that was once a passion of mine, has become a regular job.
As a VO I’m very lucky to like what I do for a living, although the love I used to feel, is slowly fading away.
Am I the only one to feel like this, or can you relate? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
So I got up this morning and read this. What a hypocritical and pompous bunch of rubbish Paul. You were better than this. Are “your thoughts” worth money to someone? Is your coaching valuable enough to someone for them to spend money on it?
We are in this business because it accomplished several RELEVANT ANGLES. For me I see it as being a part of a larger conglomerate of persons who invent products, people who’s strategies come up with plans to sell and more people involved in marketing and production. I help others keep working. That is NOT irrelevant by any stretch.
I say good for you that writing brings you joy. I have hobbies too..but I still enjoy my client base and my professional relationships. I ENJOY them. I still like my profession after 50 years..and Inhave a nice stack of voiceover scripts waiting for me.
So to monetize your blog?..because your writings are SO relevant? Please Paul!
Good luck with that.
I will be unsubscribing.
Thanks for your honest response, Jeff! Right now I’m just testing the waters, sharing my thoughts and insecurities. Some people will love ’em. Others not so much, and to each his/her own. Although no one has ever accused me of being hypocritical. Hyper critical maybe, but that’s different.
It may surprise you, but the people I coach find enough value in what I do that they actually pay me. The same is true for all my voice over clients. And those who have bought or gifted my book “Making Money in your PJs” are willing to spend a few dollars on it as well.
So why would it be pompous to presume that some people might want to pay a few bucks to gain access to my blog? I’m sure I’ll lose a lot of readers who have different priorities, but that’s okay. The question I need to answer is this: If I’m going to gradually phase out VO, how will I make money?
I’m glad that after fifty years you still enjoy your client base and professional relationships. I enjoy the relationships more than my client base. After I nearly died from a stroke some three years ago, I realized that life is too short to spend on things that ultimately don’t make me happy. To me, that’s very relevant.
I’ve been blogging about VO for more than 18 years now (and I didn’t make a dime doing it). I think it’s safe to say that very few bloggers in our industry have more subscribers than I have. My book is still selling well, and people in the biz invite me on their podcasts. I’ll be presenting at two voice over conferences this year, and I have been a judge for the One Voice Awards.
Call me pompous, but I feel proud of that, and even… relevant.
Paul you were honest and shared thoughts and that’s the way blogs should be. The info about a stroke is fearful and pursuing things that matter and make you happy can only enrich your life. I applaud that and would like to apologize for sounding snarky. You have a right to your thoughts of course and I’m glad your students and clients continue to support and encourage.
Apology accepted.
I would pay it. It’s not ideal, because if the dissemination of otherwise free information is to be monetized, people may look elsewhere. However, I think you’ve earned your place to do so, and if you look at the rule of thirds, perhaps 12,000 of your readers might consider it and then 4,000 of them would pull the trigger. That’s $4000 per week. That’s $16k per month. Possible. Doable.
In any event, I hear your ebbing desire to voice and we all hear your roaring desire to write and to inspire and share. Keep doing what keeps your heart strong, my friend. I’ll support you either way, even if it’s with my debit card and not just my comments. 🙂
That’s a very heartwarming response, Josh. Thank you for your faith in me and in my daydreams.’Cause that’s what they are at the moment. I’m releasing test balloons because I’m not sure what to do and how to do it.
When I look at what’s being monetized online, I think people are spending their money on more ridiculous things than on a blog that accompanies them in their career. So, why wouldn’t they be willing to become a paid subscriber? I don’t think money should be a barrier to education and personal growth, so if I decide to build a paywall, I’ll keep it low and affordable.
Another option for monetizing your blog instead of a pay wall is advertising. Either pay view or pay per click. No idea how many visitors you get and if it would be worth it, but you could look into it. have you ever thought about selling coaching or courses? so many people looking to get into VO these days, and courses are nice because you make it once and sell it many times.
Thanks for your suggestions, Nevin. I am offering my services as a coach but I’m only taking on a few very motivated students because I can make much more money in a shorter period of time doing voice overs. I have no one-size-fits-all coaching program. It’s all customized and tailor-made. Different people have different talents and needs, and I think VO requires active, experiential learning instead of passively reading a course about it. I am working on my second book, but I’m a very accomplished procrastinator!
I guess I worded that wrong as I was in bed and half asleep still 🙂 I am aware of your one on one coaching, so the suggestion was more for finding other ways to distribute your knowledge and expertise. Perhaps coaching via workshops where you can work with multiple people at once to get more bang for your buck?
