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Meet Vocalist and Voiceover Coach Kay Bess!

Navigating the Ever-Evolving Landscape of Voiceover: Insights from Industry Veteran Kay Bess

Step into the vibrant world of voiceover with Kay Bess, a seasoned artist whose journey through the industry is as colorful as the characters she brings to life. Kay shared her experiences and wisdom, offering a friendly and insightful perspective on thriving in the ever-changing world of voice acting. From her early days in Union work to embracing the digital age, Kay's story is one of adaptation, perseverance, and passion for the craft.

Let's dive into Kay's journey, learning from her successes and challenges, and uncovering the valuable advice she has for voice actors looking to make their mark in the industry.

The Union Era: A Windfall of Opportunities

KB's career took off in 1999 when she landed the voiceover role for Hyundai, a campaign that kept her swimming in residuals throughout a strike. At the same time, she secured a syndication package, recording a minimum of five to ten spots per week for a year. These opportunities, along with the guidance of her agency, propelled her career to new financial heights. However, as with many things in the industry, these windfalls eventually faded, and the landscape of voiceover continued to shift.

Transitioning to the Digital Age

With the advent of the internet, the way voiceover work was conducted underwent a significant transformation. Recording auditions from home became the norm, a stark contrast to the days of stepping into a studio for a recording session. Despite these changes, the fundamental aspects of securing work remained the same: audition, audition, audition!

The Reality of Auditioning and Booking

In today's digital age, the volume of auditions has increased exponentially, but so has the competition. Landing a job now requires more auditions than ever before, and the income from these jobs, especially in non-union work, has decreased significantly. This shift has forced many voiceover artists to adapt their strategies and expectations.

Adapting Coaching to the Modern Landscape

As a coach, Kay has had to adjust her approach to reflect these changes. She now focuses more on career coaching, guiding individuals through the complexities of the industry and helping them find their place in it. She emphasizes the importance of starting where you are, using what you have, and doing what you can. It's about encouraging individuals to take that first step, no matter how daunting it may seem.

Tailored Coaching: Kay mentions that her coaching is tailored to the individual, focusing on their specific needs, goals, and current skill level. She emphasizes meeting the student where they are and helping them progress from there.

Encouragement and Empowerment: A key aspect of Kay's coaching is to provide encouragement and empowerment to her students. She aims to boost their confidence and help them realize their potential in the industry.

Practical Advice: Kay offers practical advice to her students, such as suggesting ways to improve their demos or recommending strategies for engaging with online casting platforms. She focuses on actionable steps that can help them advance their careers.

Realistic Expectations: While encouraging her students, Kay also sets realistic expectations. She acknowledges the challenges of the industry, such as the competitive nature of auditions, and helps her students navigate these challenges with a practical mindset.

Focus on Career Development: Beyond just teaching voice acting techniques, Kay's coaching also focuses on overall career development. She helps her students understand the industry landscape, identify their strengths, and strategize for success.

Kay’s Key Takeaways
Maintain a Positive Mindset: Kay emphasizes the importance of staying positive, especially when facing rejection. She encourages voice actors to view auditions as opportunities rather than setbacks, reminding them that every audition is a chance to showcase their talent.

Stay Engaged and Informed: In the digital age, Kay advises voice actors to stay engaged with online casting platforms like Voice123, understanding how they work and using them to their advantage. Keeping up with industry trends and changes is also crucial for success.

Adapt and Evolve: Kay stresses the need for voice actors to adapt to the changing landscape of the industry. Whether it's embracing new recording technologies or refining their skills to meet market demands, the ability to evolve is key.

Manage Expectations: While the volume of auditions may have increased, Kay cautions against expecting immediate success. She reminds voice actors that success in this field often requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn and grow.

Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Kay encourages voice actors to seek feedback from trusted sources and to consider mentorship opportunities. Learning from those who have experience in the industry can provide invaluable insights and guidance.

The voiceover industry has undergone tremendous changes over the years, from the heyday of Union work to the digital age of today. While the landscape may have shifted, the core principles of perseverance, adaptability, and passion remain unchanged. Whether you're just starting or a seasoned professional, Kay's insights serve as a reminder to stay true to yourself, stay persistent, and never stop honing your craft. With the right mindset and approach, you can navigate this ever-changing industry and find success on your terms!