So you want to get into voiceovers?
Declaring your intention is the first step toward changing your reality, so I applaud you for realizing what you want in life and having the courage to go after it! Like any other dream, success in voice-over requires continuous, deliberate action.
Most people have nice-enough voices; it's what you DO with it that matters.
Then, after you have developed some skills and are ready to market yourself, you can set up a home recording system. Pat Fraley outlines an economical setup in his The Gypsy's Guide to Professional Home Recording Workbook and Companion CD. You may also want to read Harlan Hogan and Jeffrey Fisher's excellent book The Voice Actor's Guide to Home Recording. If you're ready to create a marketing plan, check out the books and resources listed in this post. Also, I know that it seems like voice-over is not work, but you should realize that it takes a lot of work to generate jobs and a steady client base!
A voice-over actor must market himself and perform auditions continuously in order to get attention and jobs from others. This point is true whether you follow the path outlined above with specialized training, sign up with a pay-to-play site like Voice123.com or Voices.com, and/or perform voiceover for presentations (e-learning, marketing, etc.) on your day job for no additional pay. You also can create your own recordings. Practicing in this manner has a lot of value in terms of artistry, improvement and self-esteem. These recordings may or may not be used for promotion or payment.
A voice-over artist needs to be able to be transparent when interpreting the author's words and intent of any script so that you are the best service provider to the client. I think anyone who "evaluates your voice" would tell you that you have potential and then would be more than willing to take your money. A voice talent must be able to create their own characters rather than mimic someone else.
Voice-over is a business that is built on self-promotion and marketing. As with any business, you can expect it to have start-up costs. Before you can market yourself, you need to have a demo. Separate demos are needed for each target market (commercials, narrations, games, audiobooks, etc.). Before spending time and money to make a demo, you need appropriate training.
A good coach will tell help you select material for your demo that matches your voice and your style. You don't want to be in a rush to make a demo because:
1) You only have 1 chance to make a first impression
2) You need to be able to instantly perform like the person on your demo.
3) Your demo is competing with those of professionals who have been working for decades.
I refer you to the wealth of information I have written on my web site and blog, especially this entry titled A plan to break into voice-over.
Note that it includes a link to my recommended reading list. I always recommend that people start first with a book to get a broad overview of the industry. I continue to read voice-over books even though I've been working in this industry for over 10 years.
If you decide to take a class, this post has 10 questions you should ask a prospective voice-over teacher. Some teachers in Atlanta are listed on this page of my web site. Listed on the right panel of my blog are some national teachers. Susan Berkley and Nancy Wolfson are 2 coaches who do offer coaching via telephone. If you work with Nancy, please tell her that I referred you as I would get a free session. :) Also listed on my blog are a few voice-over blogs that I like, but a quick search on-line will show you plenty more.
Although you will want to record auditions from home, I wouldn't rush out to buy equipment immediately. I would first buy a digital voice recorder for practice. I have and can recommend the Olympus WS-300M or the Zoom H4N.
Then, after you have developed some skills and are ready to market yourself, you can set up a home recording system. Pat Fraley outlines an economical setup in his The Gypsy's Guide to Professional Home Recording Workbook and Companion CD. You may also want to read Harlan Hogan and Jeffrey Fisher's excellent book The Voice Actor's Guide to Home Recording. If you're ready to create a marketing plan, check out the books and resources listed in this post. Also, I know that it seems like voice-over is not work, but you should realize that it takes a lot of work to generate jobs and a steady client base!
A voice-over actor must market himself and perform auditions continuously in order to get attention and jobs from others. This point is true whether you follow the path outlined above with specialized training, sign up with a pay-to-play site like Voice123.com or Voices.com, and/or perform voiceover for presentations (e-learning, marketing, etc.) on your day job for no additional pay. You also can create your own recordings. Practicing in this manner has a lot of value in terms of artistry, improvement and self-esteem. These recordings may or may not be used for promotion or payment.
Actions like volunteering to read for the blind, contacting production companies and radio stations, and networking with professional associations are also worth pursuing. I described how I got started on this page of my web site.
No one can tell you the exact path you must follow, but just know that the dictionary is the only place where SUCCESS comes before WORK! :)
No one can tell you the exact path you must follow, but just know that the dictionary is the only place where SUCCESS comes before WORK! :)
However, taking continual steps on your dream -- whatever you decide to do -- will bring fulfillment to your life! In any case, you must be the one to put forth action to MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!
One last piece of advice -- read everything ALOUD and practice every chance you can!
If you found any of this info to be helpful, I'd be grateful for a donation to my PayPal tip jar. Best wishes for your success in all of your pursuits!
Edited 12/6/10 to add the following fantastic resources:
Edge Studio Career Center contains practice scripts, podcasts with experts, and helpful tools like a word calculator and rate card.
Voices.com has a Directory of voiceover coaches. Also, their daily blog is the best in the business.
Edited 4/30/11 to add this link to my article Trying to get a voiceover agent?
Edited 9/8/11 to add link to Atlanta teachers
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Karen Commins
Voice Actor
Voice Actor
• Greetings from Karen
• How to Reach Me
• Places I've Been
• Advice for Your Journey
• So You Want to Get Into Voiceovers?
• My Path So Far
• How to Reach Me
• Places I've Been
• Advice for Your Journey
• So You Want to Get Into Voiceovers?
• My Path So Far
I've always wanted to be a voice in a cartoon. Don't know why but love to hear the different voices. I just have not a clue where to start so I'm going to do as your blog says and start with a book!
Tracie
Greetings, Tracie! I'm glad you found the book suggestion to be helpful. You can spend a small amount of time and money to learn a great deal about an industry by reading a book about it. With the knowledge you gain, you're in a better position to decide whether voiceover represents a good career choice for you.
Best wishes for your success!
Karen