If you really want to get away from all that and go more towards the writing angle, perhaps you can get paid to write articles about voiceover for larger publications? And actually, it doesn’t even need to be about voiceover. You share so much knowledge about life in general that I think many people would find benefit in.
Either way, I wish you the best in this journey of self discovery. I spent 25 years in the restaurant management field and it nearly killed me. Decided a few years back it was time to pursue something I always wanted to do, and here I am. Follow your heart and the way will open up for you.
Thanks for reading my stuff in your PJs! I got a huge kick out of that. Even though my focus has firmly been on VO, my intention was to go beyond that, and write about the stuff that goes on between our ears. That’s more interesting to me than writing another microphone review. I know there’s an audience for my articles. I just have to think about the best ways to turn words into dollars. Thanks for your input!
Every job has it’s boring, uninspiring moments. Baseball players making millions of dollars playing a kids game go through it. Musicians selling out huge stadiums go through it. Apparently Elon Musk is going through it as he keeps buying new “toys”…I mean companies to play with.
Still, voiceover is still more fun most days than a lot of other jobs!
I totally agree, and yet I feel like a musician tired of playing other people’s music. I enjoy composing my own! What I didn’t mention in the article is the fact that my voice isn’t as strong and clear as it used to be. My stroke did a number on my vocal folds, and the ENT says that I have to learn to live with it. The time will come where I will have to reject VO work because it’s to strenuous for my voice. That’s also why I am looking into other revenue streams.
Hi Paul,
Focusing on the boring aspect of our current jobs and market, I would say that the market and the clients has changed a lot!
We both started to work in this industry more than 20 years ago, and at this time, we were chosen by the client! Selected for our voice tone, skills, technique, style and everything that makes us unique! At this time, professional clients were definitely able to recognize talent and skills! The budget came along the booking message! No rates or quote questioning at this time! The client’s budget was not cut between multi intermediaries; the global envelope dedicated to the voice talent was going to the voice talent.
What makes our job boring today is the permanent rate competition! We are not hired for our skills and voice but for our low rates! Neither you or me offer low rates to clients!
So we have to work harder to prove that we worth the rate we ask, we have to negotiate ! Are we businessmen and business women? NO! We had to become businessmen! In addition of recording our voices, we now need to explain, justify our rates! And that’s boring !
Even longtime returning clients were forced to adapt themselves to new clients that should be more classified as cowboys than professionals! Clients I started working 15 years ago and offering very comfortable budgets now pays peanuts ! Happy? Stay: Unhappy? Leave! That’s it! We became merchandises! Products ! That’s it !
What you write always makes sense Paul. I will not pay a subscription for accessing your blog. But it pays you back already! Not financially, but in reputation. What you know is precious !
Carry on with coaching, this is something I would pay for !
Thanks for your honesty, Claudia. Like you, I hate that we’ve been turned into a commodity that puts us on auction for the lowest price, only to be replaced by fake voices.
Writing has been good to me. My blog has always been the biggest driver of traffic to my website, and that’s how my clients know where to find me. It’s like free advertising. Plus, as you have noted, it has given me a reputation. But reputation is something like exposure. It doesn’t pay the bills and there’s the rub.
Wow. It didn’t take long for your wish to attract negativity!
EVERYONE needs to eat, and have a family, and a place to lay their head. And to have that feel at least a bit secure.
I’ll go the other way and ask Lakein’s question (Alan Lakein, How to get control of your time and your life): What is the best use of your time right now?
Like you, only much longer ago, I had the physical body get damaged (and the mind which is attached suffer), and had to give up a promising career in research physics at Princeton. Many years later, after our children were older, I started the career I planned to follow physics with: writing. I’m rather slow, but the work is good and has won an award or two, and I can’t think of anything else I would like to do with the rest of MY time.
You have the control; unfortunately, you don’t have the financial support unless there are a lot of successes: you have good ideas for topics, fiction or non; you become a good writer, good enough for what you want to write; and you are able to monetize it, something which is not a given whether you manage to attract a traditional publisher or decide to self-publish.
The monetizing is the same problem for ALL artists, from VO through writing to Cirque de Soleil performer. Only you know – and only you put in the effort – and only you MAY be able to support yourself from writing. You depend on other people buying your product, and the product has a lot of competition. You will be a small business person of a different kind.
But the joy is amazing – if it is what you want to do and learn to do. Not sure you can say that about an office job. I am lucky enough to have the financial support from the working years – but the pleasure comes from both writing and feedback from fans. And it can be awesome – and slow to build up.
