Just before the world turned upside down with the pandemic, my Dad passed away. Sometimes I think he timed it that way—quietly bowing out before the chaos took hold. That would be fitting. He was thoughtful like that. Measured. Wise. A lifelong educator who loved learning as much as he loved sharing what he knew. From elementary school classrooms to university lecture halls, his curiosity was boundless. But even more than that, he was a man who believed deeply in the importance of doing what you love.
He worked harder than anyone I’ve ever known, but he never complained. He infused everything he did with purpose and a quiet joy. He also had the kind of humor that didn’t demand attention but somehow always became the center of the room—sharp, warm, and human. His advice? Simple: “Do what you love, and do it well. And if today doesn’t go your way, there’s always another shot tomorrow.”
Those words stuck. They’ve shaped how I approach my work and life, especially in the world of voiceover. So much so that I decided to honor him with a tattoo—his handwriting inked into my skin, spelling out his motto: “Carpe diem.” Seize the day.
The design also includes a sunrise, a nod to another piece of wisdom he gave my siblings and me whenever we were having a rough time: “The sun will come up tomorrow.” Also, his passion for being out in nature, and a nod to the family cabin he built.
Getting that tattoo turned into a much more meaningful experience than I expected. Dan, the tattoo artist, created this design. We spent some time talking—not just about ink, but about life, passion, and what it means to commit yourself to something you truly love. We’re at opposite ends of our professional timelines, but I was struck by how similar our core values were: do what you love, keep improving, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
That conversation got me thinking about how this all ties into the voiceover industry—and really, into any career where passion fuels the work.
- Do What You Love
This isn’t just Instagram-meme advice. It’s real. Voice acting isn’t a career you fall into by accident—it’s something you commit to because you’re drawn to the rhythm of language, the challenge of delivering emotion through sound alone, the art of making words matter. Doing what you love doesn’t mean every day is easy or fun, but it means the hard days are still worth it.
- Strive to Be the Best at What You Do
Dad never said “be perfect.” He said, “do it to the best of your ability.” That subtle difference makes all the difference. Whether I’m recording a national ad campaign or a local PSA, I aim to deliver my best work. That means ongoing training, coaching, and being open to feedback. Dan, the tattoo artist, mentioned how he still studies techniques and trends—even after years of experience. That kind of dedication to craft is something I think we can all admire and emulate.
- Stay Humble, and Listen
Ego has no place in lasting success. In voiceover, you’re constantly learning—about tone, pacing, style, clients, and even yourself. I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing directors, producers and coaches who’ve helped me stretch in ways I never imagined. I’ve also had to learn when to shut up and listen. My Dad was a master of that. He could sit quietly in a room, soaking in the conversation, and then offer one perfect insight that changed the whole vibe. He led not by being the loudest voice but by being the most grounded.
- Be Flexible (Even When It’s Hard)
This one’s a tough one—for me, at least. I like structure. I like to know what’s coming. But life, like voiceover, rarely works that way. Schedules change. Clients pivot. Sessions get canceled or rewritten. And sometimes, you just have an off day. My Dad’s mantra that “there’s always another opportunity tomorrow” has been my lifeline more than once. Flexibility isn’t about giving up control—it’s about trusting your ability to adapt, to bounce back, and to keep going.
- Have Fun—Laughter Is Underrated
Let’s be real: this industry can be intense. Deadlines, rejection, self-doubt—they come with the territory. That’s why humor matters. My Dad was, hands down, the funniest person in the room—and not because he tried to be. He just had this way of finding joy, even in the hard stuff. That kind of lightness is a skill, and I try to carry that into every session. A laugh at the beginning of a session can set the tone. A smile can be heard in your voice. It’s not about being a comedian—it’s about remembering why you started in the first place: because this is supposed to be creative AND fun.
In many ways, this post is a belated Father’s Day tribute. A thank-you note, written in voiceover auditions, sessions and tattoo ink. My Dad’s legacy wasn’t just in what he taught, but in how he lived. He didn’t chase prestige. He didn’t stress over outcomes. He showed up, EVERY DAY, with curiosity, purpose, and heart.
So, wherever you are in your journey—whether you’re just starting out or decades deep—take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you doing what you love? Are you giving it your best? Are you staying open, humble, and kind? Are you laughing?
And if today’s tough, don’t worry. The sun will come up tomorrow.
Now go—Carpe diem.
Pops guiding the way for a two year old me! ❤️Andy
