Whether you’re watching a documentary or listening to an explanatory video, the voice behind the narration plays an important role in how you perceive the content and its message. Professional voiceover artists are skilled at communicating the right tone, emotion, and style for a particular project. They also know how to convey the message of a company in a way that is engaging and believable.
People with a talent for voice acting can come from a wide range of educational and career backgrounds. Some are experienced actors, singers, radio DJs, or podcasters who decide to make voiceover their full-time career. Others might not have significant performing experience but are drawn to the industry by the promise of flexible freelance work.
The first step towards becoming a voiceover artist is to get familiar with your own voice and learn the basics of directing a session. This is often done by taking acting classes, working with a voice coach, or simply practicing at home. Those who have the resources can also make their own recording studio by soundproofing an area of their house, such as a closet or bedroom, and setting up the necessary equipment for audio capture.
Once you’ve honed your craft, it’s time to start looking for opportunities. A great place to start is online, where you can find jobs from companies that need voiceovers for various projects. The best part about this kind of platform is that you can audition and record your voice for a job from anywhere in the world, as long as you have access to a computer with good audio recording software and a high-quality microphone.
While most of the work is freelance, you may be asked to collaborate with producers or engineers on some projects. These can be anything from station sound productions to audiobook recordings. In these cases, you’ll be sent a script to read and record, or you will be joined live by the producer via Skype or other online meeting platforms.
Some of the most fulfilling parts of being a voice actor are seeing the results of your work. It can be exciting to hear your voice in a big-budget film trailer or see your name on the credits of a nationally syndicated radio show. However, it can be just as rewarding to work with small businesses and see their growth as a result of the voice over you provided. Ultimately, the joy of seeing a product or service grow because of your work is what keeps many voice actors going.