Rejection and criticism are an inevitable part of the voice-over industry, even for seasoned professionals. As a male English voice actor with over two decades of experience, I’ve faced my fair share of both. Recently, I encountered a situation that reminded me of the importance of resilience in this business. Here’s what happened, and how I handled it.
The Situation: Competing for the Job
A client reached out to me recently, saying that their client was interested in my voice and asked if I could record a sample. Of course, I agreed and provided a quote for the project. A few days later, my client called back with an update: their client was almost ready to make a decision, and it was down to me and one other male voice actor. Our rates were the same, and we were both strong contenders for the job.
Curious, I asked my client who the other voice actor was. It turned out to be someone I knew—someone younger who had actually reached out to me for advice when they were starting out about five years ago. I believed, perhaps a bit snobbishly, that my experience and talent gave me an edge. But several days later, I received the news that the client had chosen the other talent because “they thought his voice was better suited for their brand.”
The Sting of Rejection: It Happens to All of Us
I’ll be honest: that rejection hurt. It wasn’t just about losing the job; it was the fact that someone I had once had given tips was now the preferred choice. It’s moments like these that remind me how competitive the voice over industry can be, even for a male English voice actor with years of experience.
Sometimes, I think it’s easier not to know who you’re competing against. The emotional impact can be lessened when you don’t have a personal connection to the person who got the job over you. But in this case, I did know, and it stung.
Moving On: The Importance of Resilience
After being in the voice over business for over twenty years, I’ve learned that you can’t win every job, no matter how talented or experienced you are. But that doesn’t mean rejection doesn’t hurt. It’s okay to feel the sting of disappointment—what matters is how you move on from it.
For me, the pain usually fades after a day or two. I remind myself of the many successes I’ve had and the clients who continue to value my work. I also make sure to express my gratitude to the client for considering me, and I let them know that I’m always ready for future opportunities.
Handling Criticism and Rejection as a Male English Voice Actor
Rejection and criticism are part and parcel of being a male English voice actor. The key is to not let it shake your confidence. Instead, use it as motivation to continue honing your craft and delivering your best performances. Here’s how I handle it:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel disappointed or hurt. Acknowledge those feelings, but don’t dwell on them.
2. Reflect on the Feedback: If you receive feedback, whether positive or negative, take it to heart and see if there’s something you can learn from it.
3. Stay Grateful and Professional: Always thank your client for the opportunity, even if you didn’t get the job. It leaves the door open for future work.
4. Move Forward: Remind yourself of your strengths and successes. The next opportunity is just around the corner.
5. Support Your Peers: Even if it stings, be supportive of your fellow voice actors. The industry is competitive, but it’s also a community.
Conclusion
Rejection and criticism are tough, but they’re also an opportunity for growth. As a male English voice actor, I’ve learned that resilience is key to long-term success in this industry. You won’t win every job, but with the right mindset, you’ll keep moving forward and continue to build a successful career. Remember, every “no” is one step closer to the next “yes.”
If you’re a voice actor facing rejection or criticism, know that you’re not alone. We all go through it, and it’s part of the journey. Keep pushing forward, stay confident, and always be ready for the next opportunity.
Remember, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. 🎵 Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)
Serge.
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