#CertifiedVoiceArtistProgram

[mcvoices]

Episode 4: Into the World of Voice Acting

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Hey, it's MC...Voices!

Great day, voicemates! It's my 4th week here in Certified Voice Artist Program - Batch 26. And as I kept on saying, it's been really really productive ever since I joined here. We had a lot of topics covered throughout the week, a lot of practical activities and... assignments too. During the 4th week session, they offered a comprehensive look into the business side of voice acting, covering essential tools and practices for advancing in the industry.

For the morning session, our trainor was Miss Lyn Gonzales, she welcomed us and proceeded to talk about what we need to do after CVAP. This includes the preparations in doing voice artist demo reel, she provided us valuable tips on creating a compelling reel that will capture the attention of potential clients and employers in the future.

We also delved into making our own voice acting resume, highlighting the importance of showcasing relevant experience, skills, and training. Also the significance of a service agreement in formalizing contracts with clients. Having discussed clients, we were also provided by insights into setting rates based on factors, creating accurate and professional price quotes that reflect the value of services.

Miss Lyn also highlighted the warning signs or recognizing potential red flags in voice over work, we learned to identify them and be prepared for unrealistic deadlines, unclear project details. This will help me in making informed decisions in the future.

With that being said, we were also introduced by finding right opportunities in building a successful career. Networking within such communities can lead to valuable connections and opportunities. I was really glad that if ever I will be in the situation, I will be prepared and know what things should I be aware of because of what we have discussed in this session.

In the afternoon session, we listened to the live feedback of trainors for those voicemates who submitted their outputs. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to submit my work due to some circumstances. But then, I took down some notes and some things that Trainor Papa Lem and Sir Navi said that I really think would help me improve. Their words and advices to help us improve, encouraged me to do a whole lot more.

I believe that this session was a guide in navigating me into the professional landscape of voice acting. From building my portfolio to understanding industry standards and opportunities, the insights, motivations, and words of improvement and encouragement were gained in this whole session.

And I know that even after this training, this program, I would still do a lot more. I am capable of doing things, once I set my heart into it, I know I can and I will do it.

So, this will not be the end since this will be the start of something that my talent and skills opened up for me and my character that will keep me here.

from me to you,

MC

[vocaltod]

CVAP WEEK 4: Voice outside the Industry

Hi everyone! Vocal Tod here with our final blog for our training here in Certified Voice Artist Program! It's a wonderful experience to have and to join but this week, is a bit short since it's more focused on the protecting and using the armor that we have (Voices and Equipment) and for the afternoon session, we had on point critics from the professional voice artists!

During the morning, we discussed about how we can make use of the equipment that we have for our voice acting career. We were told to make and let other people hear your voice by making a voice demo reel and presenting to the company that you are trying to join! We were also taught about how we can protect ourselves from the scammers so this last week sure is still helpful and informative even if there are no assignments or activities to do during the session.

[nettevoices]

CVAP Highlights - Week 4 (27 January 2024)

Can you believe it? It's already the last session of the Certified Voice Artist Program! What a roller coaster ride it has been for the past four weeks.

The AM session was covered by Lyn Gonzales who discussed very eye-opening topics. These include how to create demo reels, voice over agreements, and red and yellow flags to look out for before accepting a VO gig. This session showed the realities of the VO industry. It isn't sunshine and rainbows, and we should always be cautious of those who could take advantage of our talent.

The PM session was mainly for live feedback of our batch mates' output from the head trainers. I loved watching each output as it showcased their talent.

I submitted my Comedy Monologue as this was one of the assignments which I had so much fun recording! When it was my turn, I was surprised to also receive feedback from The VoiceMaster himeself - Pocoholo de Leon Gonzales!

Since I was out without a powerbank, my phone battery died and I wasn't able to complete the training. Huhu. However, I appreciate their feedback as I now have direction on what I should focus on.

It still feels surreal that I have already completed four out of four sessions of this program. Time to complete my assignments so I can make it to the Invoicetiture in February. Haha

[geekyvox]

Hi there! My name Joseph Letigio. You can call me Joe. And this an AVP of my life. I was born here in Cebu City. The eldest of three siblings. As a kid, I was born at a very awkward time. You see I was living with a lot of my cousins in an apartment complex. But I was too young to play with the older ones and too old to play with the infants and toddlers. So I didn't have anyone to play with. So I resorted to watching cartoons and playing the familycom/ SNES by myself mostly. I was shy young lad but when asked to perform or sing, I didn't think much of it, I just do it.

