VC Radio
Voice Coaches Radio #635 – Getting to Know Patrick Tokarz
Voice coaches radio, everything voiceover. Welcome to a brand new episode of Voice Coaches Radio. My name is Marissa, and today we've got another, another guest so that I get to be accompanied by. And that is Patrick. Do you go by Patrick or you go by Pat? Pat, Patrick, whatever, whatever. It's easier, you know, I guess the industry likes to shorten your name, so it's Pat.
Well, I, I mean, hey, to each their own, you know, tomato, tomato, yeah. You know, whatever you wanna be called. Yeah. Whatever. Yeah. But I, I'm glad that we get to, uh, sit down and, and talk for a few. 'cause like, you know, a lot of the times when I have people on, it's like people that I've worked with, so it's like I know more about them and, you know, I, I've watched them grow and I've.
Seen the changes, but w with you, it's, I know you got to work with Laura, you got to work with Simone a little bit so far. I know you've worked with David A. Little bit. Jen Holly got back with voice coaches. I was afraid to reach out. So a friend of mine, she was actually a coach and uh, David actually heard of her, Jen Henry, and, um, I was.
I was reading a script and she listened to my, uh, a demo and she goes, your demo did you A little injustice. 'cause I, I, I had trouble reading and all, 'cause I have a condition called keratoconus, which I'm getting in contacts. And so she reached out to David and she talked to Laura and then they, they're like, why didn't you just reach out to us?
And I, because you know, in the industry you don't wanna reach out for help. You think you know it all. And, and David just. Took a liking to me when I did my, when I went into studio, and they're gonna redo my demo. And, um, I've been working with Simone ever since, so. That's awesome. That's awesome. Um, y you know, and I, I actually recently spoke about this on our podcast is self-awareness, right?
Like, I, I mean, it, it's one of those things that I think a lot of us lack, uh, until we start really, really paying attention and. Yeah. You know, maybe, maybe sometimes we need people to point things out, you know, like, like your friend did with you of like, Hey. This demo doesn't serve you the right kind of justice, like, you know, yeah, you can do so much better.
But, but I think too, things that need to be remembered, it's like when you go in that first time, this is new, it can feel intimidating, you know, you wanna do really well. Yeah. And I think because of that, we put so much pressure on ourselves and, and then we don't necessarily decline to our fullest. But I'm glad that, you know, we've got you kind of back into the reins here and, and we're gonna go ahead and.
Get you back in a studio. So like what kind of stuff have you guys been working on? Um, a lot of commercial. She thinks I'm good at commercial. I want to do actually audio books and, and stuff like that. And, but commercial, so we been doing, uh, humor. Little, uh, funny and, and informative and she thinks that's my, uh, forte.
So good. And then I've been practicing and even with Laura last year, I bought extra sessions and Katie will tell you, I busted my butt to, you know, it was my first time ever doing this. Yeah, yeah. So. Well, and, and you know, it, it's. Sometimes, like this is stepping outside of the comfort zone for so many, but it's something that you've thought about for a long time and, and the only way to really do it is to kind of rip the bandaid and, and, you know, get on in there and, and make it happen.
So, I, I'm glad And, you know, if she thinks that you're doing commercials, well then just run with it, because I'll tell you right now, like, not everybody can handle that right from the jump Yeah. How they're written and, and that kind of thing. So, you know, maybe you're able to tackle something that's a little bit more challenging and.
That just means the narrative stuff that is more conversationally written, you probably can do pretty well too. Um, so yeah, the world is, is yours. Um, but tell me then, since this was something so new for you last year. What, what sparked the interest? What made you wanna sign up? Well, I wanted to do it for years and, uh, I live in Milford, Connecticut, and, um, I saw the, on the Milford adult ed, where the seminar, and I think it was with John or somebody, he's been with the company a long time, and I signed up and then I did the, you know, the read.
