The Real Reason I Got Started in VO
My unconventional start to voiceover…
Have I ever told you how and why I ended up diving head first in the world of voiceover? No? Well let's change that. Because, although the circumstances on the surface were completely different, our recent “safe at home” lifestyle reminds me a LOT about what drove me to voiceover.
The long version of this story involves a trip to San Francisco, some poor class investment decisions, and a little bit of luck. But I’ll save you the novel-length version and cut to the chase.
I really got started in voiceover because of my dog.
In 2017, my husband (then boyfriend) and I decided we wanted to adopt a dog. Enter Cooper. He is the sweetest, most cuddly, adorable mini-poodle you’ve ever met. He always wants to be in my lap, even when I’m recording (we’re working on that). And honestly he’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.
BUT, when we first adopted him, not only was he all those things, but he was also a huge pain in the ass. He suffered from horrible separation anxiety which left him howling and clawing whenever we left the apartment to the point that 1) I was worried he would hurt himself and 2) I seriously thought we might get evicted.
We developed a plan to help him work through his separation anxiety, but it was a long process. We’re talking months where I could barely leave the apartment. My husband has a full time job, so the responsibility of being full time, stay-at-home dog-mom fell to me, and I started to panic. I needed to find a way to make money from home, and fast. Kind of like how many of us now feel with COVID-19 (see why it’s related now?).
Enter Voiceover!
I had been dabbling in VO for a while, but had never fully committed. I decided this was the time to really dive in. So, I finished finessing my home studio setup. I self produced my own demo (no $2000 investment for me thanks). Then, I signed up for a pay to play site with a one month money back guarantee.
And, the rest is history.
So, if you’re thinking of using this slow period to get your voiceover career started (or your book written, or your screenplay finished, or your website up, or...you get the idea), lean into it.
Hey, I’m Corrie! I’m an actor, voiceover artist, audiobook narrator and coach. I love sharing what I know to help my fellow creatives and entrepreneurs. If you’d like more content like this, subscribe to my newsletter below
-CORRIE
P.S. Want extra help setting yourself up for a thriving creative career? Check out my coaching options here!
“What equipment do I need to get started in voiceover?” This is probably the most popular question I get from new voiceover artists. And I totally get it. The equipment needs for a voiceover artist can seem overwhelming at first. But, honestly, it doesn’t have to be. And it certainly doesn’t need to be expensive, especially when you’re just getting started.