Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Katie
Do you dream of working from home as a paid voice over artist? If so, this article detailing how to start a Voice over career with no experience should be of interest to you.
Without even realising it, we hear voice over artists all the time in everyday life.
You’ll hear them in commercials, in tube or train announcements, in cartoons and video games, in marketing materials and audiobooks.
But, how do you break into the world of voice acting, when you have zero experience?
In this article, we’ll detail all the steps you need to take from developing your voice skills, setting up a home studio, getting the right equipment, recording your first demo, marketing yourself and how to find your first voice acting jobs.
Let’s dive in!
Overview of How to Start a Voice Over Career
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What is voice over?
- Types of Voice over work?
- Why start voice acting?
- How to develop your voice over skills
- What equipment is needed for voice over work?
- How to set up a recording studio at home?
- How to create a professional voice over demo?
- How to create a portfolio that sells your voice talents
- Where to find paid voice acting opportunities?
- Navigating the business side of voice over
- How much money can you make voice acting?
- What skills do you need to be successful?
- Pros and cons of voice acting work
- Can anyone be a voice over artist?
- How do I train myself to be a voice over artist?
Related reading: How to Make Money Reading Audiobooks: 19 Sites Hiring
How to Start a Voice Over Career – Understanding the Industry
The voice over industry is an exciting and creative field that involves using your voice to bring characters, narratives, and messages to life.
Take a look at the main things you need to know:
What is Voice Over?
Voice over, often abbreviated as VO, refers to the process of recording spoken words that accompany visuals in various forms of media such as commercials, animations, films, video games, audiobooks, e-learning modules, and more.
The voice over artist uses their voice to deliver dialogue, narrate stories, provide information, and add emotional depth to the content.
It requires skilful delivery, vocal range, versatility, and the ability to interpret scripts effectively.
Types of Voice Over Work
Voice over offers a diverse range of opportunities to showcase your vocal talents. Here are some common types of voice over work:
- Commercial Voice Over: This involves lending your voice to advertisements for television, radio, online platforms, and other promotional materials. It requires the ability to convey persuasive and engaging messages to target audiences.
- Character Voice Over: This type of work involves bringing animated characters to life through your voice. Whether it’s a brave superhero, a mischievous villain, or a lovable cartoon mascot, character voice over requires creativity, versatility, and the ability to embody different personalities.
- Narration Voice Over: Narration work entails providing a compelling voice-over for documentaries, corporate videos, audiobooks, and educational materials. It requires clarity, excellent diction, and the ability to articulate complex information effectively.
- Video Game Voice Over: With the rise of the gaming industry, voice actors are in high demand to voice characters in video games. This work requires the ability to bring emotion, intensity, and believability to virtual worlds and interactive storytelling.
Learn More in a FREE Mini Course
There’s no better way to learn about the world of voice over, than learning from someone in the industry.
If you’re wondering if voice over work is right for you, how hard it is and how long it takes to be successful, the Online School for Voice OVer has the answers for you.
Enroll in the Intro to Voice Over FREE Mini Course here.
Why Pursue a Voice Over Career?
Embarking on a voice over career is rewarding and fulfilling.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider pursuing a career in this industry:
- Flexibility: Voice over work offers tremendous flexibility, allowing you to work from home or anywhere with a recording setup. This flexibility grants you the freedom to choose when and where you work, making it suitable for those with unconventional schedules or other commitments.
- Creative Expression: If you have a passion for performing and storytelling, voice over provides an outlet for your creativity. It allows you to use your voice as an instrument to evoke emotions, captivate audiences, and create memorable experiences for listeners.
- Endless Opportunities: The demand for voice over talent continues to grow, thanks to the expansion of digital media platforms, audiobooks, e-learning, and the entertainment industry. This offers a wide range of opportunities to work with diverse clients on exciting projects.
- Potential for Growth: With dedication, practice, and continuous learning, you can evolve and refine your skills as a voice over artist. As you gain experience and build a strong portfolio, you may have the potential to expand into more challenging and lucrative areas of voice over work.
Developing Your Voice Over Skills
To have a successful voice over career, it is essential to invest time and effort in developing your voice over skills.
Assess Your Voice
Before applying for paid work, it’s important to assess and understand the unique qualities of your voice.
