By: Nate Myers
Alright! Starting from square one - this is everything you need to know about how to get into voice acting. We will cover voice acting in general, voice training, the voice skills and equipment you’ll need, and we’ll also get into marketing yourself on social media.
Voice Acting Overview
It’s important to start with the knowledge that anyone can do this, even kids and teens! There isn’t a “perfect voice” that casting directors are searching for. What matters most is authenticity. We’ll cover that more in the future but let that set the stage.
It isn’t difficult to become a voice actor (sometimes known as a voice-over artist or voice talent). But that also depends on what success looks like to you. If you’re looking for some side income or if you’re looking for an entire career. Your definition of success may differ from someone else’s.
There are amazing opportunities within voice-over. You can be part of the next big animated movie, narrate someone’s favorite book, or work with big brands on radio or TV commercials. The possibilities are actually astounding.
Voice Over Actors operate mainly like independent agents or freelancers. They make their own schedule and invest the time they’re comfortable with. Also, similar to a freelancer, you can set your own rates. What is your time worth to you? Just be prepared to back that up with some great reads and a demo reel. (https://www.voiceshopcoaching.com/blog/2022/6/27/voice-over-demo-reel-whats-the-deal).
How Much Can You Make In Voice Acting?
The obvious answer is - it varies. There is a ramp-up period where you must invest more time and effort into getting gigs. An established voice over actor can earn $200+ per hour. Depending on the regularity of jobs, you’ll likely make less than $20k for the first few years. Most successful voice over actors moved their voice over careers forward while working regular jobs. When their income rose to a comfortable level, they transitioned to 100% voice-over.
There are many types of voiceovers:
· Commercial (TV/Radio)
· Film
· Video Games
· Animation
· Audiobooks
· Podcasts
· Live Events
Finding the right niche for you based on preference or natural fit will take some time. But that’s okay! Throw yourself at every opportunity and use them as learning opportunities. Often you will at the very least receive feedback on how to improve your takes and become better over time.
Voice Over Training
Much like other trades or professions, it’s better to arm yourself with skills and knowledge before jumping into the fray. However, voice-over isn’t often a typical degree or even college course. Where can you turn?
Luckily The Voice Shop (https://www.voiceshopcoaching.com/) has you covered. The Voice Shop is a voice coaching and voice education initiative. The Voice Shop’s mission is to establish and develop the voice skills necessary for you to succeed as a voice over professional.
The Voice Shop in New York City offers
voice acting classes in-person and online.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, a wide range of voice over classes, workshops, and private voice lessons are taught by esteemed industry veterans. The Voice Shop gives students the skills and industry-savvy knowledge of voice over to take their careers to the next level.
In addition, Free Consultations are offered to give you an in-depth look at our class offerings and to help you determine which class is the best fit for you. Give us a call or email to set up a time to meet with Jessica, our Director of Education, at info@voiceshopcoaching.com. You’ll get a run-down of our class offerings, a personal assessment, and a chance to ask any questions you may have free of charge. Please take advantage of our free consultations to get the support you need when you need it!
Home Recording Studio
The next step is what you might consider voice-over’s barrier to entry. But don’t worry, getting into voice over can be affordable from an equipment standpoint. We’ve written an entire blog to help you identify the necessities, budget-friendly options, and even some recommendations to take you to the next level.
Read the full article (https://www.voiceshopcoaching.com/blog/2021/3/11/setting-up-your-home-for-remote-vo-recording).
Finding Voice Acting Work
So, you’ve got the skills, you’ve got the equipment. What now?
The first step is a demo reel. Consider this your resume for the voice acting world. It shows you at your best and highlights what makes you unique and desirable for someone to work with! Here is the article again, because it is that important:
(https://www.voiceshopcoaching.com/blog/2022/6/27/voice-over-demo-reel-whats-the-deal).
Long story short- The Voice Shop has you covered by providing professional voice over demo reels. Not only do we have professional mixing and editing capabilities, but we also have the industry knowledge of what casting directors are looking for in a candidate. Once your demo reel is secured, what next?
Marketing
It comes down to marketing. And this is something that will become a staple piece of your career in voice-over. Social media plays a big part in establishing yourself in the industry. Put yourself out there, don’t be afraid!
By far, the best content will be video content of you recording takes. TikTok is our recommended starting point. The organic exposure on TikTok is second to none. And you can always download your videos from there and repost them on Instagram Reels to easily cover two platforms! There are many types of voice over content on social media. Impersonations, live takes, vlogs of your travels/recording if you get an in-person gig, interviews, etc. Be creative!
And be on the prowl. Apply for everything and anything. The worst thing that can come from the application process is feedback on where to improve. Best case, you land a gig and are on your way! Best of luck! See you out there!
