How to become a voice actor as a kid
How to become a voice actor as a kid
Ask the pros with the sister team, Lileina Joy and Lucy Capri! They share their journey on how to become a voice actor as a kid, what is voice acting for kids, some of the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they succeed at voice acting jobs for kids.
Welcome Lileina and Lucy; can you start by sharing with us what is voice acting for kids?
Voice acting (aka voiceover or VO) is awesome! It’s a style of acting where only your voice is heard, and it’s exhilarating. For us, it’s mesmerizing and joyful.
From a child’s perspective, voice acting brings all kinds of media to life. It’s also a great way for kids and teens to get involved in the voice artists community from a young age.
How cool! But how old do you have to be to voice act?
We started when we were six (Lileina) and four (Lucy), but we know some kids who started as early as two years old!
Sounds fun! So, how did you become a voice actor as a kid?
Lileina
I started acting in on-camera commercials when I was five. When I was six, I booked an on-camera commercial that also included a voiceover. I had so much fun in the studio, and I became hooked. My Mom told my agent, who encouraged us to learn more about voice over by taking classes and doing research online.
I started auditioning for projects, and my little sister, Lucy, who was four at the time, also started auditioning. We each did a handful of commercials and then booked our first project together. It was an animated series/dubbing project. We had so much fun.
Lucy
I remember working on that show and laughing a lot. I had so much fun in the studio! The engineer there still tells us that I was the youngest voice actor to ever record in his booth.
I remember that he had to move the microphone really low that first time because I was so little. I laugh now when I see those photos. I just had so much fun and wanted to keep doing it, just like Lileina!
What an incredible experience! Could you explain how child voice acting auditions actually work?
When you receive an audition, we recommend reading over all the details more than once. It’s always good to double or triple-check details so you don’t miss anything. If the company or product is mentioned, look up some of their past projects to check out their usual style and tone. This gives you a good idea of what they may be looking for. Once you’ve practiced, record and select your best takes. Make sure your file is clean and sounds professional, and then upload it.
Excellent steps to follow - what kind of options are there for voice over jobs for kids?
There are so many options for voice over jobs for kids. From animation to commercials, eLearning, audiobooks, narration videos, toys, apps, PSAs, promos, dubbing, ADR, and even voice messages and in-store promotions. We’ve been extremely blessed to record in each of these genres over the years.
Very useful options! So, how do you find voice acting jobs for kids on Voice123?
The best way to start is to create a profile for yourself.
You must have a demo though (it can be of any genre – animation, commercial, etc). Once this is created, you will start receiving auditions.
Super tips! But what are some of the challenges you've faced, and what helped you overcome them?
When we were little, we used to get disappointed when we didn’t get booked for a project we really wanted. As we have gotten older, though, we have come to understand that just because you didn’t book it that doesn’t mean you didn’t do a great job. It just means your voice wasn’t quite what the client or director was looking for that day. It’s easier to understand this now that we are older.
That's very sensible. Is there any advice you'd like for those who want to learn how to become a voice actor as a kid?
The best advice we can give is to believe in yourself, don’t give up, and study hard. That includes taking classes and watching and listening to the different types of media you want to voice. Also, connect with other voice actors in the voiceover community. It’s so important to encourage one another and cheer each other on. Some parents and young actors look at everyone else in their age range and gender like they are competition, and that’s not the case. Everyone has their own unique sound.
Like we said before, you never know what the creative teams have in mind when they are casting a project. It’s always important to do your best. Then put the audition out of your mind and prepare for the next potential opportunity. Also, if and when you find out who was booked for the role you really wanted, cheer them on – they worked hard too! Your wins will come someday, and when they do, that person will support you.
Awesome; any final advice or thoughts on voice acting for kids?
We’d love to share one of our past social media posts, reflecting how Lucy (8 years old at the time) felt. It gives a glimpse into a “Day in the Life of a Young Voice Actor,” and we hope it encourages you too:
‘Voice over. It’s an acting genre Lileina and Lucy have been working very hard at for many years now. Looking at pictures of talent in a booth can be deceiving. “Wow, how easy. They just sit down and read.” Think that is all there is to it? Think again. What you really see is a young actor who has auditioned for so, so, so many VO projects. Who has studied with coaches and watched countless hours of kids’ media to learn trends and techniques. If you have a goal, remember that you have to run the race to get to the finish line. And it has to be the runner’s goal, not the coach’s. Parents invest, but the kid runs solo when performing in this business.
