Today we’d like to introduce you to Devante’ Johnson.
Devante’, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my journey as a voice-over artist in 2014 but developed a love for it long beforehand as a child. As a kid, I spent a lot of time invested in most forms of media but animation and video games were my main interests. After a while, I would start to wonder whose job it was to provide the voices for these characters or radio commercials that I would hear every morning before school.
As a Jehovah’s Witness, our family would attended a congregational meeting twice a week and I would often have the privilege of reading the bible on stage in front of everyone. It was here where I found my love for reading for audiences. I would also learn how to improve my speech, diction, pacing, modulation, delivery and many other things that go into making a reading enjoyable to listen to.
I graduated from Woodland High School in 2012. I still didn’t know what I truly wanted to do career wise so I worked several jobs, most of which at the same time. Due to the nature of my voice, I would often get told that I should talk on the radio so I decided to look into that a little more to make that a reality. I studied acting at Alliance Theatre and eventually learned about a 3-week voice-over workshop. After I completed the course, I knew that this was exactly what I wanted to do.
I took many more classes and workshops to learn everything I could about this field of work. I enrolled in the voice over program at Clayton State University where I got my first voice over demo, signed with my first agency a few months later and now work full time as a voice-over artist being able to voice in the very same things that inspired me as a child. I can honestly say that it has been an absolute dream come true.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not in any way, shape or form. This has easily been the most difficult journey I’ve ever embarked on. I learned quickly that it isn’t as easy as just talking into a microphone and collecting an easy paycheck. Many different realms of voice work carry different challenges that constantly force you to adapt to the new change. Radio work isn’t at all the same as an audiobook narration. Voicing in anime works differently than voicing for original animations made in your own country. Casting and voice directors may have different styles of directing you that differ from person to person. You also are constantly auditioning and improving your craft while looking for work yourself, even if you have an agent. The nature of this business, as with most things in life, is that you hear “No” far more than you do “Yes” so you have to have thick skin as well. Endurance is key and there is also a lot of sacrifices involved since you are constantly investing in yourself. All that doesn’t even take into consideration the business side of things. There is certainly a lot you have to learn to juggle.
Devante’ Johnson – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a voice-over artist, I lend my voice in radio, animations, video games, educational tutorials, audiobooks and much more. Although I’ve voiced in several commercials and learning videos, I specialize in voicing characters. I am known from various indie projects and am most recognized for my work in the video game Lethal League Blaze. I’ve also worked with companies such as Rooster Teeth, Capital Station Books and Publix. The beautiful thing about voice talents is that we all bring something fresh and different to the table. How we every actor has different experiences that make their style truly unique. I enjoy what I do and I like to believe that energy and passion show every single time I get behind a microphone.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
If you had asked me that years ago, I’d say success is measured by your status and how much money you make. But I believe that success is defined by how much you are satisfied with what you get out of your life. There are many wealthy people who are prosperous with their work but feel empty and miserable. Likewise, there are many who aren’t as fortunate in that regard but are content with the things around them. I’m fortunate enough to not only do what I love but be surrounded by friends and family that support what I do whom I also genuinely love. I take absolute pleasure in what I do, big and small. I think once you feel that, once you accept that it isn’t anything material that will bring you the joy you seek, that’s when you truly become successful. Acquire that spiritual richness, and everything else will follow suit. That’s personally what I’m trying to strive more towards each day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soundcloud.com/devantejohnsonvo
- Email: Devantejohnson64@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devantejohnsonvo/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DJohnsonVA
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