He said, oh, you sound pretty good. I did the assessment with I think Laura or somebody, and then we just took it from there. And I, I, I love Laura. I love um, Laura, but I don't think she was the right fit. Yeah, I should have said something. But Simone, even she knew Jen Henry, which is like incredible. And I reached, and believe it or not, the voiceover community's really supportive and I.
I made a lot of friends and they just support me and we support each other. I haven't done anything yet, but I'm just honing the skill. People just think it's easy just to jump in. Oh, I did my demo. And there's a lot more too with the marketing and whether you want to do pay to play sites or whatever like that, or you wanna get an agent, but your demo has to be up to par and your skills have to be up to par to get with an agent.
So. Oh yeah, a hundred percent. And, and you know, I think you, you, you hit the nail on the head in a couple ways, right? Sometimes you do need somebody that is, uh, a good fit for you and Yeah. And you know, that's not gonna be everybody. Um, you know, so some people are, are easily moldable to anybody and some just, you know, it's like you gotta have the right personalities to get together.
And I'm glad that you found that with Simone. So you're able to keep, uh, and the, the other point of this is honing that skill. Yeah. Right? Like, I'm glad that you realized that because so many, I think. That are out there without any education think, well, I can do this, anybody can do this, I'm gonna do this.
And then they try to go out there and, you know, that's why there's a lot of mediocre kind of voices around. Yeah. Maybe they're not even getting paid or they are, but it's like somebody just kind of dealt with whatever they were given and uh, you know, they just had to kind of Yeah. Uh, for whatever reason and.
You know, so I'm glad that you're, you're honing this, this craft. Um, yeah, and thank God I got a full-time job and a supportive life where I know people that did their demos and they just quit their job. And I'm like, really? I. Well, I, I think, um, people kind of forget that there's gonna be hard work that they need to put in.
Yeah. You know, and, and it's not something that just happens. I mean, some people do get a, a, a first job rather quickly, but it is all about what you are putting into it. And, and who you're getting in front of. And you know, sometimes people will, will say they do get a little lucky because they just happen to get in front of the right person at the right time.
Um, you know, that is, that is definitely a thing. Uh, I feel like that happened with me, but I was putting a lot of hard work in to, to hone my skills when I started and. That's why I was able, I was admirable, you know, people could see the, the potential and the possibility with me that they wanted to work with me.
That's why I'm busting my butt now. And, and Laura sees it. David sees it. And even Jen and Jay Mi Jay, Michael Collins, I don't know if you ever heard of him. He, he's big in the, the world. He does, uh, owns Atlanta Vo and he, he sees a lot in me too. So. Good. He's very supportive of it. They're very supportive.
So, and, and I think that's the, the best way to be, honestly. Like there are some people who just wanna fight. Everybody for the work, but, and, and honestly, all honestly, like there's so much work to go around. Yeah. I've said this to almost every single student. You know, it, it's. Always reach out, always ask questions, always ask for guidance.
Like even if it's just finding me on social media because this, this is a small community of people at, at the end of the day, it seems like it's such a big industry, but it is. Really, uh, quite a small community of people that are doing this. And there is plenty of opportunity and we're not all gonna fit the same kind of work.
So it's like, it's better to be bouncing off of people and referring people or, you know, trying to help and guide than, than trying to be each other's, uh, competition. You know, if we're working together, we're gonna be successful together. So I'm glad that you've got the right people so far surrounding you.
And I noticed that. I noticed that too. And the guy that does, uh. NASCAR and the voice of NASCAR and Main Cabin masters became friends and he's big in the industry. I don't know if you've heard of him, mark Re No, but he's a big supporter if I've ever been on, if I've been listening to NASCAR at any point, I'm familiar with that Mark.
Yeah. And he does does, he does CBS, the NFL on CBS. And I'll tell you, they're all supportive. And even between the tech guys and everybody, it is just, they're all supportive of me and. I couldn't believe it. They just want you to succeed. And people think, oh, it's a big, but it's not. It's like a family, right?