Whatever their goal is, support them and then watch them thrive. #TheyWillShowYou
A special thanks to Lileina Joy and Lucy Capri for sharing their journey on how to become a voice actor as a kid.
Check out their website here and Voice123 profiles below.
How to book and get paid for voice acting work on Voice123
How to book and get paid for voice acting work on Voice123
Ask the pros with Andrea Collins! Andrea shares advice from her 15-year career on how to get return voice acting work from clients, the benefits of using the Voice123 booking and secure payment system, and a few pointers on how to improve your overall booking experience.
So, Andrea, as a voice actor with 15 years of experience, what are the most important things to keep in mind when you get booked for voice acting work?
I always try to turn bookings around as fast as I can. When clients book me, they usually want the project done as soon as possible. Also, I feel that this will make them more likely to become return clients since they know they can count on me to deliver whenever they have a last-minute project.
Make sure that you give the script a quick look over, and be sure to ask any questions before recording that you might need further clarification on. This could be anything from pronunciation, timing, delivery, etc. I find that this always saves unnecessary back-and-forth discussions down the road. You also need to do the best job you can. So you can continue getting booked by the client again and again!
Great pointers - and how does the Voice123 free booking system help make things faster and more efficient for you as a voice actor?
I really like that I don’t have to spend any extra time sending an invoice to that client or waiting to receive my payment. Some companies can be super fast, while others have a lengthy vendor setup and/or a payment cycle. So, I find that this really speeds things along. Plus, I like that it deposits the funds directly into my bank account rather than through Paypal. This saves me money on the fees.
That's an awesome benefit! Have you had any standout experiences from using the booking system that you’d like to share with other voice actors?
I absolutely love it when I get a booking. Next, I can voice the job, and then boop! They release the funds to me. When it’s all so fast and seamless like that, it is just so awesome.
Fast and seamless is definitely a perk! So, how have you used the Voice123 secure payment system to get paid for voice acting jobs?
Oftentimes when clients book me through the Voice123 Platform, they can choose the payment option they prefer. This makes it easier for both the client and myself to complete the transaction as easily as possible. When the job is complete I have it deposited by ACH into my Wise account (formerly Transferwise), which I find is the most affordable way as a Canadian to accept several types of currencies. They also have a pretty good conversation rate, when it comes to converting funds into your country’s currency.
Excellent; and any final advice for voice actors looking to land more voice acting work?
Do as many auditions as you can according to what suits your vocal skills. It really is a numbers game!
Also, make sure that your space sounds good. That’s sooooo important. If you ask me, it’s much more important than having a fancy microphone. So, be sure to get that figured out first. And yes, using a closet works just fine. I was a full-time professional in my cozy closet for years, and it really wasn’t so bad!
Vocal health: top tips from pros
Vocal health: top tips from pros
What is vocal health?
5 ways of maintaining your vocal health through the winter (brought to you by Nathaniel Sundholm of Emory Voice Center)
1. Hydrate: Systemic hydration is important all year round. We often need a few more reminders when it’s cold out to drink beverages that hydrate and don’t just warm. Hot apple cider is a beverage that does both!
2. Humidify: Winter months typically have a lower ambient humidity AND most forced-air heating systems further dry out our environment. It is important to use a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom every night AND in your working spaces throughout the day.
3. Steam: Steam is a natural way to open up your air passages. It can help relieve congestion throughout your airway without drying it out too much. This is a great daily practice for getting ready to work as well as a useful recovery tool after a long day of recording.
4. Take time to warm up: The muscles that support your voice can get stiff and sore when bracing against the cold. Taking time to warm up your voice, breathing, and body is an essential component of having a flexible, dynamic sound. Try humming, lip trills, big yawns, big sighs, and even some light stretches of your whole body.
5. Beware of decongestants and menthol: Many over-the-counter medications and cough remedies can dry you out! Prolonged use of mentholated products can also irritate your throat, having the opposite effect of what is desired. More supportive alternatives typically have pectin or xylitol. We typically recommend Luden’s.
How to get your voice back if you've lost it
If you lose your voice as a voice actor, it’s a big deal. It can be very scary. The majority of the time, it DOES get better but if you don’t see improvement within 3-7 days, call your doctor.
- The first thing to do if you lose your voice is – DON’T USE IT! It needs time to heal. Truly rest your voice.
