The thing about free work.

Hi, Newgrounds.

Once in a blue moon, I feel the need to rant a little bit. This is one of those rants.

I only just started doing character voices last November. It hasn't even been a year yet, but so far, the ride has been pretty thrilling. I've enjoyed working with many talented people, with a lot of very cool projects on different mediums.
But really, I'm just a starting VA. I have been paid quite a few times for my voice, but I don't consider myself professional. Got a long way to go, and many things to learn.

That doesn't mean that I can't pick and choose which projects to undertake.

If you do voice acting, keep in mind that you are not required to accept everything people throw at you, in order to gain exposure. Keep in mind that the more free work you do, the more people will take advantage. People who are not willing to pay for services are often very picky about what they want in voice quality and may ask you for several takes.

Recording, editing, and mixing on your own takes time. Time is money. Remember your own self-worth; don't give your talent away to just anyone. I do free work, but only for people whom I believe have the time and perseverance to make something amazing, or people whom I've worked with before.
If you record a voice prior to seeing any of the client's portfolio, you are setting yourself up to be disappointed. They may not possess the same level of quality you expect from yourself, or the project will remain unfinished and left to rot. The most risky part: They might not have created anything before at all, putting you in a position to question if it's legit. Audio is one of the most underrated aspects of a project, and sometimes people forget it's just as important to take it into consideration.

I think this goes for any artist, really. You have to know how to market yourself properly and be aware of the going price of your talents. Don't lend your art to someone without knowing the cost/benefits. All I'm saying.

With respect,
Phoamz

Comments

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AeronMusic 2013-08-20 11:55:38

This text is impressive. Everyone has talent right? Some still have to discover it. But good work on this text. I agree with you every aspect, besides im not a voice actor.

headphoamz 2013-08-20 11:55:38

It's very true! Everyone is amazing at something.

Troisnyx 2013-08-20 12:19:49

EXACTLY.

I have essentially posted on my own Tumblr (and Blogspot) about me setting lines on what music or VA projects I do. Not merely because of the image, but because I consider my work an apostolate. An avenue to bring about beauty, goodness and truth. And if this is such, I must do it ALL the time, not sometimes, and not once in a blue moon.

Cue incoming comments and reblogs about how I am limiting myself as an artist by not accepting everything, and that everyone will fantasise even about people in modest clothes, so it makes no difference if I'm VA-ing for something equivalent of Jersey Shore or The Only Way is Essex.

No, enough of that. My talents were given to me, and they go at a very HIGH price. I cannot say yes to any Tom, Dick, Harry or Mary who asks for my voice or songs, because not only will it hurt me, but also, in ways unseen, the people watching or listening to my work. I can't associate myself with such degradation...

headphoamz 2013-08-20 12:19:49

Amen, sista.

VicariousE 2013-08-20 16:10:53

I was in video production before the internet was as widespread as it is now, and can understand and appreciate your insights into work-for-hire type stuff. The problems you describe, happen at all levels.

headphoamz 2013-08-20 16:10:53

Yep, you see it everywhere, pretty much.

RobSoundtrack 2013-08-20 18:44:47

This message is Rated E for Exactly

headphoamz 2013-08-20 18:44:47

Shicka bam!

thatawkwardkid 2013-08-20 20:07:39

exactly why i dont work with people who are makeing "the next great video game" and all that when they are not expirienced with programing at all. anyway, the point is people need to realize there skill and know they cant ask for super great people. wich is why i guess its hard for me to find a actual legitamite voice actor because everyone says their good, but cant actually do it. ive learned to lower my standerds and accept crappy voice actors.

headphoamz 2013-08-20 20:07:39

Well, you don't have to lower your standards, per se. Just ensure that what you're stepping into is something you want your name to be associated with.

ech0tan 2013-08-22 13:24:18

Word up, Phoamz. I completely agree.

headphoamz 2013-08-22 13:24:18

Hoi foive! *smack*

Budj 2013-08-22 21:46:52

I don't 100% agree. Working for free (to start with anyway) can be a really good thing. It shows your willingness to get your voice out there, it's excellent exposure and animators you work with WILL recommend you to other animators (which leads to paid work). It builds your portfolio and you meet more clients. I doubt Rina-chan would be where she is now if she turned down a bunch of unpaid jobs in her early days on NG.

headphoamz 2013-08-22 21:46:52

It can! I'm just saying that folks might want to be choosy about what free work they take on, you know? Like I mentioned, I've done free work, too, and am still willing to. It's a grey area sometimes.

ChronoNomad 2013-08-24 19:24:55

Right on, sister. It's a shame that the world of voice acting is always such a trial by fire, but quickly learning who to trust and when to question is vital. Learning to be selective is better than having low expectations any day, and once it gets out that you're giving it all away for free, rebuilding a reputation where people take you seriously takes a whole heck of a lot more effort. I hate doing it just as much as everyone else, but sometimes saying no is the only way to be true to yourself.

In short: Nobody likes being used, and everybody likes getting paid!

headphoamz 2013-08-24 19:24:55

Very true! Gotta stick to your morals.

etherealwinds 2013-08-24 20:17:32

Feisty Phoamz - I approve >:)

headphoamz 2013-08-24 20:17:32

Squee! :D

S3C 2013-10-07 17:40:41

"apostolate"- cool I learned a new word today!!!

I cannot say I fully agree with this; the parts that I do agree with, generally are pretty much a given. While audio may be one of the more underrated aspects of visual media projects- in general, they take less time (and are more open to interpretation) than animating, drawing, and programming a full project to its fruition. With that said, audio decisions (music atleast) are typically made in the latter stages of a project, so if someone's asking you to do a VA or other audio-related job with out showing you any progress on their work, that should immediately raise red flags...therefore, you shouldn't agree to any terms and put yourself in a position to be disappointed.

Obviously no one can take on every project they are handed. In and of itself it's a privilege to reach a state where such a large amount of people take interest in your work, and this already entails that you've surpassed the stage where gaining exposure is a priority. It's also a rare opportunity (considering the entirety of the world) to even be able to have a medium to express your talents, which I believe is not something you shouldnt put a price too. I'll stop here, before I get all preachy and politcal...