VO Weekly Workflow – The Strength of Simplicity

Often when we look back upon auditions that booked a project, it can feel as though we didn’t really “do” anything particularly significant, or it can feel as though we did nothing at all.  Yet, somehow, those “simple” takes maintained a grounded power that resonated.

Those types of successes can almost seem like we got away with something. It might even feed that imposter syndrome – that somehow, we’re going to be found out as “less than” and be forced to slink away, labeled as a charlatan.

But “simple” is not the same as simplistic. Simplistic is sending in the least possible effort or hacking together something that meets the lowest end of the spec.

When we are behind the mic, we must work with the instrument we have. There’s a limitless variation of timing, silence, pacing, intention, energy, and more. There’s usually a time in the development of any voice actor where they cease to want someone else’s voice and become more comfortable with their own.

Alone in the booth, facing the challenge of yet another audition while potential clients provide links to this actor or that great performance, it can be overwhelming and a scary place. In that moment, it might just help to remember all of the unique events and particular perspectives that make up your experience. Your window upon that moment is unique. Trust that view.

Sustaining the spark of inspiration is why I talk about establishing an instrument that can support the creative moment. If there are a bunch of clunky steps to capture that recording, or if we encounter needless distractions, finding our way back to that moment can be exceptionally difficult.

For those reasons, I like to encourage voice actors to create a workspace that supports their efforts, use tools which don’t leave us lost if we take a step off the pathway, and create frameworks for the mechanics of saving files, maintaining archives, and deciding which takes to send.

In the best sense of the term, simple is an idea honed to its necessary components. Done well, it can create a foundation for our best work.

Have you tested your studio’s audio quality to make sure it meets professional standards? For a free review of your vocal recordings, please use the upload tool on my Audio Review page.

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