Fast forward, I'm in school, people of the same age group! I finally had friends! Yay! While not the most popular in class, I did have a circle of friends I could count on. Throughout high school and college, that thing was constant, I had small circle that I could count as friends. What was also constant was that within each circle we all had a lot of things in common. Most of which are geek stuff. Comic books, novels, movies, music, cartoons, anime, video games. We were all into it. Me moreso than others. I wasn't much into the physical stuff like sports and whatnot. But if you asked me about a movie or a tv show, I would have been all into it.

And I carry it with me until I graduated and got a job. A pediatric physical therapist. It was perfect! Kids love a lot of the geek stuff. Cartoons and video games and believe or not, musical! And that's what I used to build a rapport with them. I didn't know it then but all that time I've been doing voice artistry. I had to keep the kids interested in their activities and I did that by singing and imitating cartoon characters.

And this is where my passion lies. Entertaining and creating content that are geeky in nature but are also intellectual and educational. Embrace the geek, I say! Because there's a probably a lonely kid out there right now who's into comic books and reading novels and listening to musicals but his friends think those are kid's stuff or boring or weird. I tell you, kid: you're not alone! I aim to create content that is smart and funny and witty and filled with geek culture in whatever form it may be. Even those not known. Especially those not yet known! I aim to inform. I aim to educate. I have been that, an educator and now I aim to still do that, with JoeFox the GeekyVox!

[martyvoice]

CVAP WEEK 3 BLOG

Hello! Ok game 3rd week na pala noh. Grabe and bilis lang. Siguro ganun talaga pag nag eenjoy ka sa ginagawa mo noh?

O sya sya simulan ko na ang kwento ko.

Ang trainer namen ay si Miss Janeanne. Grabe ang galing niya! Sobrang naispire ako sa kwento niya na recently ay isa na syang fulltime voice artist (naks!). Pero hindi biro ang pinagdaanan niya ha? Kwento ni trainer Janeanne, nung nag sisimula pa lang daw siya ay madami siyang pinasang audition kaso walang kumukuha sa kanyang client. It took her 8 months and hundreds of auditions para maka sungkit ng client. Talagang tama ang ang kasabihan na pag may tiyaga may nilaga. Oo na sige na, gasgas na kung gasgas ang kasabihan na to, pero totoo na talagang karamihan ng bagay na gusto naten ay madadaan sa tiyaga.

Tinuro din pala ni trainer Janeanne ang tungkol sa voice care. Ilan sa mga tips niya na naalala ko ay ang pag gargle ng maligamgam na tubig na may asin. tapos dapat daw hinay hinay lang sa mga dairy products at mga bisyo mga at least 15mins bago ka mag recording or magrecord ng dub.

at isa pang tinuro ni trainer Janeanne ay ang pag practice ng tongue twisters everyday hanggat kaya.

Okay punta na tayo sa 2nd half ng training.

Mga testimonials ng mga members ng previous batch ng CVAP ang napagusapan sa training. Sobrang inspiring ng mga kwento nila kaya lalo akong naging excited na matapos na ang training, maka graduate at magsimula ng mag join sa mga projects ng CVAP kung papalarin at mabibigyan ng opportunity.

Pa intense na ng pa intense at mas nagiging exciting na ang mga ganap sa training kaya as usual, sobrang looking forward na ako sa week number 4!

Ok hanggang dito na lang muna tayo at antok na ko. HAHA

Salamat kung tinapos mo tong basahin hanggang dulo at kita kita sa pagbabasa ng 4th blog ko nxt week.

Hanggang sa muli, paalam!!

[myxunivoice]

Blog #002 Week 2 CVAP JOURNEY

Phew! That was close. I almost forgot to jot down my insights in Week 2. So, before it happens, here you go. Keep reading.

[ How did my second week of CVAP go? ]

The entire week went well. After session 2 ended, I found myself overwhelmed with the amount of work we had to finish (I still don't have an idea at the moment. Haha^^) I hate cramming tasks, but I still do it anyway, and I don't like it. Anyway, compared to week one, week two was smooth (literally), since I went home to the province to have a better learning environment.

The week 2 session was a comprehensive discussion about the ins and outs of audio production. From the equipment, techniques, and even a few tips on how to start making our own home recording set up in a beginner-friendly manner. We have also learned how to start showcasing our voice by discovering the different elements of voice, coming up with a formula for character voices, and also being dedicated to individually establishing our brand.

