"I was told I have a good voice."
So? So what? Not being mean but....well........ SO?
A good voice does not a good voice actor make.
The first step to becoming a successful voiceover artist is being teachable, and learning.
So...are you teachable and ready to learn? Then let us proceed. I am confident that the following revelation may surprise you: I do not have all the answers. Yes, I know you are shocked. I understand. Even my wife wears her "I don't need Google; my husband knows everything" T-Shirt.
Surprised? I am not. There are tons of people out there with incredibly valuable information, insight and experience to offer (and it goes without saying that there are some that you should avoid like the plague).
Here are some excellent links to knowing more about becoming a voiceover artist. If you are just starting out, I highly suggest you check out these resources. Or, if you have become a bit rusty, then perhaps it's time to return to the essentials.
A career in voiceovers is awesomeness unmatched. Enjoy it, and may you be successful.
Did I miss a reputable source here? (Hint: the answer is 'yes'). If so, comment below with your suggested link and source!
WEBSITES
I Want To Be a Voice Actor - Dee Bradley Baker
Voice Over Career Questions and Considerations - a HUGE resource by Sean Daeley
How do I get started in Voiceovers? - Joshua Alexander
4-Step Formula for Success in Voiceovers - VoiceOverXtra
How To Become A Voice Actor - Gravy for the Brain
Nancy Cartwright teaches Voice Acting - Nancy Cartwright
Learn Voiceover without a Coach - Carrie Olsen
The Truth About Getting Started in Voiceovers - VOQuent
Get Started In VO - In Both Ears
Are you ready for a Voiceover Career? - Debbie Grattan
How to start a career in Voice Acting - VO Planet
A Complete Guide To Getting Started In Voiceovers - The VoiceOver Network
Voice-Over Startup Guide - Chris Agos
Why You Should Never Become a Voice Over - Paul Strikwerda
What is Voice Acting? - Voice Actor Websites
Everything You Need To Know About Voiceover - Marc Graue
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BOOKS
Making Money in Your PJ’s by Paul Strikwerda
Running a Successful Voiceover Business by Joshua Alexander
Voice-Over Voice Actor by Yuri Lowenthal & Tara Platt
There's Money Where Your Mouth Is by Elaine Clark
More Than Just A Voice by Dave Courvoisier
VO Studio Companion: The Home Voiceover Recording Instruction Manual by Emmett Andrews
Voiceover Achiever by Celia Siegel
V-Oh! by Marc Cashman
How to Set Up and Maintain a BETTER Voiceover Business by Gabrielle Nistico
The Art of Voice Acting by James Alburger
Voice-Over 101: How to Succeed as a Voice Actor by Debi Derryberry
How to start and build a 6-Figure Voiceover Business by Bill DeWees
Voice Over Startup Guide by Chris Agos
Voice Over Man by Peter Dickson
Voiceover Achiever by Celia Siegel
Getting Started in Voice Over by Gary Mason
You are welcome. You have thirty minutes to read all of the above links and books in their entirety. Aaaaaand go!
I am joking. Go forth and conquer, and by all means take it slow! This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Oh! By the way? You have a good voice. And that is all you need anymore.
I will see myself out.
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Final Bullet Points:
- Like this blog? My children are counting on you to put bread on our table through the purchase of one of my books. By the way, low-guilt-trip sales pushes are my specialty
- NOTE: This blog is purely for commentary / educational / entertainment purposes. I make no money from these blogs; though I do not refuse large cash gifts if it means I can pretend I am a church
- Check out my whole UNIVERSE of blogs right HERE!
- This is a fourth bullet point.
AND HEY! WAIT JUST A S.E.C.!
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Need a voiceover? Request a quote today or visit my Demo Reel. Or subscribe. Or do other things.
Joshua Alexander
Seattle Voice Actor & Voiceover Artist for hire
me@saysomethingjosh.com
206.557.6690
www.saysomethingjosh.com
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“Oh hey – I do voices!! Check out my impression of ______!”
You do blank too?!?!? I thought I was the only one. I will have to up my game.
Thanks for the mention Josh!
You are most welcome, good sir!
Hey Josh, thank you for putting up this blog together. The links are insightful.
I am an aspiring voice actor with an inclination towards anime. I want to set up a workstation at home. I see that you have a marvelous set up. Can you please guide regarding same.
Thanks Saloni! I think you will find all of those links useful. If you are looking for a voiceover coach for character/animation, may I humbly suggest Scott Burns at http://www.bookscottburns.com – the first North American voice of Bowser in Super Mario Bros. You will love him. 🙂
Thank you so much for this! I will absolutely check it out!!
I’m thankful I still have graphic work coming, so I can do it marathon style. 😀
It’s very graphic content – the way that blender chops up that apple is somethin’ scary, LOL.
Hope you have a super day!
My day is super, simply because I was able to breathe in and breathe out this morning. It’s all skyward from there. 🙂 Thanks Marius! Keep on blending!
Great blog Josh! Great information all in one place.
However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention all the great resources at http://www.voiceactorwebsites.com. From over 1000 FREE practice scripts and a FREE script timer to loads of information on agents, demo producers, advertising agencies, production companies, podcasts, and more! ALL FREE!
As well as this great article to add to your information above – https://www.voiceactorwebsites.com/what-is-voice-acting/
The folks at VoiceActorWebsites are great champions of this industry. They were the driving force behind http://www.voiceovervets.com, created 100% by them, 100% FREE just for military folks and veterans in the VO industry, simply out of respect. They have given countless hours, much like yourself, to the betterment of the industry as well as new talent starting out who may just need some direction.
Good tips! Thank you my friend – and based on your blog this morning, it sounds like YOU need to start regularly blogging as well! 🙂
Nobody ever told me I have a good voice, until I started doing voiceover, and then I’m pretty sure they just felt they had to say that.
Thanks for all the handy-dandy links!
You are more than welcome! They have been formative for me, all of them, to one degree or another. For the websites, ultimately many of them say the same things, but they are delivered in a different way. As for the books, Paul Strikwerda is more eloquent and forthright than most, and Elaine Clark talks about technique more than most, and Chris Agos and Gary Mason cover a lot of the basics.
Dave Courvoisier and his book is a great resource too. Plus Dave is such a great guy…even if his book was no good I would post it!
https://courvo.com/more-than-just-a-voice-the-real-secret-to-voiceover-success-2nd-edition-by-dave-courvoisier
You are absolutely right, and I’ve read it! I can’t believe I missed it. I’ll add it now.
Helpful, insightful and generous as always! Thank you for sharing!!
My pleasure, good sir!