Those that have stories of delighting people through impersonations, frequent chatter and jokes also have colorful memories of creating lots of laughter or getting into trouble for those very reasons. Who says to the kid in class that talks too much that a voiceover profession could happen? Often childhood interests and gifts is a blueprint for grown-up careers. Are you a person that loves to speak and thought of voiceover work? Here is 5 Things to Know to be a Successful Voiceover Actor.
1. Training
If one is serious about pursuing a career as a voiceover actor, training is an important factor for building your brand especially, if a person will work from a home studio. Voiceover involves variations of range, sounds, dialects, accents and character voices. The more resourceful a person is the better chance voiceover opportunities will become present.
An aspiring voiceover artist should be prepared to take professional classes or obtain information that will teach a person how to use their voice. Continued education and or training are an ongoing process for any voiceover artists to continually to get better in the profession.
2. Practice Creates Work
People that own their profession always practice to stay in the fore front of the competition. A person that wants to be a voiceover artist will practice and practice some more, it never ends. Hear your voice in the open. Remember even the best singer’s use a vocal coach. A great way to practice the technique of voice to is read variations of information to enhance your vocal skills. A person can record their voice and play it back so constructive feedback both good and bad can be assessed. Practice different voices in front of family and friends who can provide an honest critique.
3. Planning
A career as a voiceover artist will take great planning because it is a business. No matter if a person works for someone else or is an independent artist with a home studio, being organized in business handlings will make a career in voiceover less stressful. Does the voiceover artist have a website, business cards, portfolio and contact number? These are items that are expected from most anyone that operates a business. Likely, the outside source will view your contact information before meeting a person initially. Plan well and be organized in presentation. A person’s brand should speak for them when the individual is not present.
4. Legalize the Business
If a person creates a brand and or business as a voiceover artist, the last thing you want to do is create a name that someone else steals. Even if one just started in the profession, a DBA through a local county clerk office can secure the name of a business initially. As the business grows and more work is obtained under the brand name, it is important to make sure tax filings, copyright and trademarks are filed accordingly when applicable to the nature of the business. Not sure how to go about doing so. Check resources that provide attorney or tax consultant assistance that best fit the individuals budget.
5. The Proof is in the Reel
Many of us have heard those overnight sensation stories about artists being discovered from their demos. Demos introduce the person and the talent. Having a high-quality recording that offers variations of a person’s voice becomes the resume to launch a career as a voiceover artist. Again, quality is very important; an aspiring voiceover artist should never comprise. Presentation is everything!
Good Luck!