[ What are your specific insights from Week 2 that affect your journey now? ]

One of the few things I remember from Week 2 that somehow affects my journey in CVAP now is that, everyone has a unique voice and that the way you use it is your path to choose. When I joined CVAP, I knew that I still had so much to learn. I have potential, and ever since I entered the doors of Creativoices, I have only had one thing in mind; however, as Sir Choy has told me before, my potential will remain as it is if I do not strive for something. I know I have something to offer, and this potential will take me places. And I thank CVAP for making me realize that my journey to become a voice artist is not about competing with other people who have potential as well; it is about bringing my voice to places, marketing my voice brand, and dedicating myself to choosing my passion.

[ What are the things you look forward to in Week 3? ]

I am excited about the next session. Really. The topics are getting more exciting as the week goes on, and I always look forward to engaging with the future mentors. I also look forward to working with my fellow batchmates on our recital. Things are also going well with the pre-production committee.

Anyway, that's all for my Week 2 takeaways. I'll see you soon.

BRB, gotta read the next chapters of Gusto Ko Maging Voice Talent. Haha :D

Voice out,

Kaye, Myx Univoice

[hikaruvoix]

BLOG ENTRY#1 "My Day 1 class experience in Certified Voice Artist Program"

I got up early to attend my first session in the certified voice acting program. At first, I was anxious since I would be interacting online with many amazing individuals, but I was also eager to learn from them. I prepare my gadget, laptop, and ring light before attending the zoom meeting at nine in the morning, when the lesson begins. I found it amusing how many people were in the same class with me at the time. I was really taken aback by their impassioned comments, but we'll make you feel welcome anyway. The hosts are really cheerful and pleasant, and they interview some of my co-voicemates as though they had known each other forever, which is hilarious.

We also listen to the presenters as they introduce the first lesson's subjects to us; throughout the program's morning session, I learnt a lot. After a one-hour lunch break, the afternoon program of activities continues. We split up into groups of 14 to 15 people for our activity that session, and we all gathered in a breakout room. I was designated to group three, which has the name VOXTRESS.

My teammates will make you feel like family since they are so friendly, helpful, and approachable. In our group, getting to know one another and learning about our personalities, skills, and passions comes first. Then, utilizing our various voices, we created a creative way to introduce ourselves as a whole. We begin our brainstorming since everyone in my group is so brilliant and also is contributing ideas. We effectively introduce our group; it was a fantastic way to begin.

It was wonderful to hear the many voices that my voicemates create in the groups, which all gave excellent presentations and are all outstanding. Some of them have Siri-like AI robot voices, while others have the voices of radio drama actors, DJs, hosts, anime and cartoon characters, and commercial voice actors like mine. I was quite anxious about my internet connection on that particular day, and I prayed that I wouldn't lose connection or be sent to zoom because there had been a lot of rain at that time, which had a negative impact on our connection. But praise God, there is no conflict during our presentation, and everything goes as planned. All in all, it was a wrap!

[mcvoices]

Episode 3: Echoes of Artistry

Embrace your uniqueness and stop comparing yourself to others.

Hey, it's MCVoices!

Great day, voicemates! It's been 3 weeks since I joined the Certified Voice Artist Program - Batch 26. I am actually proud and I feel confident right now on what I already accomplished into becoming a voice artist. Week 3 opened another topics and things that I should really remember and take note of into continuing this path.

Our session began with an in-depth discussion on various acting techniques. Our trainer, Miss Janeane Santos, shared valuable insights on how to use facial expressions and gesture movements. These are often overlooked, but then it is crucial in bringing authenticity and emotion to our voice performances. I really think that we can better convey the emotions and intentions behind the characters we voice.

We also explored the concept of orchestrating vocal expression, that involves pitch, tone, and volume, to create a dynamic and engaging performance. Miss Janeane also presented some examples for us to exercise during the session and she emphasize the importance of varying our vocal delivery to keep the audience captivated and execute the voice that we want to convey. We were encouraged to do tongue twisters to improve our delivery and articulation, it was really fun and effective way to practice our skills.

One of the highlighted part of the session was the proper voice care, that is very essential to a voice artist. Techniques for maintaining vocal health, such as staying hydrated, warming up before sessions, avoiding strain, were discussed. I really loved the discussions and all the learnings that we had with Miss Janeane.

