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How to Choose the Right Voice Over Demo Producer

October 6, 2023 by Leah Arscott

In the world of voice acting, your demo reel is your calling card. It’s the tool that introduces you to potential clients and casting directors, showcasing your talent and versatility as a voice actor. However, creating a compelling and professional voice over demo reel requires the expertise of a skilled producer. Choosing the right voice over demo producer is a crucial step in your voice acting career. In this article, we’ll explore the essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect voice over demo producer.

Industry Experience

One of the first things to consider when choosing a voice over demo producer is their industry experience. You’ll want to work with someone who understands the nuances of the voice acting industry and has a proven track record of producing successful demos. Look for producers who have current experience working with a variety of voice actors and genres, as this demonstrates their ability to adapt to different styles and preferences. Demo producers should be working with talent and aware of what’s booking at the moment.

Be wary of Weekend Workshops that include a demo for a special rate! It is common for some low-level producers to offer Voice Over weekend workshops where they teach you the A-Z’s of voice over in three days then offer a special rate on a voice over demo at the end of the weekend. This is not a good idea. Voice over coaching takes time and is not something that can be learned over night. If you end up spending $600-$700 on a demo at the end of a voice over learning weekend, within three months your skills would have already improved and now you will stuck with a beginner demo.

Take your time to coach first, and once your reputable coach approves you to cut your demo then begin to do your research on who you’d like to work with. Sometimes the coach works in tandem with producers and can make good recommendations or you are free to choose your own.

Portfolio and Samples

Review the producer’s portfolio and listen to samples of their previous work. A reputable voice over demo producer should have a diverse portfolio that showcases a range of voice actors and genres. Pay attention to the quality of the recordings, the clarity of the voice actors’ performances, and the overall production value. A producer’s portfolio and samples will give you a good sense of their style and the quality of work they can deliver.

Note: If you are bilingual, keep one language at a time on each demo. As well, if you speak in various accents consider adding these accents to a separate demo. Diversity is incredible in voice over and you’ll want to ensure to highlight these skills in the proper way.

Personal Compatibility

Voice over demo production is a collaborative process, so it’s important to find a producer with whom you have good personal compatibility. You should feel comfortable communicating with them, sharing your ideas, and receiving feedback. A producer who can create a supportive and creative working environment will help you bring out your best performances. When deciding on a demo producer, I do extensive amount of research and like to have phone/zoom conversations with them in advance in order to see if we would work well together and have similar ideas.

Production Process

Ask about the producer’s production process. How do they approach script selection, coaching, recording, and editing? A well-structured process is essential for creating a polished and effective demo reel. Ensure that the producer’s workflow aligns with your preferences and timeline. I have four professional demos. One demo was recorded in 23 min and one in 2 hours. One producer wrote my copy for me with little analysis on which brands I wanted to highlight and one producer asked for me feedback multiple times and had multiple conversations about what companies fit with my brand strategy and what my ethics and beliefs are.

Customization

Every voice actor is unique, with different strengths and specialties. A good voice over demo producer should be able to tailor the demo to highlight your specific skills and range. They should take the time to understand your goals and create a demo that showcases your abilities in the best possible way. For my animation demo, I first had to work for weeks with a animation coach in order to create over 20 different characters. Once we had the characters set, the demo production was much easier to complete.

References and Reviews

Join VO groups on Facebook and other social media platforms in order to seek out references or read online reviews from other voice actors who have worked with producers. Conferences are another great way to speak to voice actors. Feedback from past clients can provide valuable insights into their professionalism, communication skills, and the overall quality of their work. Don’t hesitate to reach out to previous clients to ask about their experiences.

Pricing

Voice over demo production costs can vary widely depending on the producer’s experience and the level of service provided. While it’s essential to stay within your budget, prioritize quality over cost. Remember that your demo reel is an investment in your career, and a well-produced demo can open doors to more opportunities. My first demo was much more than I wanted to spend but once I posted my new demo online to my website and casting sites, I made back that initial investment within weeks. It was completely worth it and still is to this day.

Location and Accessibility

Consider the producer’s location and whether they offer remote recording options. With the rise of technology, many producers can work with voice actors from around the world. However, if you prefer in-person sessions, choose a producer who is accessible to you. Each demo I have was recorded remotely using Source Connect. One coach was located in my city and did offer the opportunity for me to travel into the city and record in her studio, yet, I was confident with my voice over booth and the recording came out with beautiful broadcast quality.

Conclusion

Choosing the right voice over demo producer is a crucial step in your voice acting journey. Take your time to research and consider the factors mentioned above to find a producer who can bring out the best in your voice and help you create a compelling demo reel. With the right producer by your side, you’ll be well-prepared to make a strong impression in the competitive world of voice acting.

My Inspirations in Voice-Over

May 23, 2023 by Leah Arscott

If you had told me six years ago that I would find inspiration in voice over and become a full-time voice actor I would have never believed you. I have worked in the corporate world for over 20 years, and throughout that time, I was taught that the more secondary education you had, the more successful you will become. With that mindset, I aimed to work for the largest companies and the most professional, and I took as many courses as possible I could get my hands on in order to stay diverse and competitive in my respective industries.

