Hello, I go by the name Ann Nicole online. I’m an indie animator and artist, although I do voice acting part time. I have about 10 years of experience in the field and I do work for channels on Youtube like Man on the Internet and Fanfickle Entertainment as a voice actor and I do a lot of voices for the English dub of the Russian show Metal Family.
All of my social media links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/kolormixstudios
1) What inspired you to become a voice actor?
I always enjoy being an actor and I’m a big fan of animation. In fact, I work in the animation industry in multiple ways, not just voice acting. But when hearing amazing performances in animated shows and movies I grew up in, it definitely sparked a fascination in a type of acting that has stuck around my entire life.
2) Can you describe your process for preparing for a voice acting role?
I don’t have much of a process other than just jumping into it. It may not be the best or most professional, but just going for it usually works for me. I just make sure I have a full bottle of water, tabs for different documents or scripts open and go into it one at a time. I usually start with smaller or less demanding roles so I’m able to do more quickly.
3) What has been your biggest challenge as a voice actor and how have you overcome it?
For me, it’s definitely a lack of confidence. I get very scared when auditioning since I have a major inferiority complex and imposter syndrome. Many other VAs are going for the same role, and a lot are more known than me. It’s definitely terrifying and it actually stops me from auditioning a decent amount of time. I have gotten better however, even if it’s still an obstacle I face.
4) Can you tell us about a particularly memorable project you’ve worked on and why it stands out to you?
Oh gosh, there are many that stand out to me, but I think the one I’ll talk about is Janus for Man on the Internet’s Chrono Trigger the Musical. It was a pretty minor role, but it stands out because it was the first big project I got brought on for, and because of that I met many amazing people with some wonderful opportunities since then.
5) How do you handle the pressure of performing in front of a microphone?
Getting a bit more comfortable in the role, whether it be rehearsing the script or audition lines or doing a bit of improv as the character before recording, definitely helps lessen the pressure.
6) Can you share any advice for aspiring voice actors just starting out in the industry?
Rejection is a very normal thing, but you are just as valid as the voice actor going for the same role. You will find roles that fit you and you enjoy doing. Embrace them, no matter how big or small it is. And if you are typecast as specific roles, embrace them. There’s nothing wrong with being typecast since it shows you’re very good at a specific type of role. It gives you more confidence and stability.
7) Can you tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a new character or voice?
So for Metal Family, I am the English voice actress for the side character Anna. She is such a specific voice due to being a specific mix of sexy femme fatale and cynical badass. When I first recorded for her, the director and I spent a while trying to get the voice down before we finally reached a good blend. The overall session took about two hours but it definitely was worth it in the end.
8) How do you stay motivated and engaged during long recording sessions?
I take breaks in between to regain energy (about 5-10 minutes depending on how demanding the work is) and I take it one step at a time. Worry about a page at a time. And if it’s too long, come back to it another day with a fresh voice.
9) Can you tell us about an experience you had while working on a project where you had to improvise or come up with an unexpected solution?
I mean I could talk about the insanity known as my D&D career. But in all seriousness, I do remember one intriguing moment. I had recorded lines for an Undertale comic dub (I was Frisk/Chara) and the weekend after I went to a friend’s out to sleep over for a few nights. During then, I got a message from the one who was doing the dub that I was missing a few lines and they needed them before the weekend was over. Thankfully my friend had a mic that was of similar quality to mine at the time, and when we had a moment to relax at her house I recorded those lines and sent them the director’s way. The quality was a bit noticeable because of the different rooms and set ups but it thankfully wasn’t painfully obvious.
10) Can you share a funny or interesting story from your time as a voice actor?
Oh I got a good little one. So years ago I auditioned for an original audio drama that sadly never saw the light of day. I auditioned for the main character and for a side character. It was just the MC for the first time, which was a fantastical teenage girl, and the director loved it. However, I decided to go for a side character who was an older haughty rich woman and the wife of the villain, and I went over the top for fun. Well it turns out the director loved that even more and cast me as the rich woman. Suffice to say I was laughing about that for a bit. It’s a shame it did die off because that was a really fun role to record for.
11) Can you share your favorite voice acting moment or performance?
I’ve done a lot of really cool performances, but I think one of my favorites is Dark Samus for Man on the Internet. It was a very different type of voice but singing as a villainous alien for a franchise that is near and dear to my heart, it was absolutely great. And considering it’s one of my most well known roles as well definitely gives it a few extra points.
12) Can you tell us about a voice acting project you turned down and why?
I don’t turn down many but there was a Sonic project I was a part of (I think it was an audio drama?) that I turned down because at the time I needed money and it wasn’t paying. It doesn’t happen often and so the details are fuzzy when it does.
13) How do you keep your voice in good condition for voice acting?
I try to not record every day, which is thankfully pretty easy since this is more of a part time job for me. Drinking a lot of room temperature water also helps and vocal exercises keep it active and in good shape.
14) Can you tell us about a time when you had to take on a role that was completely different from what you were used to?
I have done a decent amount of roles that were very different. I think one that stands out was doing Ada Wong from Resident Evil in a series of comic dubs for a good friend of mine. While I have done more sultry voices in the past, they aren’t my strongest suit and I almost never do them. However it was really nice to play a femme fatale and a character I very much enjoy, and the fact that others found my performance to be great definitely helped give a confidence boost.
15) What are your thoughts on All Ages of Geek and what can we improve on to make it a better platform?
I am very new to All Ages of Geek, so I cannot say much. However, I do like the overall feeling the website and brand has and I am definitely going to be checking out more once I get the chance.
16) Where can people find you online?
I’m the most active on Youtube and Twitter, with Kolor Mix Studios being my brand and company. I also have a personal Twitter (@/KMSKylieAnn) if anyone wishes to reach out to me or check out what else I do.
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