For the afternoon session, our guest speaker for it was Miss Donnah Abuyuan and she discussed about the dubbing process in pre-production, production, and as well as post-production and also from doing Character Breakdown, Character Guide, Scene Breakdown, and Actual Script and up until in remembering the things to do when doing script translation.

This can be quite challenging, as I may have an experience in doing this since I was an intern in CreatiVoices but then I really feel that this is one of the most important things to remember in my journey on becoming a voice artist.

We also did a dubbing challenge wherein we had to choose from one of the characters in Digital Circus - Filipino dubbed and asked to impersonate the character. I did Zooble since I really think that it fits really with my voice and how she talks, and her character resonates well with me.

Overall, this session was incredibly informative and it provided us with deeper understanding of the technical and creative aspects of voice acting and dubbing.

Oh! Before I almost forgot, we actually did our Zoomarte. Together with my BRmates, we were the first one to perform and I had fun. My character was the Princess and another Godmother called Kumpas, it was my first time to do two character voices and it is live. If you're a little bit curious, here's the link of our performance - https://youtu.be/BI0MNEHDUiY?si=ngufbRny3-feE6Po

This will not be the last, so stay tuned for more!

from me to you,

MC

[mcvoices]

Episode 2: Journey to Niche!

Take risks. It's not about winning or losing. It's about trying.

Hey, it's MC...Voices!

Great day, voicemates! Another week, another blog! It's been like 2 weeks since I joined the Certified Voice Artist Program - Batch 26. It's becoming a lot more productive and as I progress through the program, Week 2 became a whirlwind of knowledge and insightful discussions.

I actually woke up early and joined the Zoom meeting before it started, 'cause I was really excited for what they have prepared for us. For this week, we delved into discussions about essential equipment/s needed for professional voiceovers, voiceover-specific vocabulary, basics of audio editing, and finding our own niche. In the afternoon session, we focused on developing our voices, marketing our talents, voice variety, creating character voices- wherein we actually tried doing it by some hands-on practices with scripts, and using social media as a marketing tool. So this is like a recap on what we actually did and discussed throughout the whole session.

Morning Session: Building the Foundation

So for the morning session, CVAP prepared some recorded videos that talks about basic equipment required for doing voiceover professionally. And our trainer for this was Mr. Bryan Dave Perez which where he gave us advices and some recommendations too on what equipment should we use such as microphones, cables, and other things that a voice artist needs. I actually listed them down, just for future purposes and if I already had the means of buying it then, I would. I was also happy to see that the video that was shown is at CreatiVoices Studios at Makati City. We were taught about voiceover vocabulary related and basic audio editing also that I greatly appreciate. I really think that these are some things that we need to know and learn, like for starters.

And lastly, about finding my own, unique niche. I think it's really important to actually know what you want. What particular skill that you need to focus to, or like what you need to establish, what voice you have, what can you do - type of projects, character voices, voiceovers that you enjoy doing and you still want to study.

This made me think that identifying a niche is crucial for standing out in the voiceover industry. It's really important that I must align my niche with my strengths and passion, but could still experiment, explore, and like discover where my voice fits best.

Afternoon Session: Refining Skills and Marketing

"Do something today that your future self will thank you for."

This is how our afternoon session started, our trainer, Mr. Harlem Jude Ferolino aka Papa Lem, introduced to us on how we develop our voice and market our talent. Building a strong online presence and networking with industry professionals were the key points of the discussion. We were also taught about the 3 Elements - Pitch, Volume, and Tempo which leads into the formula in Creating Character Voices - Pitch, Pitch Character, Tempo, Rhythm, Placement, and Mouthwork. In this part of the discussion, I was getting entertained by how we did some hands-on exercise by doing lines, voiceovers, script for advertisement etc. Even though I didn't actually volunteer, I tried them a lot by myself, muted and did a lot of samples by saying the same as what the other voicemates did.

I also loved that fact that the session ended with some "Voice Pappy Thoughts" that made me feel like I could do a lot. By the phrase "DO what you LOVE. LOVE what you DO" and that is somewhat interconnected on finding my NICHE that highlighted the whole session.

After the Q&A session with Papa Lem, I was called for a Zoomustahan and for me to answer questions on what we talked about for the whole discussion for Week 2. I shared things about that most unforgettable part of the session and that is finding my niche and do what i love as I love what I do. I really felt like I've gained a deeper appreciation for voice artistry as well as myself. For taking greater steps, finding my purpose, and for doing what I really love.

