Lament of the Mind

faisdm:

kitsuneleo:

I’ve been talking about this on Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook for over a week now, I figure it’s time to actually share some of what I’ve been working on. This is a practice take for my Caliborn audition for CoLab HQ’s Let’s Read Homestuck. I’d really appreciate some constructive criticism and feedback on it, especially on technical things like delivery and annunciation.

Disclaimer: I know this take isn’t perfect, and no, I won’t be submitting this one. My headset nearly fell off at the end (I think you can even hear me adjusting it at a couple points) and at a couple points I really think my acting could be better (and, in fact, has been in previous takes). However, I think my voice is probably steadiest for this one out of all those I’ve done. I don’t sound like I’m dying by the end of it, and overall it’s pretty good for my work so far. I still need more practice overall.

Good mic quality and a solid performance, but I feel like it’s a little too down-to-earth for Caliborn. Caliborn ideally needs to sound more over-the-top and comically villainous both in his voice and delivery. Your voice and delivery feel more fitted to a character like Karkat or Sollux. Being honest, at this point, Caliborn is the character I’d outright tell people, “prepare yourself for disappointment”, because we have so many good auditions for him. We have other 30 Caliborn auditions, and a high proportion of them are good (the opposite of Jake, for whom we also have around thirty, but a low proportion are any good).

My advice? You’re a good VA, but I feel like your soft-edged voice doesn’t really fit this particular character. Try auditioning for Dirk and Jake. Also definitely consider auditioning for other projects as characters like John, Sollux, Karkat, Eridan  and Tavros. If you don’t get a part here, it’s not because you’re a bad VA or because of your recording quality, it’ll be one of voice suitability. Buuut maybe you can do a good Dirk or Jake? Give it a go!

Interesting. I’m not sure I’ve ever gotten “soft-edged” and “too down-to-earth” as a comment about anything I’ve done, heh. I do agree though - Karkat’s definitely more suited to my tastes, but I thought I’d give Caliborn a go with a little bit of oomph. This recording isn’t quite as crazy as I can get with the voice, but it’s more steady this way (and doesn’t instantly kill my throat).

That said though, I originally did consider auditioning for Dirk, but there are so very many good Dirks out there that I figured it was pointless. Jake, however, never crossed my mind, and I’ve never even tried to voice him. I’m actually going to have to give it a try after this suggestion, so thanks!

(Also, if you know any good Karkats opening up on any other projects, let me know. I think you’re right, that’s a part I could hit out of the park.)