- The second thing that has made the biggest impact on me is GARGLING WITH WARM SALT WATER.
Doing it right before bed has been the most effective for me. - In addition to not using your voice, DON’T WHISPER. Whispering will just irritate your vocal cords even more.
- DRINK SOMETHING WARM. Not like hot chocolate or hot cider but herbal tea.
- Add some moisture to your throat with the steam from a HOT SHOWER or a FACE STEAMER.
- Keep a HUMIDIFIER going to keep those airways moisturized.
If it’s really bad, speak to your doctor about prescribing something to help with the inflammation.
How to stop voice cracking
Voice cracking can happen due to various reasons. Adult puberty is not one of them. Use this list to ensure you’re doing the things to prevent voice cracking.
- Vocal Warm-Ups – to exercise your voice
- General Vocal Health – staying hydrated, avoiding too much dairy, and getting enough rest.
- Check your Posture – I realized earlier this year, I had gotten into the habit of pushing my head forward to look at my script. That was creating tension in my throat, which was creating tension in my vocal cords. Make sure you’re standing or sitting in a position that isn’t creating any tightness.
- Good Breath Support – are you using your diaphragm to support your breathing? If you aren’t, depleted airflow can cause cracking sometimes.
Vocal health: articulation exercises
I know everyone pushes tongue twisters and those are great but the quickest way to be able to articulate a word/phrase better (or just get better at articulation in general) is to:
- Take a pen/pencil and place it horizontally between your mouth and teeth.
- With it placed there, repeat the word/phrase several times in a row
- Take it out and then say the word/phrase.
Your articulation will be as smooth as butter doing this!
Special thanks to Heidi Rew for sharing these practical tips, exercises, and insights!
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How to get paid as a freelancer
How to get paid as a freelancer
With flexibility and autonomy over hours, freelancing has become something of a global dream job. It’s also why 58 million freelancers account for almost 38% of the U.S workforce. However, knowing how to get paid as a freelancer is just as important as knowing how to find your next freelancing gig.
Salaried employees have the convenience of monthly bank deposits or paychecks. On the other hand, freelancers are paid per project, so timely payments are a must to keep you afloat until your next project. So, researching and keeping up to date with the nitty gritty of payments and payment methods is vital. The good news is that getting paid as a freelancer can be a pretty straightforward process. While some well-established freelancers outsource this work, new finance software and apps make online payments faster than waiting to receive a check in the mail. It’s also much easier for new freelancers who can now choose from multiple payment options.
How to get paid as a freelancer
1. Read the fine print
Reading the fine print, project details, terms and conditions, and stating your own thoroughly cannot be emphasized enough. This step can save you much financial and emotional stress and avoid payment delays. It also ensures you meet all aspects of the client’s brief. Your invoice fine print should also have your payment options clearly outlined.
2. Submit your invoices on time
A freelancer’s schedule is often hectic, but submitting late invoices not only delays your payment but could also give the impression that your payment isn’t urgent or important. Clients don’t usually make random payments, so if you invoice a few weeks after the job is done, there’s no guarantee of receiving timely payment. Before you can advise clients on your payment terms, it’s good to settle on what these are. Will you accept net 30 or 60 terms? Do you require clients to pay upfront? Whatever you decide, be sure to communicate this thoroughly to your client and include it in the contract and invoice.
3. Over communicate and remind
Invoicing, unfortunately, doesn’t guarantee immediate payment, so having an automatic billing service sends reminders to slow-paying clients for outstanding invoices. In some cases, clients do experience genuine technical problems, or sometimes they could also have made the payment incorrectly. So, communicating through advanced notifications could diffuse a potentially heated situation.
Freelancer payment options
As with anything, some payment options work better than others. This is even more so for voice actors and freelancers in general. So, what are some of the better payment options to get paid as a freelancer?
1. eChecks
Checks are a tried and tested payment option. As an added perk, they don’t require deposit fees. On the downside, some are wary of receiving checks because they take longer to arrive via post and have a clearing period. eChecks, however, can eliminate the waiting period. They’re only different from checks in that they’re emailed and not posted.
