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voiceover industry

Top 10 Voiceover Blogs to Follow – Kim Handysides

blogs

Blogs can be some of the best sources of free information in the Googlesphere. But there are a lot of them out there. In fact, Google says 600 million blogs now out of 1.7 billion active sites. That’s a lot of info. But within that astonishing figure, voice over blogs are a sliver-sized narrow niche. For voice over seekers some blog posts answer questions about our industry. For voice artists, blogs are an opportune way to learn about the craft, business, marketing and tech aspects of our industry. Blogs rich in content can save you time and money.

I’ve recently posted my Top 10 list of the best voiceover blogs that I follow. I’m picky. I’ve been in the voiceover industry for a long time. I already know a heck of a lot. But, I regularly browse the content of some of my industry colleagues. To find out what’s new. What’s hot. To join in on great conversations.  Voiceover veterans, understand the importance of staying current in the industry and taking part in discussions about issues of import. My top 10 list includes J. Michael Collins, Dave Courvoisier, Bill deWees, Anne Ganguzza, Debbie Grattan, Laura Schreiber, Marc Scott, Paul Strikwerda and David Tyler. Whether you’re deep in or on the fringes of the industry, treat yourself. Pick one or two, or all ten and dive into their back blogs. I am also going to put myself on this list of Top 10s. If you’re curious about my audacity, read on.

 

Voice Over Artist Kim Handysides

 

Voiceover Artist Kim Handysides

Why do I blog about voice over?

I blog because I’ve been writing “full time voice over artist” on my tax forms since 1991 and I’ve got stuff to say about our industry. And I want to be helpful to clients and the community. Also, I love writing. Not because I’ve been at it since writing the winning submission for the school Christmas play in grade 3, or because of a decade as a journalist writing for television, radio stations, mags and newspapers but because writing has always led a strong supporting role in my career as a professional storyteller. As I’ve learned more about it, I’ve incorporated SEO principles into my posts, but primarily, I write because the linear expression of cogent thought is one of my favorite communication forms.

 

Do I have a theme to your blogs or do I wait for inspiration to strike?

If I have a theme, I guess it’s become searching for honesty in my art form. Or at least that’s the goal I strive toward, whether the subject appeals more to voice actors or voice talent seekers, other small business owners in the arts. Occasionally, inspiration strikes from a recent project, conversation or situation, but more often I (attempt to) plan a few blogs at once and then work on them over time.

 

What are my favorite kinds of blogs to write about?

Performance oriented blogs are completely delicious. I’ve been coaching a lot lately and it’s helped me analyze why some things work and others don’t and suss out practical advice to help voice actors find truth in their performances. Marketing and managing your voiceover business are other key themes that I delight in sharing. Cool topics that have saved me time or money or have helped solidify relationships in an increasing physically-disconnected, electronically-hyperconnected world.

 

What kinds of blogs get the most attention or feedback?

My blogs with the highest interaction (comments) are one on rates in voiceover. I found there were already templates of what to charge out there in the web world, but not much had been written about why voice actors charge the rates they do or what accounts for the range in voiceover pricing from one vo actor to another. Performance tips and advice always do well, like my three-part blog series on how to direct voice actors (which ends in how to self-direct). One kind of complain-y blog got a lot of attention. Why profs narrating their own online courses is often a big mistake. There is an ocean of difference between being a subject matter expert and being able to engage listeners and transmit that info. Time to hire a great professional voiceover narrator.

 

What else would I like people to know about your blog in particular or my philosophy and approach to the industry?

Nothing make me happier than when someone reaches out and says, “hey, I really liked what you said about xyz,” or “I never thought about it in that way before. Thanks!” This past week I received an email from a college student thanking me for my well-researched post on the Timeline of Podcasting. They’d cited it in their term paper for a communication studies class. That was cool. Makes me want to do more of those.

 

Filed Under: blogs Tagged With: how to direct voice actors, podcasting, podcasting timeline, professional storyteller, voice actors, voice artists, voice talent seekers, voiceover, voiceover artist, voiceover blogs, voiceover business, voiceover industry, voiceover narrator, voiceover pricing, voiceover rates

Top 10 Voiceover Blogs to Follow – Paul Strikwerda

blogs

There are a lot of balls to juggle in running your own business as a voice over artist. Staying on top of industry trends and learning from others who are doing well in the the voice arts is one of those spheres. I regularly check out blogs (and podcasts & vlogs) of some of the cream of the crop in our industry. Now anyone can talk can blog, but not everyone creates insightful content worthy of my (or your time). Earlier this year,  I began my Top Ten Voice Over Blogs to Follow list and released interviews with people on the list.

