Tips for Aspiring Voice-Over Artists: From Auditions to Booking Gigs
Being a voice-over artist isn’t just about having a nice voice—although there’s certainly the need for that too! That means hard work, continuous learning, and probably, more than anything else, shooting oneself out into the world. But don’t worry; we will take you through it each step of the way.
This article will help you with everything from preparing for auditions to landing your first gigs. We will show you how to prepare, what to expect during auditions, how to market yourself, and how to handle those coveted first jobs. So grab your cup of tea—or maybe coffee or whatever makes your vocal cords happy—and let’s get going!
Remember, great voice-over artists are made in the process. This will not happen overnight, but if you are dedicated enough and have the right approach, you can surely turn your voice-over dreams into reality. Ready? Let’s go!
Preparing for Auditions
First things first: you need to be prepared before you even think about auditioning. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Research and Practice
Imagine showing up to a basketball game wearing ice skates. Pretty silly, right? Well, that’s kind of what it’s like if you don’t research the type of work you’re auditioning for.
If it’s for a Happy Meal toy ad, you likely do not want to sound like some cranky, senile, old troll. If it’s a scary movie trailer, you likely won’t cut it sounding like a cheerful kid. Do your homework!
Listen to similar ads or shows. Try to grasp their style. Then, practice, practice, practice! Record it and then play it back. It may feel weird at first—as we all hate hearing our voices—but it is the best way to improve.
2. Train Your Voice
Your voice is your instrument, and every instrument needs that little rub with sandpaper or a good tuning up to work at its best. First, warm those vocals up then say “red leather, yellow leather” ten times faster. Not so easy, huh? On your tongue and lips, though, it’s great!
You may also want to get some professional coaching. A good voice coach can help you find your strengths and work on your weaknesses. They can teach you how to keep your voice healthy and strong.
3. Making a Demo Reel
Think of a demo reel as your voice’s resume. It’s just a quick recording that says, “Hey, I can do this.” Keep it short and sweet—just right at 60 to 90 seconds.
Add in different voices you can do. Maybe you do a really great friendly neighbor or a mean robot voice. Show it off!
Just remember, only your best work goes out there. It’s better to have a short, amazing demo than a long, mediocre one.
4. Setting Up a Professional Home Studio
You won’t need some crazy recording studio to get started. But you do need a quiet place to record. Find a room in your house to make it as quiet as possible. Closets work great because clothes really help absorb sound!
For equipments, you’ll need:
– A decent microphone—nothing’s wrong with starting with a USB microphone
– Headphones
– A computer with recording software on it—some are for free, like Audacity, so no problems there
– A pop filter—this helps to eliminate those pesky ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds
Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a fortune. Get what’s in your budget, then upgrade as you need to.
Nailing the Audition
Okay, so you are all set. Now comes the audition proper. Do not freak out! Here is how you can nail it:
1. Getting Familiar with the Script
Before you start recording, go through the script. In fact, really read it out loud and take it all in. What is the mood? To whom are you talking? Are you trying to sell something or tell a story?
First, know who the character or narrator he or she is. Excited? Serious? Mysterious? Knowing these things can help you deliver it better
2. Taking Direction
You will sometimes be given directions by the client or director. He might want you to give it a more enthusiastic feel to it or pick it up a little. Listen and try to give them what they want graciously.
If you’re unsure, ask—that’s always the best policy. You’re better off asking for something and getting it right than guessing and getting it wrong.
3. Delivering with Emotion and Clarity
This is where the magic happens—to be able to come across with the right emotion but still be clear and easy to comprehend. It’s like acting without using your body.
If the script is happy, smile whilst you’re talking. If it’s serious, try to feel that seriousness. Your feelings will shine through in your voice.
Even so, remember that whoever the character you’re portraying, your articulation must always be clear. A dramatic reading doesn’t do anything if no one can understand you!
4. Recording Quality
Finally, make sure you sound good. Check for background noise. Is there a dog barking outside? Wait until he’s finished. Can you hear your computer fan? Move the mic further away.
Do a test recording and listen back. Is it clear? Is it clear enough? Is the volume okay? Better to catch up now rather than later, after you’ve sent in your audition.
Self-Marketing and Building a Portfolio
You have passed these auditions, but your work doesn’t stop here. You will need to promote yourself and build up a nice portfolio. This is how you’ll do it:
1. Building an Online Presence
You really should be online. Get a professional website that tells them what you do. It doesn’t have to be super fancy—clean, easy to cruise around in, with samples of your voice work.
Use social media to its fullest advantage as well. Whether Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, use the ones you are comfortable with and start sharing your journey. The clips may be of your work, sharing voice-acting tips, or connecting with other voice actors.
2. Networking
Remember, it’s not what you know but who you know. Try to network with other voice actors or people in the industry. Join groups about voice acting on Facebook or LinkedIn. If possible, hit up some industry events.
It won’t hurt to drop a line to people. Most people in the voice-over world will be your friends, and most are ready to chat. You’ll never know where the connection might lead to!
3. Join Online Platforms
You will find many online platforms that offer voice-over work. Create a profile, upload your demo, and start auditioning.
Remember to keep your profile up-to-date and professional, just like an online business card.
4. Continuous Improvement
Never stop learning! Attend workshops, watch YouTube tutorials, and apply new techniques. You want to stay current regarding what is happening in this ever-changing world of voiceovers.
Seek out critiques from other talents or coaches. Don’t be afraid of constructive feedback; it’s the quickest way forward in growth. Remember that even pros are working to get better.
Bookings and Gig Management
Congratulations! You’ve landed your first gig. Now what? Here’s how to do it like a pro:
1. Negotiating Rates
Money talk can be awkward, but it’s necessary. Do your homework on the rates within your industry so you know a fair deal. But don’t be afraid to negotiate—just be real about it. Since this is the beginning, you will likely charge less for bait experience.
Remember that your time is worth something. Consider the recording time, but also any prep work and possible revisions.
2. Dealing with Revisions and Feedback from Clients
Sometimes, there may be a need to make changes as required by a client. Don’t take it personally! Listen to them and try to understand what they want.
Be professional and make the changes they request. If you don’t understand something, ask. If you take a guess and have to do more revisions later when you find out you didn’t do it right, that is a waste of effort.
3. Delivering on Time
Deadlines are very critical in business. If you promise to deliver by Friday, you better deliver on or before Friday. Even better, if possible, try delivering early. Clients actually love reliability!
If something happens to make you unable to meet their deadline, contact the client and explain the situation. Truth and communication will go a long way.
4. Building a Reputation
In voiceovers, reputation is everything. Be professional, be reliable, and always deliver the best possible product. Everything goes fast in this business; a good reputation can bring you more work.
Remember that any job may lead to a great opportunity if you knock it out of the park!
Conclusion
Bring this one home: remember, success—voice-over success—does not happen overnight. It’s time, practice, and a whole lot of stick-with-it. There will be highs and lows, awesome auditions, and others you might wish you could forget. That’s all part of the journey!
Actually, just keep working at your craft. Keep throwing yourself out there. Most importantly, believe in yourself. Your unique voice has something special to offer the world, and it’s waiting to hear it.
So go ahead warm up those vocal cords, set up that home studio, and get to audition. After all, the next big voice we’re going to hear in a blockbuster movie trailer or as our favorite cartoon character might be yours!