2. Payoneer
Payoneer users can send and receive instant payments. Making it a preferred payment method for global freelancers. It’s convenient for clients because international payments are sent directly to the recipient’s bank account. It also works for multiple currencies that can be made via bank transfer. You just need to share your Payoneer account details to receive a payment. For example, to receive the following international payments you need:
- American dollar = account and routing number
- Hong kong dollar = account and routing number
- Canadian dollar = account, transit, and institution number
Payoneer has none of the international wire transfer costs associated with bank deposits, so you get to keep more of your earnings. In addition, its transparent fee of $3 is lower than other platforms, and you also get access to a credit card to spend your money. But you can only receive funds in U.S dollars, carry a U.S dollar balance in the account, and send U.S dollars to another Payoneer account. However, you can shop and purchase in local currency that is converted to U.S dollars.
3. PayPal
PayPal is a go-to payment option for more than just freelancers. The platform is also available in over 200 countries and supports 25 major currencies so that users can receive money across borders and language barriers. A client simply needs your email address or phone number, and you receive the payment immediately. However, it carries the highest transaction fees. If you’re a U.S citizen, they will provide a tax form (1099) at the end of the year, which does help freelancers who need certain documents for tax purposes. It’s also accepted at most merchants, and you can hold funds in multiple currencies.
Clients have paid through bank transfers for years, but if you opt for this method, be sure to double-check your bank account information. Transactions are sometimes free for certain bank accounts but international rates can get as high as $50. So, refer to your personal bank for the fees associated with any transfer, as they vary from bank to bank and location to location.
Pro tip: Ask your bank if there are any specific intermediary banks where funds can be routed to avoid bank fees for international transfers. Be sure to communicate that directly with your client when sending your invoice.
Voice123’s Secure Payment service is both reliable and convenient for freelancers/voice actors receiving international payments. It’s a guaranteed payment service in the sense that you can get paid by Voice123 through PayPal, Payoneer, Wire, and bank transfers. PayPal and Payoneer can receive funds instantly, but you can expect to incur some fees. Wire and bank transfers (ACH in the U.S) can take up to 5 business days to reflect in your account. How does it work? Essentially, the platform acts as a bond for booking transactions and automatically monitors the entire transaction, so you’ll never have to follow up on a transaction when using the Voice123 free booking system. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to get paid through ACH or wire on Voice123!
Freelancer payments: the bottom line
Despite its ups and downs, the potential in the freelancing industry is limitless. But, whether you’re a voice actor or a designer, freelancer payments are still a vital aspect of your job. That’s why removing possible obstacles from the payment process is key to receiving your payments. The growing number of freelancers getting paid on time has also increased the number of payment platforms available. Many of which are functional and encourage timely payments. With the right tool, you’ll be able to invoice, follow up, and receive your freelancer payments exactly when you expect it.
“Voice123’s Secure Payment process is quick and convenient. Change your payment preferences as often as you like, speak to actual people whenever you have questions/concerns, and above all, we cater to Voice Actors to provide added security so you get paid for your hard work! We’re looking for ways to expand so we’re always open to suggestions!”
Bryan Swift
– Financial Analyst at Voice123
Mental health self-care tips and awareness for creators
Mental health self-care tips and awareness for creators
Self-care is a fundamental part of the creative industry. We break down self-care tips, and challenges and interview an expert as well as two creators who share how to make time for self-care.
Mental health self care-tips and awareness for creators
Self-care has often been viewed as a nice-to-do or a try-to-make-time-to-do initiative instead of a must-do. That often results in mental health awareness and self-care taking a backseat to life’s other priorities. However, the reality is that mental health challenges don’t go away on their own. Creators may also seem to have more time and flexibility to manage their schedules. Still, challenges can arise just as quickly as it does for those trying to hold down a nine-to-five job.
Interestingly, in 2021 how to maintain mental health was googled more than ever before – and globally at that too! Consequently, people worldwide are becoming more aware of mental health care’s crucial role in daily life. Now, with World Mental Health Day being an annual observance on October 10th, it provides the perfect opportunity to take stock of your personal mental health care and reconnect and rekindle efforts to protect and improve our mental health.
Self care tips from a health care professional
Michael Deng, a registered nurse mental health case manager, shares his views on the importance of self-care, how to include it in your life, resources to find help, and more.
Michael, as a professional in mental health care, how does self-care fit into mental health awareness, in your opinion?
Self-care is paramount to mental well-being, but understanding what you need requires introspection. To be aware of your mental health is to acknowledge that it requires just as much support and nourishment as your physical self. Acknowledging this will ideally lead you down the path of engaging in practices that are fulfilling and bring you happiness and acceptance. Healthy living has the physiological effects of improving mental well-being, but it’s not necessarily a priority for everyone. There is no right way to live your life!
