Because even the best home studio can’t replace human connection.
The Solitude Trap of Creative Freelancing
One of the main reasons I started my podcasts, Freelance Fitness and Pigiste pas Figiste, besides needing to be constantly reminded of all this good advice myself, was to build community. So if you ever come across me in a studio, workshop, conference, or event — please say hi! I’d love to chat. The real challenge is usually getting me to stop.
But let’s be honest: making friends or even casual work acquaintances as an adult can be hard. Freelancing can be a lonely job, especially for voice actors.
Our job is literally to sit in a small padded room and talk to ourselves. Even when I go record in-studio, I’m escorted into my own little soundproof booth while everyone else gathers in the next room. If I’m lucky, there’s a window so I can see them. Sometimes, not even that. Glamorous, right?
Writers, designers, animators, illustrators — you probably get it. Long hours, headphones on, no coworkers in sight. And many of us actually prefer it that way. As freelancers, we have to be comfortable managing our own time, staying organized, and working independently. But even if you thrive on solitude, you still need connection for your mental health, creativity, and confidence.
Why Connection Fuels Your Voiceover Business
You and I both know that meeting with clients doesn’t count. Chatting during a recording session isn’t the same as real connection, not when there’s a contract in between. Sure, it’s friendly. But you also need interaction that’s not tied to deliverables or invoices.
When you connect with other voice actors or creative freelancers outside of work, you get more than just company — you get perspective. It’s easier to stay inspired, exchange tips about the VO industry, and learn new ways to market your freelance voiceover business.
Socializing also changes your “face” Not the fake smile kind, but the energy you bring into your sessions, your auditions, and your community. It’s about intentional presence: showing up grounded, confident, and real.
And for women in creative industries especially, it’s powerful to claim space. To show up fully and unapologetically. Because your experience matters, your story matters, and your voice matters.
Simple Ways to Reconnect (Without “Working the Room”)
Let’s get practical. Maybe it’s been years since you had to make a new friend. Or maybe you’ve just moved to a new city. I’ve been there. Before I got into voiceover, I was a lonely stay-at-home mom far from friends and family. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ways to ease in:
1. Join an accountability or coworking group.
It’s less intimidating than “networking.” Start with a virtual coworking session or a local creative café. Everyone’s just there to get stuff done — and naturally, you end up chatting, sharing experiences, and motivating each other. These small circles can be gold for freelancers and voice talent alike.
2. Reach out to one friendly colleague a week.
No sales pitch, no agenda. Just check in. Comment on their latest project, ask how they’re doing, or suggest a short virtual coffee. One message a week keeps you visible and builds genuine relationships.
3. Show up where your peers hang out.
That could mean a VO conference, a local meetup, or a Facebook group for creative freelancers. Start by listening, engage in small ways, and gradually join the conversation. Familiarity builds comfort — and comfort builds trust.
4. Mix professional and social spaces.
Join a running group, pottery class, or local dog park crew. These non-work spaces often lead to real friendships — and sometimes, surprisingly, work collaborations too.
Freelancing doesn’t mean going it alone.
Whether you’re a voiceover artist, writer, or creative solopreneur, you’re part of a larger community, a network of people creating, adapting, and showing up.
So go forth, connect, and be awesome. Your voice, and your business, will be stronger for it.