Released in alphabetical order, we’ve so far heard from J Michael Collins, Dave Courvoisier, Bill DeWees, Anne Ganguzza and Debbie Grattan. Next is the incomparable Paul Strikwerda and his blog “Nethervoice.” Another heart-of-gold voiceover industry gem, Paul works in his native Dutch, English (as an ex-pat European living in the US) and occasionally German. He is the author of “Making Money in your PJs” a book rich with insight about freelancing as a voiceover artist, geared for beginners and industry veterans alike.

Voice Over Artist Paul Strikwerda

Paul Strikwerda
Voiceover Artist Paul Strikwerda

Paul, why do you blog about voice over?

I blog to stir the pot and push the envelope by pointing out what others see but are too afraid to address: mistreatment by clients, the cheapening of the industry, and willful ignorance and laziness from newbies. I realize that I cannot change people’s minds, but I can entice my readers to think.

Do you have a theme to your blogs?

My ultimate goal is to enhance professionalism and critical thinking in our field. Many things inspire me. I draw from personal experience as a voice talent, life coach, and former journalist. I follow discussions in our community closely, and add my voice whenever I feel frustrated, angry, disappointed, or excited. Because my blog has a huge following and people trust me, I receive tips from colleagues that can lead to stories.

Do you plan it out or wait for inspiration to strike?

Throughout the week I keep notes on everything that strikes me, and usually a theme appears on Wednesday when I start writing. I love writing about what goes on between our ears. The psychology of success. About what moves and motivates people. What holds them back? What helps them overcome obstacles? Those topic are relevant to any freelancer, and that’s why I have many subscribers who are creative professionals, but not necessarily voice talents.

What are your favorite kinds of blogs to write about?

The controversial ones. Those are the stories where I take a stand and rock the boat of an established voice casting site, or I criticize an awards show. It’s the articles where I take on the establishment and ruffle a few feathers. Many emperors in voiceoverland are wearing very little clothes, and I’m the little kid watching the parade pointing that out. Sometimes I get spanked for opening my mouth.

What kinds of blogs have you noticed get the most attention or feedback?

 Some people say I’m always critical and I only tell people what not to do. I disagree. Obviously. I rarely tell people what they should do or how they should think. I tell stories, I give suggestions, and then it’s up to the readers. A lot of my blogs posts are about how to be a successful independent contractor in a tough economy, about communication with colleagues and customers, and about the fun of being in business.

Do you have anything else you’d like us to know about your blog in particular?

 I don’t have a favorite VO blog. I trust John Florian of VoiceOverXtra to find the best of the bunch and send them to my inbox. He really knows how to pick ‘em. ! I think it is very useful to look outside of my VO-bubble. I read blogs and articles about advertising, marketing, optimizing one’s online presence, negotiating fair rates, about writing, personal growth, spirituality and psychology. I want to incorporate all these resources to become a better and more interesting blogger!

 

Filed Under: blogs Tagged With: freelance professional, journalist, voiceover, voiceover bloggers, voiceover industry

Top 10 Voice Over Blogs

Voiceover Business

Blogs can be the most insightful and rich source of free information in the Googlesphere. But there are a lot of them out there. In fact, Google told me today that there were 505 million blogs in the world in 2018. Within that daunting figure, voice over blogs are a narrow niche. For voice over seekers some blog posts answer questions about our industry. For voice artists, following blogs are a convenient way to gain insight into voice over craft, marketing and technology of our industry. VO blogs rich in content can save you time and money, improve your workflow and performance.

I regularly post myself and peruse the content of some of my confreres. To find out what’s new and what’s hot. To join in on great conversations.  If you’re an industry veteran, I don’t need to harp on the value of staying current in the voiceover industry and taking part in discussions about issues of import. You get it. Whether you’re deep in, or on the fringes of the industry, treat yourself. Pick one or two, or all ten of these bloggers and check them out. Dive into their back blogs.

(source:Ed Casas)

Here is my list of Top 10 voice over blogs (alphabetical). I’m going to post two a day this week, otherwise the blog post would be WAY to hefty and would take forever to get through, so check back in. This way, 2 of the VO Top Bloggers a day, it’s a bite-sized snack of getting to know some of the best writers of voice work in the biz. Click the hyper links in their answers to check out samples of their blogs.

Based on my sources of inspiration with a few recommendations thrown in from my inner circle, I asked these bloggers the same questions and their answers are wide and varied. I loved hearing the contrast & compare & the insight into the people behind the blogs. At the end of this Top 10 reveal, if I’ve missed someone you have found to be particularly useful, please let me know in the Comments below.

 

Voice Over Artist J. Michael Collins

 

voice over artist
Voice Over Artist J Michael Collins

J. Michael Collins is one of the beloved, trusted names in our business. A talented voice over artist, successful businessman, consummate professional and generous soul, when J. Michael speaks, people listen.

