There’s a much tossed about phrase in entertainment that goes something like this; “When you start moving up be sure to send the elevator back down.” It’s technically a phrase used across all working environments but it’s especially poignant in entertainment. If you find some success make sure you help reveal a path for others trying to do the same thing.
We wanted to end the year showcasing a talent that has not only sent the elevator back down, she’s built her own elevator and is showing everyone exactly what buttons to push.
Having provided voice work on such games as Borderlands 3, Warframe, and Paladins, and anime’s like Black Clover, Goblin Slayer, and Princess Principal, Messer has covered enough variety in the voice industry to help anyone with any goal, and she does. The classes she offers aren’t just beneficial, they’re also unique.
The path from “here” to “made it” is foggy at best and downright stormy at worst. Messer spoke with me earlier this year to help shed some light on the process and work flow of voice acting.
So I’ve known a few voice actors and I’ve noticed a similar theme. They all have a project they’re extremely proud of, but ended up never being released, (either because it was cancelled or lost funding etc). So first question; Is there a piece of work you’re really proud of that no one will ever hear? And can you tell us anything about it?
It can sometimes be hard to figure out which projects truly get canceled. As an actor, on occasion you’re told when by the creator, but most projects go on “hiatus.” Sometimes they actually come back, but rarely.
I can say that some things I’ve been really proud of are improv lines or jokes that didn’t make it into the final project, but those are the things that come to mind with lines I wish made it into the end product!
You’re a really active advocate for people who are early career or just trying to get their food in the door. Is that something you wish you had more of when you were starting? Or something the voice industry needs to get better at?
It’s a bit of what I wish I had more of, and while the industry has some resources out there, I think they aren’t as easy to find.
When I was starting out, I didn’t know anyone in the industry. I only had books to go off of for resources. There were of course workshops, but many were in person. The closest I could find was an 8 hour drive from me, a weekend long class, and over $600. That plus hotel and travel, while being a broke college student, it wasn’t something I could afford to try at the time on something that I considered a hobby back then. What if I wasn’t good at voice over? I’d also taken up tennis the previous year and become bored with that, would I become bored with this as well and regret having spent over a grand for a weekend? I promised myself then that if I did somehow become a professional, I was going to teach for prices college students could afford, as well as teach online so anyone could take part. And that’s also why I teach now.
The industry does have a lot of resources out there. I’ve learned this from years of voice over and meeting others who offer resources. I think the problem is, a lot of people don’t know they are out there. Lots of voice actors speak at conventions about getting started in voice acting, I wrote blogs and have videos, and some of the other voice actors I know have videos. The problem is that many of these videos aren’t promoted well. They aren’t the first thing you see when you google “How to be a voice actor” or “Voice acting videos“. So they get buried and hard to find. There are also a lot of scams about getting into voice over, just like there are with music or really any creative field. If you’re getting started and make the easy mistake of signing up with a scammer, it can dampen your entire outlook on voice over and you’ll give up.
It feels like in general the scams are getting incredibly bad across all creative fields (as you said). Are there any specific red-flags you notice that signal someone as a scammer?
Easiest one is to look up the teacher. Make sure they have actually done what they claim. Not just a website that says “John has been in so-and-so” but actual video proof.
Looking at your body of work you’ve been involved in a mountain of successful games/animation projects. Other than money, what factors go into your decision to go for a role or not read for it? If every role offered four bajillion dollars how would you set them apart?
Artwork and character play a huge part! If the artwork looks beautiful, I’m more likely to accept a part. As well as how interesting the character is. A character with an arc and character growth is more than maybe a NPC shop keeper who’s lines are along the “Good evening, Safe Travels” type.
Just once I’d love to hear someone Ad Lib an NPC like, “Hey I’ve had a rough day all this crap is 99% off what do you want?”
You’re probably asked this a lot, but in the creative industry there’s always a large debate between what’s more valuable, hustle or talent? Do you tend to learn that one is slightly more important?
I am asked this a lot actually. Its normally Talent or hustle/ education/ attitude” The last one is always changing but the answer remains the same: All of them. An actor with talent yet no ability to market themselves will lose out to an actor with talent who knows how to showcase what they bring to a project. An actor who hasn’t honed their talent or skill, yet has a brilliant social media presence, will lose out to a better actor with less of a following.
There are exceptions to these rules, but they are common rules for a reason 99% of the time, they work every time but one doesn’t win out over the other. You need all of them to help you secure more roles, then you don’t lack in any of the fields.
When working in gaming I’m assuming there’s a lot of roles where you’re essentially reading a large string of one-liners. Do you give those characters your own nuance or spin, or expand on backstory to help your delivery?
It’s actually very rare that I’ve been multiple characters with 1 line. I can think of maybe one project in 10 years where I had 2-3 lines per character and had to voice multiple characters, but it still wasn’t 1 line but a couple and each character had their own personalities.
Can you mention a few of the resources you provide that we can point our listeners/readers to?
Absolutely! I have a QNA about getting started, misconceptions, and what many people may need: https://www.sunnybluestudios.com/beginner-info
You can also find me or reach out to me through:
Twitter: @RachaelMesser
Instagram: @Rachaelmesser
Email: Rachael@Rachaelmesser.com
And I have Live AMAs about voice acting on my Twitch Channel https://www.twitch.tv/rachaelmesser
Nathan is co-host and co-creator of The Splash Damage Bros. Podcast and can always be found near the Shinra #1 Reactor.
