Ah, Sleep… !
When I find my own integrity challenged, and I don’t speak up because it might rock the boat, or make someone uncomfortable, then I end up losing a little sleep over it, sometimes a lot of sleep. There are those times also when I slip and say something that is maybe more harmful than good, and I always end up regretting it — and I lose sleep over that too. Don’t worry, generally I sleep pretty good, and that’s what counts.

(By the way, later on, after I was cast as the voice of Megan, the casting assistant told me that part of the reason I got the job was because Marcy was so impressed with my honesty. She couldn’t believe that not only was I was willing to “give up” an audition, but actually recommend others who would be perfect for the job. It is nice to know that there are plenty of good people in the industry who notice and respect integrity in others.)

About now, you might be wondering what this article has to do with being a voice actor. It has everything to do with it. I didn’t know this when I was in my early 20s, but if in my telling you this now might save you a little bit of angst in your journey through your career, then I feel that my purpose has been accomplished with this article.

As an artist I have created my career in many different ways and in different aspects of the entertainment industry. I found out very early on that there is a “hierarchy” of status. You have the exec producer at the top of the pyramid, followed closely by the producers, then the director, associate producers, co-producers, writers, casting directors, actors and finally, voice-over actors! Yes, in that order! At one time, I was balancing an on-camera career with a theatrical career and a voice-over career. There was never a dull moment and no time to wonder and whine about “What am I going to do next?” I had plenty to do. In fact, I started to incorporate writing and, much to my dismay, I found my agent at the time flustered. I didn’t understand it and when I queried her about it, she replied, “Can’t you just be happy doing one thing?!” Needless to say, she wasn’t my agent much longer.

I have never been one to sit in the wings twiddling my thumbs. My passion for what I do rules my life — be it working out my body, working on any of the numerous shows I voice, performing my lecture for students at a university, doing my one-woman show, cultivating relationships with new and old friends, supporting and guiding my children to achieve their own goals or even going off for several days volunteering with friends to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Be Your Own Producer
I am also the founder and owner of SportsBlast, a production company that produces The Kellys, an innovative animated series for the Internet, in partnership with TurnerSports Interactive. Not unlike a proud parent, I am proud of what we have achieved with The Kellys thus far. And so like a proud parent, I will brag just a little bit. The Kellys has received numerous industry and independent film awards, including a Silver Remi at WorldFest and a Gold at the Aurora Awards. It has received good reviews from multiple media sources including Sports Illustrated, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, the Hollywood Reporter, Variety and Animation Magazine, among others.

Here’s some insider information — if all goes as planned, we even intend to do a full-length motion picture sometime in the future. How does that sound for taking your career into full drive?

I remember being asked by someone 15 years ago, “What are your goals, Nancy? What do you think you will be doing in 15 years?” In retrospect, I have to admit that I think I was a little glib when I said, “I want my own production company.” Honestly, I had no idea what energy went into putting a production company together, and making it work. It takes a lot! I did not have any formal training, and certainly had no business administration under my belt. After all, that is usually the furthest thing from an artist’s mind, but that is why it is important to have a great team behind you who understands how to manage all the little details.

Artists usually leave the “business” to the managers, the agents and the attorney, but I have enjoyed sitting in the driver’s seat, especially with this stockcar racing family, as I am the voice of Chip Kelly. And you can see/hear me this week as The Kellys returns to www.Nascar.com in just a few days. Check it out!

Fast forward 15 years later and here I am with not only a production company but I am the co-founder of a fledgling non-profit organization called Happy House (www.happyhouse.com) whose purpose is “Building Better Families.” I am so fortunate that at this time in my career I have the resources and support to be able to “give back” to my community, and it feels great! My “muse” has taken me to higher heights that I only had an inkling of, back in 1990. I truly began to listen to my own muse, and “opinions” of others remained just that — opinions.

Many artists fall into the trap of putting all the responsibility on his/her agent/manager’s lap. That is a big mistake… one that can cost not only a lot of time, but also a lot of misplaced energy. The only true way to fully take charge of your life and your career, is to fully take responsibility for your life and your career, and everything that goes into the making of it and the rest will follow. I had help along the way, and I offer you a little help right now.

First off, you have to actually be able to “name” what it is that you want — be specific. Go into details about your goals and dreams. Do not leave out anything in your plan, especially if it makes you passionate Do not carry it around in your head — put it in writing, and read it over often. Once it is written, you can then get even more specific about what you need/want, and once you have accomplished those things, check them off, and create new goals.

Second, do not let others’ opinions sway you from achieving your goals and dreams. That is certain death for an artist. I mean that sincerely.

Finally, let the muse in you flourish and expand, taking you to higher levels of creativity. You will be amazed what effects you can create if you are willing to create huge effects. Are you willing? If you are not, then you should change your mind right now, and decide that you can and will create huge effects that will spin your career into fast forward. And if you really want to go wild, you will surprise not only others, but also you (and your muse) will even surprise your most important asset — you!

Nancy Cartwright is best known as the voice of spiky-headed Bart Simpson on The Simpsons. She has voiced dozens of cartoon characters in her career that has spanned more than 20 years. Currently she can be heard as the voice of Rufus the Naked Mole Rat on Disney’s Kim Possible and Chuckie on Rugrats and All Grown Up. To learn more about Nancy’s career, listen to her new audio book My Life as a 10-year-old Boy.