Voice over artists are the actors whose voices are heard on television, radio and movies without their faces being shown. The job requires a great deal of acting skill as well as a clear, soothing and attractive sounding voice. The industry is made up of semi-professionals who supplement their income with a variety of other jobs and successful top professionals who make a full living from voice over work alone. Those with the right talent and dedication to succeed can find a wealth of exciting opportunities and interesting side projects, as well as a flexible, portable career that allows for a work-life balance and home office flexibility.
The most important skills for a voice over artist are good acting technique and an ability to interpret a script. Those who excel at their craft can produce audio recordings that seamlessly overlay video productions and bring them to life. The job can range from a few hundred dollars for a short recording to tens of thousands for a national radio or TV commercial spot. It’s also common for voice over artists to specialize in a particular field such as commercials, animation, or educational videos.
While many aspiring voice over artists are not necessarily actors, they are typically familiar with acting techniques. Some have formal training or are working with an acting coach. Others have previous experience in the music industry or as a radio DJ and are comfortable speaking on camera. Regardless of their background, voice over artists should practice regularly and build up their vocal range and capabilities. They should also be able to quickly adapt their style and tone to suit the specific needs of a given project.
Choosing the right equipment and studio is another important step for an aspiring voice over artist. Today, with advances in technology, most people can record and upload high-quality audio from their personal computer. Those seeking to start a career in this field can take advantage of a variety of online resources, including tutorials and free voice over scripts.
To be a successful voice over artist, you should have a clear and pleasant-sounding voice that is recorded at a comfortable volume. A high-quality microphone is essential as is a quiet, private space for recording. You can also improve your performance by practicing with a professional voice over coach or listening to established VO (voiceover) actors.
The most successful voice over artists are constantly searching for new opportunities and developing their careers. They are able to build relationships with major agencies and sources of repeat work that can provide a steady stream of income. As they grow more experienced, they can also earn more for each recording session. Those who are serious about their careers invest in continuing education, utilizing online courses and listening to webinars. In addition, they keep up with industry news and trends by studying the works of other top voice over artists. Lastly, they ensure that their recordings are always of the highest quality. voice over artists
