FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
I am an empathetic and passionate voice over actress. I come from Costa Rica, a small and lush tropical country in Latin America. I love using my voice as a creative tool—an essential element for storytelling, connecting with people, and expressing emotions. With over 10 years of experience in voice acting, my goal has been to approach my work with an integrative vision that fosters both business growth and personal development. A driving force in my life is to constantly evolve, guided by love and compassion.
I hold a degree in Drama Arts and have trained (and continue to train) with top voiceover coaches like Tina Morasco and Dave Walsh. I perform in English, Spanish, and French, catering to a diverse international audience. My clients include global brands such as Google, VISA, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Nescafé, Toyota, Spectrum Mobile, and Fancy Feast.
In 2022, I won the prestigious Voice Arts Award (USA) in an English-language category by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS), one of the highest honors in the industry. In 2021, I received the Lavat Award (Mexico), a notable accolade in the Latin American voiceover community that celebrates excellence in voice acting and dubbing. I’ve also earned multiple award nominations in the U.S., Venezuela and Colombia.
I’m deeply committed to my craft. I attend workshops, conferences, and coaching sessions to push my limits and gain fresh perspectives. Building community and fostering belonging in the industry is important to me—I thrive on meaningful connections. My journey is about holistic growth: innovating, exploring new markets, and constantly expanding my horizons while trusting my instincts.
WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?
My journey began unknowingly as a child. I loved reciting poems, stories, and tongue twisters. I would play at conducting interviews using my mom's work recorder (which I took without permission). From a very young age, I took theater classes and knew I wanted to be an actress. In university, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Drama Arts.
After graduation, I experienced a crisis where I realized I didn't want to be a theater actress, and I felt completely lost. I began reviewing my education and exploring what aspects of my studies I had enjoyed most. I remembered a voice over course I had taken and loved, which made me think this could be a possible path for me.
I felt I needed more training and began searching for it. I found many online resources about performance techniques, business strategies, networking, and demo production. What I had initially thought was a mistake - studying Drama Arts for so many years - ultimately became the stepping stone to a dream I didn't even know I had, and I was now determined to make it work.
After participating in many auditions, I started booking jobs and gradually building a portfolio. Through networking and portfolio development, my career began to take off, allowing me to break into both local and global markets.
A crucial mindset shift was necessary to turn this into a stable source of income. I focused on expanding my scope at an international level. Working with a financial advisor was essential to help me change limiting beliefs and transform my perspective about finances. I completely redefined my business strategy, which included investing in professional recording equipment and adding an administrative and management assistant to my team. Most importantly, I came to understand that my physical and mental wellbeing are at the core of my business success.
PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.
For as long as I can remember, acting has always felt like a space of freedom, playfulness, and belonging—a place where I felt completely at home. I’ve always been deeply comfortable in performance-related environments.
When I discovered the world of voice acting, it was a revelation—a new way to perform using only my voice. That intimate closeness you feel when speaking into a microphone creates a powerful connection with the listener, as if your words are reaching directly into their heart.
PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.
The voiceover industry presents unique challenges that require both resilience and adaptability. Perhaps the most universal is the inherent uncertainty of the business. Unlike traditional employment, there's no guaranteed paycheck - each month brings new variables. I've come to accept that unpredictability will always be part of the journey. Through conversations with colleagues, I've gained insight into ever-changing market dynamics, while working with coaches has helped me develop skills to adapt more effectively.
Voice over work can be surprisingly isolating. One challenge we all face is building a sense of community in what's often a solitary profession. I've found that sharing experiences, knowledge, and even struggles helps us grow stronger together. Learning from more seasoned professionals allows newer voice actors to work smarter rather than just harder.
International projects add another layer of complexity. Cultural differences in communication styles, work expectations, and creative approaches can initially seem daunting. However, I've found these collaborations to be among the most rewarding. When a Japanese director's subtle storytelling approach merges with Latin American emotional expression, for instance, the result often exceeds what either culture could produce alone. These cross-cultural experiences have fundamentally enriched my approach to voice over work.
