04/16/2015
Voices.com has become the world's largest voice talent marketplace based on the strengths of the voice professionals who make our clients' projects come alive.
Lauren Holladay is one of our leading talent, a 20-year industry veteran who, when she isn't behind the radio mic, has voiced a wide range of e-learning and training projects for clients including Delta Airlines, Neiman Marcus, Novartis and Xerox.
We asked her for some advice on her journey to the top tier of the industry, and are pleased to share the resulting Q&A here. Read on for Lauren's guidance.
1 - Briefly tell us what your career journey has been like, and what kind of voice-over work you now do/specialize in?
My journey in voice over has been wonderful. Starting 20 years ago in radio and television, I eventually needed coaching to hone in on the skills I didn't learn while on air. I specialize in a couple of things. Since I grew up in radio, radio and television commercials are natural and I do a lot of them. I also trained and am very adept with e-learning, especially difficult "technical" copy. Also, IVR is a specialty, as my clients like what they call, my "warm, friendly delivery."
2 - Why did you decide to make Voices.com part of your business?
Back in 2009, I signed up with Voices.com and I was AMAZED at the amount of audition opportunities that Voices.com gives me. Since then, I have had hundreds of hires that originated with Voices.com, so it's essential for me to have Voices.com as part of my business. I am able to add new clients every month!
3 - What has changed in your career in 2014, and now going into 2015, compared to that of past years?
I think the biggest change is that I am more comfortable in my skin when I am behind the mic. I took my microphone technique for granted in radio and now, as a voice actor, learning to rework that technique and translate it to acting is an ongoing challenge for me.
4 - What has your biggest, most-recent global project been to date?
It's so great to meet people of all cultures and languages. In just the last six months, I have added to my client list so many wonderful people in Australia, Germany, India, Israel, Norway, Russia, Mexico. During this time, the largest global project has been a huge ongoing marketing campaign for amusement parks - and so much more - in Dubai! I recently finished four large campaigns for Fadi Marine, Wadi Adventure Park, Dubai Life (Television) and Blue Jade Restaurants in Dubai. I am very excited to be the voice for these campaigns!
5 - What do voiceover actors need to succeed in this increasingly-global industry?
It's essential to have a great demo, get coaching (if you haven't already) and ... join Voices.com! It is so important to audition. I have seen a marked improvement in my own performance because I have done over 7,700 auditions on Voices.com. I think that helps turn a "good" voice talent into a "great" voice talent. Voices.com is invaluable to me. Ninety percent of my clients initially hired me from Voices.com, so I can't thank you enough. I am a busy voice talent because of the exposure to clients from Voices.com!