Good luck to you. If I can help, you have my email address. The biggest first step is to decide WHAT you want to write; the next is to learn how and start getting connected to the people and blogs and books that you will want to learn from. You have quite a bit to learn, but the time is going to pass anyway – might as well get what you want out of it.
Thank you, Alicia. People say it’s hard to make money as a writer, but they say the same thing about voice overs. It’s not hard until you want to become good at it. And if you’re good, you may become successful. And success may bring a nice paycheck.
That’s a lot of “mays”!
I clearly have some thinking to do. I’ve been growing my audience for the past 18 years, and I know what I want to write about. My biggest obstacle is having people pay for something they used to get for free.
Mixed feelings about monetizing the blog. I understand the joy that creating something on your own brings. I can get lost for hours and hours working on a play. Or back when the Internet began, hand-coding my first websites. But you are writing about voiceover stuff (and some basic common sense too), so leaving voiceover would reduce your topics and your respected “in-the-business” POV.
About voiceover work losing the fun…it used to be fun. Going to the studios. Working with other people face-to-face. Getting cast off our “generic” all-purpose demos. Everything was fun.
I, like some other respondents, could “retire” from voiceover work if I wanted. I am in a place where I can be super selective about what to audition for. As SAG-AFTRA FICORE, I get all the auditions from my various agents. And I mean all. Most are deleted. Budgets too low for “all, lifts, versions, etc.”. SAG jobs using the badly negotiated Ultra Low Budget and other contracts. Exclusivity on non-union jobs for low rates. But it goes beyond budgets.
Age range much much much younger than my voice. (I never sounded 20-something even when I was 20-something.) The call for stand up comedians or series actors. The call for un-polished non-voiceover people. When the specs say submit diversity, I know they generally are not hearing my voice in their head. A quick look at the script will confirm that suspicion.
And it goes beyond specs. I just can’t bring myself to associate my voice and time with certain products. And some of the scripts are just so awful, it would not bring me any joy at all to read them.
I do audition when all the pieces converge into something that would be fun. I’m not retiring completely – but the studio spends more time in sleep mode than it used to. The thrill of just doing anything in my InBox is gone.
So, maybe that’s your answer Paul. Do what makes you happy in the VO world. Continue to write about the business in your very readable way. Spend your new time finding outlets that could replace some of the $ from VO. Or make some changes to your lifestyle so that you don’t need as much money.
Thanks for your two cents, Connie! I will keep on writing no matter what, but I’m not sure for how long my voice can support my VO work. After my stroke it just hasn’t been the same. I recognize a lot of what you write about auditions, by the way. It’s mainly cheap, uninspiring crap with all the rights signed away in perpetuity. No thanks.
I’m taking all the advice people give me to heart, and I’m sure something good will come out of it. What that will be, I don’t know yet.
Paul, I haven’t commented in a long time, so this article really jumped out at me! I never thought I’d read about VO work waning and writing becoming more of a creative outlet. Circumstances beyond my control forced me to retire from VO work permanently and, although I had to accept that fact, I still have some longing to play a character or be a narrator at times. You’ve done remarkably well in the VO world, stunningly so, even. So, by allowing your creative side to “evolve”, you’re taking a huge step forward, one that many would be fearful of doing. All the very best to you, Paul, in the future! You’ll forge another wonderful path in your life, I know.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Kent. Right now I’m in the “exploring options” phase, and I’m not giving up my day job yet. I could see myself continuing to record VO’s while pursuing a career as a writer. I’m very appreciative of your support, and of your comments over the years. I hope we can stay connected!
Yes, absolutely!
I think this is really interesting. Being honest I don’t think that we humans are meant to do just one thing in our lives, rather we are an evolution. I think the days of the miners or factory workers having a job for life and never leaving are few and far between nowadays. People evolve and their attention and focus moves onto new things all the time.
It’s one of the reasons that I found school careers advisors so frustrating. They don’t say that you will have ten careers over your life time, they ask you what you want to do, as if your life will be compartmentalised to just the one thing.
Me for example? Well I’ve always moved and shifted with opportunity, and calculated risk. After university I went straight into investment banking, then project management, then started my own business doing music, then got into voice direction, and I have had a total of 7 businesses which have failed, as well as the 3 which have worked.
There is nothing wrong at all with evolution – and if you’re going through that, then that’s great for you – we must all walk our own path, as long as you realise that other people are on different paths, and some are getting/still super excited about the beautiful world of Voiceover.