 

J. Michael, why do you blog about voice over?

I blog because I believe there are issues in the voice over industry that affect all of us, and that by discussing them we can help rose together as a community.

 

Do you have a theme to your blogs or do you wait for inspiration to strike?

I wait for inspiration to strike. Most of my articles are conceived and written in less than an hour based upon industry happenings.

 

What are your favorite kinds of blogs to write about?

Uplifting topics, reminding talent that while things aren’t perfect, they are a lot better than the doomsayers would have you believe.

 

voice over artist website landing page
J Michael’s website

What kinds of blogs have you noticed get the most attention or feedback?

You might think it would be the controversial ones, but I find I get the most attention and feedback from inspirational blogs that take a practical but positive look at the industry. This gives me hope.

 

Do you have anything (else) you’d like them to know about your blog in particular or your (philosophy and) approach to the industry?

My blog and my personal approach reflect a perspective of abundance in the voice over business. Too often today we hear from those who advocate a perspective of scarcity…..scarcity of jobs, of pay, of ethics. We all have to be vigilant against the dangers and predators that confront our industry, but we should never lose sight of the fact that there is more work than ever before, and there are just as many parts of VO where pay is rising as where it is falling or stagnating. If it seems like the sky is falling where you are, stand somewhere else.

Other blogs I recommend? Marc Scott, Paul Strikwerda, Laura Schreiber, and of course Kim Handysides – Thanks, JMC 🙂

 

Voice Over Artist Dave Courvoisier

 

voice over artist Dave Courvoisier
Voice Over Artist Dave Courvoisier

Longtime voice over artist, newly retired from a fabulous television news anchor career in Vegas, co-founder and one of the big force majeures behind WOVO, Dave Courvoisier is a down-to-earth wealth of insight and info into VO.

 

Dave, why do you blog about voice over?

What inspired me back in 2007 was simply looking for a way to journal online about my growing voiceover business.  That way I’d know where to go if I wanted to remember this helpful site, or that useful tip.  Now, I blog because I enjoy it, I have subscribers who depend on me (I think), and it helps me build a bank of goodwill within the community.

 

Do you have a theme to your blogs or do you wait for inspiration to strike?

The direction is to provide helpful information the everyday voice actor can use in his/her business.  The theme is to provide relevant information that helps voice actors of all levels of proficiency to be better voice actors and freelance businesspeople.  I occasionally get inspiration, or see and share a new piece of information that has not yet appeared in online forums.  But overall, my mind is working in the background all during my waking hours in a constant awareness of ideas that could be adapted to help voice actors.  Often, I’ll get clues from other freelance professionals (writers, photographers, graphic artists, etc.) on topics they’ve written for their community.  I’ve rarely struggled to find ideas to create 3-4 fresh blogs every week.

 

What are your favorite kinds of blogs to write about?

New products, new online tools, services for freelancers, and interviews.  I like to work on articles that inspire and encourage.  I like sharing new information from my constantly trolling the internet for new ideas.  I regularly write opinion pieces about trends I see damaging our community’s professional status or compensation rates.  Coming from a perspective of experience, and (frankly) age, I have assumed a role of marketplace critic/commentator that I believe benefits especially newer VO professionals who need to be aware that they have a responsibility to uphold our shared community standards; something that has grown into being a founder of World-Voices Organization (with 3 others) to advocate for the voiceover profession.

 

website landing page of voice over artist
Dave’s website

What kinds of blogs have you noticed get the most attention or feedback?

Articles that reveal secrets of marketing, job-finding, client-relations, and freelance common-sense.  Also popular are “list” articles for voice over. My most-read blogs include an interview with a Craigslist expert, a list of royalty-free music and sound-effects sites, and admissions of bare-faced personal honesty and transparency.  There’s a lot of “success posing” among professionals.  Voice actors love it when someone speaks authentically and openly about their trials and failures.

 

Do you have anything (else) you’d like us to know about your blog in particular?

It’s constant.  Several fresh articles/week.  I enjoy the discipline of writing, and often an article is fairly short (catering to attention spans).  People tell me they read my blog with coffee every morning.  I like sharing new stuff I find on the internet that others haven’t yet seen.  I try to make the blog visually appealing, and easy to reach.  Most of all, I really work to make it VO-specific as a helpful tool for others voice actors.

Who would I recommend?

Paul Strikwerda, who is a fellow journalist, friend, and astute thought-influencer for our business. Kim Handysides who always has helpful insights. (Thanks Dave!)

 

Circle on back tomorrow for Pt 2 of my Top 10 Voice Over blogs to follow. Can you guess who’s next?

Filed Under: Voiceover Business Tagged With: actor, freelance professional, VO professionals, voice actor, voice over, voice over blog, voice over craft, voice over industry, voiceover business, voiceover industry, voiceover talent, World-Voices Organization

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