Splash Damage 
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I
to find It really useful & it helped me out much. I’m hoping to
give one thing back and help others such as you helped
me.
LikeLike
Very shortly this site will be famous among all blogging and site-building people, due to it’s good posts
LikeLike
What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how about unexpected emotions.
LikeLike
I’m really enjoying the design and layout
of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much
more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did
you hire out a designer to create your theme?
Outstanding work!
LikeLike
First of all I want to say great blog! I had a quick question which
I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested
to find out how you center yourself and clear your head
prior to writing. I’ve had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out.
I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted just
trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
Thank you!
LikeLike
Aw, this was a very nice post. Spending some
time and actual effort to produce a superb article… but what can I say…
I procrastinate a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
LikeLike
Thank you, I’ve just been searching for info about this topic for a while and yours is the best I’ve came upon till now.
However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are
you positive about the supply?
LikeLike
Great beat ! I would like to apprentice even as you amend your web
site, how can i subscribe for a weblog website?
The account aided me a appropriate deal. I have been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast provided bright transparent concept
LikeLike
This article will assist the internet viewers for creating new website or even a weblog from start to end.
LikeLike
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
LikeLike
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but
I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking
forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
LikeLike
Hi there colleagues, how is the whole thing, and what you would like to
say concerning this article, in my view its in fact awesome for me.
LikeLike
I blog often and I truly thank you for your content.
This article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to take
a note of your site and keep checking for new information about once a week.
I opted in for your RSS feed too.
LikeLike
Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve take note your stuff prior to and
you’re simply too fantastic. I really like what you’ve got right
here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which during which you
assert it. You are making it enjoyable and you still care for to stay it wise.
I can’t wait to learn far more from you. That is really a terrific site.
LikeLike
You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the article
you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe.
Always go after your heart.
LikeLike
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content
seem to be running off the screen in Safari. I’m not sure if this is a
format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know.
The design look great though! Hope you get the issue solved
soon. Many thanks
LikeLike
Your style is unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from.
Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.
LikeLike
Hi my family member! I wish to say that this article
is amazing, nice written and come with approximately all important infos.
I would like to peer extra posts like this .
LikeLike
Informative article, just what I was looking for.
LikeLike
I was pretty pleased to discover this web site.
I want to to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!!
I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and I
have you saved to fav to look at new stuff on your website.
LikeLike
Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this website daily, this web site is really
nice and the people are really sharing nice thoughts.
LikeLike
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering why the other specialists of this sector do not realize
this. You must proceed your writing. I’m sure, you have a great
readers’ base already!
LikeLike
What’s up, after reading this awesome piece of writing i am as well cheerful to share my experience here with colleagues.
LikeLike
Howdy! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering
which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers
and I’m looking at options for another platform.
I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
LikeLike
Hello to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this website; this website consists of remarkable and genuinely excellent information for visitors.
LikeLike
This is very attention-grabbing, You are an excessively skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to searching for extra
of your magnificent post. Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks
LikeLike
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
on. Any suggestions?
LikeLike
Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no data backup.
Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?
LikeLike
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and
sources back to your blog? My website is in the very same niche
as yours and my users would definitely benefit from
some of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this okay with you. Appreciate it!
LikeLike
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both
equally educative and entertaining, and let me tell you,
you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that too few people are speaking intelligently about.
I am very happy I found this in my hunt for something regarding this.
LikeLike
Article writing is also a excitement, if you be familiar with then you can write if not it is difficult to
write.
LikeLike
That is really attention-grabbing, You’re a very professional blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and stay up for seeking more of your great post.
Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks
LikeLike
It’s really a cool and helpful piece of information. I
am happy that you just shared this helpful info with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Thank you
LikeLike
Fine way of explaining, and good post to get information on the topic of my presentation subject,
which i am going to convey in college.
LikeLike
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?
LikeLike
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you need to publish more on this topic, it may not be
a taboo matter but generally folks don’t talk about such issues.
To the next! Best wishes!!
LikeLike
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody
else know such detailed about my difficulty. You’re wonderful!
Thanks!
LikeLike
What’s up to every one, the contents present at this
web page are genuinely awesome for people knowledge, well, keep up the good work fellows.
LikeLike
Why users still use to read news papers when in this technological globe all is available on net?
LikeLike
Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a
tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different
then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
LikeLike
Awesome issues here. I’m very happy to peer your post. Thanks a lot and I am
taking a look forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me
a e-mail?
LikeLike
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over
that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably
come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
LikeLike
I couldn’t resist commenting. Perfectly written!
LikeLike
When some one searches for his vital thing, therefore he/she wants to be available that in detail, therefore
that thing is maintained over here.
LikeLike
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as
no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You’re amazing!
Thanks!
LikeLike
Spot on with this write-up, I truly feel this website needs far more attention. I’ll
probably be returning to read more, thanks for the information!
LikeLike
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here
by searching for website
LikeLike
I’m extremely pleased to find this web site. I want to to thank you for ones time just for this fantastic read!!
I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have you saved to fav to look at new information on your blog.
LikeLike
I for all time emailed this weblog post page
to all my friends, as if like to read it afterward my contacts will too.
LikeLike