In this article, we want to address whether you (yes, you, the one reading) could make money doing voice-over! But first, let's set the stage:
Voice over is an over 15-billion-dollar industry. It's huge! Commercials, Radio Ads, Podcasts, you name it. The demand from companies for voice talent has never been greater. Before the pandemic, many of the best voice actors rented or owned a professional recording studio. They could go into the studio and record their voice with the highest quality equipment. This process had long been the industry practice. However, as with most things, March 2020 changed all that.
These days, most if not all voiceovers are recorded from home. The equipment and recording quality you get from Amazon or Sweetwater products like microphones, soundproofing, audio interfaces, etc., is professional grade. Existing and new voice talent alike have purchased the necessary equipment to make a living from home. Using their voice. We have several relevant blogs if you are interested in this process or the specific equipment needed:
You Can Do This Voice Over Job from Anywhere
Long story short: You can get excellent quality recordings from your own home from a small investment of $500-$1,000, depending on which equipment you choose. This investment may seem like a steep cost to enter the industry, but it's relatively affordable compared to starting your own business, getting patents, physical location rental, etc. And with that small investment, you're set to start making money with your voice!
But can YOU do this? Yes! Absolutely! You can! When most people think of the "ideal voice-over voice," you probably think of someone with a deep voice like Morgan Freeman, or an attractive voice or a radio voice. This common perception is totally wrong. Companies these days aren't trying to impress you with a fantastic voice. They want someone that sounds relatable, real, human. Can you be those things? Of course, you can!
Voice actors (from left to right), Kelly Wilson, Mike McGonegal, and Mary Catherine, create voiceovers from their home studios in locations across the USA.
Mike George is one of our Industry Expert Coaches who teaches in-person and remote classes for The Voice Shop. His overall focus is "Be Authentic." During his classes, he helps identify the characteristics that make you unique and helps enhance those bits of you. It's a thoroughly enjoyable process that also prepares you to take steps into the Voice Over Industry! We have class offerings for everyone, advanced, intermediate, or even beginners. Our Fundamentals of Voiceover class is a popular favorite, and we highly recommend giving it a try!
Voice coach Mike George provides voice acting instruction at The Voice Shop in New York City.
We have students from all walks of life, all age groups, and all demographics. Voice acting at this point is like the great equalizer. Everyone has a chance to succeed and begin making money, regardless of how your voice sounds. Isn't that a novel concept? It's true, though!
If you have any questions such as "How do I know which class to take?" "How can I connect with talent agencies?" or "How can I improve from where I am now?" you should schedule a free consultation with us! Send an email to: info@voiceshopcoaching.com and ask to set up a time with Jessica, our Director of Education.
Jessica can help you identify where you stand and what steps to take next in your journey to redefining "work."
