Voice actors are people who record and interpret other people’s words, often acting as a character to bring them to life. It’s a highly skilled profession, and it can be very lucrative when done well. It can also be challenging, especially at the beginning of a career, to find consistent work in an industry known for its quick turnarounds and high competition.
Some voiceover artists come from a performance background, such as experienced actors or singers, while others have no significant previous experience but have been drawn to the career by its promise of flexible freelance work that can be combined with other pursuits. Early in the career, it’s typically difficult to find enough work to support oneself entirely through voice acting, but successful top professionals are able to make a good living from this type of work alone.
The most important skills required for the profession are a pleasant, natural-sounding voice and a good understanding of how to read from scripts. Successful voice actors are also able to adapt quickly and easily to feedback from a director or dialogue editor, even when they’re working outside their comfort zone. They’re often willing to take on projects that are outside their skill set in order to build their reputation and increase opportunities for future jobs.
Another important skill for a voice actor is the ability to produce a demo reel of samples of their work. This is a crucial tool for getting auditions and landing gigs, and it shows potential project producers what kind of work they can expect from the artist. It can be a challenge to create a demo that showcases a diverse range of voices, but that’s what makes a successful voiceover artist stand out from the competition.