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Why voice acting can be so incredibly tough on your mental health and how to work with your mindset: a thread.
In many parts of life (school, work, video games, adulting) completing a task is fairly linear: if you do x y z in the right order flawlessly, you will be SUCCESSFUL
In many parts of life (school, work, video games, adulting) completing a task is fairly linear: if you do x y z in the right order flawlessly, you will be SUCCESSFUL
And lots of people are used to being REALLY GOOD at those linear tasks. Students w/high GPAs, game completionists, type A personalities etc.
But voice acting (and acting in general) is NOT linear. It's subjective pretty much every single step of the way, before & after casting.
But voice acting (and acting in general) is NOT linear. It's subjective pretty much every single step of the way, before & after casting.
You can have an AMAZING demo; with high quality production and incredible emotive scripts and "perfect" acting, be recognized for all of those wonderful things, and STILL not have the voice the director had in mind, simply bc yours is too high/low, accent or no etc.
Or, you could give them EXACTLY what they thought they were looking for, but they hear someone who does it differently than they imagined it and they think "Hey, actually I like that better!"
And that lack of control over the outcome can be super tough. Esp during a dry spell.
And that lack of control over the outcome can be super tough. Esp during a dry spell.
Your talent is not the only requirement for booking roles & those requirements are constantly shifting. Even doing everything right doesn't guarantee a role!
So, what do you do? How do you cope with an industry that requires you to try your hardest but doesn't always reward you
So, what do you do? How do you cope with an industry that requires you to try your hardest but doesn't always reward you
My coping methods so far have been a mixmash of the following, but please leave yours in the comments below for others to try if they're feeling it that day!
Audition, then put it out of your mind. That way you're not stressing about it & you'll be pleasantly surprised w/a role
Audition, then put it out of your mind. That way you're not stressing about it & you'll be pleasantly surprised w/a role
Occasionally audition for unpaid not for profit projects that sound fun too! They'll remind you why you love voice acting and you'll be able to increase your experience and connections in the industry. You may be working with the next "up and coming" b4 they "make it"!
Build friendships with other VAs - ones you look up to and ones you vibe with on socials. Have conversations and ask questions! Don't make demands. No one owes anyone else their time and experience, but lots of ppl are willing to share if you're polite/respectful/genuine.
Be open and willing to learn. Take a class! Ask for feedback! Be willing to switch things up. Try something new! Use the advice you're given, and find a way to make it work for you! Network network network. Audition audition audition. Always be professional.
Feel your bad days. It's okay to be sad/frustrated that you didn't get a role, but you are not allowed to put that on anybody else - the person cast, the director or the project. If all you do is focus on what you don't get, you'll miss other opportunities to book your dream role
Everybody's "path to success" is different and everybody views "success" differently. Figure out your goals and make a flexible plan for how to reach them. Edit it all the time. VA is making a career out of something you love & are passionate about.
Use that as your guiding light forward. If what you're doing currently isn't working for you and not bringing you happiness, it's okay to switch it up, or ask for help. It's okay to be sad for a little. It's okay if you realize this isn't for you.
This thread is super long, so let me wrap up with - you deserve a career that brings you happiness and personal growth. VA can be a minefield. You don't have to navigate it alone. Remember the joy and passion. Be constantly learning. Don't take it personally. My DMs are open 
