In the world of voiceover, having a great voice is only part of the equation. What truly sets you apart is your ability to bring characters to life — not just the ones written for you, but the ones you create yourself. Whether you’re breaking into animation, gaming, audiobooks, or comedy skits, character creation is a game-changer.
Here’s why creating your own characters is one of the most important skills a voice actor can develop:
1. It Showcases Your Range
When you create your own characters, you’re no longer limited to casting calls or typecasting. You get to explore:
- Different vocal tones and accents
- Unique personality traits
- Specific physical quirks (think: the way a pirate limps AND lisps)
This shows potential clients or casting directors what you’re capable of beyond your demo reel.
2. It Sharpens Your Acting Skills
Every great voice actor is also a great actor. Creating a character means building their backstory, motivations, fears, and desires. Even if you’re voicing a talking banana with anxiety issues, giving it depth makes it believable and memorable.
This kind of work strengthens your instincts, emotional delivery, and spontaneity — all crucial for auditions and bookings.
3. It Fuels Original Content
Original characters are goldmines for content creators.
- Want to stand out on TikTok or YouTube?
- Need fresh material for your podcast or live show?
Your own quirky detective, alien barista, or overworked fairy godparent can become a recurring favorite. Comedy, drama, horror — your characters can drive entire storylines.
4. It Builds Your Brand
The entertainment industry thrives on originality. If you’ve got a few signature characters, they can become part of your personal brand. Think of them like mascots:
- They make you more recognizable
- They help audiences connect with your work
- They give people a reason to come back for more
If someone says, “You’re the one who does that gremlin who loves snacks,” you’re already halfway to being remembered — and hired.
5. It Gives You Control
Waiting for auditions can be frustrating. But when you create your own characters, you’re not waiting — you’re building. You can:
- Make your own sketches
- Animate your own shorts
- Record character monologues for your reel
- Sell or pitch them to shows, games, or production studios
It’s empowering. It’s proactive. It’s how you turn “aspiring” into “working.”
Final Thoughts: Let Your Imagination Be Your Casting Director
Creating your own characters means you’re never boxed in. You can be a dragon one day, a cranky grandmother the next, and a toaster with commitment issues by Friday.
In a competitive industry, originality is your superpower. So dream big, go weird, get wild — and give your characters a voice only you can bring to life.
Need help developing characters?
Start small. Give a voice to your pet, your coffee mug, or that weird neighbor you only see at midnight. Then grow from there. The more you play, the stronger your voiceover muscle becomes.
Happy creating — and keep talking to yourself (it’s called practice)!
Written by Kristine Knowlton – actor, voice artist, and lover of oddball characters with heart.