At what point does one admit defeat?

Laura Darkstar

I guess I'm just wondering what keeps people going.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007, 15:24 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Laura. It's gut-check time. Listen closely to your demos - then listen to some of the top female VOs out there (many on this site) - I don't think you are ready to make this your full time job. Your demos are over modulated and - I'm REALLY sorry to put it so bluntly - boring. Please take this in the manner that it is intended (constructive criticism)- read - get some coaching - and don't give up if this is what you really want to do with your life. I wish you well.

Amy Snively · Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007, 16:43 (GMT) Post subject:

For most people with raw talent, I personally think it takes at least a year of solid, professional training, with daily practice (one hour or more a day), before one is ready to cut one's first demo.

And the first demo usually sucks compared to what you can do after year two of training, practice, and your first few gigs.

After that, it usually takes several years of working one's tush off before one can quit one's day job (if ever.)

If you wanted to be a dentist, you wouldn't just buy a drill, print some business cards, and offer to start filling cavities. VO is a profession that requires training, mentoring, coaching, and a lot of hard work before a person can 'go pro.'

If this is your big dream, go for it! Just wanted to make sure you understand that it's harder than just chatting into a microphone. It's not the same as talking on the phone, or speaking to people in real life. It's performing, and bringing scripted words to life.

Good luck!

Craig Koepke · Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007, 19:59 (GMT) Post subject:

Well Laura,

Did you watch the Apprentice last night (Sunday Jan 21st)? A captain on one of the losing teams who was living in tents just gave up. Now I am not a big fan of the Donald, but he was blown away by her wanting to quit just because it wasn't what she thought it was going to be. I too have a voice that everyone says you must be in radio. Well I'm finding out in this business most of the jobs call for a natural sounding voice, not that of a radio jock. Do what you do best naturally, if you don't know, find out. Post mp 3's of your voice to this site. I know from what little time I have been around many will offer their opinions. Now I have been in public speaking for the past thirty five years and here is what an old coach taught me when it came to objective criticism from others. He would say that it is better to be looked at than looked over. It is hard to learn when we only get the "what a voice". We need objective criticism. Even Tiger Woods and other great atheletes get coached.

Now I know you said that you cannot afford coaching at this time. Well maybe you have to do an end run. You can obviously read. There are a plethora of books on voice over. There are sites on the web for voice exercises. Read, study, learn and apply that knowledge and you will succeed. It may not be the fastest way to the money, but again, if you apply what you learn, be diligent in your efforts you will succeed! Lean on us your friends here at this site. There are those of us who want you to succeed and do not view others as taking bread out of our mouths. Believe me, those that do feel threatened have a bigger hill to climb than you. If you believe in yourself and you believe you have what it takes to make it in VO, then no one including yourself can stop you.

Take your discouragement and turn it into a positive. Discouragement is telling you to work harder and smarter. One last thing. Success stories are not based on someone hitting it right off the bat. Success stories that inspire are the ones that through ones adversity and discouragement, overcame the odds, paid the price so to say and are now at the top of there game. There are more of those than just being in the right place at the right time.

WORK is a four letter dirty word. But it pays off in the end.

Keep it up, you will do alright.

Kep Very Happy

Laura Darkstar · Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007, 02:57 (GMT) Post subject:

~Irrelevant Comment~

Robert Jadah · Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007, 03:21 (GMT) Post subject: Laura Darkly-star

Laura:
You just gotta cheer up, girl.
Your every post is a litany of woes. And guess what? I went back just now and listened again to your demos and IT'S THERE, too. There is an undertone of attitude : "Here it is; Do you want it? Whatever!" The reads are sad, lifeless.
You do have a lovely voice. You do. You do.
But you ain't in Kansas any more, Dorothy. About 500 other women at this site have lovely voices.
Now take that voice and knead the texts and massage the words and animate the darn message.
No client here is going to hire just a pretty voice.
And, Laura, the text you read has nothing to do with it. A true voice actor could impress by reading their grocery list.
Take the advice posted by the others.
And then bring some cheer to the mic.
Voice On!

Amy Snively · Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007, 03:25 (GMT) Post subject:

I think everyone was very generous with spot-on feedback. The kind of feedback many (most?) of us have paid good money for.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007, 03:50 (GMT) Post subject:

Laura - nothin' for nothin' what I meant by boring was that there is a lack of variety in your demo - I'm just saying change it up a bit - add some flash. then again, what the hell do i know. jmho.

George Karnes · Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007, 16:12 (GMT) Post subject:

Laura-
How long have you been trying?

I listened to your demos as well. I have to agree with the pros who have already posted. You need to inject life into your reads.