We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dan Marion. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dan below.

Dan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’m still learning to do what I do. That’s the greatest thing about being a voice actor – it’s a never-ending progression of creativity and skill development. I made the mistake at the beginning of thinking all I needed was a good voice and a microphone and I’d start making money in audiobooks. This for the very lucky few is true, but to build a successful (sustainable) career, it’s about honing your craft, seeking professional guidance in areas you are lacking a skillset, practicing, auditioning, practicing some more, and more coaching.

This a journey, not a sprint. And it is a business.

Coaching should include one-on-one coaching, workshops, showcase events, and certainly improv classes. Improv classes help to get you “out of your head” and teach you how to interact and respond, explore your true creative self, and step out of your comfort zone. I believe improv training is one of the greatest weapons in an actor’s arsenal.

Make sure you research your coach and take a few individual sessions before you commit to a coaching package. Not every coach is meant for every student, and a good coach will not tell you everything is going well when it’s really not. As a student, you have to have some thick skin as well. If you cannot take constructive criticism, you won’t do very well coaching, nor will you last very long in the industry.

Learning to observe, being aware of yourself, and skill development should be career-long pursuits. Actors should have multiple coaches throughout their careers. Not every coach is great at everything. Having more than one coach also helps get you out of your comfort zone…the place where success and growth go to die.

Do not let self-doubt or fear of the unknown stand in the way of progress. It stunted my growth early on. So did ego and imposter syndrome. Present confidence, not arrogance. Be humble, learn to know what you don’t know, and seek guidance from others in the industry. It’s a great community and one in which you can always pay it forward.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I actually got into this business out of sheer necessity. I was looking for work, discovered and researched voice overs, and realized my training background may be a good fit. Besides, I was always told I had a great voice…lol.

What sets me apart? My experience in various industries, adaptability, and hard living before I turned to full-time voice acting, is what helped define my distinct voiceprint and my delivery style now. I spent years running construction crews and working in steel shops; spent time as an airport security director before and after 9/11; a terrorism and training officer for various law enforcement and emergency response agencies and worked on global large-scale government defense projects as a Project Manager. I don’t know of too many others who have this background.

In other words, I am as comfortable in the trenches, as I am in the boardroom. I identify and solve problems, establish relationships, and connect with people. It’s who I am and what makes me tick. I pride myself on quality and timeliness, and my reputation was built on my dedication to seeing a project become successful. When I receive a project from a customer, their success is paramount.

I have a natural earthy-toned delivery which makes me just right for a myriad of projects. Customers can expect a distinct voice that is warm and trustworthy, with complex blends of smoky grit and maturity. It is aggressively full-bodied… just like a good bourbon. Hence the moniker of “The Bourbon Voice.”

I’m most proud of what I do when I am not behind the mic – reading to and spending time with my grandchildren. I’ll admit, for as versatile as I am, I still can’t beat my grandson at COD or Fortnite. (Although I’m getting better.)

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

We all use social media platforms every day. Whether it’s out of necessity, research, or simply an addiction. It consumes us, whether we like to admit it or not. How many times do we see beautiful photographs shot by a new photographer or artwork that captivates us, but all we do is like and keep scrolling? Why not contact the creator and see if their work will be shown somewhere, or how you can buy a piece directly from them? Word of mouth is still a relevant concept. Spread the word by sharing content that moves you to help others engage with the creator. Give their hard work and dedication to their craft a chance to be noticed.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

When I get to pay it forward or return an act of kindness to someone who helped me. I have met some wonderful people in this business and I always tell them, “If I can ever be of assistance, please just let me know.” Most of the time the response is, “Just help the next person out.”

It’s one of the reasons I enjoy coaching so much. I truly enjoy watching people learn, grow, and hopefully succeed in their endeavors. There are many great resources out there and people who want to see others succeed. Search them out and utilize their experience.

Then, when you are able…pay it forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebourbonvoice.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bourbonvoice
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebourbonvoice
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmarionvoiceover

Image Credits
Dan Marion Voiceover