There’s no doubt that voice acting is a solid career choice. From the advertising industry to video games, animations and more, voice actors are in demand. But how do you actually get started in this field? It can be confusing to figure out where to start, but don’t worry.
Here are 4 tips on how you can break into the voice acting industry.
Get the Right Equipment
Producing quality work is one of the surest ways to break into any career, including voice acting. And one of the simplest ways to guarantee quality work is to make sure you have the proper equipment for the job.
For voice acting, essential equipment include at least a microphone, headphones, recording and editing software, a pop filter, and an audio interface. While this may seem like a lot of equipment, think of it as an investment that will pay off in the near future.
To find the quality versions of these equipment, conduct research online by reading reviews from other voice actors, and blog posts ranking different brands.
Create a Demo Reel
Your demo reel is going to be one of your most important tools as a voice actor. It’s essentially your resume and portfolio all in one, and it’s what casting directors and clients will use to determine if you’re right for the job.
Creating a strong demo reel is all about showcasing your range and ability as a voice actor. So it should feature a variety of different voices and styles that you can do. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have some fun with it. For instance, if you’re including a recording of an ad for a kitchen design inspiration platform, try doing it in a few different styles- one that’s warm and friendly, one that’s more high energy, one that’s professional etc.
Network
An important ingredient to making it any career is networking.
Having a strong network of contacts who will not only vouch for but also recommend you for jobs is an invaluable asset, so start working on building up your network as soon as possible. Get involved with a local voice acting community, attend events and workshops, enter contests and most importantly- make friends.
Practice
This one should go without saying, but it’s worth repeating- practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at voice acting, and the more likely you are to land jobs.
So find scripts or readings online, or make up your own, and practice as often as you can. This will help you improve your craft by giving you a chance to try out different voices and styles, and see what works best for you.
Voice acting is a great career choice, and with these four tips, you’ll be on your way to a successful career in no time. So get started today, and see where your voice takes you.