CVAP Day 2 - July 17, 2021
Time, Talent and Treasure.
Days went by and we were already scheduled for our second workshop. The tasks given for Week 1 were a little overwhelming especially for working parents like me. But there was no backing out. We had to do our part, and we definitely gained more than what we expected.
Last Saturday’s workshop was about knowing the type of voice that you have, how to take care of it, and in finding your niche in the industry. It was an inspiring presentation given by Joshua Simeon, a CVAP graduate and full time Voice Over Artist. Investing on the 3 Ts - Time, Talent and Treasure was an important takeaway from his talk. Sometimes we find too many excuses and easily forgive ourselves when we are not able to accomplish what we want. And it’s just proper that we are reminded of the “best time” to accomplish - and that is Today. Yesterday and Tomorrow are not here, only Today. So Time is equivalent to the one we have right in this very instance. This made me think about sacrificing your precious time, like rest and relaxation. Some days will be harder, and we need to accept that wholeheartedly. Indeed, all these sacrifices will all be worth it once we already see our output and once we achieve the breakthroughs that we will have very soon.
For me, Talent and Treasure go hand in hand. We can never have Talent only. Treasures pertaining to the basic equipment, big ideas, support group - are ALL necessary. Talent can only mean something when we know how to maximize and nurture our own treasures. We have to put equal importance to these because ultimately, talent in Voice Artistry is useless when we don’t have the tools to bring it to life, when we are demotivated to create content or when we don’t have anybody who’s willing enough to even listen or view what we have. When that happens, Talent will only be contained within the four walls of our bathroom as we often sing or act during a shower. That’s why it’s very important to invest not just on good equipment but also in relationships and friendships that we hold dear. Our friends and family will be our first likers, followers and supporters. The way we treat others affects how we will be given value in return.
This leads us now to the next important factors in Voice Artistry after Talent and Treasures. We now have to tackle branding and finding your niche. Miss Nickie, the Program Director of CVAP shared that there are two types of Voice Artists, namely Voice Over and Character Voice. In the process of discovering our vocal potential, we will learn that there may be a specific market or group of clients where our style and brand is most fitted. We cannot just spread ourselves too thin. Sometimes our brand won’t work or is already obsolete, irrelevant and distasteful. It always happens. An open mind and heart is most necessary in these times. Then we have to ask ourselves where we could start marketing our talent. When we are able to trim down that big idea into a more defined brand, then we have better chances in getting contracted to do what we do best. It would take time before we land our first contract. But with a proper brand or identity that will guide and best feature our capabilities, it wouldn’t be too long for sure.
Perhaps my most favorite part of last Saturday’s workshop would be the “Voice Care” segment. As a professional singer, I have always made sure that my voice gets the best care it deserves. Biologically true and as what is taught in Music school, a woman’s vocal potential will peak between the ages of 30 to 40. So for me, now is the best time to both perform and take care of the talent that I have. Although there are times when we find ourselves guilty of indulging in the “forbidden cold drinks, lack of rest, coffee and spicy food”, it is still best that we are aware of our limits in order to preserve what God has unselfishly given us. Voice care should be more like a natural routine rather than a difficult obligation when we enter this industry. It is the kind of discipline that we must love and embrace for as long as we are a Voice Artist. After all, we will no longer be talking about all these when our vocal cords become damaged and forever retired (knock on wood). It can happen to anyone, young and old. Waking up to that is inevitable. But that is a nightmare that we can all avoid.
Naddie May Tejam
Oak Park, Illinois
07/19/21
