Lesson #8 -

Become an Artist

My wife is an artist. Consequently our home is filled with constant reminders of her passion. Stacks of canvas, boxes of brushes and paints, and shelves filled with bottles, saucers, cups, and other objects that provide studies for her work. What I find most fascinating is her ability to take simple and ordinary subject matter and turn it into something extraordinarily beautiful.

Observing professionals in the arts provides valuable insight into voice talent as an art form. It enables us to understand the leap from voice talent to voice artist.

A few years back I accompanied my wife on a trip to Vermont where she was participating in a workshop led by her mentor, Richard Schmid. While there we went to a gallery to see his paintings and the works of other area artists. We strolled through the giant hall where hundreds of paintings were on display. As we neared the corridor my eye was drawn to another room where there were yet more paintings. What I beheld I will never forget. It was like a brilliant light was drawing me toward something remarkable. This room contained the works of the showcase artist, Richard Schmid. It was an awe inspiring site, an unforgettable experience.

We viewed hundreds of paintings that day and most were good. However, at least from my perspective, only those created by the master artist “moved” me. His subject matter was not unlike that of his counterparts. Schmid’s work had that something extra that is often referred to as the “wow” factor.

As a voice artist you are challenged to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Your voice becomes a canvas on which you capture the essence of meaning and mood in words and phrases. Every piece of copy brings with it a new challenge and a new opportunity to bring it all together into a cohesive, moving, master work.

Following are some observations of visual art as it applies to the voice artist. I call them the 8 C’s of Voice Artistry: Conception, Creativity, Color, Contrast, Care, Courage, Confidence, and Choice.

• 1. Conception - Conception has to do with your unique ability to observe text and then convey that interpretation to the listener to the satisfaction of the client. It ignites the power of the second C, Creativity.
  

• 2. Creativity - Your creativity is your approach, your style, your signature. It is the place of inspiration, excitement, and produces the joy of performing.
  

• 3. Color - Visual artists learn that it’s not important to paint every detail. Suggestion is as important as emphasis. The application of the right color in the proper quantity at the right place sets the mood and feel appropriate to the subject.
  

• 4. Contrast - Utilization of appropriate changes in pitch, tone, tempo, and volume create interest.
  

• 5. Care - Every piece of copy matters. Your work is always a reflection of you. Every work deserves your best effort.
  

• 6. Courage - Courage enables you to think outside the box. Stretch yourself and don’t be afraid to try something new.  Back to my analogy from the Richard Schmid exhibition. As I was standing there two men stepped in front of me observing a painting that I had found to be stunningly beautiful. To my surprise they were critical of the work pointing to perceived flaws. There will always be those who want to rain on your parade. Don’t let the fear of criticism hold you back. Be of good courage.
  

• 7. Confidence - You must believe in yourself. It is that attitude that keeps you working and will always be reflected in your work. How many times do you hear that a client is looking for a voice talent who sounds “confident?” Confidence compels the listener to trust the reader.
  

• 8. Choice - The decisions that you make in a project will determine the effectiveness of your performance. You must decide how to appropriately apply all the tools(C’s) in your arsenal. Ultimately you must decide when to stop. Overworking a project generally leads to destroying a project. I often discover that my first read is my best read. Fix the obvious imperfections and move on.
  

One of your greatest tools for advancing your career is the remarkable power of observation. Principles from the varying disciplines overlap with one another. If you are moved by an artist in any profession take time to ask yourself “why.” There’s bound to be a valuable lesson to be learned.

These lessons have been written by Richard Weirich. 

For help with your voice talent career contact Richard at rw7475@gmail.com or (205) 260-9362. 

Voice Talent coaching services are available.  Initial critiques are free.