That's excellent advice. What are some self-care tips to help people balance their work, life, and mental health?
You are not your job! Do what you need to do, but your priority should be yourself and those you love. Humans are social creatures, and the vast majority of us want to connect, so reach out and make those connections. Relationships take a lot of time and effort but are incredibly rewarding, so make time for them – quality over quantity. Remember to be kind to yourself and others.
That's very practical, Now, can you share a few resources to help creators maintain self-care?
Recently, I’ve been looking into the 7 types of rest, which include: physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual rest. I have not done my due diligence in checking the soundness of this theory, but I believe it holds merit in evaluating your life and what could be missing from it. Rest, and adequate sleep is essential in maintaining optimal mental health and should not be overlooked. Unfortunately, therapy can be quite expensive, but seeking single-session online counseling is accessible and sometimes even free (depending on your geographical location). You could also research self-guided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Although it is typically administered through a counselor, you can still review the process and learn more about the cognitive distortions that affect everyone. Namely, awareness.
Common challenges
Creators must navigate various perks and pitfalls in the gig economy each day. While being your own boss, having a creative license, choosing the projects you prefer to work on, and remote flexibility are industry advantages, no project is challenge free. So globally, creators share common ground in the challenges that could negatively impact mental health. Although not an industry standard, these challenges create the need for mental health awareness and self-care techniques to keep creators going. Some of these are:
Feelings of isolation
Working from home often translates to working alone. When your entire world is virtual, moving from video to audio calls to messaging apps can heighten feelings of loneliness and isolation. Although you still communicate, doing so via technology doesn’t adequately supplement your social life.
Multiple projects
Working for yourself is trading one boss for multiple clients, usually simultaneously, with their own project requirements and expectations. Shifting between projects you accept from either one or numerous clients can increase the fear of failure and intensify the burden of outdoing yourself with each project.
Meeting deadlines
For creators, meeting deadlines is linked to building recurring relationships and retaining clients. The fear of losing a client can lead to accepting last-minute projects, rushed deadlines, and pushing your boundaries to the limit. As a result, creators experience a lack of sleep, physical exhaustion, poor diet, and mental fatigue.
The importance of self-care
Self-care means taking time to care for yourself. Getting more involved with self-care activities can help manage stress levels and improve physical and mental health. Even tasks that appear small, like taking a walk, can make a massive dent in your overall care routine. By default, you’ll be able to care for others, get your work done with a better sense of purpose, and accomplish your daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly goals.
6 types of self-care tips
Emotional self-care
When was the last time you had a good cry over a soppy movie? Or shared a belly laugh with your closest friend? Instead of stowing your feelings away, emotional self-care involves active participation in your emotional journey. Therapy and journaling also provide a visual record to help you track your day-to-day emotions. Interestingly, therapy will soon be available in the Metaverse via AI. O (pronounced zero) is a forward-thinking platform created to uplift human potential. So, whether you opt for virtual, Metaverse, or in-person sessions, therapy is a good indicator of your current negative and positive energy balance.
Physical self-care
Does physical self-care mean you can never enjoy a slice of chocolate cake? No. Since our physical health is connected to our emotional health, it’s important to balance healthy eating with happy eating. This helps you improve your overall well-being. Getting adequate rest is a must, especially if you’re constantly running on fumes. Enhancing your sleep quality can help you wake up with a renewed sense of vigor to tackle the day ahead.
Social self-care
People and human connections are an integral part of our lives. When was the last time you met up with your folks for Sunday brunch? Or called your siblings to catch up? Too much isolation can be emotionally unhealthy, so making time for loved ones can help to nurture the most crucial life relationships we’ll ever have.
Practical self-care
Taking steps to avoid becoming overwhelmed is a must. And knowing what to do is not the same as doing what you know. From drafting your monthly budget to something as small as organizing your bookshelf. These small structural acts can help you get a measure of control over your daily actions and prevent undue pressure from creeping up on you.
Mental self-care
Do you have a favorite book or board game? We all do. Activities that stimulate the mind, like reading a book or playing a strategy game of chess, can harness your thinking and processing ability. This kind of mental exertion helps you better analyze complex situations and reign in negative emotions before they explode.
