Want to know how to break into the voice over profession or advance your career as a voice over artist? The first thing you need to understand is that the path to voice over success is not cut and dry. There is no magic pill that will help with your vocation. What you need is a talent for reaching others simply through your tone and delivery. While there are several technological advances these days that can help you sound clearer and more precise, no gadget in the world can replace the ability to capture a listener’s ear.
Learn the Voice Over Industry
Like any other career, achieving success means educating yourself about everything in the industry. Sign up for workshops or take a class to learn the basics of voice over talent. Use the classes as an opportunity to find out whether it’s something you want to pursue.
If so, congratulations! Now it’s time to work on your craft. A voice over coach could prove to be your ticket to success. These masters teach all about diction and speech and train you to expand your range. Every class you take can positively affect your ability to secure work.
Quality Equals Voice Over Success
If you are just starting, you will need to create demos and send them out to voice over agents, and make them available online. The demos must be professional, from the production to the clarity of your tone. This is your calling card, so you should not cut corners here. Shooting for perfection is a must.
When recording, your goal is to sound natural. Creative directors and producers know that a welcoming, natural delivery is the magic that sells products and grabs attention. Consumers are more responsive to a familiar voice—and that, of course, is the end goal.
Choose Your Niche
There are many paths to take in the voice over industry. There are opportunities in the video game market, on-air commercials, storytelling, and narration, to name a few. Consider what audience you may be good at reaching. Maybe it’s soccer moms or teens. Perhaps it’s single men or fast-tracking Millennials. Clients are always searching for specific vocals that will trigger a reaction in their audience.
Network, Network, Network
While the life of a top-notch voice over artist can be a solo affair, achieving and maintaining success requires consistent outreach. How? Network, network, network. And then network some more. Tap into fellow artists and learn how they get their name out to the people looking to hire serious professionals. Growing your base is one secret to success.
Be a Voice Over Professional
Like other careers, success comes to those dedicated to their craft. Presenting yourself as a professional in the industry will make more people take notice and add you to their databases. On the flip side, create your own database with potential agents, clients, creative directors, and producers you interact with along the way. Create a website as well, one that puts you in the proper light as a dedicated professional in the voice over industry.
Learn about the tools you will need and purchase wisely. Don’t skimp on quality and invest in the proper equipment. If you are just getting started you may want to start with equipment such as:
- A Studio Project C-1 Microphone
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface
- Sennheiser Headphones
- Adobe Audition DAW
The Secrets to Voice Over Success Are Within Your Grasp
Most of what will make you a success in voice over applies to any professional, service-oriented industry. Be well-mannered and courteousl and continually work on your craft as an artist. Earn respect from clients, remain responsive, and stay in demand through referrals and networking. Quick responses to an email, text, or phone call can solidify your future!