Yeah. Yeah. If it's done right, it is. And you know, you're hitting on something too that I think a lot of people don't understand the importance. And it is the relationship building. It is putting yourself out there and just say, Hey, you know, th this is me. Um, this is what I've been doing and I am really excited.
I'd love to get some feedback from you or, you know, just to. Get some, some, you know, education from you. Yeah. I would love to know how you got started. Like, I mean, it's the opening that door can be scary, but it is incredibly helpful because it is, it is. I mean, the relationships that I've built from the beginning are the reason why I am able to, you know, get some work today.
Uh, like all, almost all the work that I'm doing. Like I don't, I don't have to go. Yeah. Uh, try to lift boulders to try to find work or anything like it. It's, it's stuff that can come to me based on who knows who and who wants to help, who and who's got this budget. And like, so it's just, you know, you're doing it the right way.
And if they don't Yeah. And it's just, like you said, building relationships and they might recommend you for something or vice versa. Uh, that's the, the greatest part about it all is, is just the community and, and I think, um. There are gonna be occasionally, you know, the, the people that. You realize like, hmm.
You know, they're in this for them, you know? But they're few and far between us. Yeah. Yeah. Uh, you know, and we got a really good, uh, group of, of people in this industry. So tell me, excuse me, as you're getting ready to get back in the studio, you're getting ready and back to, to do a, a commercial demo. Um, yep.
What, what are gonna be. Some of your, we'll say your, your initial goals, but, and, and then also tell me like, what is, what is the major goal for you? So like, what is the first hopes and then what's the big hope to do a successful demo? Just to get my name out there and I, I'd like to eventually build a website, but I know you need demos and, and all.
And like, no, he tries and he, he's. He has a heart, I guess, I guess basically the same as any other voiceover would want. So then tell me then, what would be the, the, the first job goal? What do you think that would be for you Right now? I would just be happy to get with a, a ad agency or something. Not even a, a, a agent.
Just to do a first commercial, even if it's a local or local market or, or just help a friend out and do a, a commercial for them and do the editing and all. And. Just to help him out and get. Build my resume and, and get yourself started. Get yourself all up the ground. Be like, here, look what I did. I did this.
Uh, you know. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. Or even get a job on the, on the pay to play like five, build it up and get my name out there and, and say, Hey, this is what I've been doing. And maybe if I go to Atlanta VO or I, I joined MidAtlantic Voiceovers Police Order and they do a, a conference. They signed up for that.
And there's a lot of agents that go there. And even Atlanta vo, there's a lot of, uh. But that's like where a thousand voiceovers get together and you just meet each other and you network and you help each other out. And yeah, those kind of events can be really, really good. That's a great, um, you know, kind of meet and greet scenario, so, so cool.
I'm glad you did that. Now, what's the major goal? Like, you know, it doesn't have to happen today or a, a month from now, but it could be 10 years from now as you're really building your skills and, and getting yourself out there. And what's the. Like if you reached this goal, you would be like, if I did nothing else, I'd be satisfied.
I think NFL on, uh, NBC or something like that. Or even do a Yankees network, uh, commercial or something. You know, the Yes. Network. Yeah. Alright, well that's cool. You got a, you got a big goal or MG or something like that, you know. I love that big goals are good to have. Um, you know, and you take those little steps to get there, so that's awesome.
So, and, and my brother works for Mercedes-Benz, so maybe do a commercial for them, you know, or talk to their corporate or say, Hey, I could do a commercial for you guys. Look at that. You gotten in. I like that. Yeah. You gotta look at those relationships that are around you, where, where everybody works. You can kind of get that foot in the door.
That's awesome. Well, listen, Patrick, I, I wish you the best, um, give it all you got for that demo coming up and I can't wait to hear it once it's all together. And, uh, thanks Mar. Yeah, and, and listen as you're getting work. Keep in touch. All right. Or if you've got questions or something, holler at us. 'cause we'd love to have you back on as you're, uh, as you're growing.
Okay. And, uh, love to just see what you got going on. Okay. Thanks Marissa. Of course. Of course. And we'll have a brand new episode of Voice Coaches Radio coming up next week. Stay safe everybody.