Each person possesses a distinct vocal range, tone, and timbre that can be honed to suit different types of projects.
To assess your voice, start by recording yourself reading various scripts or engaging in impromptu voice exercises.
Pay attention to your vocal range, pitch, clarity, and any areas that may need improvement.
Listening back to your recordings can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas that require development.
Practice Vocal Techniques
Practicing vocal techniques is crucial for enhancing your voice over skills.
By consistently working on your voice, you can improve your articulation, projection, pacing, and overall vocal quality.
Here are some vocal techniques to incorporate into your practice routine:
- Breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises will help you develop control over your breath, leading to improved voice stability and stamina during long recording sessions.
- Warm-up exercises: Engage in vocal warm-up exercises to loosen your vocal cords and prepare them for optimal performance. Simple exercises like lip trills, tongue twisters, and humming can help improve your vocal flexibility and clarity.
- Articulation exercises: Focus on exercises that target specific sounds and speech patterns to improve diction and pronunciation. Repeat tongue twisters or practice enunciating challenging consonant sounds to refine your articulation skills.
Take Acting Classes
While voice over work primarily involves using your voice, understanding acting techniques can greatly enhance your overall performance.
Taking acting classes can help you bring scripts to life and deliver authentic and compelling voice overs.
Acting classes offer valuable training in interpreting scripts, conveying emotions, and developing character voices.
They teach you how to use vocal inflexions, tone, pacing, and intonation to create a captivating and immersive experience for the audience.
By integrating the skills and techniques learned in acting classes, you can bring depth and realism to your voice over performances, making them more engaging and impactful.
How to Start a Voice Over Career – What Equipment is Needed?
Voice over work requires a few essential equipment pieces to ensure professional-quality recordings.
Here are the key components you need to start your voice over career:
1. Microphone
The most crucial piece of equipment for voice over work is a good-quality microphone.
A condenser microphone is generally preferred as it provides clearer and more detailed sound reproduction.
One highly recommended option is the Audio-Technica AT2020, known for its excellent sound clarity and affordability.
2. Pop Filter
A pop filter is essential to minimize any popping sounds caused by plosive consonants (such as “p” and “b”) that can be distracting in voice recordings.
It acts as a shield between your mouth and the microphone and helps to reduce these unwanted sounds.
3. Microphone Stand or Boom Arm
To ensure stability and proper positioning of your microphone, a microphone stand or boom arm is necessary.
This will allow you to adjust the microphone’s height and angle according to your preference for optimal sound capture.
4. Headphones
A good pair of closed-back headphones is essential to monitor and evaluate your recordings accurately.
They help you detect any background noise or inconsistencies in your voice over performance that may need correction.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a highly regarded choice in the voice over community due to its exceptional sound quality and comfort.
5. Audio Interface
An audio interface is required to connect your microphone to your computer or recording device.
This device converts the analog signal from your microphone into a digital format that can be processed by your computer.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a popular and reliable audio interface among voice over professionals.
6. Acoustic Treatment
To achieve optimal audio quality, it is crucial to minimize unwanted echoes, reverberations, and background noise in your recording space.
Utilizing acoustic treatment such as foam panels or bass traps can help absorb and control these unwanted sound reflections, resulting in cleaner recordings.
Auralex Acoustics offers a range of acoustic treatment products suitable for voice over studios.
Remember, while having quality equipment is important, it’s equally vital to have a quiet and well-treated recording space, a reliable computer, and professional audio editing software to complete your voice over setup.
How to Set Up a Recording Studio at Home
Setting up a recording studio at home is a crucial step in starting a voice-over career.
By having a dedicated space for recording, you can ensure high-quality audio and create a professional environment.
Follow these steps to create your own home recording studio:
Choose the Right Room
The first step in setting up a recording studio at home is selecting the right room.
Look for a space that is quiet, well-insulated, and away from any exterior noise. Ideally, choose a room with minimal echo and natural reverb to ensure clear and crisp audio recordings.
If possible, opt for a room with carpeted floors and soft furnishings to help absorb sound.
Soundproof the Space
To minimize external noise interference and optimize the quality of your recordings, it’s important to soundproof your recording studio.
Start by sealing any gaps or cracks in doors, windows, or walls to prevent sound from leaking in or out.
Consider using acoustic panels or foam to dampen reflections and reduce echo within the room.
