Is VoiceOver Your Passion Project or Profession?
- Anne Ganguzza
- Aug 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
with Lau Lapides
BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and Lau Lapides join forces in this episode of the VO Boss Podcast for another installment of their Boss Superpower Series. They tackle a topic often considered taboo in the voice acting industry: voiceover as a hobby.
This discussion explores whether pursuing voice acting without the pressure of a full-time income carries a stigma. The episode delves into concerns about hobbyists "taking away" jobs, examines the true meaning of commitment, and highlights how to embrace a voiceover journey for pure creative joy, whether it's a primary career or a cherished passion. Listeners will discover why being a BOSS means defining success on one's own terms.
In this episode of the VO BOSS podcast, Anne Ganguzza and Lau Lapides dive into a topic that often flies under the radar: pursuing voiceover as a hobby. Is there a stigma attached to not going full-time? Are hobbyists really taking jobs from professionals, or is there space for different levels of passion and purpose in the industry? Anne and Lau unpack the myths, challenge assumptions, and explore what it really means to commit to voiceover—whether it’s your career, your creative outlet, or something in between.
Chapter Summaries
The Taboo of Voiceover as a Hobby
(01:56) Anne and Lau confront the "taboo topic" of voiceover as a hobby. The discussion addresses the common concern that hobbyists might be perceived as "taking away jobs" from full-time professionals, noting the disdain often shown in online forums.
Best Person Wins: Challenging the "Job-Stealing" Myth
(04:01) Lau strongly asserts that hobbyists do not "take away" jobs. She argues that the voiceover market is meritocratic ("best person wins the game") and that a capitalistic market cannot be controlled. An analogy of a retired electrician doing a job for free is provided, emphasizing that relationships often dictate work, not just competition.
Discovering Your Voiceover Path
(05:53) Anne shares experiences with students who initially pursued voiceover but later realized it wasn't as enjoyable or aligned with their expectations, sometimes leading them to pursue it as a hobby or even discontinue it. This segment highlights that self-discovery is part of the creative journey.
Voiceover as an Art Form: Beyond the Paycheck
(06:47) Lau equates voiceover to other art forms like painting or dancing, arguing that the intrinsic value lies in creative expression, not just monetization. The discussion suggests that limiting voice acting solely to a job misses its potential as an art form for personal growth and communication skills.
The Journey of Self-Discovery in Voiceover
(07:31) Anne emphasizes that voiceover is fundamentally a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration. The hosts highlight how life experiences, including other passions, enrich one's voiceover work and overall personal growth.
Labeling: Detrimental to Your Voiceover Career
(10:19) Lau discusses the human tendency to label and categorize others' careers and commitment levels. She cautions against blindly following prescribed paths for voiceover success, stressing that individual commitment and point of view should define one's unique journey, not external labels.
Requirements for Part-Time Voiceover?
(11:33) Anne and Lau discuss whether part-time voiceover talent must adhere to the same requirements (training, demos, etc.) as full-time professionals. Lau argues that requirements are only necessary if one aims for a specific career level, and a hobbyist's expectations can (and should) be different.
The Investment in Passion: Hobby vs. Profession
(12:26) Anne draws on her personal history with horse riding to illustrate how hobbies can be deeply invested, both in time and money, regardless of professional aspirations. She challenges the negative perception of DIY voiceover or "internet instruction," advocating for supporting all paths of exploration.
Hobbyist Mindset vs. Professional Work Ethic
(16:00) Lau distinguishes between genuine hobbyists and those who think they want a full-time career but aren't ready for the necessary commitment and work. She stresses that aspiring professionals must be honest about their willingness to put in the immense effort required, contrasting it with a hobbyist's focus on joy over outcome.
Money as a Motivator vs. The Luster of Art
(26:26) The conversation touches upon the role of money in voiceover. While acknowledging money can be a motivator and feels good to earn from something loved, both Anne and Lau agree it shouldn't overshadow the initial passion, as it can easily cause one to "lose the luster" of the art form.
Top 10 Takeaways
Embrace Voiceover as a Hobby:
It's completely valid to pursue voice acting for creative fulfillment and joy, not solely as a primary income source.
Hobbyists Don't "Steal" Jobs:
The market is competitive, and relationships often influence bookings. Focus on your own growth rather than fearing "job loss" from others.
Voiceover is an Art Form:
Like painting or dancing, voice acting can be pursued purely for creative expression and personal development, beyond financial gain.
Self-Discovery is Key:
Your voiceover journey is a path of learning about yourself, your communication style, and your unique creative outlets.
Beware of Labeling:
Don't let others' rigid definitions of a "successful voiceover career" dictate your path or commitment level. Define your own success.
Requirements Depend on Goals:
Training and demos are crucial for a professional voice acting career, but a hobbyist's needs might differ based on their objectives.
Investment Varies by Passion:
Hobbies, like competitive sports, can be expensive and demand significant time investment, just like a professional pursuit.
Honesty About Commitment:
Aspiring full-time voice actors must be realistic about the immense work, time, and business acumen required beyond just performing.
Don't Lose the Luster:
While money is a valid motivator, prioritize your passion for the art of voiceover to avoid burnout and maintain creative joy.
Be a BOSS on Your Own Terms:
Whether voiceover is pursued full-time or part-time, strive for excellence and self-fulfillment to truly "rock your business like a BOSS."
Referenced in this Episode
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