Spiritual self-care
Spiritual doesn’t necessarily mean religious. Instead, it’s about focusing on self-reflection and taking stock of yourself or your position in life. You can meditate on where you are presently or where you plan to be in the future. Spending time immersed in the beauty of nature can also have a powerful effect because it helps you think bigger than yourself.
What do creators say about self-care?
Two creators, Veda Howard and Chloe DoLandis, share their views and experiences on what self-care means to them in the creator industry.
What has been your overall mental health experience as creators?
“As my voice and on-camera acting career started growing, I had to pause and realize that my mental health and balance really needed to be addressed. Most importantly, I needed to go easy on myself as I tried to find the right rhythm and avoid discombobulation! When you’re doing new things, the old approach usually doesn’t work. #Recalibrate”
“For me, freelancing full-time in voice over is an amazing thing to be able to do. That being said, it takes quite a lot of balancing (in many areas of life) to do it well and healthily. I’ve had some peaceful and stressful times, but making sure to take time for myself has helped me continually recenter myself!”
Those are excellent points. So, on a more personal level, what self-care tips and coping mechanisms have worked for you?
Veda
“Some self-care steps that have been working for me are; slowing down and being more realistic about what I have time for. Remembering that taking time off is important (don’t feel guilty). You can’t say ‘yes’ to everything, and ‘no’ is often the greatest self-care gift you can give yourself.”
Chloe
“Yoga, exercise, spending time in nature and with my loved ones, playing with pets, journaling, cooking and eating good and healthy food, arts and crafts, therapy, and reading. The list goes on. I just have to ensure not to overload my schedule or overwhelm myself. Then, I’m set!”
Thanks to all our contributors, experts, and creators for sharing their insight, time, and personal expressions. Support for mental health awareness is a need, not an option, and anyone can get involved. So be vocal. By sharing your experiences and thoughts, you could provide support to someone else in need of a listening ear, guidance, or just a positive thought.
Share your health; voice your thoughts!
How to become an Instagram Influencer
How to become an Instagram Influencer
Ask the pros with Arianna Fox. She relates what’s involved in being an Instagram Influencer, what the experience has been like for her, and the steps to becoming an influencer and getting paid.
Arianna, can you start us off by explaining what an Instagram influencer is?
An influencer, to me, is always more than how many followers one has or how many likes one receives on a daily basis. Yes, of course, those factors play a key role in what we consider an “influencer” today; however, I consider an influencer someone who does what the word itself is based upon—someone who actually influences. For someone to be an Instagram influencer, in my opinion, requires that a person be positive, uplifting, and encouraging to their followers, and post content that unites people together rather than creating division. That is what I strive to be. Thus, an Instagram influencer is simply someone who creates a positive example for others, particularly on the platform of Instagram.
That's an awesome point! So, how and why did you become an Instagram influencer?
Well, I suppose it happened thanks to the other things I’ve done in my life and the hard work I put into them. I wasn’t determined to become an influencer in the way I was to become an author and a public speaker; I did not wake up one morning and tell my parents, “Guess what—I want to be an influencer when I grow up!” However, that is almost exactly how I told them I wanted to be an author and someone who inspires others. Later, my parents helped develop that latter desire into public speaking. In addition, with the help of my amazing parents, I began my acting and voice-acting careers. The following I gained on Instagram was largely dependent upon those careers.
To put it simply, I did not post some viral dancing video or lip-synch to trendy songs in order to gain popularity and become an “influencer;” instead, I put in the work to make my dreams a reality, and that in turn has generated whatever followers or status of “influencer-ship” I currently have.
I’m so blessed to be able to say this, and I want to encourage all of you that you too can succeed and make your dreams a reality if you put in the work to do so.
You certainly got to the heart of the matter! Could you share what the experience has been like for you?
It has been fantastic! I am so incredibly grateful for this experience. Of course, being an influencer has its downsides, as I get swamped with work quite often, but as I like to say, busyness is a part of the entrepreneurial process. I love being able to uplift and positively influence as many people as I can to the best of my ability.
What are some of the challenges you experience?
One of the challenges was previously mentioned: that of busyness; however, the main challenge for me is probably a lack of connections. Of course, over the years, I’ve gathered more connections and met more people in various industries, but for a long time, I did not know many people who could prove to be important connections for me as a blossoming author, actress, and speaker. I think that challenge might be quite common for new arrivals to the influencer scene, as important connections are hard to come by unless you happen to be best buds with some famous actor or well-known director or something of the sort. 🙂
It is certainly a challenge, but it is one that can be overcome with enough resilience and determination. Though connections are great to have, they are not a requirement for entering any given industry.
