As a long-time Voice Actor and Coach, I get a lot of questions about the ins and outs of the voiceover industry. The one I hear the most is how to get started. It's a fair question, but not exactly a simple one—it needs some thought. So, I figured I'd share some tips and tricks to help out, hoping to put together a beginner's guide for anyone keen on diving into this awesome and creative industry.
This is the first in a 5-part series on getting started in voice over:
Before You Even Get Started - Read This
I absolutely LOVE the voiceover industry and thrive on doing what I do every day. I earn a full-time income that comfortably covers my bills and supports me. I am genuinely grateful for this reality. However, reaching this point was neither easy nor quick. It is undeniably a marathon, not a sprint. Voice Acting is fundamentally an entrepreneurial venture. It's a multifaceted career that blends talent and performance skills with significant business acumen, including lead generation, marketing, and sales. It's not for the faint of heart.
The story I hear from many is familiar. You've likely been told you have a great voice. Perhaps you're seeking a job that lets you work from home and earn money quickly. Maybe it's a passion you want to explore during retirement. You might have years of experience in broadcasting and want to leverage your skills to become a voice actor. Or, as an actor, you're looking for ways to boost your income. Whatever your situation, there are many mysteries and myths about achieving success in the voice over world. It's essential to research the industry thoroughly (as you're doing now by reading this blog!) and make informed decisions before fully investing yourself—and a significant portion of your finances—into this business.
Knowing where to begin, how to start, and if you're a fit for the industry can be challenging.
You've got questions like: Do I have the ability and talent to succeed? Can I realistically take the risk of starting my own business at this stage of my life? Will it meet my expectations? Let's dive into some research!
