Tips for success as a voice over artist
At our recent Liverpool Open House, The VoiceOver Network founder Rachael Naylor stopped by to provide her expertise on how to not only get voice over work, but make it your own viable business. With over 15 years of industry experience, Rachael’s approach is pragmatic, and born of her own varied experiences as a working voice over artist. Here are a few of the essential starting tips on getting set up as a voice over artist, and approaching the industry with good business sense.
You don’t necessarily need a voice over agent
Rachael says that while you don’t need an agent, you absolutely will need to be proactive and work hard. She advises that, while an agent will be useful for getting the bigger jobs out there, starting out yourself is not a bad idea – getting together quality work to show for yourself will only help when it comes to finding a good agent who can help you secure the “meatier” work.
Approach production companies directly
While you have to be patient in order to start seeing results, a direct approach can be a good one for getting the ball rolling. Be professional and considered in your approach, and have a professionally made voicereel to send them.
Focus in on the type of work you want
Knowing the types of work available, where the work is likely to come from and what you think fits your voice and personality best, are all important points to research as you enter the voice over world. While voice work was previously seen as the “little brother” of acting, it is only getting bigger and bigger, with many actors turning to voice work as their main source of income.
If you’re serious, get set up properly
It’s quite easy to have your own home studio these days at an affordable price, and for the serious voice over artist, this will open up a whole array of opportunities. With a few simple pieces of equipment, a home studio will allow you to work whenever you like – allowing you to take up clients from all parts of the world. Freedom from the restriction of recording only in an external studio will give you the chance to take up potentially much more interesting and better paid work, whenever it comes your way.
Training is important
You need to make sure you are taking workshops like Vocal Intensive workshops, Character Development, as well as home studio workshops. It’s a very competitive industry so if you want to join you need to make sure you are at your best. The VoiceOver Network have a list of recommended voiceover training and workshop providers and will be happy to share this with you.
Create a business plan
Remember that it’s your business at the end of the day – having a business plan in place is just as important for you as a voice over actor as it would be for any new business! This means considering what it is that you individually have to offer, and how you can market that to maximise your opportunities as a voice over artist. Voices are all unique: don’t be disheartened or convinced that you’re just another of a certain type – every voice has a unique quality, and it’s important to be aware of what you can offer with yours.
Having a solid social media presence means largely free marketing, and can help you stay connected to an industry that can sometimes feel a little distant. Take up opportunities to network with fellow performers, and be ready to provide any essential information as required. This means having your CV, voice clips, and more, all up to date and ready to be deployed as necessary!
Being a voiceover artist is not a quick buck career as it takes a lot of skill, talent, perseverance, determination and hard work.
The VoiceOver Network is about helping, supporting and strengthening the voiceover industry. They do this through sharing invaluable information, training, The Buzz magazine, resources and lots more. They are working to raise standards and put into place best practices for a fast moving industry.
For more information, helpful workshops and events, as well as to hear more from the voice over community, check out the VoiceOver Network.
