Monday, January 28, 2008

What goes around, comes around

One of the best aspects of being a voiceover artist is that I get to work out of my own home studio, without anyone looking over my shoulder every minute, of every day.

One of the hardest aspects of being a voice over artist is that I work out of my own home studio, without anyone to talk to all day!

There's a reason we VO's joke about being a bit strange: we sit in our padded rooms, talking to ourselves all day!

But one of the most amazing aspects of being a voice over artist is the fact that I have been blessed to meet the most talented, funny and generous group of people on the planet, both in person and "virtually" online: other voiceover artists.

This business, like many others I suppose, is built on relationships. But, regardless of what outsiders or newcomers to voiceover may feel, there truly is no "competition" in this business. I don't sound like Moe Egan, or Mary McKitrick. Bob Souer doesn't sound like Jeffrey Kafer or David Monteath. Each of us is unique in our sound, our delivery and in the types of VO we are best suited for. If a client likes the way we sound we get hired. If we're not right, hopefully one of our friends is!

There's a real sense of community. A group whose members are happy help each other along the way, and who celebrate each others victories.

I have been happy to pass along job leads to friends and I have been lucky enough to have leads steered my way as well.

My father taught me a long time ago that when someone does you a favor, you may not always be able to "pay" that person back right away - or ever - but if you help someone else, the good just keeps on going. The ripple effect is real.

I'm thrilled to be a part of a community that lives this ideal, and doesn't just give it "lip-service!" (Pun intended!)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

OMG, Liz, thanks for saying this! I've been doing v.o. for over 10 years and for the first several I encountered so much competition in my market. It was horrible to see the way some of people would act when my thoughts echoed yours: our voices are all different.

It's different now. I, too, have some wonderful relationships with other artists and we all share leads. It's such a warm and fuzzy feeling, the way it should be!

Oh, and this is one of those days (already and it's not even 8 AM) where I wish I had adults to talk to other than myself! Teehee, maybe I'll go wander the grocery store and see who'll chat with me.

Liz de Nesnera said...

Hey Mandy!
I'm SO glad this resonates with you too! Hey, we ALL have "those" days! That's when you call on your friends, right? :-)...ABSOLUTELY, go wander a bit! Have a GREAT day!

Peace!
Liz

Bob Souer said...

Liz,

I couldn't agree more. And thank you so much for the link love!

Be well,
Bob