Nothing lasts forever as they say!
If you want to monetise your blog – then I would just give one piece of advice: as soon as you make people pay, there is an expectation that wasn’t there before, which in turn takes time and effort, and could potentially lead to this feeling like ‘a job’ rather than something you love.
One of the big disappointments in my life was music, and having loved it deeply my entire life, I started my first business, and got what I wanted – a good living composing for others. What I discovered, is that it’s hugely subjective, and you stat having to please people, and it became for me like painting by numbers…..so I ended up quitting and moving on.
As they say….be careful what you wish for!
But whatever you do – I wish you the best! x
That’s very good advice indeed, Hugh. Music was my first love (to quote a famous song) and it will probably be my last. As a teenager I auditioned for the conservatory and was accepted. However, I couldn’t see myself playing the trumpet all my life, so I decided to do something else. As a student I became involved in youth radio and I was hooked. Since then, microphones became part of my life.
I see the dangers of turning something I love doing (like writing) into a profession. Asking money for something forces you to be good, it’s the same with VO. People who work for peanuts don’t need to be good because there are no expectations. So, in a way, charging for content could make me a better writer. I also see the danger of this turning into another job I grow tired of.
As you can tell, I’m conflicted about how to move forward, so I’m leaving all options open. One thing I know for sure: It’s too early to quit my day job!
As always, thanks for your support!
I understand the feeling. I have worked in a number of industries in my short working lifetime (20 years in a few months), and I have been privileged to have the support of my family and friends as I lost love for one industry, and found love for another.
I’ve been in advertising, web design & development where I started my own company, and ran it for 8 years, while also doing photography on the side, and finally switching to photography and video production full-time… Around 2020, I explored VO to help a family member get their business off the ground, and have been involved in VO since then. All through this, I’ve run a photography blog since 2007, and now I’ve found that I’ve also been drawn to write about photography more in the last few months… I want to make the site more ‘complete’ as a resource for beginners. But at the same time, I want to continue working in photography and VO. A bit of a jack-of-many-trades, but I love what I’m doing.
And I think that’s the key. If you don’t love something anymore, you must find what you love, and do it. I know just how hard it was to try and push myself to continue doing something that I’d fallen out of love with, and I know the soul-sucking nature of having to try and do it every day, and the resentment that accompanied it. I hope you never have to feel like that towards VO.
Perhaps, you could monetize an email newsletter… Revue, or Substack, perhaps?
You must have been reading my mind because I’ve been doing some research on Revue and Substack recently, as well as on Patreon. Before I commit to any platform, I want to find out what makes people successful on these sites, and how they can be integrated into an existing website. To be continued!
Wow, what a conversation you’ve started here, Paul! So many interesting thoughts. This I will say, as a person who is a VO talent as well as writer, stage actor, speaker, etc….any of these professions brings income challenges with it.
The VO business is definitely changing, and we all have to ask ourselves when the cost/benefit balance is shifting for us. Connie, I hear you…I miss the days when this was also a social industry…we got together in a studio and got to play together and get paid for it, feeding off each others’ creativity and laughter.
But it’s a solitary kind of business now, and the change is real…as are the rate wars.
Elizabeth Gilbert has a great article called “Not This” about knowing when it’s time to make a change, even without a clear Plan B. A good read.
Thanks for opening up this discussion!
You’re welcome, Randye. In every decision there are external and internal factors. For me, my internal factors are more important than the lack of social interaction, or the rates perpetually going down. I just find the work itself not as interesting anymore. I don’t know why everybody is thinking that I’m leaving the VO business. I’m hoping to do less VO and more writing, but VO will remain a part of my life.
My heart is with you. Not loving what you do, 100% means it’s time for a change. I love your writing and your style! I’m not sure I would be able to pay for your blog, even for a few dollars a month- but I would WANT to. I’m just not sure in the scheme of priorities that I could justify one more expense.
Instead of asking your readers to pay, I echo the above comments about having sponsors instead. There are plenty out there who would pay well just to have their logo on your site. You wouldn’t have to write about them, that would feel disingenuous.
What about a podcast? It can be easier to monetize that. You write your thoughts first, and then I’m sure you could find a good narrator 😂. That might be too hard on your voice though.
Perhaps consider broadening your niche. In just speaking to voiceover talent you are limiting your reach significantly. You know a lot about a LOT of things. Particularly about running a small business. Could you create content that was less specific? Write books for a broader audience?
