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Frequently asked questions
Getting Started in Voice Over
Training & Demos
Equipment & Home Studio
The Business of Voice Over
FAQ
To get started in voice over, you must move beyond having a "good voice" and develop professional acting skills. The four essential steps are:
1. Talent Assessment with a reputable coach
2. Performance Training to master storytelling
3. Studio Setup for broadcast-quality audio
5. Business Strategy to navigate marketing and digital voice solutions.
Most people think just a "good voice" is the way in. In reality, that’s the least important part of the job. A successful voice actor is, first and foremost, an actor. I’ve spent 30+ years in the booth, with a degree in acting, and I still learn something new every week. This isn't a natural skill; it’s a focused craft.
Before you buy a microphone or pay $2,000 for a demo, you need to determine if you have the talent to tell a story. I'm not talking about doing impressions that make your friends laugh; it’s about engaging an audience and making them feel something.
Your First Three Moves:
1. Don't Buy Gear Yet: Your first investment should be in a coach who will tell you the truth about your potential. Here's a list voice over coaches I trust. (https://www.vostrategist.com/blog/categories/coach-recommendations)
2. Audit Your Psychology: Not every voice fits every genre. Read this blog (https://www.vostrategist.com/post/does-your-personality-match-your-genre)to see where your personality aligns with the market.
3. Get the Business Blueprint: Talent is the engine, but business is the fuel. Check out my [How-To Video Library] to see the realistic business side of the industry for less than $1 a day.
Have more questions? Book a free consult (https://www.voiceoverstrategist.com/service-page/free-consult)and let's chat...
It's never too early or too late to start voice acting! Voices of all ages are always in demand, from babies to seniors. Regardless of your age, what really matters is getting quality voice over training from a professional coach.
Have more questions? Book a free consult (https://www.voiceoverstrategist.com/service-page/free-consult)and let's chat...
No! All accents and voice types are welcome in the voice over industry. However, you need to be aware of current casting trends, as that changes frequently. For example, the classic "announcer" sound and "in a world" trailer voice has been out of fashion for over a decade. This is why you need a good voice over coach to help you find your sound.
Have more questions? Book a free consult (https://www.voiceoverstrategist.com/service-page/free-consult)and let's chat...
Starting a career in the voice over industry is not cheap. Do not invest any significant amount of money into your new business until you are 100% sure that this the right vocation for you. Many folks have learned the hard way that they can't make a living at this.
Determine if you have the talent to be an effective voice actor. Schedule a diagnostic with o(https://www.voiceoverstrategist.com/faq)ne of these amazing voiceover coaches.(https://www.voiceoverstrategist.com/faq) Even if you do have talent, talent is not enough.
You need to be prepared to initially invest anywhere from $5,000-$20,000 in your new business. This includes performance training, demos, a home studio, a website, marketing materials, and more.
Do not pay money to produce a demo with anyone who does not first offer you training, and I don't mean only four sessions. Lots of people want your money and will charge anywhere from $100-$4000 for a demo that will do nothing for you. Research every coach you consider and feel free to ask for my opinion.
If you determine you have the talent, time, and resources to become a voice talent, keep a few things in mind:
• The voice over industry is not 'A Chorus Line' or 'American Idol'. You will not be “discovered”, get “lucky”, or be given “your big break”. It just doesn’t work that way. Those are external factors you have no control over. You control what truly counts: your training, your resources, your business plan, and your will to succeed.
• The voice over industry is a small, small world. Treat everyone kindly, as you don't know where your next gig may come from. And we all talk to each other…
• Figure out what success looks like for you. If you want to do voice overs for grocery money, that’s totally valid. If you want to voice major video games or be in a Pixar film, that’s awesome, but you need to do different things to achieve different types of success. Each person must follow a different path. There is no set way to become a professional voice actor.
Have more questions? Book a free consult (https://www.voiceoverstrategist.com/service-page/free-consult)and let's chat...
Possibly! There are many factors to keep in mind, like where your auditions are coming from and if you can be available during office hours to sit in on a directed session. Most voice over work is self-directed and a common turnaround time is 48 hours. If you can do that, you're in!
Have more questions? Book a free consult (https://www.voiceoverstrategist.com/service-page/free-consult)and let's chat...
The two main categories of voice over are Broadcast and Non-Broadcast.
Broadcast genres include commercials, cartoons, promos, imaging, Public Service Announcements (PSA), and In-Show narration like documentaries and reality shows.
Non-Broadcast genres include audio books, video games, eLearning, and much more.
Have more questions? Book a free consult (https://www.voiceoverstrategist.com/service-page/free-consult)and let's chat...
Want to learn more about how to start or improve your voiceover business? Drop me a line!
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