Are there any steps to becoming an influencer and getting paid?
The word “influencer” is a very broad and generic term; it encompasses authors, speakers, actors, and many celebrities. It is my belief that it does not take much to become an influencer if you are true to who you are and what you do. One tip I can give is one of the most important things to set you apart from others, and that is to have a niche that makes you unique, and focus on that niche. Perhaps you are an artist; do you have a special method of drawing that is different from other artists? Perhaps you are a musician; do you sing an obscure genre of music that you think people might like, or do you have an interesting and singular element of your voice that you can latch onto in order to promote yourself? Perhaps you are a writer; do you have original ideas that no one has thought of? Find your niche, use it to promote and market yourself, and it will help you advance in the realm of being a social media influencer.
That's very helpful advice. So, what are the dynamics of Instagram?
The answer for that can either be quite short or quite long, depending upon how in-depth I go! Instagram is a very complex system, and it has its algorithms, which are extremely hard to navigate. For example, we’re all somewhat used to the concept of “likes,” but these days, likes are not how the algorithm notices engagement on a post. As of recently, the “like” button is almost null—what matters more to Instagram are saves, shares, and comments (and not just comments containing a simple emoji or a single word, but comments that contain at least one sentence). Those really dictate how “trending” a post will be. And, of course, the way engagement works is nothing but a catch-22: The more engagement a post gets, the more the algorithm sends the post out to more of your followers.
Here is an example: Let’s say you take a picture of your pet kitten and post it for the world to see. Some of your followers see it on their feed, and because of the cuteness of aforementioned kitten, they decide to give it a like, save it to look at that adorable face again later, and comment with various comments like, “Aww! So cute! How old is he?” Now that got Instagram’s attention. “Okay,” they say, “this is getting some engagement. Let’s send this to more people and see what they think.” Then they send it out to 10% more of your followers. That’s precisely how the algorithm works. And guess what—that is only one aspect of Instagram! It is confusing, certainly, and it can be a trifle frustrating at times. But with enough persistence—and most importantly, consistency—you will most assuredly persevere in the chaotic world that is social media.
Very practical! Do you have any advice to share with those who might be interested?
I have two primary pieces of advice. 1. Start now. Oftentimes, we dream of becoming influencers and having a well-known presence on social media, but we don’t know how or when to get started. As for the former, as I mentioned before, it is important to find your niche and market/promote that. As for the latter, the time is now! Don’t wait until you’re older, wiser, or more anything to begin the journey of being an influencer.
2. Don’t give up. There are times in which it can be quite difficult to maintain a status of being an influencer. In fact, you may even feel—and probably will feel—overwhelmed at times. That’s normal. You may feel like you aren’t succeeding online, or that you’ve failed. That too is normal—but what I tell people in my speaking events is that you only fail when you give up. The only time that you really, truly fail—whether in life, in entrepreneurship, or in being an influencer—is when you give up. When you learn from your mistakes, keep tweaking the process, and keep going, that in itself is success. When you work hard, you will reap the rewards.
I will echo the words of my mantra that I always tell people in my speaking events: You Rock, Dream Big, and You Got This!
Special thanks to Arianna Fox for sharing her advice on how to become an Instagram Influencer.
Check out Arianna's website here! And listen to her most recent voice over work:
What is a social media influencer?
What is AI voice over
What is AI voice over
Ask the pros with Terri Nicole. Learn more about what is AI voice over, how AI voices are generated, what’s involved in creating and maintaining an AI voice as a voice actor, and how can it help your voice over career.
Terri Nicole, can you start us off by explaining what is AI voice over and AI dubbing, and what made you decide to pursue this?
An AI voice is created when a machine learns how to produce speech that sounds like you, making it available to a limitless number of purposes and clients who can license your voice for an endless array of projects. I chose to create mine because I got tired of running from the fear that AI voice over would eradicate my career. So, I decided to investigate it instead, and began to identify key players in the space I could trust who had the voice actor’s best interest in mind, such as the team at Lotas Productions.
I chose to create my AI voice with a company that allows me to maintain a level of control over the use of it. So, I’m able to provide limitations on specific use cases as well as indicate my preferred genres of use.
That's a great summary; but what does it cost to have an AI voice on a yearly basis?