The key to overcoming these challenges lies in maintaining curiosity - about market trends, about other professionals' experiences, and especially about the cultural contexts that shape our industry. What might appear as obstacles often become our greatest teachers when approached with an open mind.
JAPAN IS KNOWN FOR SO MANY GREAT ICONIC VOICE OVER PEOPLE, SUCH AS CHARACTERS FROM ANIME OR MOVIES AND DUBBED TV SHOWS. WHO IS SOMEONE INSPIRATIONAL THAT YOU ADMIRE IN THIS INDUSTRY?
Japanese voice artistry has subtly shaped my creative perspective over time. Like many in Latin America, I grew up with beloved series that became cultural touchstones - the heartwarming adventures of Heidi, the thrilling matches in Captain Tsubasa, and the emotional journey of Candy. These shows weren't just entertainment; they were background companions to our childhoods.
The distinctive soundscapes of Japanese media, from Super Mario's iconic effects to Miyazaki's atmospheric work in films like Spirited Away, quietly demonstrated the expressive potential of voice work. More recently, the charming Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure showed me how voice acting can bring unexpected characters to life with delightful nuance.
What intrigues me about Japan's voice over tradition is its balance of technical precision with emotional authenticity. While not a dominant influence, it's been a steady source of creative inspiration that I find myself returning to - one I'd like to explore further as I continue developing my own vocal style.
IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?
I'm passionate about expanding my creative horizons across the full spectrum of voice work - from helping local entrepreneurs bring their visions to life to collaborating with global brands on large-scale campaigns. What excites me most isn't the size of the project, but the passion behind it.
I'm particularly drawn to creative teams who view voice acting as an essential storytelling element rather than just a production requirement. Whether it's an indie developer crafting a heartfelt game narrative or an international agency producing boundary-pushing content, I thrive when working with people who share that commitment to authentic communication.
The ideal collaboration for me is one where we collectively push creative boundaries while staying true to the project's core message. I'm always excited to work with directors, producers, and brands who value the nuanced power of voice to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?
My voiceover practice encompasses a diverse range of specialties that each bring unique creative satisfaction. Currently, I'm particularly energized by:
Commercial & Brand Storytelling: Helping brands craft compelling narratives through television, radio, and digital spots.
Live Event Announcing: Serving as the "Voice of God" for corporate events and high-profile gatherings, where timing and presence are everything.
Educational Content: Bringing clarity and engagement to e-learning modules and instructional materials.
Corporate Narration: Giving voice to company vision through explainer videos, training materials, and internal communications.
Interactive Systems: Crafting clear, friendly voices for IVR and automated systems that improve user experience.
Dubbing: Adapting performances across languages while preserving the original's emotional impact and authenticity.
Documentary Storytelling: Using vocal nuance to enhance powerful non-fiction narratives.
Audiobook Narration: The special challenge of maintaining consistency and emotional truth across hours of performance.
What unites all these specialties is my commitment to understanding each project's unique needs and delivering voice work that truly serves the material - whether that requires technical precision, emotional resonance, or brand-aligned tone.
WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?
What captivates me about Hollywood is its unparalleled ability to create magic—that extraordinary sense that anything is possible. Hollywood's storytelling reaches every corner of the globe, and its vocal performances carry a unique power: they make us dream, remind us of our shared humanity, and even shape new realities through sound and emotion.
I deeply admire voice artists who transport us to other worlds, helping us connect with universal emotions while challenging our perspectives. Their work makes us question what we know, plants seeds of change in our consciousness, and brings fantastical worlds to vivid life. Equally inspiring are those performers who—while demonstrating exceptional vocal artistry—have also paved the way for others by overcoming significant obstacles, whether poverty, discrimination, health struggles, or personal loss. Their journeys remind us that with dedication and vision, dreams are achievable.
