Meet Dashawn Ricks | Professional Voice Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dashawn Ricks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dashawn, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
It can be very challenging, this industry is hard and saturated to the brim with voice talent. There will always be a gig for someone to book but whenever you miss out on auditions or didn’t land the job because of someone else you start to feel the dread of it all.

I’ve almost quit twice now in my years, money can be a real discouraging factor while also just having the good ole imposter syndrome play a role in your fears. But one of things that helped me keep going is remembering why I loved doing this in the first place, its my love for performing, nerding out about character growth, and a community of friends and talent that inspire me, or tell me I inspire them!

The best way to not give up is to find your reasons to keep going even when the odds are stacked against you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think the biggest things about being a professional voice actor is understanding what it takes to not only book work consistently but to also be a good symbol in the community that you resign in.

It was not easy at all like I said in my previous response this industry is booming with talent so you’re going to have to find other ways to branch yourself out in the work you do. Voice acting isn’t just video games and anime but it’s also about performing for an audience I would not be here where I am today had it not been for the community, classes from professional actors and teachers. Just audition, and figure out your niche to keep doing the work and practice.

There will be a lot of hardships there will be times where you worry and try to figure out how you’re going to get paid and not to mention the constant things like the SAG AFTRA strike or people utilizing AI in their work there is a lot of hardship but we want you to know that you’re not alone in this and it’s definitely going to be okay

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Haha well that’s a little difficult considering that this area of the city isn’t exactly the best however we do have spots around the state where I could take them out like say Richmond, Virginia Beach, Newport News Williamsburg and even Petersburg seems like a good spot however I haven’t really been around the areas that often to tell them where we should go but I can definitely find some good hot spots

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow there’s so many to name I don’t know if I can do it justice with just one person or group. So I hope its okay if I just start naming a few off the back. They’ve been inspiring me ever since I started my journey back in 2019 so here’s to name a few wonderful people. (You all know who you are <3)

The Machinima Community for being my first stepping stone into voice-over with my YouTube videos.

The Jade Seals which is a friend group of amazing underrated voice talents that deserve love and attention!

Brenna Thornton for being my biggest supporter and for encouraging each other to take a shot at our dream goals

Sean Chiplock for pushing me in the right direction and being a big motivator after being apart of his community live streams

And of course my loving family and girlfriend for always being by my side and supporting my decision to go full time voice acting

Website: https://dashawnricks.carrd.co/

Instagram: dashawn_ricks

Linkedin: Dashawn Ricks

Twitter: @callmedashawn