As a longtime voiceover talent and VO coach, I get more than my fair share of inquiries from people who want to know about all aspects of the voiceover industry. The most common question by far is people asking me how to get started. It’s a valid question - albeit a complex one, and one not to be taken lightly. I thought I would share some of my insights and best practices to help answer that question, and hopefully create an introductory resource that could be used by anyone looking to enter into this wonderfully creative and amazing industry.
This will be the first in a five-part series of articles:
Before you get started
Successful coaching and training
Creating your home studio
Recording an amazing Demo
Running a Successful Voice Over Business
Before you Get Started - The Preface
Let me start by saying that I absolutely LOVE the voiceover industry, and love doing what I do on a daily basis. I am able to generate a full-time income that allows me to pay the bills and support myself. It's true, I pinch myself every day because I am so grateful. But I did not get to where I am today easily, or for that matter, quickly. It is, without a doubt, a marathon and not a sprint. At its core, Voice Acting is an entrepreneurial undertaking. It's a multifaceted career that combines talent and performance skills with a whole lot of business savvy, including lead generation, marketing, and sales. It's not an undertaking for the faint of heart.
The story I hear from many is similar. Perhaps you’ve been told you have a nice voice. Maybe you're looking for a job that allows you to work from home and make some quick money. Or it's something you wish to pursue during retirement. It could be that you’ve been in broadcasting for a number of years and would like to use your skills to become a voice actor. Or, as an actor during the pandemic, you are looking for ways to supplement your income. Whatever the case, there are a lot of mysteries and myths surrounding success in the Voice Over industry. It is prudent for you to research the industry thoroughly (as you are doing now by reading this blog!) and make educated decisions prior to investing yourself - and a big chunk of your pocketbook - wholeheartedly into this business.
It’s hard to know where to start, how to start, and whether you’re even right for the industry. Questions like: Do I have the ability and talent to be successful? Can I realistically take the risk to start my own business at this point in my life? Will it be everything I think it’s going to be? Let's start by doing some research!