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best custom demos recorded for all these jobs floating around at the online sites,
mix 'em up and produce them later. There's so much more, but at least you have some "homework", to begin.
As a voice artist, your job is to take words from a page and give them life. Understand the copy, know your audience,
givie the script life, changing up rhythm and pace. Make the copy exciting, use your vocal range and change it up!

This brings us back to the need for... acting skills!
There are plenty of credible coaches, but check credentials. There are a few unscrupulous individuals out there
whose best skill is separating you from your money. And never take a "class" from a talent agent who promises to
represent you. And practice, practice, practice as much as possible, daily. Read out loud. Record yourself and listen back.
Be your own worst critic and your biggest fan!

The first thing you need to know - there is so much more required to be a successful professional voiceover actor than having a "nice voice". These days, you need you take classes in voiceover and acting, train, listen, be a marketing specialist and website wiz, an audio engineer, and the list goes on. Of course you'll need a demo. But first, read and listen to others, without getting involved with some individuals whose intentions are to mainly separate you from your money. And don't make a demo until you've had adequate training. You'll be making a sizeable investment anyway in your business, so be smart about it! You'll need to put in a lot of time to get up to speed. Read up, take voiceover classes from reputable coaches, preferably those who are already working voice actors, practice profusely, listen to your recorded voice. Read James Alburger's book, "The Art of Voice Acting" and Susan Blu's "Word of Mouth". Elaine Clarke also has a fabulous book, "There's Money Where your Mouth Is". The least expensive way to find out more is to read books and travel to blogs and websites on the topic.
Then..find a credible coach. There may be one near you. You'll need to do your research. These days there are even teleseminars and classes on the web. Learn to act. Join local theater groups. An excellent resource is Voiceacting.com
which is also where you'll find two of my favorite voice coaches, James Alburger and Penny Abshire.

Live the craft. It's an art. When you're ready, your coach can refer you to a credible source to create a demo. A great demo is key to attracting new prospects, but make sure the demo showcases you, and not the music and/or sound effects. Also be sure you can easily, and perfectly replicate whatever qualities the client heard in your demo when in the studio. In the "old days", talent used to be booked directly off their demo. Now, custom demos (raw voice) are pretty much the norm. It may be possible to use some of your best custom demos recorded for all these jobs floating around at the online sites, mix 'em up and produce them later. There's so much more, but at least you have some "homework", to begin.

Learn more about this author, Bobbin Beam.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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