A short while ago I mentioned that you really should stop by the blog of Philip Banks on the Voiceover Universe site. Today’s entry is a perfect case in point. It’s called Vanity mirror or money machine? and sets out a challenge for you to determine whether your voiceover business priorities are set to move you ahead or to just stroke your own ego.
Most likely when you’re finished reading you’ll have a fresh perspective on how you approach certain things you do; you may even realize that you need to make some changes.
Update: You’ll probably need to join Voiceover Universe in order to read Philip’s blog. Even if you have no other reason for joining, that should be incentive enough.
What a disappointment… have to be a member to read it.
My own proclivity is this: if it’s not making you money (either directly or indirectly) then odds are, it’s not something you really need.
If it’s not something which you really need, then why do you have it? If you’re not going to use it to expand your offerings in your business, then it’s just for ego.
I mean, how many time have we heard people make the comment that they want a U87 or other such device? They’re booking regularly with what they’ve got, so why does one necessarily need something like that if what they have is generating income already?
Seems like a dumb excuse to have bragging rights to me?
Then again I often have a chuckle at the folks who put themselves into financial disarray due to their studio purchases. Seems like people have their priorities screwed up.
Excuse me while I go remove some smudges to my Tiffany belt buckle…
I have a reputation to maintain 😉
Greg,
Thanks for your comments. Good thoughts as always. (I didn’t realize you have to be a member to read the blog posts.)
Even without reading it, you’ve captured much of the flavor of Philip’s post.
Be well,
Bob
Based on your comment, I’d normally say that great minds think alike.
Let’s face it though, it’s me we’re talking about…
Seriously though, when will people learn that it’s not the gear that determines whether or not a voice actor is talented?
Just because I have a collection which rivals most professional studios (unlike a lot of folks, I can honestly say that my studio is on the cutting edge with some of the stuff I have access to), doesn’t mean a thing if: A) I don’t know how to use it to it’s full potential and have an environment in which to use it properly and B) Have the experience, training, and talent so that my delivery/voice can make the best use of it.
There are a lot of folks whom I steer away from the higher end gear for those very reasons. A U87, Lawson, etc. won’t help a poor voice actor sound better… it’ll just better reflect why they’re poor voice actors.
*shrugs*
Greg,
Based on my observations, I’d say your first guess was right on the money: great minds and all that; though Philip’s post hasn’t so much to do with gear as it does with choices and focus.
On the other hand, gear choices are often revealing about other matters.
Be well,
Bob
I totally agree.
Probably just because of the stuff I deal with, it seems that the most unnecessary stuff I see most people do is invest in gear they don’t need.
I’d say between that, unnecessary marketing (did you really need to spend $1500+ to send mugs with your logo on it, filled with Godiva chocolate to everyone you know… especially if you’ve only done a handful of bookings?) and for those new to the game… demos before they’re ready.
Greg,
Especially those demos before being really ready.
Be well,
Bob
I’m a minimalist when it comes to studio equipment. I have just what I need and I haven’t had any clients complain about the quality. I guess that studio equipment, like cars, big screen TV’s, etc. are frequently perceived as status symbols. My status symbol is hearing that I did a good job!
Tom,
And that’s the best possible symbol of true success.
Be well,
Bob