Week 2 has been incredibly enriching. From the morning session up until the afternoon, this has been a lot but it further equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and even confidence that I really need in order to continue the path that I'm taking in this dynamic industry.

Oh! Before I forgot, I was also tasked by Hosts Janna and Ron H to choose a number that contained lyrics from BINI's songs. I chose number 4 and lyrics from Na Na Na - BINI showed up and from the wheel of character voices - Tiyanak appeared. I was really laughing and tossing around, I felt a lot of emotions while I sang (?) or like I just did it embarrassingly. Can you imagine? Tiyanak that could sing! HAHAHAHAHAHAA (sorry, this is so funny to me). But well, I really did enjoy doing that kind of impression. Batch 26 voicemates, hosts, and even our trainers, I believed they were having fun as well. They said they love it. I'm so glad. I'm happy I did that. It was so fun, I think it is the highlight part of the session for me.

And I just feel like I could do a lot more.

I suppose there will be a whole lot more so stay tuned as I continue to share my journey and the insights I gather along the way!

from me to you,

MC

[mcvoices]

Episode 1: Here I go, CVAP!

Hey, it's MC....Voices!

Uhmmm... this is new to me. I've written a lot of essays, poems, stories, even songs, a lot of narratives that I could think of. But this, this is the first time that I would actually write a blog. So yeah, hoping whoever reads this will stick up with me until the every end.

Great day! This is how I would start my day or like a week now, including what I would say in this blog. I'm MCVoices, you could call me by that name or could be MC. I'm an aspiring voice artist, currently exploring more of my interests here and there. This blog, would absolutely talk about those interests while I joined the Certified Voice Artist Program here in the Philippines - currently in Batch 26 this 2024.

Joining CVAP is a really great opportunity for me. I really think that this program is the best place to hone my skills and turn my passion into profession and to think that it could be really one of my hobbies as well because I am really into using my voice. I really wanted to know, to learn how to use my voice well. Whether it's for voicing characters, doing voice overs, dubbing, and a whole lot more. So, here's a look into my journey throughout the program and the incredible experiences, my thoughts, reactions on what we did during the sessions that came with it.

As I dive into Week 1 of the Certified Voice Artist Program, I find myself intrigued and full of excitement with how I gained knowledge, practical exercises, and invaluable insights from industry experts.

Understanding the Role of a Voice Artist

The first step was all about understanding the basics. We were introduced about what it means to be a voice artist. Sir Navi Garcia, provided us with his inspiring story on how he became a voice artist, how he started from scratch up until being a trainer as he is now. He shared his personal experiences and strategies for staying on his ground, improving skills, and maintaining a good mindset. One of the most inspiring message that I got throughout the session was with the Pochology "Someone out there need to here your voice."

Every voice has the potential to reach someone, could be to touch a hearts, to provide comfort, to inspire change. It's kind of heart warming and this phrase resonates deeply with me, especially as I embark my journey to become a voice artist. And in order to be successful in doing this, I need the confidence. The confidence to step up, to speak up, to voice it out. Confidence is built through practice, perseverance, and embracing feedback. I really think that the field of voice acting is ever-evolving, and continuous learning is essential.

After the morning session, I realized that I am always inspired by people, but then, I really should be inspired by myself the most. I should be. Since that session, I realized that my voice is not just a tool for personal expression but it has means to reach, connect, and impact others.

During the afternoon session, we did a practical activity wherein we have to introduce ourselves within my BR group. My group that includes - Ton, Gracy, Cath, Marco, Keysie, Seb, Karissa, and Flamm alongside with our Guardian Mentor Mr. A, Mentor Jon, Mentor Mark, and Sir Ron as our Watcher. We introduced one by one during the breakout session, and then we decided to create like a party list introduction during an election. I really enjoyed doing it, it was really fun to actually be with them and create memories with the rest of the group. We presented it first and ended up laughing with our jokes and how we perform, we actually did a great job. I was having fun, really.

In conclusion, Week 1 really left a big impression to me. I've gained a lot, learned lot, had fun with the rest of the group, voicemates, with the hosts and people in charge during the session. As I continue this journey, I am really excited to apply these lessons, grow my skills in this dynamic and creative field, take this opportunity to lead me for greater purposes. We all have something with us, a reason, a purpose, and a voice and that there is always someone out there who needs to hear it. So, I will embrace it and share them with the world- because you never know who might need it and how much they might need to see and hear exactly what I do.

