Voiceover artists are among the most creative and interesting group of folks I’ve ever met.  This month, Dave Courvoisier and other VO talents came up with an amazing concept, to celebrate National Voice Over Month!  As I read the list of names involved, I was happy to know I’ve personally had the privilege of meeting each of them in real-life.  Each person is unique, and when they put their collective heads together, it’s incredible what’s been accomplished in such a short time.  Peter O’Connell, Amy Snively, Bob Souer, John Florian, Dan Lenard, and Terry Daniel are all given kudos on the official NVOAM website.  They all deserve a round of applause for such a great idea!

Many of us in the growing world of voice over tend to work in our own on-site studios, linked by social media.  When we work, it is usually in isolation.  We become immersed, enthused, and wary of so many emotions as we tell stories to entertain, inform, educate or advertise.  I was recently lucky enough to provide the disembodied voice of the 2010 Chevy Malibu for both television and radio commercials as the car and graphics kept spinning around.  I was enthralled when I saw how cleverly the production company was able to weave together sound effects, music, and graphics with my voice.  I was humbled by their expertise at creating such a dynamic commercial!

We locate gigs through our own contacts, production companies, ad agencies, talent agents, and web sites that help to market our voices.  In fact, when I joined our local chamber of commerce, a new category needed to be added on their marketing website for voice overs!  There are books, blogs, websites, coaches, and mentors filled with encouraging advise about details and support regarding this career path.  Our greatest strength is our ability to network within the VO community.

Since each of us arrived on this VO path through various means and for a multitude of different reasons, my experiences as a mom and teacher give me a different perspective.  In order to really feel appreciated, you must open yourself to feeling grateful.  I stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before is a quote attributed to Albert Einstein.  It’s the way I feel.  If each life is a journey, then I’m filled with gratitude that I was placed on this route.

From the producer, Dan Levine whom I first met from Such-A-Voice that cut my first demo, to the generous support of Trish Basanyi of SAV and Voice Tweet, it’s where I first entered the world of VO just a few short years ago.  I am a member of various groups in VU and enjoy reading the articles from VoiceOverXtra.  From the Voices.com site, I have learned so much from Stephanie Ciccarelli’s Vox Daily blogs and the Voice Over Experts Podcasts.  I then was able to participate in the VO specific business classes from Dan O’Day and Harlan Hogan.   My personal list of truly fantastic experts in their respective fields include the patient technical audio expertise of George Whittam, the well-honed ear and articulate advance coaching from David Goldberg and others at Edge Studio, and my  newest set of demos recently engineered by Dave DeAndrea of Killer Voice Demos.  If you check out the Industrial and Narration categories on the Killer Voice Demos website, you’ll hear my Mystic Tan Booth and Patsy Cline spots!

For all  the wonderful classes, studios, expos, and conferences I’ve had the pleasure of attending like Voice 2010, (thanks to James Alburger and Penny Abshire’s team), I am honored to have learned from you.  In fact, for those of you out there that would like to hear more from the fabulously engaging Voice 2010 presenters, Dave Courvoisier and Terry Daniel about social media, they are conducting a free teleseminar on Wednesday, Sept. 8th at 8 pm, central time.  As I continue to learn, the better I can provide top quality voice over services in return to my clients.

In my case, what I like about VO is I am heard, but not seen.  It is my voice alone that I want folks to remember.  To my way of thinking, it’s a very humble profession, because I spent a great deal of time listening to the needs of the clients.  You see, it’s not really about me.

I have learned from some of the best in the business.  They have shared their expertise with me and I have marveled at the depth of their knowledge.  I’m filled with gratitude for the support of my family and friends, and for all the kind folks I’ve met along the way that have inspired, taught and employed me.  You have opened my heart and mind to new thoughts and ideas.  Thank you!  I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you!