Marketing & Getting Work in Voice-Over
Save $50 Using Updated Voices.com Promo Code: VOICEACTINGAFF (this is an affiliate link)
Any Questions?
Let me know in the comments below.
How to Get Into Voice Acting – Step 5
by Jason McCoy
Updated August 2022
Your 5 step guide has posed more questions than answers for me. I am concerned that the cost of entry will not be recouped and the return on that investment will be low. I am 71, have time available, and want to earn money and be active. I’m all for hard work and enjoy the effort, but I dont like to waste time. Is there smarter way to do this? I will be listening to your podcasts over the next several days. Maybe that will help clear my head.
Hi Robert, The cost of entry (gear, etc.) is pretty low compared to earning potential. Let me know if you have a question. The podcast and videos should answer many.
A great resource, Jason. Thank you.
Thank you Mani!
I know that there are conventions and networking events in the voice-acting industry. What is the best way to find them?
VO facebook groups talk about conventions often. I should add a list of conventions to https://voiceacting101.com/voice-over-resources/
Thanks Jason, Great info and guidance in this lessons.
Glad you enjoyed it Morley!
Thank you so much. These lessons are helpful for me to begin with.
Glad to hear they are helping you!
Great free series of intro videos. Thank you very much. The associated downloads were gold as well.
Great to hear Wally! Thank you!
Hi very glad to reach this far, i am expecting to do my best, fitst time
That’s great Fredericka! I hope the lessons help!
Thanks Jason I literally started my VO career this week and your videos helped out so much. I just got my home studio setup to start practicing for demos I could use some advice on how to start a website so I can have all my marketing tools ready while I practice before i look for a coach
Hi Eddie! Check out this podcast episode for help with your website https://voiceacting101.com/creating-vo-website/
hi Jason. below someone writes about their equipment, which is not on your list: USB Mixer, RCA cables, shock mount? just curious
thanks
A mixer can be helpful for routing audio but it is optional.
RCA cables would just depend on your exact equipment setup but aren’t usually needed since it’s mic cable (xlr) to audio interface.
A Shock mount is important, but comes with many mics – if not, I’d suggest having one as it reduces the chance of any vibration making its way into your recordings.
audio interface wise you could tery rode rodecaster pro its a all in one mixer/studio/processor/recorder in one it has 4 xlr slots for xlr mikes and your abel to set your pc/mac and mobile phone to it https://www.thepodcasthost.com/equipment/rode-rodecaster-pro-review-the-all-in-one-podcasting-device/ a review on it
Jason, In step 5, you didn’t mention having an voiceover agent. Is that something that you would recommend?
Hi Deborah, It’s great to have voice-over agents sending you audition opportunities as well. So that will come eventually. Most agents want to work with working voice actors. That’s why I suggest finding some success on your own first.
Thank you for this video series, very helpful!!
Hey Jason! I hv already bought equipments for starting my home studio and now today i got to see your videos. I bought Behringer C-1, Xynyx 302 Usb Mixer, a pop filter, XLR cable, RCA cables, Mic stand, shock mount, Behringer’s headphone. Though my budget was tight for starting a home studio but i have managed for these. Once i get some more money i will surely buy some more effective things to improve technically. I have technically arranged and set up everything in my room but i am working with my mixer and audacity to get my best voice work.
Hey, just want to say I appreciate the videos that you’ve posted. I do have a few questions though. I recall when you said that if you can’t hire a demo producer, it’s okay to do demos yourself. I already have all that I need from the Audacity app, a yeti studio microphone, headphones, and a laptop. Now I just need to know where to start. So what do you recommend? Should I continue to become more self taught and find my own range and suits best for me and then create demos to promote myself? Or do I just create the demos and already promote myself in a short span of time? Let me know when you can respond. No rush. God bless.
You shouldn’t create the demo until you’re ready. Continued improvement is the life of a voice actor. You don’t need to wait until perfection but you do need to have skill and range. The hard part is knowing when you’re ready. An evaluation can help http://voiceacting101.com/get-voice-over-evaluation/
Helpful info jason. Thanks
I want to thank you Jason for all the 5 videos i watched and learned so much. I only hope i can start this kind of job i love doing the most, if only i have a little money to begin with or have a manager to sponsor me, i wish. But i appreciate you, doing this for beginners like me with such great talent. More power!