For now, stay tuned for more blogs about my CVAP journey! More updates as I progress through the program and share more insights and experiences from my journey to becoming a Certified Voice Artist!

from me to you,

MC

[nettevoices]

CVAP Highlights - Week 3 (20 January 2024)

Another week of classes in the Certified Voice Artist Program. It's amazing to think that we are more than halfway in this program!

This session was led by Janeane Santos-Roco and Donna Vee Abuyuan. They covered various topics such as dubbing, voice care, and translation.

One of the highlight in this session is the activity in which we had to translate a nursery rhyme in Filipino and perform a live voice over. I did a live voice over of Hansel and Gretel with my own translated script. To be honest, this was a challenging task considering that I'm more comfortable in English than Filipino since I grew up abroad. Surprised that I was able to successfully complete the task. Also, I'm actually proud to see how much my Filipino has improved since I moved here in the Philippines back in 2011.

Another highlight is the Live ZoomArte with my BR voicemates. Our story is titled "Kisap" which is about a daughter who felt that she didn't get the attention she received from her parents.

Due to certain circumstances, a team member and I had to perform a live voice over of various characters. It was very challenging considering that I had to change my register multiple times. Similar to the translation task, I am amazed that we were able to successfully complete this task as well. haha

Looking back, I believe this has to be the most challenging session to date. However, it is fulfilling to have overcome these challenges. Can't wait to see what the next week in the program brings. :)

[vocaltod]

CVAP WEEK 3: Narration and proper care

Hi everyone! Vocal Tod here writing this blog! We are now onto Week 3! Almost done with the whole training of CVAP ! We are here to discuss about the events and happenings during our week 3 session!

One of the fun week actually!

During the morning session we get to learn how to take care of our voices with the proper care. With the help of the guest for the session, we actually thought it was a live presentation but it was actually a recorded session. Everyone got confused as we thought it was real. It was funny but eventually we realized it was recorded. From there the session continues with talking about proper care. Since I am sick, it did helped me take care of my voice as well (I had coughs most of the time)

With the afternoon session, it was also fun since we get to experience narrating live. Participated most of the time since it was also fun to narrate with a live feedback from the mentors and the guest speaker for the presentation. In summary, week 3 has been fun and exciting experience since we get to try our voices with different types of deliverance and the speed of out voice!

[vocaltod]

CVAP WEEK 2: Know your weapon (Equipment)

Hi everyone, Welcome to Vocal Tod! Apologies to a very late posts about my experiences with CVAP Journey! (Been busy and Sick)

So what are my experiences with my CVAP Week 2? During Week 2 CVAP training, we had discussed about the equipment that we could use for our voice acting career. During the morning discussions, the guest speakers, Sir Navi discussed about different types of mic and their functions, a basic tour with sir Navi inside the studio of CVAP and suggestions of how to have a simple set up.

During the afternoon session we discussed the icon for ourselves in the world of voice acting. We discussed how to have our niche, different range of our voices, pitches, and more that could add more character to our voices.

[nettevoices]

CVAP Highlights - Week 2 (13 January 2024)

Finally made it the second session of CVAP where it was led by another set of amazing trainers, namely, Bryan Dave Perez (Vibryant Voice) and Papa Lem Ferolino (Voice Pappy).

This week's topics are more technical as basic recording equipment, basic audio editing, and how to develop your voice were discussed. In addition, it was inspiring to listen to their stories and how CVAP made an impact to their lives.

One of the highlights for this week was having the opportunity to do some voice over spiels on-the-spot. Listening to our trainers' real-time feedback made it feel as if we were in the booth with guidance from a voice director.

Lastly, "AVAILABILITY is the best ABILITY" is my greatest key takeaway for this week. Hopefully, this will motivate me to find time to complete my assignments. haha!

I am honestly excited to apply my learnings from this session in our assignments for this week!

[geekyvox]

CVAP Week 4. The last but definitely not the least. My thoughts! Here we go!

Sadly, we reached the final point of the program. Well, final point of the academic part of the program I guess. There's still a lot of work to be done especially with our batch recital. Anyway lot of the topics left were very business-centric. Because it talks about service agreements, NDA's, resumes, legalese. All of which are very daunting and intimidating but no less essential. I keep forgetting that we as voice artists are running a business. You're basically selling a service. The service of which is your voice. And if you want to navigate yourself into the minefield that entrepreneurship, branding and marketing, you have to learn these things. I find myself actually interested in listening to it, despite at first glance it being something uninteresting to most people I think. Working in a corporate setting, I'm familiar with some aspects of it. And call me weird, it really was interesting. I guess the thought of having to encounter something like this as a voice artist is an indication that you're on your way to making it. The prospect makes me giddy.

