Getting Into Voice Over Work

If you’re interested in getting into voice over work, here are some things to consider.
I made the decision recently to become a voice over artist. As a musician/singer/songwriter, I never really thought of becoming a voice actor but it is very closely related to what I have been doing for years. Also, when I worked for a major electronics retailer and read aloud some copy in front of coworkers, my “performance” was met with applause and a recommendation that I do voice over work.
Due to COVID-19 disruptions, I, like many others, found myself out of work. I decided at that time to make my voice work for me.

To educate myself on voice acting for beginners, I researched the topic on the web and watched numerous YouTube videos. This provided a wealth of information. I also was able to locate a coach who had a style that really resonated with me, so I subscribed to that person’s channel and viewed the rest of the videos that they had uploaded. I wrote down a lot of notes.

I joined my regional voice over associations and I will join a national one soon. These groups provide great resources to help you along in your career.

I purchased and read books on the topic and attended various industry-related online webinars.

I got my home studio together. My computer already had Magix ACID Music Studio installed from previous music recording projects. My microphones were the dynamic style, so I invested in a nice condenser mic and upgraded my old Sony headphones (where the leatherette material on the ear cushions was flaking off) to a cool new pair of Philips headphones.

To locate voice over jobs for beginners, I was delighted to hear that platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork were ideal. I already had profiles in place on both of these sites, so I updated my profiles to show that I was now getting into voice over work. I did the same on LinkedIn and Instagram. I also set up this website and a business Facebook page, and I updated my dormant profile on Voices.com that was a couple years old.

The Steps of Getting Into Voice Over Work

As with anything, there’s a process to becoming a voice actor. If getting into voice over work is something you’re seriously considering and think you’d be good at and have fun at, then go ahead and get involved with it. It can be very lucrative and the startup costs and expenses are relatively low. Still on the fence? Review this page

Here’s what you need to proceed:
Set up a home studio. This can be in a closet or other small room, or a portion of a larger room. Basements are ideal as they are often quieter than other parts of the house.

Record a demo. People will need to hear your voice and what styles you’re capable of. You may want to wait until you’re really ready to record a demo. Then there’s the discussion over whether you should record it in your home studio, or record it with a professional producer, which can cost a few thousand dollars. Some argue that a professional studio-quality recorded demo will disappoint clients who hear the audition clip you made for them in your modest home studio.

If you feel the need for coaching, here is a good resource to learn how to find a coach or mentor who teaches voice acting for beginners so you can hone your skills and learn how to bring in a good income. Coaches can also oftentimes produce your demo. Many offer package deals which include a consultation, one-on-one training, and the creation of your demo.

Find voice over jobs for beginners. This page will give you a good idea of how and where to locate paying gigs.

Congratulations on your decision to become a voice over artist. I wish you lots of luck!