Eternally Fascinated by Brands and Branding
As an international brand expert and a voice actor who serves brands, I am eternally fascinated by brands and branding. For over two decades, I proudly wore the badge of a brand loyalist, a die-hard Toyota enthusiast. Toyota cars had been my go-to choice. I couldn’t imagine anything else gracing my driveway.
But life has a way of challenging our convictions. Recently, I took a leap of faith by switching to Subaru. The experience opened my eyes to the world of possibilities beyond brand loyalty.
Exceptional Performances
As a voiceover artist, my voice is my instrument, and just like a finely tuned car, I need the right tools to deliver exceptional performances. Just like I need the right car for my driving needs. For years, I had been content with my Toyota vehicles. They were reliable and durable. They had a low incidence of repair. They never let me down. I knew every nook and cranny of those cars; driving one felt like second nature.
However, that all changed when my son, who was driving my 12-year-old mint-condition, low-mileage Toyota, was rear-ended by another vehicle. The accident totaled the Toyota and forced us into a “new purchase needed” mode.
Follow Your Curiosity
My journey to Subaru began as a curiosity driven by the need for a reliable and versatile vehicle. I had heard fellow voiceover artists rave about Subaru cars—praising their safety features, all-wheel drive capabilities, and ruggedness. Intrigued, I decided to explore what the other side had to offer. Little did I know this decision would be a game-changer for my driving experience.
One test drive in a Subaru, and I was hooked. The smooth handling and superior traction on challenging terrains left me in awe, like the feeling of nailing a voiceover delivery. It was like driving a completely different class of vehicle.
Shift Your Perspectives
The transition from Toyota to Subaru wasn’t just about changing the logo on my car’s grille; it was a shift in perspective that directly impacted my voiceover career. I learned that brand loyalty, while admirable, can sometimes limit our horizons, even in the voice industry, too. Here’s what this experience has taught me as it relates to my work as a voice actor:
Embrace Change: Change can be intimidating, but it is essential for personal and professional growth in the voiceover industry. Trying new voiceover techniques, exploring different genres, or adjusting your recording setup can lead to unexpected discoveries and breakthrough performances.
Explore Options: The voiceover industry is diverse, with countless opportunities and specializations waiting to be explored. Venturing into new areas can help you find your niche and attract more clients.
Safety Matters: Just as Subaru’s reputation for safety is not just a marketing ploy, safety, and vocal health are paramount in the voiceover industry. Take care of your voice by practicing proper vocal techniques, managing your workload, and prioritizing self-care.
Open-Mindedness: Being open to change and new experiences in the voiceover industry can lead to personal and professional growth. Embrace new technology, stay current with industry trends, and be willing to adapt to the evolving needs of clients and the market.
Loyalty with Reason: While brand loyalty is commendable, it should be based on genuine satisfaction and alignment with your voiceover needs and values. It’s okay to reevaluate your choices periodically and explore new tools and resources to enhance your voiceover career.
Embrace Change
My journey from Toyota to Subaru was a transformative experience that reminded me of the importance of staying open-minded and willing to embrace change, both on the road and in the voiceover booth. As I evaluated my transportation needs, I realized the need to assess my voiceover tools and techniques periodically to ensure I delivered the best performances possible for my clients.
Whether in the automotive world or the voiceover industry, embracing change can lead to growth, new opportunities, and a more fulfilling journey. So, here’s to exploring the uncharted roads of vocal versatility and the unexpected adventures that await when we voice actors dare to step outside our comfort zones.
P.S. I am thoroughly enjoying the ride and the performance-enhancing capabilities of my Subaru, both on and off the voiceover highway!
P.S.S. My voiceover commercial demo features a Subaru commercial. Have a listen here or download all of my demos here. Check out my brand guidelines, too.
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