If you’re looking to start a career as a voice over artist or are an experienced one already, there are many aspects to consider. From deciding on what to call yourself, to finding clients and recording your work, there are plenty of things to keep in mind. Getting the most out of your voice over recordings requires practice and commitment. It also helps to be knowledgeable of the industry and what’s expected of you.
While it might seem trivial, it’s important to decide on the term you want to use when describing your skills and services. It can make a difference in the perceptions of your customers and colleagues. For example, using “voice actor” can sound more professional than “voice over artist”.
As the name suggests, voice over is a form of acting that uses your vocal ability to narrate or act out a script. It can be done for a variety of reasons, such as providing information on a website or video, or it can be used to create an audio-only piece of work. It can even be used to add an element of emotion or intrigue to a film or television show.
There are many different techniques and equipment involved in voice over, so it’s important to be familiar with these concepts before you start working. It’s also crucial to find a quiet place to record with good acoustics and a microphone. Before recording, it’s a good idea to run a test and ensure your equipment is working properly. This way, you can avoid any issues that may arise during the recording session.
Once you’ve established that your equipment is working correctly, it’s time to start practicing. You can use voice over apps on your computer, phone or tablet to help you get accustomed to the process. There are plenty of free offerings available to try out, but some of the best include Audacity, Twisted Wave and Ocenaudio. When you’re ready to take on a real project, make sure you read the script aloud several times before you begin. It’s common for scripts to sound different when read out loud than in your head, so this step is very important.
One of the most important aspects of being a voice actor is being able to imitate a wide range of voices. This is especially true during auditions, where directors are looking to see what you’re capable of and how you can adapt your voice to fit a particular character. This is why it’s important to have a demo reel that showcases your range of abilities.
The first person to make a name for himself in voice over was Mel Blanc, who famously played a large number of roles in animated cartoons, most notably in the Walt Disney classic Steamboat Willy. Since then, the field of VO has continued to grow and evolve. It is now possible for people from all over the world to make a living by lending their voice to a range of projects and industries.