After a week that felt like three(?), I’m in the mood to curl up on the couch under a weighted blanket with a bowl of popcorn and M&Ms to binge-watch a comfort show. For a reliable dopamine hit, I’ve been watching DWTS (so good this season), but if you’re looking to escape into a story — an animated series with action that pulls at your heartstrings perhaps? — I highly recommend Arcane…Season 2 drops on Netflix TOMORROW!
For context, if you’re not a fan (yet), Arcane is an animated series based on The League of Legends game, created by Christian Linke and Alex Lee. The first season was super popular — I’m told it’s one of the most successful animated series on Netflix — and this second season is even better. For my character, Vi (pronounced v-eye), it’s even more emotional. I won’t spoil it other than to say that this season tore me apart.
At the Arcane premiere, a big fan experience in L.A. last week, a few reporters asked what I love most about playing Vi this season — and there are so many things I love about her! To name a few (4):
Vi is a capable and confident leader. She’s easy to root for.
Despite being faced with so much tragedy, especially this season (it’s rough), she remains resilient.
She’s as vulnerable as she is strong.
And she’s human! I don’t necessarily love it when Vi lets her anger and rage take over — it was a lot of screaming in the sound booth…but I believe all her emotions are beautiful and come from a place of love and passion.
Fans, I’d love to know your favorite Arcane character and why. DM Beau Society :)
The other day, I was talking to a friend about Arcane, and she was super curious about the voice acting process — what it’s like and how I prepare to play an animated character. If you want a deep dive, this episode of Armchair Expert gets into the weeds about voice acting, and it’s super interesting. But here’s what the experience looks like for me:
● I record in six-hour sessions. It’s a long day by myself in a dark and dim sound booth. Usually, there’s an engineer and a writer in the studio with me. For Arcane season 2, I recorded at a sound studio in L.A., though technically you can do it from just about anywhere.
● My work uniform is sweatpants and a hoodie. Comfort is key. Also, the sound booth is a no-zippers-allowed zone.
● Vocal warmups are super important. This is unique because I’ve rarely felt the need to warm up while doing live-action. But when I play Vi, if I don’t warm up my voice and just start yelling through a particularly rage-fueled scene, I’d hurt my vocal cords.
● We bounce around to different scenes. I could read a scene that’s positioned at the end of episode 7 and then jump back to episode 1. It’s not in sequential order.
● I don’t see any footage until the end. Meaning I’m just as in the dark as you are until the trailer comes out. I can’t tell you how excited I was to finally see this one!
While voice acting is pretty solitary, on Arcane, I’ve gotten to work with (although separate from) some of the most amazing people. My friend Ella Purnell plays Vi’s sister Jinx. Ella and I go way back. We met in 2010 at this Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Photoshoot, which I think was my first photoshoot ever. Look how little we were! Now, 14 years later, we get to do Arcane Press together, which makes us nostalgic.
But my favorite part about Arcane, undoubtedly, is the fans — they’re (you’re) incredible! At last week’s premiere of Season 2, I met a fan cosplaying Vi. They waved me over and said something so special it’s stuck in my brain over the past few days and I’ve thought about it whenever I’ve had a down moment:
"Vi is my comfort character and I'm so grateful to hear that she goes through a lot this season because I've had a really tough year so I’m happy to know that I can continue cosplaying as her and still feel like a version of myself."
How cool is that?? You all ride for Vi in a way that I’ve never experienced with another character in my career and I’m honored to play a role that resonates with so many people.
Now a moment for the Arcane premiere glam! I felt so good on this red carpet. 1) Because the fans brought the most fun and lively energy. And 2) I got to get all dolled up with the help of my glam team who understand my style and always make me feel so confident (even when I’m running on four hours of sleep after a Halloween party).
- My stylists, Rob and Mariel, pulled this insane dress from New Arrivals. How gorgeous? It was so comfortable, too.
- The super lovely and talented Ricky Fraser did my hair. The incredible Ash K. Holm was on it with my makeup.
- My nail artist, Tom Bachik, did a dark red-almost-black manicure — I don’t know the exact polish, but it’s giving Lincoln Park After Dark.
Also, check out the Arcane x Fenty collab - may I suggest this lip luminizer? The Spotify playlist is also really good.
Looking ahead to next week, I’m planning a fun holiday-themed AMA! I know you guys loved the last one:) Let’s unpack all things Holiday, from the joy of gifting to the stress of wrapping. Keep checking our BS Instagram Stories so you don’t miss the callouts!
In the meantime, take care of yourself.
