2026 marks NINETEEN YEARS as a voice actor (from my first paid gig while I was still in radio). Mike’s been in for more than TWENTY YEARS. Atlanta Voiceover Studio will celebrate TEN years in business this summer.
We’ve made and witnessed a lot of mistakes in voice over throughout the years. Learn from us!
Here are some of the 12 Most Common Mistakes we’ve seen ourselves and other voice actors make.
1| COMPARISON
It’s not just a thief of joy but a thief of your unique value. The more you try and emulate or imitate others, the further you get from showcasing your uniqueness.
2| LEANING ON VALIDATION
In sports, you have quantifiable data to determine your skill level. In voice over and acting, so much is subjective. It’s normal to desire validation but when that’s what you base your worth on, it’s like climbing an ice-covered mountain.
3| LETTING REJECTION DERAIL YOU
If you lean on validation, the rejection hits even harder. I wish I could tell you I’ve become immune to rejection after all these years. It still stings but it stings less and the pain doesn’t last as long. Rejection is part of this industry, so the more you realize that, the less it has power to derail.
- One of our members in the VO mentorship group shared a rejection they faced and it was beautiful to see everyone post encouragement. It’s hard but feels less hard having a community to lift you up when it does happen. Check out more from our VO Mentorship Membership.
4| RUSHING THE PROCESS
I still have so much to learn after almost two decades. The beauty of aging is you start to realize that GREAT things take time. Consistency is the key to the “magic trick” of success.
- Our Beginner Intensive 3 month class is designed to give you a good foundation but even from that, most people need a little private coaching or additional fine-tuning before a demo.
5| NOT WAITING LONG ENOUGH
This is similar to rushing the process but specifically deals with jumping head first into the career before you’ve created a solid foundation. So much of creating long-term VO clients is TRUST. Building trust actually happens through mistakes you make and learn from via coaching/classes/practice.
6| WAITING TOO LONG
Sometimes it’s more comfortable to KEEP training and put off the doing. Fear, overthinking, perfectionism, all contribute to waiting too long to “do the dang thing.”
7| IMITATION
This is specific to performance. 95% of people who say they want to do animation always share with us that they can imitate voices. Something happens when most people get on the mic – they perform how they’ve heard it before or think it should be. Chase originality.
- This is why I love the class Steve Henderson teaches with AVS called “Secrets to Sounding Like You.” Learn how to uncover your unique voice and perspective.
8| PUSHING
Have you ever consciously over-emphasized a word or phrase to get your point across in conversations? Can you imagine if I’m talking to Mike and ask him…
“What would YOU like for dinner?” or “What would you LIKE for dinner?”
9| HOME STUDIO
You don’t need to become a sound design engineer but you do need to learn about your DAW and how to set up your studio so it’s broadcast quality. I know some say they’re not a “tech person” but understanding, knowing and improving your home studio is part of being a voice actor.
- From setting up your home studio to learning how to use Adobe Audition and Audacity for voice over, we offer a ton of resources HERE.
10| MISTAKING RUDE/DISRESPECTFUL/SHAME-FILLED COACHING AS “TOUGH LOVE”
This industry is tough enough. You don’t need someone beating you down when you’re paying them. Voice over training should be a guidebook not a law book. Don’t sacrifice your mental health.
11| NOT ADHERING TO INDUSTRY RATES
It can be scary to send industry rates to a potential client but it’s scary for the longevity of your career not to.
- So grateful for the GVAA Rate Guide to help us know what to charge direct clients.
12| NOT DIVERSIFYING
Diversifying not only helps balance out your sources of income but it helps you grow as a voice actor. This has been huge for me in sustaining me over my career.
- From Audiobooks, Animation, Video Games and more, we offer classes and workshops that give you an opportunity to learn about other areas of voice over. Check out WHAT WE OFFER here. Click on What We Offer drop down.
We truly care that you approach your voice over career with helpful guidance, encouragement and support. Mistakes WILL be made. Make sure to give yourself grace along the way.
