What was your first taster of voice over work?

A few very fun radio commercials for a radio station in the Rocky Mountains. They included everything from a rental store to a spa. The copy was fun and well written which made it fun to voice. Around the same time I wrote, recorded and edited (including adding background music) a message on hold project for a phone system for a cat clinic in Roswell, Georgia, USA.

What has been your favourite voice over job to date and why?

I had the opportunity to voice a 150th. anniversary video for North Dakota State University. This three-and-a-half to four minute video talked about how NDSU started as a land grant university, how it has developed throughout history and where it is headed in the future. As I was born and raised in North Dakota, USA and being that I am a big believer in education, I was honored to be a part of such a well done, professional project.

If you had to pick one style which you feel represents you best what would it be?

A combination of narration and commercials. I like to bring a bright yet warm tone to the projects I voice — to bring the copy to life with authenticity and a sincere smile (like you are talking to your best friend).

When it comes to copy that needs a somewhat more formal and professional approach (technical narration, educational voice over projects), I use a tone that is still approachable yet intelligent, but not stuffy. My background in science (meteorology), helps to bring sincere knowledge to more technical scripts.

Have you been involved in anything interesting lately? 

I am grateful to be working with an ongoing client in which I voice a radio ad or two each month for a bank.

Recently I worked on a high altitude gardening show with a radio station in the Colorado mountains. The show’s content was specific to gardeners living at altitudes of 8,000 to 8,500 feet. I worked in collaboration with a man from the local botanical gardens and a great woman from the radio station. Each week a new show was written and then recorded in my studio. The final mix (with promos for the sponsors and music) was then played twice per week on the station.

Any advice for aspiring voice overs?

Take classes and get educated in the performance and business of voice acting. Acting, improv, voice acting and business classes are essential to build a strong foundation and a “tool box” of your unique skills that you can then market to clients. Then keep at it with perseverance and an “I can do this” attitude. Voice over is most certainly a marathon, not a sprint. Practice, hone your skills, build relationships with clients and other voice actors and continue to take classes even once your business is established. And…have fun!

Anything else you would like to let us know?

Renewable energy and the environment are very important to me. No, I’m certainly not perfect but I do what I can (recycle, use canvas shopping bags and the like). My home studio is fitted with efficient LED light bulbs and is powered by renewable energy (from the wind) thanks to a Skystream 3.7 wind turbine that we have on our property.

To hear Judy’s voice go here