Interview with TheNationMaker

We sit down and have a chat with AVA TheNationmaker, who also happens to be a member of this site!

• Can you tell us about yourself?

Nation: People would question where I would be in some parts of the world. Usually my current residence is in Singapore, where most of my time is just simply completing on my education and getting to travel out of my homeland once done. Life in an apartment home with little less money is tough, but I have to make due with whatever I’m having with my family until the big time comes.

A lot of issues have been occurring to me due to that family and school times. That would actually affect my socializing with people; mainly never even talking much and sometimes displays of aggressive nature. My speech impediments are also affected as well, so that would cause a lot of problems when I try to voice-act in certain dubs. I also cannot scream high or loud enough; that caused to being silenced whilst being overpowered by either family or school. The only thing I could try getting that stress off is trying to do stuff on computer and hanging with a few friends of mine in the voice-acting business.

Like I would mention, I’m not so good in socializing. Even if some people were to speak with me, I suck at the choice of words. Being more or less friendly to their level may sometimes lead to un-even or likewise bad things.

 

• How did you get involved in acting?

Nation: When I was a youngster, I grew some kind fascination over anime that I used to watch. I would sometimes marvel at how some actors and actress speak for those certain dubs, but probably the ones from a not-so-well dubbing industry compared to the ones from the States. I thought of what I could actually do to pursue my future career, then I realized Voice-Acting may be one of those choices. My parents thought it would be ludicrous, but I did my research and reassured them that Voice-Acting may prove to have that much of reputation.

At the moment of being stuck what to do, let alone ponder how to be known by people, I had a go into using YouTube as my “personal base” to showcase my voice talent. As I’m done with a few videos worth, I then stumbled upon the Voice Acting Alliance out of random. It turns out to be pretty decent when I first introduced myself to some people, and had only a bit of reputation when I first posted a few of my reels. As time goes, I met a few other interesting AVAs whom of which had better reputation as I do. I soon start to get along with more AVAs along the way and learnt how and what they do for voice acting. It’s only a moment before I start looking for auditions given out by the forums, giving out a few of my lines in case I get called in. In the meantime, I focus on working on certain project kept in stored or work with the other roles I’m supposed to be in, provided by some friends I knew hosting some projects.
 

• What's the biggest mistake you've ever made?

Nation: The biggest mistake I have ever done was mixing with the wrong kind of people. There are those I meet tend to show off their “fun side” towards their friends and one another, but at the point where I want to fit in and hang around, the whole lot would violently tell me off. They would say thing like “I am immature – irritating – rude – etc.” for that that reason, but what’s the point when they themselves act unnatural? I almost feel disgusted of their mentality and hypothesize of my behavior when they themselves have done so?

I would have realized that instance when I first mixed around with a group I knew in DeviantArt. At the moment I’ve done something so foolish, I was banned out of that group over a mistake. I couldn’t blame them if they don’t ever want me back, but I wouldn’t even want to go near them again when I first realized their true potential; being in their inner-circle of popularity and fame. I couldn’t stress as much of what else I knew from them, but all I could say I found out way too much info of their mentality and true purposes.

 

• The best decision?

Nation: There was never any better decision in life, but the best I do in the meantime is to stay away from the group of friends that kicked me out, and trying to find a new one.

When I try going to voice-acting and get in touch with the many AVAs there under the same deal as I am, I consider it as a safe haven. A lot that I knew were a lot nicer if you know what to say to them and knowing the choice of words. At least it’s an alternative for me to forget my mistakes and try to adjust to a more formal attitude to the new people I speak to.

 

• Can you tell us what you are working on now?

Nation: At the moment, I plan on doing another radioplay, ever since I made my first ever project named “Riviera: The Promised Land – Audio Drama”. I plan on basing it on Kanon, Air or Clannad of all the more reason. I need to plan the scripts and characters if I have the availability to do it.

The second is a cluster of faces which I use FaceMaker to inspire myself to make faces of known voice-actors and actresses I can come up with. I may keep expanding it until there’s nothing left but to admire that accomplishment. You can look up at my VAA or VAC account to see my “Quilt Of Voices” in the Art Section.

 

• What advice would you give an aspiring voice actor?

Nation: All I can say from experiences is that voice-acting may well be as fun and serious at the same time. You can always expect to meet a lot of different people with a lot more different personalities and how they act. If you feel like mixing around with them, use Skype or AIM and try asking them if they can allow you to be added. It never hurts when you try.

Using the voice has its advantages and disadvantages in certain dubs that you try picking up. If you feel like putting up a voice similar to your favorite actor or actress or maybe a character, showcase it. There can be flaws no matter how you try speaking, so you could use the training methods provided by other professionals. You could also try getting better recording equipment for the better quality.

I may not be explaining as much, but you can view my “Guide & Tips To Voice-Acting” to get a better explanation based on personal experiences.

 

•  Any final thoughts?

• Natio n: I believe with much knowledge and personal experiences that I can muster, I hopefully wish that I can provide as much information to the viewers out there, even though I’m still a novice. With just enough determination, even an individual can get the better feel what it’s like to be in the voice-acting business.