You can also use heavy curtains or room dividers to further absorb sound and improve acoustics.
Arrange the Studio Ergonomically
Creating an ergonomic setup in your recording studio is important for your comfort and performance.
Position your microphone at a comfortable height and distance from your mouth. Ensure that your chair and desk are adjusted to promote good posture and reduce strain during long recording sessions.
Consider adding additional equipment such as a music stand or tablet holder for easy access to scripts or lyrics.
Remember to keep your studio organized and free from clutter. Having a clean and tidy space will help you focus on your voice-over work without distractions.
How to Start a Voice Over Career – Steps to Create Your First Demo
To kickstart your voice over career, it is essential to have a professional voice over demo that showcases your skills and capabilities to potential clients.
A well-crafted demo reel will impress casting directors, agents, and clients, even if you are just starting out with no prior experience in the industry.
Writing a Script
It is important to choose scripts that highlight your versatility and demonstrate your ability to adapt to different styles, tones, and genres.
Here are a few tips for scripting your demo:
- Know your target audience: Research the industry and the types of projects you want to pursue. Tailor your script to showcase your skills in those specific areas.
- Capture attention quickly: Begin your script with a strong hook that grabs the listener’s attention right from the start.
- Include variety: Incorporate a mix of genres, tones, and styles to demonstrate your range and versatility.
- Keep it concise: Keep your script short and focused, highlighting your best performances within a limited timeframe.
- Add diversity: Include scripts that showcase different character voices, accents, and emotions to display your versatility.
Recording and Editing
Once you have your script finalized, it’s time to move on to the recording and editing process.
Here are some key steps to follow:
- Set up a professional recording space: Find a quiet room with minimal background noise and good acoustics. Consider using soundproofing materials to enhance the quality of your recordings.
- Invest in quality recording equipment: Purchase a good microphone, headphones, and audio interface to ensure professional-grade sound quality.
- Practice proper mic technique: Learn to position the microphone correctly and experiment with distance and angles to find the best sound for your voice.
- Use a digital audio workstation (DAW): Utilize a DAW software like Audacity or Adobe Audition to record and edit your voice over takes. This allows you to adjust audio levels, remove background noise, and make any necessary edits.
- Master your audio: Apply basic audio mastering techniques to enhance the overall sound quality and clarity of your recordings.
Showcasing Your Range
To make your voice over demo stand out, it’s crucial to showcase your range and versatility.
Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Include different styles and genres: Incorporate scripts from various genres such as commercials, animation, documentaries, video games, or e-learning projects. This demonstrates your ability to adapt to different voice over requirements.
- Highlight diverse characters and accents: Showcase your talent for portraying different characters and accents. This allows casting directors to envision your potential for a broad range of roles.
- Demonstrate emotions and dynamics: Include scripts that require you to express various emotions, from excitement to sadness, and showcase your ability to bring scripts to life.
- Use vocal techniques: Incorporate vocal techniques such as pacing, emphasis, tone, and inflexion to display your versatility and storytelling skills.
How to Create a Portfolio that Sells Your Voice Talents
A compelling portfolio is essential for landing gigs and attracting clients.
Your voice over portfolio serves as a showcase of your skills, versatility, and experience and could be the deciding factor whether you get hired or not
Select Your Best Work
When curating your voice over portfolio, it’s crucial to select your best work that demonstrates your range and abilities.
Highlight a variety of styles, genres, and projects to showcase your versatility. Choose samples that align with the type of voice over work you want to pursue.
Consider including a mix of commercial scripts, narration samples, character voices, and any specialized genres you excel in.
Aim for a selection of high-quality recordings that clearly exhibit your vocal skills and delivery.
You may also want to showcase any awards, accolades, or notable projects you have been a part of.
This can add credibility and prestige to your portfolio, setting you apart from other voice over artists.
Organize Your Portfolio
A well-organized portfolio not only looks professional but also helps potential clients easily navigate through your body of work.
Consider the following tips when structuring your voice over portfolio:
- Categorize your work: Group your samples into categories such as commercials, narrations, characters, languages, or industries. This makes it easier for clients to find the specific type of voice over they are looking for.
- Include brief descriptions: Provide concise descriptions or tags for each sample, indicating the project type, your role, and any notable details. This helps clients understand the context and relevance of each recording.