Visit voice coaches.com for more voiceover news and information.
Well, I, I mean, hey, to each their own, you know, tomato, tomato, yeah. You know, whatever you wanna be called. Yeah. Whatever. Yeah. But I, I'm glad that we get to, uh, sit down and, and talk for a few. 'cause like, you know, a lot of the times when I have people on, it's like people that I've worked with, so it's like I know more about them and, you know, I, I've watched them grow and I've.
Seen the changes, but w with you, it's, I know you got to work with Laura, you got to work with Simone a little bit so far. I know you've worked with David A. Little bit. Jen Holly got back with voice coaches. I was afraid to reach out. So a friend of mine, she was actually a coach and uh, David actually heard of her, Jen Henry, and, um, I was.
I was reading a script and she listened to my, uh, a demo and she goes, your demo did you A little injustice. 'cause I, I, I had trouble reading and all, 'cause I have a condition called keratoconus, which I'm getting in contacts. And so she reached out to David and she talked to Laura and then they, they're like, why didn't you just reach out to us?
And I, because you know, in the industry you don't wanna reach out for help. You think you know it all. And, and David just. Took a liking to me when I did my, when I went into studio, and they're gonna redo my demo. And, um, I've been working with Simone ever since, so. That's awesome. That's awesome. Um, y you know, and I, I actually recently spoke about this on our podcast is self-awareness, right?
Like, I, I mean, it, it's one of those things that I think a lot of us lack, uh, until we start really, really paying attention and. Yeah. You know, maybe, maybe sometimes we need people to point things out, you know, like, like your friend did with you of like, Hey. This demo doesn't serve you the right kind of justice, like, you know, yeah, you can do so much better.
But, but I think too, things that need to be remembered, it's like when you go in that first time, this is new, it can feel intimidating, you know, you wanna do really well. Yeah. And I think because of that, we put so much pressure on ourselves and, and then we don't necessarily decline to our fullest. But I'm glad that, you know, we've got you kind of back into the reins here and, and we're gonna go ahead and.
Get you back in a studio. So like what kind of stuff have you guys been working on? Um, a lot of commercial. She thinks I'm good at commercial. I want to do actually audio books and, and stuff like that. And, but commercial, so we been doing, uh, humor. Little, uh, funny and, and informative and she thinks that's my, uh, forte.
So good. And then I've been practicing and even with Laura last year, I bought extra sessions and Katie will tell you, I busted my butt to, you know, it was my first time ever doing this. Yeah, yeah. So. Well, and, and you know, it, it's. Sometimes, like this is stepping outside of the comfort zone for so many, but it's something that you've thought about for a long time and, and the only way to really do it is to kind of rip the bandaid and, and, you know, get on in there and, and make it happen.
So, I, I'm glad And, you know, if she thinks that you're doing commercials, well then just run with it, because I'll tell you right now, like, not everybody can handle that right from the jump Yeah. How they're written and, and that kind of thing. So, you know, maybe you're able to tackle something that's a little bit more challenging and.
That just means the narrative stuff that is more conversationally written, you probably can do pretty well too. Um, so yeah, the world is, is yours. Um, but tell me then, since this was something so new for you last year. What, what sparked the interest? What made you wanna sign up? Well, I wanted to do it for years and, uh, I live in Milford, Connecticut, and, um, I saw the, on the Milford adult ed, where the seminar, and I think it was with John or somebody, he's been with the company a long time, and I signed up and then I did the, you know, the read.
He said, oh, you sound pretty good. I did the assessment with I think Laura or somebody, and then we just took it from there. And I, I, I love Laura. I love um, Laura, but I don't think she was the right fit. Yeah, I should have said something. But Simone, even she knew Jen Henry, which is like incredible. And I reached, and believe it or not, the voiceover community's really supportive and I.