The thing that was most exciting though, was the afternoon session. The live Q&A. I was called first! Oh boy… It's nervewracking to be in the spotlight while they're playing what you think was your magnum opus. My magnum opus so far. Well I thought that was the best of my work. Despite being a nervous wreck, I was excited as well. I was excited to be grilled and dissected and studied. But it was all worth it. I got all the feedback. It was not bad. I think they were mostly good. But I did deserve their common critique. They wanted variety and I should have given that. I was playing it safe. I was playing characters that I was comfortable and confident of doing. I should have picked characters that were outside my range. Tried and played around with it. I'm pretty sure I could have pulled it off but I was really playing safe. More the fool, me! After I was done though, I was sitting back and just enjoyed watching other voicemates and their work. Man, they're good! One or two I didn't expect to shine out adn that was a pleasant surprise.

Which comes to the final part of it all, I am going to miss these people. The four Saturdays spent with them I will remember for the rest of my life. I wish there were more but it has to end. Like all good things. I will keep this page up. And continue to create more content, whatever happens. I'm planning to reach out to my voicemates and maybe do collaborations with some of them. Maybe… Hopefully! And we'll see. More content in the future.

With that, this ends my CVAP Vlog. I'll see if I can do more vlog formats but I really don't know when. But I'll see you guys again. Count on it. Until then, this is JoeFox the GeekyVox telling you to: "Keep on gaming on, gamers!"

[geekyvox]

CVAP WEEK 3 BLOG

Great day, one and all!

CVAP Week 3. My thoughts and everything about it. One word: Awesome!

So Practice, Practice, Practice! Now, since this is my vlog, here we go again, we'll be talking more about me! Well, aside from the obvious which is talking about CVAP. And this topic of constant practice hits home because I am also a martial artist. I practice Japanese Sword Art called Kendo. And there's a thing in Kendo that we call suburi. Which is the act of repeated cutting or doing the cuts over and over and over and over and over and I cant emphasize this enough, OVER AGAIN, until your Sensei tells you to stop or you get tired. The point of the exercise is to do the act until you perfect the form. The path to one perfect strike is through a thousand cuts. I dont know if that's an actual Samurai adage, or I thought that up. I am wise beyond my years! Which I immediately correlate to this CVAP topic. Of course, it's much more complex than doing the cutting motion but the principle remains. It's not a popular principle especially in this time and age where attention span is so short and the thought of doing something over and over again is seen as tiring and boring but this is the reality of mastering and perfecting a craft, whatever it may be. You have to do the work. You have to get used to hearing your voice, you have to exercise those tongue muscles, and also practice as if you have a project by recording samples. Constantly. And I love it because it reflects so much with how Japanese do things. The art of perfecting a craft.

Then there's dubbing! Miss Janeane and Miss Donnah got everyone deeper into the world of dubbing. To be honest, I haven't given dubbing much thought but because of their discussion, it was intriguing. That much I can say. It certainly was very engaging, especially miss Donnah's exercise. Again, I had fun. Which is the whole point. Just have fun.

Then hearing Miss Cham's journey on CVAP actually gave me hope and reassurance. Inspiration as well. Both Miss Janeane's and Miss Cham's story were both inspiring. Miss Cham most especially I can relate. A Cebuano myself, I went through the typhoon Odette, I went through the BM 800 phase. Good Lord! I look back with a tinge of both cringe and nostalgia. I had so many both fond and frustrating memories of BM 800. Frustrating because of the hours I put in trying to make it sound like an expensive, professional microphone. Ugh! I'm also an introvert. And this speaks to me as well, what she was saying, to build up some sort of persona online that is against my nature. And I did that as well.

Lastly, voice care! As a medical professional, I'm very familiar with almost everything put in for voice care. But as a person, who indulges on the finer things in life, it's hard to follow one or two of these tips. But I'll try! I need to! So goodbye cold drinks and sweets. For now at least.

Anyway, that's my thoughts for this weeks vlog. I'll see you guys again, next week! The final week of CVAP classes. Not the final week of CVAP though. Tons still to do after week 4. Oooh boy… I'll see you guys then!