Behind The Print: Make It Happen! How a Voice Actor Turned Ideas into Things!
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode, I sit down with Carin Gilfry, a leading voice actor, the owner and co-chair of VOcation Conference, and the vice president of the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA). We’ll explore Carin’s journey from opera singing to voice acting, her advocacy for ethical AI use in the industry, and how print materials play a vital role in supporting voice actors and independent professionals. From business cards to conference programs, Carin shares how tangible print resources help voice actors build trust, grow their careers, and stay ahead in a competitive industry.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
8-minute read
“Printed materials are a huge part of our educational outreach. At VOcation Conference, even if it’s an online event, I send people a program in the mail because they love it, and I love it.” Carin Gilfry, Voice Actor
Transcripts from Behind The Print with Voice Actor & VOcation Co-Chair, Carin Gilfry
Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.
Today’s episode is Make It Happen: How a Voice Actor Turned Ideas into Things, and I’m here today with owner and co-chair of VOcation Conference, vice president of the National Association of Voice Actors, and accomplished voice actor, Carin Gilfry!
Carin Gilfry: Hello, so happy to be here with you.
Zoe Fisher: Yes, we are so excited to have you, Carin. How’s your day going?
“You don’t want to be difficult to work with. You want to be a team player. Clients appreciate people who are easy to direct, reliable, and flexible.” Carin Gilfry, Voice Actor
Carin Gilfry: It’s going well. It’s going very well. I’ve been in meetings, had a couple of sessions, and redoing some videos, you know, just regular stuff. Every day is different in voice acting, and that’s one of the things I love about it.
Zoe Fisher: Day in the life of a voice actor. So, jumping right into it, tell me, who do you serve as a voice actor and as the vice president of the National Association of Voice Actors?
Carin Gilfry: As a voice actor, I am an independent contractor and work with lots of different companies and brands on all kinds of projects. I have a team of managers and agents that help me get work, auditions, and bookings, but I also work for myself. I do tons of auditions and jobs on my own, separate from my manager. I record commercials, e-learning modules, corporate narration, video game voices, audiobooks. You name it!
I am a small business owner! Just like a dog groomer or a plumber. The service I provide is my voice. Whether it’s reading your commercial, narrating a video, or voicing your phone system. I also have a professional home studio with top-tier recording capabilities, so I can deliver high-quality audio from anywhere. Having a home studio has become essential in today’s industry, and it allows me to work efficiently while balancing my life.
As vice president of the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), we serve nearly 1,800 members. But the industry itself includes over 50,000 people in the United States who earn a living as voice actors. One of our biggest focuses right now is AI regulation and not just for voice actors, but for graphic designers, musicians, artists, and writers. We want AI to be used ethically, ensuring creators have consent, control, and compensation when their work is used in AI models.
Zoe Fisher: That is such an important job in today’s digital era. AI is evolving so quickly, and regulation is crucial. How do you see AI impacting the future of the voiceover industry?
Carin Gilfry: AI is definitely here to stay, and in many ways, it can be an incredible tool. However, it needs to be implemented ethically and responsibly. Right now, many creators have no way to fight back if their work is used without permission. The problem isn’t AI itself. Honestly! It’s the lack of regulation protecting the original artists. We want voice actors to be able to opt in, negotiate fair compensation, and have control over how their voices are used in AI-generated content. As of right now businesses aren’t fully aware of the ethical technicalities of AI. With VOcation and NAVA we are helping to combat some of the unjust regulations and laws around AI.
Zoe Fisher: Absolutely. This is such an important topic I wish more people were talking about. Jumping into your background, you were an opera singer before transitioning into voice acting. What was that journey like?
Carin Gilfry: Yes! My dad was an opera singer, a much more famous one than I ever was! I fell in love with singing in high school and went on to study at USC for my bachelor’s and Juilliard for my master’s. I performed all over the world, but I knew I wanted to have a family and a career that allowed me to be home. Opera is an amazing field, but it requires constant travel and an unpredictable lifestyle.
A friend of mine was a singer and audiobook narrator, and he introduced me to voice acting. It sounded fun, so I took classes, built a small home studio, and started recording audiobooks. Over time, I expanded into commercials, video games, in-show narration, and animation. Now, I have a fully built-out home studio, and I can work while still being there for my kids.
Zoe Fisher: That’s amazing! What are some common challenges in voice acting today?
Carin Gilfry: One of the biggest challenges is that you need a home studio. Pre-pandemic, some actors could get by without one, but now, everyone must have high-quality recording capabilities. A professional microphone costs anywhere from $300 to $3,000, and my home studio, it’s so cool! It is a Studio Bricks booth imported from Spain that costs about $10,000.
Another misconception is that you need a “great voice” to succeed. But today’s marketing focuses on natural, relatable voices. Consumers want authenticity. They don’t want the traditional, booming announcer anymore. They want to feel like they’re hearing from a friend.
“Being a small business, you have to do everything. Voice actors are not just performers. We have to know how to track expenses, understand contracts, negotiate rates, and handle customer relationships.” Carin Gilfry, Voice Actor
Zoe Fisher: That’s so interesting! How does print marketing play a role in your business with VOcation and in NAVA?
Carin Gilfry: Print is crucial! Whenever I go to voiceover conferences, I rely on printed materials to stay focused. Digital schedules and programs can be distracting, you check your phone for info, and suddenly, you’re answering emails and checking social media. A printed conference program keeps me on track.
For NAVA, we use print marketing for:
✅ Informational sheets at industry events
✅ Membership guides & brochures
✅ Training materials for voice actors
For my own business, I use printed postcards, rack cards, and business cards. Printed materials are memorable becuase people can hold onto them instead of scrolling past a digital ad.
“If you want to have that premium product, hire a person. Human talent will always connect to your audience better than a synthetic voice. That’s true of all things in life.” Carin Gilfry, Voice Actor
Zoe Fisher: That makes so much sense! What’s next for NAVA and VOcation Conferences?
Carin Gilfry: At NAVA, we’re expanding health insurance benefits for voice actors. About 80% of the industry is non-union, so they don’t qualify for SAG-AFTRA health plans. We provide affordable health, vision, and dental insurance—even pet insurance!
For VOcation Conferences, we’re planning our next destination event. We’ve hosted conferences in New York, Cancun, and Costa Rica, and the next one will be just as exciting! These conferences focus solely on the business side of voice acting. No performance coaching, just real-world business skills for independent voice actors.
Zoe Fisher: That’s incredible. Where can listeners connect with you?
Carin Gilfry: Visit VOcationConference.com, NavaVoices.org, or my website CarinGilfry.com. I’m also on Instagram and Facebook!
“I love that I can have an idea, create something on my computer, send it to a printer, and then I get it in the mail, and it feels real. That transformation is so exciting.” Carin Gilfry, Voice Actor
Zoe Fisher: Perfect! Listeners, be sure to check out VOcation Conferences and NAVA for invaluable voice acting resources.
That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.
Bringing Voices to Life with Print!
From the business of voice acting to the importance of ethical AI practices, Carin Gilfry is helping voice actors navigate a changing industry while protecting their craft. With VOcation Conference and NAVA, she empowers professionals with the knowledge, tools, and community they need to thrive. For Carin, print remains an essential part of that journey whether through training materials, conference programs, or marketing assets. Elevate your brand and make an impact with high-quality printed resources. Order today!