The building of my AI voice was funded by the company I contracted with, VocaliD, which was recently acquired by Veritone. Creating an AI voice requires training data, which you supply by recording a range of scripts into an audio interface (similar to recording into a DAW). The recordings and corresponding transcripts are used to “teach” the machine to enunciate the consonants and vowels like the speaker and even reproduce their intonation and speaking style. Once trained, the machine can take any new script and produce an audio sample that sounds like the original speaker. The AI voice can be licensed by a third party to create high volume, frequently changing content in the voice of the speaker.
While I do not know the exact cost, I believe the figure is approximately $10,000. It took me 5-7 hours to record around 3000 sentences that were assigned to me. I recorded them at my home studio, at my own convenience using VocaliD’s virtual Parrot Studio. You may see some companies asking for as little as 15 minutes of recorded voice and so 5 – 7 hours may seem like a lot. It’s important to remember that the quality of the voice is dependent on the quantity and quality of training data. The better the data, the richer and more authentic sounding the AI voice.
Can you share more about the amount of time you spend optimizing your AI voice?
I initially recorded approximately 90 minutes of audio which took around 5-7 hours to complete. Some of my recordings had hesitations or did not match the transcript which meant I needed to provide some additional audio to optimize the voice. In that way, we’re able to continually improve the quality of my AI voice.
It's definitely a process! Have you received any feedback from clients who have used your AI voice over services?
I was the first client to use my voice! During VO Atlanta 2020 (a voice over conference), I shared a talk called, Save the Drama for the Mic: VO Talent needs an innovation strategy in the wake of AI voices. It was surreal having my AI voice introduce me to the stage, with original music and all. I think that may have been the first time in history that was done. My enhanced voice is currently being built and once it is ready, I expect that there will be many clients who will want to license it.
Sounds exciting; but what about your mental health experience? What has that been like regarding the support and reaction from the voice over industry?
I knew there would be pushback, which I did address in my talk. When industries are disrupted, and most will be at some point, there is often enormous fear, focus on combating it, or avoidance of even thinking about the disruptive technology. But whether we accept the change or not, it doesn’t go away, even if you may not see its impact at first.
Learning about AI and dubbing has the benefit of helping you to make long-term decisions about your business, in ways that can strengthen it in the long run. Since exploring and learning more, I no longer see AI as replacing me, but rather as a way for me to earn additional revenue.
Also, as a woman of color, I am proud to have an AI voice that can be licensed by companies that want a diverse-sounding voice for their products and services. Just think of how often you hear voices of color as the voice of things, so it’s a huge opportunity.
Excellent points Terri! So, what kind of constant efforts does it require?
Just like a voice over artist, the AI voice must be marketed. Also, the AI provider needs to continuously improve the voice as technology changes. Sometimes that may mean recording more audio if the use cases change, but usually, they can use your original recordings to train newer models of the AI version of your voice.
So, consistency really is key. What final thoughts can you share on the process?
Getting involved at this early stage was not a snap decision. Having a background in Technology, Innovation and Education really helped me to begin to wrestle with what I was able to recognize as a disruptive technology, which would from all signs, gradually gain wider acceptance and adoption over time. I understood enough about the importance of embracing the curve and being early to the market to explore. Another factor that helped me to learn about and eventually have my voice created is that my trusted partner, Jim Kennelly of Lotas productions had been exploring the AI space and was partnered with VocaliD.
As a Black woman, I see great opportunity in being involved at the beginning of an industry, being present to examine the typical problems of early adoption – access, coded bias, educating my community of fellow voice actors, etc. If you’re not there, you can’t have a say in how things develop and what ideas and concerns are being given consideration. I feel confident in my partnerships that I can have dialogues and have my concerns considered.
Is there any advice you can share with voice actors who are just starting to learn about this technology?
As a voice talent, if you’re unnerved by AI, it’s ok. It’s totally understandable to reject or ignore something that feels threatening. But if you could channel that fear into curiosity and learn all you can about how these voice overs are being used and why it can only serve to help you to continue to make informed choices as you continue to grow your voice over career.
Special thanks to Terri Nicole for sharing her experience and advice on What is AI voice over.
Check out Terri's profile website here, her Youtube Channel, and free trial e-learning lessons.
Demystified: The Making of an AI Voice
Learn more about the process with Rupal Patel, Lotas Productions, and Terri Nicole.
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