While it's impossible to name every influential artist, several have profoundly impacted my craft: Viola Davis's emotional depth, Benedict Cumberbatch's versatility, Meryl Streep's transformative ability, Scarlett Johansson's nuanced deliveries, Tara Strong's animated brilliance, James Earl Jones's iconic presence, Salma Hayek's cultural bridge-building, Eugenio Derbez's comedic timing, and Antonio Banderas's charismatic warmth. Each represents the pinnacle of what voice artistry can accomplish.\
On a personal level, successful voice actors are self-aware, determined, and always learning.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?
This is a complex question because being a great voice actor involves many different elements - technical skills, personal qualities, and business management abilities.
First and foremost, a good voice actor truly understands their voice as their instrument and takes care of it. They're versatile, able to express a wide range of emotions, and skilled at following directions. They’re proficient with recording and editing tools. Most importantly, they recognize that their work serves the client's needs - they ask the right questions to fully understand the project and can interpret what clients want even when they struggle to explain it in technical terms. They work efficiently, collaborate smoothly, and recognize that success in this field requires both technical skills and strong interpersonal abilities.
Professionalism is key. The best voice actors approach every interaction with respect, kindness, and active listening. They accept feedback without taking it personally. They value everyone's time - showing up prepared, meeting deadlines, and keeping sessions productive.
On a personal level, successful voice actors are self-aware, determined, and always learning. They're on a constant journey of self-discovery about who they are and what they need. They dream big but also know how to set boundaries and negotiate effectively. They prioritize their physical and emotional wellbeing.
This career demands adaptability - to changing conditions, constant uncertainty, and frequent rejection. That requires developing emotional tools and resilience. Top professionals stay current with industry trends, have clear goals and strategies, and make smart investments in their growth. They understand it's not just about talent, but also about managing the business side - finances, marketing, and networking all play crucial roles in building a sustainable career.
NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?
I truly value both approaches—each brings its own special advantages. There's something magical about in-studio sessions where the energy of working alongside others in the same physical space can elevate a performance.
At the same time, remote work offers incredible flexibility. The ability to collaborate with clients anywhere in the world means I could be working on a project with teams across multiple time zones—imagine contributing to a session with colleagues in Tokyo in the morning and New York in the afternoon. This virtual approach expands creative possibilities while introducing diverse cultural perspectives to every project.
WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?
No two days are identical, but my routine typically involves:
• Recording auditions and client projects
• Handling marketing and administrative tasks
• Preparing weekly proposals and quotes
• Listening to industry or personal development podcasts
• Attending workshops or coaching sessions
• Staying balanced with Zumba workouts, mindful eating, and intentional moments of connection
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?
I recommend thoroughly researching what a voice over career truly entails. This isn't just about talent - you're building a business. Develop all the necessary skills, not just vocal performance. Test the waters, and if it feels right, seek proper training and mentorship from established professionals who've walked the path before you.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?
I can't share details due to the nature of the projects, but I can say there's work coming with international brands and live announcing (Voice of God).
I'll continue working on my personal and professional growth in a comprehensive way, always innovating, entering new markets, and constantly expanding my horizons.
While 2025's full picture is still unfolding, I'm certain it will bring challenging projects that will help me grow as a voice actor. I trust that good things are already on the way: projects that will push me to work in markets I haven't explored yet, to discover new cultures, to explore new genres, and to connect more deeply with this career I'm so passionate about.
IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, HOW CAN PEOPLE REACH YOU?
Let's create something extraordinary together! I offer:
• Broadcast-quality home studio with Source Connect
• Quick turnaround times
• Professional collaboration
Connect with me via:
Email: mbaltodano14@gmail.com
Social: @marielabaltodano (IG/FB) | Mariela Baltodano (LinkedIn)
If you have any questions or would like to connect further, please reach out!
ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?
This journey demands courage but rewards with incredible growth. It is beautiful and full of lessons. Enjoy the ride and cultivate the sense of wonder. Celebrate every step, every achievement no matter how small. Be grateful for growth opportunities and create a plan to get where you want to be. Savor each milestone, nurture your curiosity, and honor your unique timeline. The challenges shape you. The struggles strengthen you. And through it all - keep dreaming boldly. Your voice has power. The world needs to hear it.