What about copywriting? As an independent contractor you can help companies create great content that sounds good and is relevant in the fact that it helps them accomplish their goals!
Just thoughts. You ARE a gifted writer.
Your words warm my heart, Aleesha! Thanks for all those helpful suggestions. My first order of business is finishing my second book. I’ll turn that into an audiobook as well. Then I’ll prepare a second edition of “Making Money in your PJs.” I think I’ll need some time to take in all the advice that’s been given to me, and to figure out in which direction I want to go.
Paul, this is the first time I’ve been here. I don’t know what else is on this site, as I haven’t looked yet. For some odd reason I landed here after looking on browser how to become a VO Artist. I was looking at signing up with voiceover.com but stopped short of completing my registration. I also have signed up with backstage the free version. You just get to see what’s available. I know I’m not getting to any point yet and may never in this writing to you but foremost, after reading the comments and your replies I find you to be a person of f integrity and honesty. So it seems to me. I would rather pay a person who is honest with his/her fellow man/woman for insight on how to become a VO, what to say and do, breathing etc.than to other places for their information. The reason is I think they are after the dollar and will say anything to get. But you Paul, seem to be so honest that you think in your mind that you would be taking people for a ride if you charge for a book/info about doing VO work. I find that fascinating, there are such people that still exist. Paul I wonder now if wanting to become a VO is something I should even pursue. I understand what was written in the comments that when you or others have worked years to build a career and make more money yet nobody wants to pay for your talent. I’ve had a few jobs other than VO where I was that person. Good at what I do. It’s sad that it’s coming to this. It seems my timing is off. Plus I’m 65 years old now. I had a love for radio and voice since I was standing up in the back seat of a car and leaning over the front seat asking my mom , “how does that man get inside our radio?” Funny, but that’s how my love for electronics, building from scratch my own pirate vacuum tube transmitters. First one at age 15. Just fun, and I wanted to be a DJ. I studied and tried three times to get the third permit needed by age 17. Found out I didn’t pass the broadcast endorsement after looking for jobs at about 15 radio stations. They also said do you have any experience ? Really ? I’m a kid what do you think? 35 years later, I and a friend of mine hosted a radio show called “swap and sell” locally for 6 years. It was a show where listeners could call in and sell their items. Like if they had a refrigerator or maybe something else they no longer needed. They could sell, give it away for free or if they had a want or need. The owner wanted us to act like a couple of ding dongs as well as being just great guys. My friend is Native American and I as a Redneck. With a little twang in my voice and me being silly and having different voices. It was fun ! The fact it took me 35 years to make it happen. I didn’t even look for the job. My friend who is not in radio ask me. Weird. I just recently got a job as a broadcast engineer at a local television station. I have been very lucky to get this job. This case it’s who you know. Anyhow I am almost ready to retire now when I’m 70 and was hoping maybe I could make a few bucks on the side doing voice overs. But now I see ads where “talent” is really not needed. It’s just whatever fits their budget like you say and if you fit the job. For me it may be ok as a beginner and may be all I need. I suppose in a few years I’ll be so old it won’t matter anyway. It sure would put the stoppers to one’s career as a younger person wanting to get started though. If you ever did write a book about Vo’s, you could involve more than yourself and include a few voice over talents with what they know too. Why not? You’ve been there and done it already. I see you have many friends and admirers and one that wants to leave. That one I don’t understand. I know you can’t tell me one way or another if I should be a VO or not anymore than I can say to you how you should continue your journey in life. I can say we do no remember time, only the moments along the way. It’s true! I guess I can answer for both of us on that note. Which moment would you like to create next? Paul, the reason you do have do many friends is because they admire you and what you stand for. Integrity and honesty. If you don’t have that, what else is there?
Ernie
Thank you for your kind words, Ernie! I’m glad your search got you to my blog. I’ve been writing this blog for over eighteen years now, and I’ve made so many wonderful friends in this business, simply because I spoke my mind. I haven’t tried to be anyone else but me. I think it’s the only way to live our life: to stay true to who we are in everything we do, personally and professionally. It sounds like we are on the same page in that respect.
In terms of doing voice overs, I want to caution you. It’s totally possible to do this on the side and not make any money. Consider it a hobby. If you want to do this to earn a cash cushion for your retirement you need to approach this like any other business. Get the proper training, the right equipment, the right recording environment, a website, start marketing yourself… the whole nine yards. Even then, after spending a lot of money, success is not guaranteed.
Wishing you the very best, no matter where your path will lead!
