If you’ve watched “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “The Chi,” or “Stillwater,” chances are you’ve already heard Jessica Mikayla’s voice.
With a resume that includes Disney+, FX, Showtime, Apple TV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, Mikayla is one of the top rising talents in the voice-over world. She’s been nominated for a 2024 NAACP Image Award and recently won a 2023 Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) Award for Outstanding Dubbing. She’s the voice behind ‘Western Honey’ in “LOL Surprise! Tots Road Trip” and “House of Surprises” and has delivered standout performances in “Mindhunter” and “Diary of a Future President.”
When she’s not bringing animated characters to life, Mikayla is making an impact offscreen. Raised in Compton, she volunteers as a Children’s Church Leader, advocating for literacy and against gun violence in inner cities. Last year, she was named Rising Star Honoree by EmpowHer, a non-profit dedicated to uplifting women. This year, she’ll be their emcee and lead two voice-over workshops.
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With her experience both in front of the camera and behind the mic, she knows what it takes to make it in voice-over. So, if you’re looking to break into the business (or just want an excuse to watch more cartoons), here’s what Jessica Mikayla wants you to know:
- Always practice NEW voices.
Your SpongeBob impression is great, but can you do a grumpy alien mechanic? How about a teenage witch with attitude? The more voices you can create, the more jobs you can book.
- Go over your lines like it’s an on-camera script.
Voice acting isn’t just reading words—it’s performing. If you sound like you just woke up five minutes before your audition, trust us, the audience can tell.
- Be KIND to EVERYONE you’re recording with.
Studios are small. You do not want to be the reason there’s tension in an already soundproof room.
- Don’t stress if you don’t book a job.
Maybe they needed someone with a slightly different voice, or maybe the director’s nephew got the role. It happens. Keep auditioning—there’s always another opportunity.
- No matter how much space you have, try and move while you speak.
Standing stiff as a board makes your performance sound stiff. Moving—even just a little—helps bring the character to life. Just don’t karate chop the mic.
- If the project already exists, do research.
Don’t show up to voice a character from an existing series without knowing what they sound like. You wouldn’t want to be the person who accidentally turns a tough space bounty hunter into a soft-spoken librarian.
- If you can, practice recording at home.
You’ll get comfortable with your voice and learn how to work with a mic—plus, you’ll finally understand how loud your upstairs neighbor actually is.
- Try learning different accents.
A good accent can set you apart in auditions. A bad accent can make directors question all your life choices. Practice.
- WATCH CARTOONS! IT’S BASICALLY DOING RESEARCH.
If anyone questions why you’re binging SpongeBob at 3 AM, tell them it’s for your career.
- HAVE FUN!!!!!
You’re getting paid to be a talking cat, a robot overlord, or a magical taco. Enjoy it.
The Takeaway? Your Voice is Your Superpower. So if you dream of bringing animated characters to life, take her advice.
And start practicing that evil villain laugh.