- Keep it concise: While it’s important to showcase your abilities, avoid overwhelming your portfolio with too many samples. Aim for a balanced selection that represents your range without being overly lengthy.
- Prioritize quality over quantity: It’s better to have a few outstanding samples than a large number of mediocre ones. Focus on showcasing your best work to make a strong impression.
How to Start a Voice Over Career – Steps to Build an Online Presence to Market Yourself
In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for voice over artists.
A well-established online presence not only enhances your visibility but also allows potential clients to easily find and evaluate your work.
Consider the following steps to build an effective online presence:
- Create a professional website: Build a website that showcases your voice over portfolio, provides information about your services, and includes your contact details. Ensure that your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly.
- Leverage social media: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to connect with fellow voice over professionals, engage with the industry, and share updates about your work. Regularly post samples, industry insights, or behind-the-scenes content to showcase your expertise.
- List on voice over marketplaces: Join reputable voice over marketplaces such as Voices.com, Fiverr, or Upwork to gain exposure to a vast network of potential clients. Complete your profile with a compelling bio, relevant keywords, and a link to your portfolio.
- Seek testimonials and reviews: Request feedback from satisfied clients and incorporate their testimonials on your website or portfolio. Positive reviews enhance your credibility and instill confidence in potential clients.
How to Start a Voice Over Career – Where to Find Paid Work
Once you have your portfolio ready to show prospective clients, you can start looking for paid voice acting gigs.
Fortunately, there are several avenues you can explore to kickstart your journey including joining online voice over marketplaces, networking with industry professionals, and auditioning for voice over jobs.
Join Freelancer Marketplaces
Online marketplaces have become increasingly popular platforms for voice over artists to connect with potential clients.
These platforms act as intermediaries, allowing clients to post voice over job listings while providing a space for voice over artists to showcase their skills.
Here are a few reputable freelance marketplaces to consider joining:
- Fiverr: Fiverr is a popular freelance platform that offers various creative services, including voice over work. Create a profile, highlight your skills, and set competitive rates to attract potential clients.
- Upwork: While primarily a general freelance platform, Upwork also provides voice over job listings. Create an eye-catching profile, emphasize your voice over skills, and actively apply to relevant job postings.
Network with Industry Professionals
Building a network of industry professionals can open doors to paid voice over opportunities.
Here are a few effective ways to expand your network:
- Join Voice Over Communities: Online communities and forums dedicated to voice over artists are great places to connect with like-minded individuals. Participate in discussions, seek advice, and create meaningful connections within the industry.
- Attend Voice Over Conferences or Workshops: Conferences and workshops provide an excellent platform to network with industry professionals. These events often feature panel discussions, presentations, and networking sessions where you can meet potential clients and collaborators.
- Connect on Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter offer opportunities to connect with professionals in the voice over industry. Follow industry leaders, engage with their content, and participate in relevant discussions to expand your network.
Apply for Work on Voice Over Websites
Take a look at these platforms that have a wide range of no experience voice over jobs on offer:
- Voices123
- Voices.com
- TheVoiceRealm
- Bodalgo
- VoPlanet
- BunnyStudio
- VoiceCrew
- Castingcall.club
Navigating the Business Side of Voice Over
When starting a voice over career with no experience, it’s crucial to navigate the business side of the industry effectively.
Take a look at these tips:
Pricing and Negotiating Rates
Determining your voice over rates can be challenging, especially when starting out in the industry.
Here are some factors to consider while pricing and negotiating your rates:
- Industry standards: Research and analyze the average rates in the voice over industry. Websites like Voice123 and Bodalgo can provide helpful insights into industry standards.
- Project type and usage: Take into account the type of project (e.g., commercials, e-learning, video games) and how it will be used (e.g., regional, national, global).
- Experience level: As a beginner, you may choose to offer competitive rates to attract clients. Gradually increase your rates as you gain more experience and expertise.
- Negotiation skills: Brush up on your negotiation skills to ensure you secure fair compensation for your voice over services.
Handling Contracts and Payments
Here are some best practices to handle contracts and payments professionally:
- Written agreements: Always use written contracts to clarify the terms and conditions of your voice over work, including project scope, deadlines, and payment details.
- Payment terms: Decide on an invoicing schedule that works for you and clearly outline it in your contracts. Consider requesting a deposit or partial payment upfront.