I made a lot of friends and they just support me and we support each other. I haven't done anything yet, but I'm just honing the skill. People just think it's easy just to jump in. Oh, I did my demo. And there's a lot more too with the marketing and whether you want to do pay to play sites or whatever like that, or you wanna get an agent, but your demo has to be up to par and your skills have to be up to par to get with an agent.
So. Oh yeah, a hundred percent. And, and you know, I think you, you, you hit the nail on the head in a couple ways, right? Sometimes you do need somebody that is, uh, a good fit for you and Yeah. And you know, that's not gonna be everybody. Um, you know, so some people are, are easily moldable to anybody and some just, you know, it's like you gotta have the right personalities to get together.
And I'm glad that you found that with Simone. So you're able to keep, uh, and the, the other point of this is honing that skill. Yeah. Right? Like, I'm glad that you realized that because so many, I think. That are out there without any education think, well, I can do this, anybody can do this, I'm gonna do this.
And then they try to go out there and, you know, that's why there's a lot of mediocre kind of voices around. Yeah. Maybe they're not even getting paid or they are, but it's like somebody just kind of dealt with whatever they were given and uh, you know, they just had to kind of Yeah. Uh, for whatever reason and.
You know, so I'm glad that you're, you're honing this, this craft. Um, yeah, and thank God I got a full-time job and a supportive life where I know people that did their demos and they just quit their job. And I'm like, really? I. Well, I, I think, um, people kind of forget that there's gonna be hard work that they need to put in.
Yeah. You know, and, and it's not something that just happens. I mean, some people do get a, a, a first job rather quickly, but it is all about what you are putting into it. And, and who you're getting in front of. And you know, sometimes people will, will say they do get a little lucky because they just happen to get in front of the right person at the right time.
Um, you know, that is, that is definitely a thing. Uh, I feel like that happened with me, but I was putting a lot of hard work in to, to hone my skills when I started and. That's why I was able, I was admirable, you know, people could see the, the potential and the possibility with me that they wanted to work with me.
That's why I'm busting my butt now. And, and Laura sees it. David sees it. And even Jen and Jay Mi Jay, Michael Collins, I don't know if you ever heard of him. He, he's big in the, the world. He does, uh, owns Atlanta Vo and he, he sees a lot in me too. So. Good. He's very supportive of it. They're very supportive.
So, and, and I think that's the, the best way to be, honestly. Like there are some people who just wanna fight. Everybody for the work, but, and, and honestly, all honestly, like there's so much work to go around. Yeah. I've said this to almost every single student. You know, it, it's. Always reach out, always ask questions, always ask for guidance.
Like even if it's just finding me on social media because this, this is a small community of people at, at the end of the day, it seems like it's such a big industry, but it is. Really, uh, quite a small community of people that are doing this. And there is plenty of opportunity and we're not all gonna fit the same kind of work.
So it's like, it's better to be bouncing off of people and referring people or, you know, trying to help and guide than, than trying to be each other's, uh, competition. You know, if we're working together, we're gonna be successful together. So I'm glad that you've got the right people so far surrounding you.
And I noticed that. I noticed that too. And the guy that does, uh. NASCAR and the voice of NASCAR and Main Cabin masters became friends and he's big in the industry. I don't know if you've heard of him, mark Re No, but he's a big supporter if I've ever been on, if I've been listening to NASCAR at any point, I'm familiar with that Mark.
Yeah. And he does does, he does CBS, the NFL on CBS. And I'll tell you, they're all supportive. And even between the tech guys and everybody, it is just, they're all supportive of me and. I couldn't believe it. They just want you to succeed. And people think, oh, it's a big, but it's not. It's like a family, right?
Yeah. Yeah. If it's done right, it is. And you know, you're hitting on something too that I think a lot of people don't understand the importance. And it is the relationship building. It is putting yourself out there and just say, Hey, you know, th this is me. Um, this is what I've been doing and I am really excited.
I'd love to get some feedback from you or, you know, just to. Get some, some, you know, education from you. Yeah. I would love to know how you got started. Like, I mean, it's the opening that door can be scary, but it is incredibly helpful because it is, it is. I mean, the relationships that I've built from the beginning are the reason why I am able to, you know, get some work today.
