Field Notes

-Ever been playing a character for a gig and thought “man! I sure wish I could try this line like a pirate with a stutter!” First of all, I don’t know what kind of characters yall are playing, but second of all (and most importantly) YOU SHOULD DO IT! Listen, there’s a reason your gut told you to try a line out in this way or that way. You’re being paid to make those decisions. Now, the above situation may not happen often, but my point is more along the lines of “just take t

-How to say no, you may ask? Do you feel that little twinge of guilt and dread in your stomach when you have to turn down a client request or ask for more money? Maybe you’re already typing something along the lines of “Well, DC. I think being a people pleaser is why my clients like me!” Hell, I reckon so too! It’s also probably why you’re rushing to every single email even if it comes in at 2am, not getting paid what you’re worth, and complaining to yourself that every outsi

-When should you invest in yourself? As a voice actor, we often think of ourselves exactly as that. Voice actors. In reality, you're much more. This is a small business, and I find it hard to name a successful enterprise that doesn't require some re-investing. When you do it is up to you, but just keep in mind that you get from your business what you put into it. That goes for time, effort, creativity, and of course... Money -While I'd never advise anyone to take on debt, I d

-push yourself out of your comfort zone and hunt for “no”s. It's not even about getting closer to "yes"s. it's about getting comfortable hearing the word NO and trying again. Not being afraid of your job is crucial -acting is very emotional, business should not be. I think this is why a lot of actors struggle with “rejection.” those who know me will know I don't even like to use that word. You need to learn to turn on and off the emotional brain quickly and efficiently. No on

-Gear is great and training is excellent. A properly treated room is king, but here's the thing. When you focus on what you can do with what you have, you're already miles ahead. -when it's time to upgrade, you should know it. Don't spend money just for the sake of it but if you realize a shortcoming somewhere in your business, whether that be gear, training, marketing, your booth, etc, that's what you need to focus on upgrading. If you don't even know what you need to upgrad

-learn to enjoy your wins/victories. You work hard for your successes. If you don't take time to enjoy them then what even is the point? -The best networking is honest and genuine. A successful business is built on good marketing too so not everyone you contact will be a deep and meaningful connection. That's okay. But the ones that are? Nourish those relationships and help them succeed. That will make its way back around to you

-Being observant goes a long way. Are you exhausted after a workout? Remember that feeling and how you sound when you talk. Try utilizing it for a gritty sports read. -Observing others is great info as well but don't get caught up in trying to sound like or imitate someone else. Your best tool is YOU. Don't try to become someone else

- Let's talk about losing real quick. Today I lost 3 opportunities. Not small ones either. We're talking major portfolio pieces and $100,000+ worth of income. 3 gut shots all on one day. These were all nearly closed deals. But here's the real takeaway. Nothing changed. I didn't really lose anything because it was never mine to begin with. I'm still the exact same and I can still land similar opportunities going forward - It's moments like what I mentioned above it's important

-In my eyes, there's a major way to kill your credibility. Using AI images in your posts when complaining about AI taking over VO. Yall... Just don't use it. I know it's quick to type in the prompt and get that image you need, but it's really not a good look and I genuinely think it makes you look a bit out of touch. Maybe hot take, but that's where I'm at. Gimme your thoughts on this one -Please don't record and post your auditions online without permission yall.

-Did a company pay you more than $600 this year. Congrats! Also, you may be hearing that you need to send a W9. It looks scary and it looks overwhelming, I promise you it's not. Download a blank copy from the IRS and just fill in the necessary info. It's only about 6 boxes overall plus a date and signature. Plus did you know that you don't have to redate and resign it for future clients? Just keep it on file (unless any if your info changes) and send when needed! -Should you

-There's a lot of advice out there. None of it is necessarily right or wrong 100% of the time. The way you run your business is ultimately up to you though. Nothing wrong with trying a few strategies then sticking with what shows the best results. -Contracts ohhh contracts. No one likes to think about them but I promise they aren't that scary and when used correctly are there to protect you. I'd advise everyone to go to the NAVA website and check out their contract templates

-Personally, I think everyone could stand for a little less screen time these days. Most people know that our phones have a spot in the settings to tell you your weekly usage. Check it out and see if you can cut an hour or two every day. -Marketing should be scheduled. Set a time, choose a block in your day, and put it in your calendar. Don't make it a goal, make it a priority. Turn off distractions and give it then same attention you would a live session until your timer is

-Your voice is affected by so much more than you could ever imagine. Emotional, mental, physical, external, internal. there's a lot you can use to your advantage but a lot can also unknowingly cause you problems. Everyone is different so check in from time to time and keep track of your voice. You'll be glad to learn what hinders you so you know what to avoid before important sessions. -As an example for above, my voice is always wispier after a workout. It's thinner and has

-Hackers are getting worse every dang year. And by that, I guess I technically mean they're getting “better?” Point being that there are always gonna be people looking to take advantage of you online and it will most likely happen when your guard is down. You don't have to live in rigid fear but stay vigilant, do your research, and trust your gut when something feels off. -Got a session of screams coming up? Maybe some grunts and breathing sounds? Don't be afraid to talk to y

-Hydration starts yesterday. If you want to have cleaner reads and less clicky, slobbery tongue noises then drink water consistently. Not just the day of your recording -Don't assume ill intent from the get go. We work a tricky industry and sometimes people genuinely may not know better. Long lasting business relationships, like any relationship, thrive off of clear communication.

-No such thing as too many industry connections. Do I need a bulk frozen seafood supplier or a guy that specializes in premium yard pebbles? Nope. But when I do… I'll be sure as sh*t glad I met them and stayed in contact. -ispot tv. Use it! It's great for keeping an eye on spots you were in or getting a gauge on the market and hearing trendy reads.

-Wear sunscreen. Yall little microphone goblins are in padded, windowless rooms all day long. Summer is coming… you will get burned -Nothing wrong with taking some “you” time. Businesses are built in the long term. You won't get there if you're burnt out (<--haha sunburn joke)

-If you schedule your daily tip series of LinkedIn posts to save time, make sure you schedule them for the correct month and don't unknowingly miss like 5 days… oops -On a more serious note, scheduling yourself time to do things by ACTUALLY writing into your calendar makes you more likely to follow through

- You are who you choose to be. Not a single choice, but a culmination of the big and small. Although just because you chose something once, doesn't mean you can't choose differently now. - I suffered silently for 20+ years. I thought that being anxious, exhausted, and empty was the default. Sometimes it even felt like the high. Part of me feels like having to put on a facade for the first 2 and half decades of my life is what made me a great actor, but that might just be me

-Have a lead you want to keep up with? Turn on their notifications on any socials you follow them on. Knowing every time they post gives you more, and easier, opportunities to leave a like or a comment to stay visible to them -LinkedIn is weird. Sometimes you send a connection request but it doesn’t follow the person. Sometimes you follow but that little bell doesn’t come up for you to allow post notifications. Sometimes there isn’t even an option to connect! What’s my point