Late to the discussion, but I am with you, Paul – and Connie and Randye. It used to be more social, it used to be more fun that way, and honestly, we were all healthier when we were younger. Working in a home studio has its advantages, of course: I can render a read closer to perfect with a dose of editing, which I have discovered I’m pretty good at doing. But still, many of my friends come from the days when we worked together live and in person.
I also got tired of the hunt. My fun is doing a session that’s worth doing for any number of reasons; my “job” is finding a job, and I burned out on that. Luckily, I can afford to work when I would like, and I’m blessed with several long-term clients, some of three-plus decades standing. But again, I know them from when we used to gather in the studio.
Voiceover is my second-love career, and I still enjoy it, but lately, I find myself grateful to be back to my first-love career, radio. I’m lucky that a community station within a few miles of my summer place on the Outer Banks has given me an hour a week, for which I tailor a show from all over the musical map and offer information abut the artists and songs.(Expand “freeform radio” to the recorded universe; that’s my palette.) Every week is different, and every show is fun. If anyone is interested, please check out http://wovv.rocks, “The Record Room,” Monday afternoons at 4:00, repeated Thursday evenings at 10:00. (All times Eastern.) The rest of the station (WOVV 901. FM, Ocracoke, NC) is also eclectic, unpredictable, and fun. The show is for love, not for money, and the non-profit station is rooted in community service. Have fun listening if you wish!
I love it when we can do things we’re good at that benefit our community. The reward is in the doing and not in the making of money. I often think everyone should receive a basic income so no one will starve and all of us can pursue the things that make us happy.
I loved reading every bit of this Blog (thread) and unfortunately I arrived rather late. Such outstanding opinions and observations. You’ve got my empathy and understanding Paul. My love for the biz wanes a lot however I do love coaching the aspiring, emerging voice actor but on a part time basis. I’m of age where I too can be selective so it doesn’t become drudgery. The truly “fun” days of our thriving community is mostly seen in the rearview mirror. I really miss working with legendary talents, the Mel Blanc’s, the Don LaFontaine’s and countless others. I was an agent back in those days where we worked directly with the producer, did in-house casting and recorded agency talent in our agency recording booths. It was a very hands on process. As agents who directed the talent on all auditions, we really got to know them as humans and microscopically knew their range, styles and level of skill therefore we were able to cast efficiently and better yet, sell those who so perfectly fit the job at hand. That was how talent agency’s built client relationships and trust. Not a news flash for you, no doubt. I’m referring to the VO biz of the 1980’s to early 2000’s. What excites me most is researching, doing my archeological VO digs, continuing to learn….on going learning, all that is VO in today’s world sometimes sparks fire in my belly.
With focus on you, losing the love over many years seems normal….such as, burnout. I agree with the person who felt you to be honest and with integrity. I also would pay a small fee to subscribe to your blog. You make a great point of living in the world of “free & fast.” You might already work with younger, much younger generations but if not, you might consider putting some of your attention there. I’m not entirely sure why I’m suggesting this other than we might find some renewed inspiration in adjusting our older POV’s. I go back to some of my old mantra’s……be curious…..explore……. do something that scares you. It sounds to me like you might be in a rut….maybe? Write to fill your soul, do your VO gig’s selectively…..take a trip…..maybe put more emphasis on your hobbies for a time? And lets not minimize that fact that we do live under some pretty dark clouds (all over the globe) which makes enjoying life challenging. Best wishes for you as you continue on your path or paths.
Hi Linda, thank you for sharing your experience in this ever-evolving business. Since I wrote this blog post, my discomfort has only grown. Right now I am in the middle of a social media fast which I’m enjoying very much. No more weekly stories for my blog, and no more posts on social media. I’m recharging and reevaluating.
One of the areas I’m reevaluating is my work as a VO coach. With Ai getting better and better and taking over so many jobs, I don’t think it’s ethical to tell a younger generation they have a solid future in voice overs. Why train them if many clients opt to use cheap artificial voices instead? We’re talking about voices that never sleep and don’t get sick. As long as the listeners don’t seem to mind, good enough will be good enough.
I’m also reevaluating the usefulness of my time-consuming social media presence. You’re one of the few who would pay a small fee to read my writings, and that’s not sustainable. On top of that I wonder whether or not I’ve been able to move the needle in any way, shape, or form in the past 20 years. As I wrote in this piece, I enjoy putting pen to paper more than putting mouth to microphone, but only doing this for my own delight is an exercise in navel gazing.
Right now I have more doubts than certainties, which means everything’s still possible. I hope to have found a new direction in the spring!