Uh, like all, almost all the work that I'm doing. Like I don't, I don't have to go. Yeah. Uh, try to lift boulders to try to find work or anything like it. It's, it's stuff that can come to me based on who knows who and who wants to help, who and who's got this budget. And like, so it's just, you know, you're doing it the right way.
And if they don't Yeah. And it's just, like you said, building relationships and they might recommend you for something or vice versa. Uh, that's the, the greatest part about it all is, is just the community and, and I think, um. There are gonna be occasionally, you know, the, the people that. You realize like, hmm.
You know, they're in this for them, you know? But they're few and far between us. Yeah. Yeah. Uh, you know, and we got a really good, uh, group of, of people in this industry. So tell me, excuse me, as you're getting ready to get back in the studio, you're getting ready and back to, to do a, a commercial demo. Um, yep.
What, what are gonna be. Some of your, we'll say your, your initial goals, but, and, and then also tell me like, what is, what is the major goal for you? So like, what is the first hopes and then what's the big hope to do a successful demo? Just to get my name out there and I, I'd like to eventually build a website, but I know you need demos and, and all.
And like, no, he tries and he, he's. He has a heart, I guess, I guess basically the same as any other voiceover would want. So then tell me then, what would be the, the, the first job goal? What do you think that would be for you Right now? I would just be happy to get with a, a ad agency or something. Not even a, a, a agent.
Just to do a first commercial, even if it's a local or local market or, or just help a friend out and do a, a commercial for them and do the editing and all. And. Just to help him out and get. Build my resume and, and get yourself started. Get yourself all up the ground. Be like, here, look what I did. I did this.
Uh, you know. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. Or even get a job on the, on the pay to play like five, build it up and get my name out there and, and say, Hey, this is what I've been doing. And maybe if I go to Atlanta VO or I, I joined MidAtlantic Voiceovers Police Order and they do a, a conference. They signed up for that.
And there's a lot of agents that go there. And even Atlanta vo, there's a lot of, uh. But that's like where a thousand voiceovers get together and you just meet each other and you network and you help each other out. And yeah, those kind of events can be really, really good. That's a great, um, you know, kind of meet and greet scenario, so, so cool.
I'm glad you did that. Now, what's the major goal? Like, you know, it doesn't have to happen today or a, a month from now, but it could be 10 years from now as you're really building your skills and, and getting yourself out there. And what's the. Like if you reached this goal, you would be like, if I did nothing else, I'd be satisfied.
I think NFL on, uh, NBC or something like that. Or even do a Yankees network, uh, commercial or something. You know, the Yes. Network. Yeah. Alright, well that's cool. You got a, you got a big goal or MG or something like that, you know. I love that big goals are good to have. Um, you know, and you take those little steps to get there, so that's awesome.
So, and, and my brother works for Mercedes-Benz, so maybe do a commercial for them, you know, or talk to their corporate or say, Hey, I could do a commercial for you guys. Look at that. You gotten in. I like that. Yeah. You gotta look at those relationships that are around you, where, where everybody works. You can kind of get that foot in the door.
That's awesome. Well, listen, Patrick, I, I wish you the best, um, give it all you got for that demo coming up and I can't wait to hear it once it's all together. And, uh, thanks Mar. Yeah, and, and listen as you're getting work. Keep in touch. All right. Or if you've got questions or something, holler at us. 'cause we'd love to have you back on as you're, uh, as you're growing.
Okay. And, uh, love to just see what you got going on. Okay. Thanks Marissa. Of course. Of course. And we'll have a brand new episode of Voice Coaches Radio coming up next week. Stay safe everybody.
Visit voice coaches.com for more voiceover news and information.
This week Marissa sat down to chat with a Voice Coaches student, Patrick Tokarz! He’s currently on his journey that, like any, has had some minor bumps along the way and he’s getting ready to re-record his demo! Lets see what he’s up to!
