A voice over artist is someone who records voices for use in audio content, such as movie and television soundtracks and commercials. These professionals work in various genres, but they all share some common traits. Many voice over artists take acting lessons to hone their skills and perfect their craft. They also study the careers of other successful voice over artists to learn how they’ve carved out their niche in the industry.
Voice over actors typically record their auditions in a studio, although some choose to work from home. They may have a special home recording setup with microphones and software to create quality sound recordings. Creating a home studio can help make it more convenient for the voice over artist to complete their duties, and it may allow them to work around family and other commitments.
Professional voice over artists are usually members of a union, such as SAG-AFTRA, which offers benefits that can enhance their career opportunities. These benefits include negotiated fees and other financial incentives, which can help them build their career. They might receive representation from a casting agent who can market their talents to clients and inform them of casting opportunities.
A talented voice over actor can produce high-quality recordings that can capture the essence of a brand or product. The best voice over artists can also provide a wide range of sounds to accommodate different needs. They can be warm and engaging, edgy and in-your-face or authoritative and direct. The right sound can make a huge difference in how effective an advertisement or movie trailer is.
Another trait of a successful voice over artist is an ability to deliver their lines clearly and in a consistent manner. They must be able to read the scripts they’re asked to record and follow direction precisely. They should be able to deliver their lines at a comfortable volume without straining or cracking their vocal cords. They must be able to maintain a consistent tone throughout the entire recording as well.
Whether it’s a character in an animated film, an instructional video or a phone app, a professional voice over artist has the ability to transform written words into an audio experience that will entertain and educate the listener. Their ear for detail is essential in crafting the right phrasing and inflection to convey emotion or entice the audience into taking action.
As the demand for a more dynamic, believable, and entertaining brand of audio content rises, more people are turning to voice over artistry as a lucrative and flexible career. It’s a great alternative to physically demanding performance jobs and it can offer the same excitement and rewards of other prestigious entertainment fields.
It’s not uncommon for a voice over artist to develop a niche in a specific market, such as video games or animation movies, and work hard to master the skills required in that area. They might even form a working relationship with a studio that’s heavily invested in those areas, which can lead to repeat gigs.