The voice over artist (or voice actor) is someone who uses their vocal abilities to create audio narratives for a wide variety of media, including commercials, cartoons, animations, video games and documentaries. From a soft, intimate delivery for an infomercial to the larger-than-life presence of a dramatic game trailer, voice actors can bring any script to life. They often work from home studios, which require the use of dedicated recording equipment and software to produce high-quality audio files.
A career as a voice over artist requires natural talent and dedication to training. Many people who pursue this line of work start by attending a voice acting class with a reputable instructor. Once they have honed their skills, they typically audition for roles through talent agencies and participate in casting calls. Many voice actors also develop a demo reel, which includes snippets of their best work, to market themselves to potential employers and demonstrate the range of their capabilities.
In addition to a strong, versatile voice, aspiring voice over artists need a good sense of direction and a solid understanding of how to emote. They also need a good work ethic, as the career can be very demanding and competitive. Those who want to make it in this field must prepare themselves to face rejection frequently, as it is not uncommon for a person to go on dozens of auditions before landing a gig.
While formal qualifications are not required to become a voice over artist, a degree in broadcasting or communications can be helpful. Additionally, a strong demo reel and an agent who specializes in the type of work that a person wishes to do can increase a person’s chances of success.
One of the most well-known examples of a voice over artist is Don LaFontaine, who began his career as a voice actor in 1962 by recording the voiceover for a movie trailer. He went on to record the VO for many other movie trailers, becoming the “voice of the cinema” for a generation of moviegoers.
Besides auditioning for roles, a voice over artist may spend their time practicing with or without a coach. They also need to keep up with the latest trends in their chosen genre of film or video gaming, which is a great way to stay relevant in the industry and gain new clients. When not in front of a microphone, voice over artists can be found working on other professional projects or pursuing their own hobbies. A successful career as a voice over artist can be lucrative and flexible, with the option to be self-employed and choose their own hours. Those who enjoy the work and are able to maintain their focus and drive can be highly successful in this field.
