I had no idea how challenging (and rewarding) this journey would be!
When I first stepped into the world of voice acting, I was filled with excitement and maybe even a little naive. Looking back now, I’m amazed at how much I didn’t know and how my path has unfolded in ways I never could have predicted. These are my must-know voice over tips for beginners I’ve picked up along the way and wish I would have known when I started.
Starting Your Voice Over Journey:
What I didn’t know:
Initially, I thought my career would revolve around voicing eLearning modules and commercials. In my mind, it was straightforward and I saw my whole future! But oh, how wrong I was. The variety of roles I’ve had the privilege to take on has been both surprising and exhilarating. From quirky cartoon characters to narrating audiobooks, each new project has pushed me to expand my skills and discover new facets of my voice I never knew existed.
I won’t sugarcoat it – there were tough times, especially in the beginning. Balancing my budding voice over career with two young kids while trying to keep up with bills was no small feat. The rejection that comes with the territory hit harder than I expected. There were times I cried questioning if I was cut out for the industry on the emotional rollercoaster of auditions, callbacks, and the dreaded silence of no response. They all tested me in ways I hadn’t imagined.
But here’s the thing about challenges – they have a way of revealing strengths you didn’t know you possessed. As I navigated the ups and downs of the voice acting world, I discovered my resilience.
What I also didn’t know:
What I absolutely didn’t see coming was my eventual transition into becoming a talent agent. Who knew that my experience as a voice actor would lead me to help other talented people navigate this industry?! This unexpected turn has added a whole new dimension into my career, allowing me to share my knowledge and support others in achieving their dreams.
The many different projects I’ve personally been involved with has been mind-blowing. From animation to commercials to audiobooks, each genre has demanded different skills and pushed me to grow as an artist. I’ve learned to manipulate my voice in ways I never thought possible, to convey emotions through subtle voice nuances, and to bring characters to life using just my voice (how cool is that?!). The technical skills I’ve gained – from home studio setup to audio editing – have been an education in themselves.
One of the most incredible surprises has been the flexibility this career has afforded me. I’ve had the opportunity to do voice overs on the road with my family! The ability to work from home has allowed me to travel the world with my family, creating memories while still pursuing my passion and earning a great income. There’s nothing like landing in Croatia then voicing a Delta Dental ad from the hotel room! It’s a level of freedom and adventure I never dreamed possible when I first started out.
The personal and professional growth I’ve experienced has been invaluable.
The relationships made, the stories told, and the impact I’ve had on projects big and small – these are the true rewards that keep me going.
As I reflect on this journey, I can’t help but wonder what surprises the future holds. What will I wish I had known a few years from now? This industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and opportunities emerging all the time. The possibilities seem endless, and that’s what makes this career so exciting.
To those just starting out or considering a leap into voice acting, I say this: be prepared for a journey that will challenge you, surprise you, and reward you in ways you can’t even imagine right now. Stay open to opportunities, be willing to adapt, and never stop learning. Your path may not look anything like what you envision today – and that might just be the best part of all. These voice over tips for beginners are simply just meant to prepare you!
The voice acting world is full of unexpected twists and turns, but it’s these very surprises that make it such a thrilling ride. Embrace the uncertainty, learn from every experience, and who knows? A few years from now, you might be looking back in awe at how far you’ve come and marveling at all the things you never knew you’d accomplish. The journey is worth every moment, tears and triumphs alike.