Aspiring to become a professional voice over artist but not sure where to start as a newcomer? This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to begin your voice acting journey the right way.
Top Voice Over Job Platforms for Beginners
Several sites provide great opportunities for first-timers to find paid voice over work and gain experience. Here are the top options:
Fiverr
Benefits
- Low barrier to entry and quick to set up a profile
- Lets you set your own gigs and rates
- Useful tools like analytics help maximize earnings
Jobs
- Commercials, promo spots, audiobook snippets, phone greetings, and more
Pay
- Each gig pays a minimum of $5 but can go up to several hundred dollars
Voices.com
Benefits
- Large network with over 2 million members
- Take skill assessments to showcase abilities
- Direct access to casting calls from potential clients
Jobs
- Audiobooks, training modules, animation, telephony, and announcements
Pay
- Pay rate set by client but typically $100+ per finished hour
Upwork
Benefits
- Huge freelance job marketplace with steady voice over work
- Build client feedback and ratings to boost profile
- Write winning project proposals to get hired
Jobs
- Audio ads, narrations, announcing jobs, promos, and more
Pay
- Voice over gigs pay ~$30-$100 per hour based on experience
Bodalgo
Benefits
- Specifically dedicated to voice over work
- Jobs matched to your profile and voice type
Jobs
- Audiobooks, commercials, corporate videos, animation
Pay
- On average $250 per finished hour but rates vary
Other Great Options: Voice123, Voice Bunny, The Voice Realm
Essential Gear to Get Started
As a beginner, you don‘t need fancy equipment to land jobs. Here are some must-haves:
- Microphone: The Blue Yeti or Rode NT-USB provide studio quality sound for under $150.
- Headphones: Invest in comfortable, closed-back headphones to hear your voice clearly.
- Audio interface: This converts the mic‘s signal so you can connect to a computer. The Focusrite Scarlett is a popular choice.
- DAW software: Audacity is free and great for editing recordings. Adobe Audition or Garageband are also excellent options.
- Pop filter: This essential, inexpensive piece prevents plosives and sibilance.
- Microphone stand: Position your mic properly to optimize sound quality.
Vocal Training Techniques for Voice Over Beginners
Sharpening your technical skills is key to excelling as a voice actor. Useful strategies include:
- Breath support: Learn proper diaphragmatic breathing to avoid vocal strain.
- Articulation: Clearly pronounce and articulate each word without mumbling.
- Projection: Practice projecting your voice from your diaphragm to use full lung capacity.
- Pacing and rhythm: Vary speed and pauses appropriately for the script.
- Vocal dynamics: Use pitch, tone, and inflection to convey the right emotion.
- Character voices: Try altering your voice‘s quality to portray differing ages, genders etc.
- Consistent energy: Maintain an appropriate level of energy from start to finish.
Online courses, YouTube tutorials, and acting classes can all help polish these skills.
A Comparison of Top Voice Over Job Platforms
| Platform | Jobs Available | Pay Rate | Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | Promos, ads, phone greetings, short narrations | $5 – $500+ per gig | Set up profile, complete assessment, list gigs |
| Voices.com | Audiobooks, animation, corporate videos | ~$100 per hour | Profile, voice assessments, audition |
| Upwork | Ads, explainers, tutorials, narrations | $30 – $100 per hour | Profile, samples, send proposals |
| Bodalgo | Audiobooks, commercials, dubbed films | ~$250 per hour | Profile with demos, direct offers |
In-Demand Voice Over Skills and Genres
Focus your efforts on the most sought-after skills and popular genres:
Key Skills
- Vocal versatility and range
- Clear articulation
- Emotional expressiveness
- Foreign accents/languages
- Distinctive voice quality
Popular Genres
- Commercials
- Audiobook narration
- Cartoon/animation
- Documentaries
- Video game characters
Expert Tips From Voice Over Pros
I interviewed professional voice actors about how they broke into the industry. Here are their top tips for beginners:
- "Practice everyday to improve your delivery, pacing and articulation." – Sarah H., voice actor
- "Take unpaid jobs at first to build up your portfolio and get comfortable in the booth." – David C., voice actor
- "Promote your profile and demos actively on social media to extend your reach." – Alicia V., voice actor
- "Invest time networking with other voice over artists to exchange ideas and learn." – Michael R., voice actor
- "Don‘t obsess over having expensive gear – even simple set ups can sound great." – Mark T., voice actor
Setting Your Rates as a Beginner
When first starting out, it‘s reasonable to charge:
- Student/Unpaid work: $0 to $20 per finished hour
- Entry-level: $30 to $60 per finished hour
- Intermediate: $60 to $120 per finished hour
Aim for the lower end of these ranges initially. As you build experience and client feedback, you can increase rates.
Be open to negotiation early on. It‘s better to get jobs and gain exposure. Avoid undervaluing your work entirely.
Resources to Advance Your Voice Over Career
- Voices.com Blog – Industry news and expert tips
- WoVO Hub – Online courses on voice overs
- I Want To Be A Voice Actor – Free ebook on getting started
- Voice Acting Club – Scripts, tutorials and gear reviews
- Vocal Training Videos – YouTube channel with vocal exercises
Whether you dream of being a commercial voice over artist or narrating audiobooks, this guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to get your voice over career off the ground. With the right preparation and commitment, your vocal talents can take you far. The opportunities await – now get out there and start recording!
