There’s a whole world of opportunities just waiting for you if you want to become a voice actor.
Since 2017, the increase in demand for voice actors has increased significantly. The beauty of it all has a lot to do with how interconnected our world has become. The need for everyone to be able to create and share their content with the rest of the world is one of the main reasons why becoming a voice actor comes with great benefits.
Keep reading this Day Translations guide to uncover the steps you need to take to become a voice actor.
We won’t waste any more time. Let’s dive right in!
Who is a Voice Actor?
As the name suggests, a voice actor uses their voice to represent characters of various types or provide narration depending on the job’s requirement.
With voice actors, their voice is the star of the show which means they won’t appear on screen at any point in time.
Typically, voice actors are found within the animation and movie industry. Still, their skills are helpful in other areas such as education, news, sporting events, corporate settings, and other forms of content creation such as audiobooks, commercials, and video games.
What is Voice-Over?
It’s not uncommon to hear the terms voice actor and voice-over being used interchangeably to mean the same thing. While this isn’t necessarily wrong, let’s look at a working definition for voice-over.
Voice-over is the technique that is used by an actor who is off-screen that narrates and or explains things for audiovisual content. Voice Actors are the professionals who are employed to do voice-overs.
Skills You Need to Become a Voice Actor
To become a successful voice actor, streamlined professional training doesn’t necessarily exist. However, many voice actors who are serious about their work and the quality they produce usually hire acting or voice coaches.
Whether voice actors work on their own or under the guidance of a coach, here are a few skills that every professional voice actor should have under their belt:
Enunciation
Probably the most essential skill you’ll need as a voice actor is enunciation. Speaking clearly is necessary for getting the job done. This is the only way your audience is going to understand.
Emotional Range
As a voice actor, you have to channel all your emotions into your voice because you’re not shown on screen to use body language or facial expressions.
Voice Pacing and Pausing
Your range, speed of speaking, and inflections, along with the ability to interpret what each scene needs, are essential for voice acting. You want to sound as natural as possible and make everything you do with your voice believable.
Inflection
What type of delivery are you giving? Is it light and airy? Is it comedic and entertaining? Or is it authoritative? Your inflection is necessary for all of your work.
Tools Every Voice Actor Needs
Naturally, there are tools that you’re going to need to be successful in your voice acting career. Below are some of the basics:
- Laptop or Tablet
- ‘Professional-grade’ Microphone
- Excellent acoustics
- Editing software
What Type of Voice Actor Do You Want to Become?
As mentioned earlier, the need for voice actors has increased significantly over the past few years. With this in mind, here is a list of jobs that are available to voice actors who possess the right skills and competencies for the job:
- Animated Television/Films
- Dubbing/ Dubbed foreign-language films
- Video games
- Commercials
- Movie trailers
- Audiobooks
- E-learning
- Corporate/professional training
- Transit Voice-overs
- Virtual Assistant voice over
The Benefits of Becoming a Voice Actor
The benefits of becoming a voice actor are numerous. That said, here are just a few of the many reasons:
You’ll Work Remotely
As a voice actor, the opportunity for flexibility makes it appealing. When starting your career, there’s no need to leave the comfort of your home to find opportunities. It is entirely possible to work remotely for the duration of your job.
Creative Working Environment
Chances are that if you’ve chosen a career in voice acting, you enjoy creating and being in the creative space. The evidence is there; For example – you’re able to come up with new and unique characters and give them a personality all by using your voice. You’re also able to sway the emotions of your audience by making use of the skills you’ve developed as a voice actor.
Create Your Own Work Schedule
Voice actors usually do freelance work. This means that they can create their own work schedules working as little or as much as they would like.
Choose your Clients and Rates
Becoming a voice-over artist also means having the leverage to decide who you want to work with and the rates you want to charge for your work. Of course, it’s always good to work your way up in any industry. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to have affordable rates so that you can build your clientele and your portfolio.
Are You Ready to Become a Voice Actor?
If you’re thinking of becoming a voice-over artist, we hope what we’ve shared will help you to get started. A whole world of opportunity awaits you.
Of course, if you’re looking for professional voice-over services then Day Translations is the service provider you need. We provide voice-over services in every language. Our professionals are ready and waiting to help you get started today!