Breaking into the world of commercial voice over work presents a rewarding creative career path for aspiring vocal talents in the media industry. As content development expands across broadcast and digital platforms alike, demand increases for polished and specialised commercial voice over artists to utilise their talent, giving voice to global brands.
In 2024 and beyond, opportunities look promising for versatile artists to transform raw talent into a full-time voice acting career with the right foundations. In this blog post we’ll discuss the various steps you need to take to launch a successful commercial voice over career.
Your journey begins with introspection. Your voice is your instrument - its organic tone, texture, pitch, and emotional delivery are unique identifiers. Reflect on the feedback you’ve received about your voice.
Does it carry a soothing warmth perfect for audiobook narration or a crisp clarity suited for corporate training videos? Pinpointing your vocal strengths allows you to play to those strengths in your voice over work.
Perhaps your voice has a gravelly edge, ideal for adding gravitas to movie trailers or depth to video game characters.
Now, consider the spectrum of content that your voice can authentically convey. Could it be the upbeat tempo of a radio ad, or perhaps the measured seriousness of a medical explainer video?
By targeting specific industries and voice over formats, such as e-learning modules, animated videos, or podcast sponsorships, you can set realistic voice acting goals and build a portfolio that showcases your voice's versatility and industry fit.
Research is a cornerstone of your development. Delve into the nuances of commercial voice overs within your chosen niche. Observe the effervescent tones used in lifestyle advertising as opposed to the authoritative timbre sought after in tech product spots.
Record yourself trying these styles. Keep a keen ear out for authenticity and avoid mimicking tones that feel unnatural, which could detract from your genuine sound.
As you experiment with different vocal styles, steer clear of exaggerated affectations or accents that don't align with your natural voice. It's tempting to push your voice into realms that feel dramatic, but authenticity is your strongest asset.
Instead, focus on modulating your tone, pitch, and rhythm while maintaining the essence of your voice. Engaging with a seasoned voice coach can guide to effectively expand your vocal range.
Think of your voice as a brand. Instead of spreading yourself thin across countless styles, invest in mastering specific niches that highlight your voice's distinct qualities.
This could mean refine the character voices for animation if you have a flair for the dramatic, or specialising in corporate narration if your voice exudes professionalism. This targeted approach helps you stand out to clients who are searching for the unique voice quality and tone that only you can offer.
Even the most talented voices need direction and refinement. Working with an acting coach and a voice coach can make all the difference in perfecting your vocal abilities. Acting coaches will help dissect the narrative, teaching you to inject the right inflections and emotions into your performance.
Voice coaches, on the other hand, are instrumental in fine-tuning the technical side like breath control, diction, microphone techniques and range expansion. They can also introduce you to critical studio techniques, ensuring you're proficient in using equipment and software, which is integral to delivering polished voice overs.
At OutSpoken, we strongly believe in the importance of professional growth and development of all our artists. It is our mission to nurture careers and expand capabilities, which is why we foster close partnerships with experienced voice coaches and other industry professionals.
In our commitment to continual learning, we periodically offer free webinars covering a range of topics within voice acting, designed to enrich and enhance your skills. If you’re currently looking to refine your voice acting skills, we're happy to assist.
Reach out to us, and we'll direct you towards the resources and coaching that can refine your talent and propel your career forward.
Your portfolio is a testament to your talent. Begin by assembling a collection of 60-second samples that showcase your range across various commercial formats.
Whether it's a punchy online ad, a comforting narration piece or an engaging, interactive voice response (IVR) system prompt, your samples should demonstrate your ability to adapt your voice to different contexts.
Perfection comes with iteration. Seek feedback from coaches and industry professionals to refine your samples until they represent the highest calibre of your vocal abilities.
We always recommend having your voice reels professionally made whenever possible. Engaging with a studio that specializes in voice demo production is an investment in your career.
The scripts you work on will be tailored to accentuate your vocal strengths and you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with experts who can bring out the best in your performance. The quality of a professionally produced demo is invaluable.
The clarity of sound, and the perfect balance of dialogue and music, all contribute to an enjoyable listening experience for prospective clients and agents. Such demos exhibit your range and skill but most importantly signify your dedication to maintaining high professional standards.
They become a key asset when you're ready to approach voice over agents for representation.
Once you've built a solid foundation, consider partnering with a voice over agent. These industry professionals have access to a wealth of auditions and contacts that may be out of reach for independent artists.
Research agents who are keen on representing talent within your specific niche and prepare a professional package - headshots, a compelling cover letter and your various demo reels that showcase your vocal range and skill.
As an agency, we work with clients in different fields from corporate communications and training to online and radio commercials. At OutSpoken, we merge the accessibility and innovation of a voice over platform with the seasoned expertise of a traditional agency.
Our unique model enhances your chances of securing more voice over work by providing direct access to clients through our online portal and personalized matchmaking by our skilled agents.
Unlike other voice over marketplaces, we don’t charge any subscription or membership fees so there’s no financial risk to you and as a bonus, you have the full support and professional advice from our voice over agents available to you.
Your online showcase - be it a personal website or a professional profile on a voice over platform - should be a curated collection of your best work. Select demo reels that align with the type of voice-over jobs you aspire to secure and have the most experience in.
This strategic selection process ensures that potential clients hear exactly what they are looking for, thereby increasing your employability in the niche you aim to dominate.
It’s crucial to present a detailed account of your professional background. Clients and agents are keen to understand the depth of your training, be it formal acting education or mentorship under skilled voice and acting coaches.
Your profile should also include background information like your native accent, language proficiencies, and any unique experiences that contribute to your vocal versatility, such as a flair for comedy.
Providing this comprehensive information on your website or voice profile not only paints a complete picture of your capabilities but also increases your chances of getting hired.
Stepping into the commercial voice over industry in 2024 requires a blend of self-awareness, skillful presentation, and strategic partnerships. From uncovering the unique qualities of your voice to showcasing them in a polished portfolio and online presence, each step is integral to your success.
OutSpoken plays a pivotal role in this journey, offering a springboard for talent and a nexus for opportunity. By collaborating with us, you gain not just an advocate for your talent but also a partner dedicated to your growth in this ever-evolving industry.
Start your journey to becoming a commercial voiceover artist today!
Other Articles You Might Like:
Benefits of Voice Overs for your Business
Voice Artist Spotlight - Interview With David Carling, Commercial Voice Over Master
How to Write a Voice Over Script
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