Unlike many other types of performers, voice actors do not need to be on stage to make a living. Rather, they can work from home or their studio to complete audio projects for film, TV, commercials, video games, and radio. They can work on short or long term projects, ranging from 20-second commercials to multi-month game productions. They must be able to adapt to the needs of each project, often recording several takes of each script.
While there are some who find a voice acting career too stressful, the vast majority of freelance professionals enjoy their jobs and love working from home or their studio to get paid for their creativity. It is also a less physically demanding career than some other performance careers and many professional voice actors are able to continue their careers well into their retirement years.
As with other professional fields, there are many aspects of being a voice actor that are not easily explained, but it comes down to being comfortable in front of the microphone and having a good understanding of what each project requires. For example, a read for an audiobook might require good diction and the ability to read quickly, while voicing for a video game may call for shouts, gasps, and grunts.
Another aspect of a successful voiceover artist is having excellent control over emotions. Whether they are asked to sound excited, cheerful, or even angry, they must be able to deliver the performance that the director requests. This is especially important when performing ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) for a movie or TV show, where the voice actor must match the mouth movements of the on-screen actor.
It is important for voiceover artists to have a high-quality recording studio, so they can practice and record their work. Some have their own studios and others work with a voiceover agency that provides them with an audition space, studio equipment, and technical support. During the recording process, voiceover talent will often be directed by the director or dialogue editor to ensure they are hitting all of the required sounds and nuances for each scene.
When they are not in the recording booth, voiceover talents will likely spend time continuing their voice lessons or pursuing new professional skills. Some of them will also have to take care of the many tasks that go along with running a freelance business.
While a voiceover artist is usually an independent contractor, the industry is full of people who have gotten their start in theater, radio, or television acting. In addition, some have a background in music and have taken vocal training at Berklee or other institutions.