Thank you Ramona!
Thank you for the great information!
Happy to help Andrew!
Thanks so much for this info, Jason! And especially for the promo code! I got started this month!
Thank you for all this information. What are your thoughts on the Dawbox set up for building a 4x6x7 or 6x6x7 room? I have about that much space in my one bedroom which I also need to reconfigure but it seems like an ideal space for VO work as well as some musical applications I have. His plans are about $60 and material costs are less than $1000 for everything. I’d just have to hire someone to build this as I’m not tools savvy.
Equipment I am looking at:
Mic – I was at Guitar Center and they were pushing the Shure SM7B but it’s a bit pricey. I was looking at the MXL 770X for about $185 on Amazon. I haven’t tested this one out yet (not on display at GC) but it does come with a mic holder and pop shield.
Stand – I have one but would possibly look at a new one
Headphones – I have a brand new Sennheiser 280HD Pro – they were recommended by another person
High End PC with Audacity software (it’s free)
Focusrite 2i2 or 6i6 (only $100 more than the 2i2)
I’m all for building it yourself if you can. If hiring a builder, I’m not sure how much money you’d save over buying a Studio Bricks or Whisper Room. I don’t like the SM7B for voice-over. My favorite inexpensive mic is the MXL V67G because it sounds so similar to my TLM103. https://voiceacting101.com/voice-over-resources/#mics I don’t use a stand myself – I use a monitor. 2i2 is all you need, but 6i6 gives additional options. I own a 6i6.
Great videos and it’s nice to have a mentor, no matter what level you’re at in the biz. Thanks Jason!
I was watching a Youtube video that suggested that I use a audio bundle. He said he used a Focusrite bundle that he relied heavily on. I looked up Focusrite bundles and noticed that there are different kinds. I want to narrate audio books. I have yet to start. Is there a bundle that would work for me that would be under 300 dollars? If so, would there be anything outside the bundle that I would need to buy? I would appreciate any suggestions you give. Thanks.
Focusrite offers great gear. I use a 6i6 myself. Any Focusrite bundle should work well for beginning voice over. But you could probably save money by just getting the Focusrite 2i2 for $150 (or cheaper if you go used). I’ve never used a focusrite mic, but really like the MXL V67G (and it’s cheap) Hear it hear – http://voiceacting101.com/what-did-you-learn-this-week/
Treating your room is where you’ll want to put most of your effort.
Thank you! I really appreciate your help!
I have watched each of the videos multiple times and read the guide, taken copious notes and I am very excited by the possibilities. I am at the point where I need to slowly accumulate equipment. I need to spend some time listening to professionals demos. I have a lot to learn and, Jason, I hope that I can pick your brain when I have questions.
I think eBay is a great source for equipment – I’d suggest checking there. Let me know when you have questions – I’m happy to answer.
Ok…I have just finished the 5th video and all of them are really wonderful at giving advice. I’m not quite in a place where I can afford to make a “sound proof” booth but I’m sure that the blanket trick will work for me. I will also have to take a little time to get the items I need, but I can practice while I’m getting the equipment etc. Thanks you so much for making these videos…I find the tips and advice very useful and I’m hoping that I can get a voice over business going within a year or so. Wish me luck!
You’re very welcome!
Thank you so much for sharing. Actually, IThank you so much for sharing. Honestly, I’m not a native English speaker. But I’d like to do voice over in English. My accent is quite good. I wonder if I can be successful in this field. Would they hire a non-native speaker like me?
It would really depend on the client and what they are looking for. Many jobs are looking for native English speakers while others are open to accents. You may also want to market your voice over services to clients who are in need of voice actors speaking your native language.
Actually, I can speak English without an accent. I can copy American accent up to 90%
Oh cool. I’d love to hear it. Yes, then you’ll be fine.
Oh cool. I’d love to hear it. Yes, then you’ll be fine.
Well, this is a bit selfish of me but…can you give me some comments on my performance and recording quality? Can I send the audio file to you through email?
Sure Vicky – happy to.
Jason—thank you for sharing your expertise and advice. Greatly appreciated and extremely helpful. Best, Kenn
Glad you found it helpful Kenn!