Voice over artist: Everything you need to know
As the entertainment industry grows, so does the need for voice over artists. Voice over artists are professionals who lend their voices to various forms of media, including commercials, video games, audiobooks, documentaries, and podcasts. They are the voice behind the characters and narrators that we hear on our screens and speakers. In this article, we will explore what it means to be a voice over artist, how to break into the voice over industry, the benefits of voice acting, and the types of voice acting.
What is a voice artist?
A voice artist is a professional who provides their voice for various forms of media. They are responsible for narrating, acting, or providing voices for characters in different productions. A voice artist must have excellent diction, enunciation, articulation, and acting skills. They should also be able to portray a wide range of emotions and deliver lines convincingly.
How to become a voice artist
To become a voice artist, one must have a clear and pleasant voice and the ability to deliver lines with emotion and conviction. However, having a great voice alone is not enough. One must also have the necessary qualifications and training to work in the industry.
- The first step to becoming a voice artist is to take acting classes and voice over workshops. This will help aspiring voice artists develop their skills and learn techniques for delivering lines convincingly and portraying emotions through their voices. Additionally, getting a degree in broadcasting or communications can also be beneficial for pursuing a career in voice acting.
- The next step is to create a demo reel, which is a promo sample of the voice artist’s work. The demo reel should showcase the artist’s range and versatility, including their ability to perform different types of voice acting.
- Once the demo reel is ready, the voice artist should start networking and seeking out opportunities. They can reach out to casting directors, agencies, and production houses to find work. Social media can also be a great platform for promoting their skills and connecting with potential clients.
Benefits of voice acting
Voice acting offers many benefits to those pursuing a career in this field. One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. Voice actors can work from anywhere, whether it’s from a recording studio or a home studio. This gives them the freedom to work on their own schedule and take on multiple projects at once.
Another benefit of voice acting is the opportunity for creativity and expression. Voice actors can bring characters to life with their voices and create unique personalities that resonate with audiences. Additionally, the pay can be quite lucrative for those who establish themselves as successful voice over artists, and they can maintain privacy by acting without appearing on screen.
Types of voice acting
There are various types of voice acting gigs, including commercial voice acting, character voice acting, e-learning voice overs, voicing animated characters, narration, and dubbing. Commercial voice acting covers lending one’s voice to commercials, while character voice acting involves portraying different characters in video games, cartoons, and animated movies. Narration involves providing voice overs for documentaries and explainer videos, while dubbing is providing voice overs for foreign films and TV shows.
The best places to find voice over job opportunities
There are various online platforms where professional voice over actors can find voice over work. Online marketplaces, such as Voices.com and Voice123 connect voice actors with clients seeking their services. Freelance platforms like Upwork.com and Fiverr.com also have many voice listings.
Additionally, networking with industry professionals, such as casting directors, submitting auditions through talent agencies, attending casting calls, and self-promotion through social media and personal websites are effective ways to find work.
Qualifications for voice acting
While formal qualifications are not required to become a voice artist, having a degree in broadcasting or communications can be beneficial. Additionally, voice actors should have excellent diction, enunciation, articulation, and acting skills. They should also be able to take direction and adjust their voices according to the needs of the production.
A degree in a related field, such as broadcasting or theater, can be helpful. More important than education, however, is natural talent and a strong work ethic.
Training process
The training process for professional voice over actors consists of taking acting classes and voice over workshops to develop skills and techniques. Additionally, creating a demo reel is an essential part of the training process, as it showcases the artist’s range and versatility.
Recording equipment needed
In terms of equipment, professional-grade microphones and audio recording software are essential for producing high-quality professional voice recordings. A soundproof recording studio or home studio setup is also necessary to ensure optimal sound quality and audio production.
Speechify Voice Over Studio
If you’d rather not set up your own home voice over studio, Speechify offers an AI Voice Over Studio that can help you save time and money. Choose the ideal voice to narrate your project from more than 200 realistic voice selections and 20 accent options, including both male voices and female voices. Upload your script and instantly produce a high-quality voice over. From there, you can edit your project by altering the tempo and tone, inserting natural pauses between words for flawless phrase delivery, or adding background music for extra flair.
Speechify Voice Over Studio is fantastic for writers, teachers, students, corporate professionals, and more. Try Speechify Voice Over Studio for free today and see for yourself how easy it is to create high-quality voice overs.
FAQ
Which voice actor has the best voice?
There are many voice actors with great voices, but some top voice artists include James Earl Jones and Morgan Freeman. Known for his deep, authoritative voice, James Earl Jones has lent his voice to iconic characters like Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. Meanwhile, Morgan Freeman’s voice is instantly recognizable for its calming and authoritative tone. In fact, his voice has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
What is IVR?
IVR stands for Interactive Voice Response and is a technology that allows computer systems to interact with people through voice and touch-tone keypad inputs. When a person calls an IVR system, they are greeted with a pre-recorded message that provides instructions on how to proceed.
What are the top places in the US voice over artists live?
While professional voice over artists can work from anywhere in the world, there are several cities in the US that are known for having a high concentration of voice over talent and production companies. These cities include:
- Los Angeles, California
- New York City, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- Dallas, Texas
- Atlanta, Georgia