- Secure payment methods: Utilize secure online payment platforms like PayPal or TransferWise to ensure smooth and safe transactions.
- Record-keeping: Maintain organized records of your contracts, invoices, and payments for future reference and financial management.
How to Start a Voice Over Career – What is the Earning Potential?
While the income varies depending on various factors such as experience, reputation, and industry demand, voice over work can be financially rewarding for those who put in the time and effort.
Earnings Based on Project Types
Voice over work encompasses a wide range of projects, each with its own pay scale.
Here are some common project types and their corresponding earning potential:
- eLearning and Corporate Narration: These projects typically involve recording educational or training materials for businesses, institutions, or online platforms. The rates for eLearning and corporate narration can range from $100 to $500 per finished hour of audio.
- Commercials: Voice overs for commercials can be highly lucrative, especially for national ads. Rates for commercials can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the length of the spot, the market reach, and the usage rights required.
- Video Games and Animation: Working in the gaming and animation industry can be financially rewarding for voice actors. Rates can vary greatly depending on the scope of the project, the size of the game or production, and the popularity of the franchise. It is not uncommon for voice actors in this field to earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per hour.
- IVR and Phone Systems: Voice overs for Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems and phone greetings are often charged on a per-prompt or per-hour basis, with rates typically ranging from $100 to $500 per prompt or $25 to $100 per hour.
Factors Affecting Earnings
Apart from project types, several other factors can impact your earnings as a voice actor:
- Experience and Expertise: As with any profession, the more experience and skills you possess, the higher your earning potential. As you gain more experience and establish your reputation in the industry, clients are willing to pay higher rates for your services.
- Industry Demand: Voice over rates can also be influenced by the demand for specific types of voices. For instance, if there is a high demand for a certain accent, language, or vocal style, you may be able to command higher rates.
- Geographical Location: Voice over rates may vary depending on the country or city in which you are based. Factors like the cost of living and the level of competition in your area can impact the rates you can charge.
- Union Affiliation: If you choose to join a voice actors’ union, such as SAG-AFTRA, your earning potential may increase due to the union’s negotiated rates and benefits.
How to Start a Voice Over Career – What Skills Do You Need to Be Successful?
Learning how to start a voice over career can seem daunting, but with the right set of skills, anyone can succeed in this line of work.
Here are the key skills that aspiring voice actors need to develop:
Acting Talent
Possessing acting talent is essential for voice actors to bring characters to life effectively.
While voice acting may not require physical presence, it requires the ability to convey emotions, portray different personalities, and deliver convincing performances through voice alone.
Aspiring voice actors should focus on honing their acting skills by taking acting classes or participating in community theatre groups.
Decent Vocal Abilities
Having a good range and control over your voice is crucial for voice actors.
This includes the ability to modify pitch, tone, and volume to suit different characters and scenarios.
Additionally, voice actors should develop the skill of enunciation, ensuring that their words are clear and understandable.
Regular vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises, and practicing different vocal techniques can help voice actors maintain and improve their vocal abilities.
Knowledge of Audio Equipment
To succeed as a voice actor, it’s important to have a basic understanding of audio equipment and recording techniques.
Voice actors should familiarize themselves with microphones, headphones, audio interfaces, and recording software commonly used in the industry.
This knowledge enables them to create high-quality recordings from their home studio setup or professional studio environments.
Dedication and Confidence
Voice acting is a competitive field that requires perseverance and dedication.
Voice actors need to be committed to continuous learning, practicing their craft, and seeking out new opportunities.
Confidence is also crucial when auditioning and performing, as it helps voice actors deliver their best performances.
Building confidence can be achieved through practice, positive affirmations, and seeking feedback from peers or voiceover coaches.
Ability to Market Themselves
In the voice acting industry, self-promotion plays a significant role in landing gigs and establishing a successful career.
Voice actors should develop marketing skills to effectively showcase their talents to potential clients.
This involves:
- Creating a professional website or online portfolio
- Promoting their work on social media platforms
- Networking with industry professionals
How to Start a Voice Over Career Pros and Cons of This Type of Work
When learning how to start a voice over career, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it’s right for you.
Like any profession, voice acting has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of.
Pros of Voice Acting Work
Here are some of the advantages of pursuing a car
