Meet Jalen Askins | Voice Actor

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

Hi Jalen, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
There a lot of factors that contributed to my success, but if I needed to choose I’d probably say to stay grounded and be humble about the fact I get to do this career in any type of capacity. You see people work hard to get where they are and some take years, months, etc. Unfortunately some may never reach their goal or have the support to do so. I had to realize early on it was going to be a challenge but also a journey into self discovery, experimentation, and overall confidence in myself to improve to become a better voice artist and actor.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Becoming a voice actor is never easy it is a journey, a marathon, and so much more honestly. When I decided I wanted to do this my family at first didn’t know what that was and that was okay because it wasn’t just my dream but a passion I could show them that exists. I’ve always dreamed of telling stories in any way or capacity that would hit people in the heartstrings whether it be laughter, anger, happiness, etc because that’s what tv shows and movies did for me. One of the key challenges I faced that every voice artist goes through is loving my own voice. At first I thought it was cringe and hard to listen to, but I had to learn that my natural is my voice and has a story to tell as a result. I practiced everyday listening to commercials, radio, animation, video games you name it. I learned how to act, how to react, how to feel. Voice acting became my first love and in the back of my mind I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. When I watched things like Avatar the last airbender or ninja turtles I didn’t feel like they were cartoons I could see the world they were living in, and feel immersed in the story they were telling. I wanted to give that same passion and feeling to others because growing up I felt alone like I didn’t belong, but through voice acting I was able to find myself and a community overall but I also found my purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Growing up in Rancho Cucamonga I’d say I would take them to haven city night market because it has some great food to try from wings, noddles, pizza, desserts, etc. Going to LA would be a must becuse of all the fun sights like the museums, zoos, aquariums. Disneyland would be another for the nostalgia and the rides. Universal would be another for the iconic butter beer and the rides. Sorry I’m not really good at giving sights to check out but some exciting folks I’d highly recommend is the goons of socal not only are they funny, but it’s always an adventure with them!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this to my mom Jeannine Askins who has been my rock for a long time and has encouraged me to keep going to where I am today. Along with my awesome little brother Justin Askins who I am so proud of and love. My dad for supporting and pushing me and my amazing girlfriend Melissa who has been one of my greatest cheerleaders and the love of my life.

Website: https://www.jalenaskins.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalensvoices/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalen-askins-ba641821a

Twitter: https://x.com/JalensVoices

Image Credits
Me in the booth

Steve Trevor DC Heroes United

Hierophant Novik AFK Journey

Booth Setup