End of the Year Reflection for Voice Actors

We’re two weeks into 2025. Time flies, I know. But it still isn’t too late to do a reflection of what has worked and what hasn’t in 2024. We need to process last year before this year flies on by, so let’s see how you can reflect as a voice actor.

Highlight Your Achievements

First, what did you do right this year? You may have scored a big job and are over the moon with that. If you’re starting, the fact that you got a couple of gigs here and there may have made you happy.

As you look at these achievements, ask yourself some questions. First, what did you learn from these wins? Did you have a specific reel or talent that won the day? Did you write a killer cover letter? What was the standout performance that gives you goosebumps every time you listen to it again?

I believe you should do this first, as everyone loves to think about what they didn’t do right— “Oh if only I had done this or that.” Being critical is important, but we tend to overlook the good.

The Feedback from Clients

Review your client communications and highlight the times the client has praised your work. What are some commonalities among the praise? For instance, the client may have loved your range or how deep your voice can get. If you see recurring themes in the feedback, you may start focusing on gigs that let you take full advantage of your strengths.

Of course, constructive criticism is also important. I’m not talking about a client from hell who told you that your performance “Sucks.” You can forget that person. Instead, look to the clients, who say, “Great, but…” What are some common criticisms that you get? When you find them, how can you strengthen your weaknesses? In some cases, your flaws will be there forever. For example, there are some voices that you can’t do. Looking for gigs that let you take advantage of your strengths while avoiding your weaknesses could be the best move.

Looking at Your Earnings

Look, we all don’t like to talk about salary, but it’s important to look at how much you made this year. Sometimes, your voice acting is part of a passive income, but if you look at your earnings, you may find that it’s eclipsing your day job.

If that’s the case, you should invest more time into being a voice talent. On the other hand, if you’re not making too much, you should still pursue your goal but not make too big of a jump, too.

You should also look at your investments. If you’re a voice performer, you probably spent a good amount on studio equipment or online advertisement. You may have found that you spent too much upgrading your studio or on ads. If that’s the case, look for ways to spend your dollar smarter, not harder. For example, your online ads may not be focused on the niches you excel in. On the other hand, it’s possible that you didn’t spend enough. If you have the money to make your mic better or to give yourself a bigger studio, you should go for it!

Look At Your Networking and Social Media

How much networking did you do last year? Did you go to conferences, follow a bunch of fellow voice actors, and reach out to them often? Did you collect actors on your social media like stamps and have them just sit there? If so, how can you be better with your outreach next year?

It also goes both ways. How often did you post on social media or create content that others will engage with? For example, if you have a YouTube channel where you upload your demo reels, how often do you do that? If you posted plenty, how can you optimize it to have it trend in the algorithm?

Setting Clear Goals for 2025

Goals

The problem with setting goals is that we are often vague about what we want to do. For example, you may say, “I want to land better gigs.” Okay, great. However, these goals are not clear and measurable.

One way is to write down how much you want to earn this year and the scope of the project you want. Be realistic; you probably won’t be a millionaire this year, but if you are, then great. Write down the skills you want to improve as well, and have a plan to improve.

This is common sense goal-building, but many folks don’t set clear enough goals. Or if they do, they don’t track their progress and reward themselves when they achieve them. If you’re falling behind your goals, how can you catch up?

Upgrades

You don’t need to upgrade your studio if it doesn’t need it or if it will put you in the hole. But if there’s a piece of equipment you want to buy, you may start tracking it online to look for discounts. Sometimes, a new version comes out, making the last one more affordable. This is a good time for you to look at your studio and think about what doable changes you can make. Can you buy more soundproofing? Can you buy a better computer that processes audio better? Have two lists: a wish list and a need list. Prioritize what you need, and if you can get what you wish for this year, that’s a cherry on top.

Self-Care

If you feel like you worked too much last year, how can you work less and earn more this year? In some cases, this means being on social media less and spending your time wisely. In other cases, it means setting up reasonable boundaries with your client. You may have hours when you’re available and not answer messages past midnight. Setting boundaries can end up giving your clients better work, as this helps avoid that pesky burnout.

Now, get to review, and tell us what you want to improve!