Although these positions did provide stable income, there was always a creative side that I craved so badly within these positions. I tried very hard to think of different and interesting ways to make my job more exciting and creative. Whether that came from purchasing bright highlighters to make my work notes look more appealing, using different colours in my spreadsheets, or thinking of new and interesting ways to engage with my staff or to lead meetings, I was always searching for something.

Diverse Artists That Provide Inspiration in Voice Over

Enter Voice-over! A good friend of mine told me about voice over, and for four months, I researched everything I could about the industry before jumping in. Throughout my career thus far, there have been certain individuals that have helped me personally with my trajectory in voice-over and some that I admired from afar. Today I will speak a little more about the influences that have helped me become the diverse, contemporary, and millennial voice actor that I strive to be.

Influencer Joan Baker

Joan Baker is a legend in the VO world. She is known as one of New York’s premier voice actors. She has won countless awards as a voice actor, on-camera host, and producer. Joan also plays a pivotal role in helping to host the SOVAS awards, which is likened to the Oscars in the VO world. She and her husband work tirelessly at promoting voice over, recognizing talent in their credited fields, and being integral influencers in our industry. Although I have never personally met Joan in person. I view Joan as Diana Ross meets Beyonce of the VO world. Following her line of work has motivated me personally as a BIPOC woman #slay! Joan’s accolades are encouraging and inspiring to me as an ethnic and diverse woman.

Legendary Inspiration in Voice Over J. Michael Collins

J. Michael Collins is the OG of the VO World. With over 25 years of experience, JMC (as he is more commonly known to those in the biz) has worked with countless #1 brands, sports teams, and organizations on the planet.

JMC brings a subject matter expert essence to the voice over industry, speaking as a main point of resource for all things pertaining to trends and statistics. I have heard JMC speak at voice over conferences, and when he presents, all actors are left hanging on his every word as he speaks with incredible credibility and trustworthiness.

I have worked with JMC twice in my career thus far. He and his counterpart AJ McKay, whom I refer to as the Lennon/McCartney of the Voice-over world, work tirelessly at producing the most award-winning demos in the industry. They wrote my Commercial and In-Show Narration demo scripts as well as directed and produced both demos. I was grateful to have received an award for the Commercial demo, which was recorded in a record-breaking 23 minutes from start to finish. That’s what a great director can do!

This suit-wearing, lobster-eating phenom recently has taken on the enormous task of producing VO Atlanta, the industry’s longest-running voice-over conference. There’s nothing JMC can’t do, and I’m here to see just what he will accomplish next.

Marc Scott Offers Marketing Inspiration for Voice Over

Marc Scott, in my opinion, is the Joe Rogan of the voiceover world. Listening to his podcast is an integral part of my inspiration in the voice over business, and without his words and wisdom and “keeping it real,” I would never have stuck it out this long.

Marc is a full-time professional voice actor based in South-Eastern Ontario, Canada, and gives a unique, guy-next-door, down-to-earth approach to the voice over business. He is an expert in business. Marc is synonymous with BBQ, drinking Dr. Pepper, and wearing his favourite colour, which is orange. His branding is spot-on, and we can all learn something from his marketing approach.

Each episode of his podcast Everyday VOpreneur is chock-full of resources, tips, and ideas to get your business where you want it. And if you’re ever having a down day, his advice will always fill your preverbal “VO cup”. Don’t forget to check out his courses on LinkedIn Marketing, Nimble, and the VO Marketing Playbook, a coveted guide on how to market yourself in voice over.

VO Royalty Elle-Ray Hennessy

Elle-Ray is a prodigy in the voiceover world. She is Canadian voiceover royalty and has worked in the business of acting and voice acting for over 40 years, performing in over 300 theatrical roles. Elle-Ray lives, breathes, and emits drama. When you meet her, you will never forget it!

Have you ever taken her world-renown animation classes? Drop everything and book one! You will leave a different human. Elle-Ray takes voice over to a spiritual level. Her uniqueness (and that’s a massive understatement) and eccentric coaching style pull countless characters and emotions out that you never thought you had, and I guarantee that.

Elle-Ray beats to her own drum, and that’s why we love her so much. Also she loves the colour pink – my favorite colour!

Christy Fabbri Keeps it Real

Christy Fabbri is the Gayle to my Oprah. Christy is a fellow voice actor from Canada whom I met at the VO conference back in 2018. I recognized her from a popular play-and-play voice over audition website, to which I yelled out, “You’re Christy Fabbri from such-and-such website! You’re #1 on the website.” I think I must have embarrassed her, but that’s just Christy. She is the most humble and genuine person you’ll meet. She is a busy mom of three and kills it in the VO world.

We exchanged numbers back in 2018, and not a week goes by without us talking about all things VO from the industry as a whole, life, reality TV, and all things in between. Coming into the VO world is a very solo endeavor, but having a resource like Christy to answer all my VO questions has been a fundamental part of my business. I am proud of all the work she has accomplished, and stay tuned for an incredible podcast she and her husband are working on with award-winning actress Jessica Biel!

Animation Goddess Dalal Sabra

Look-out world introducing Dalal Sabra. This fierce and ferocious French-Canadian voice talent is about to take the voice over industry by storm, and I am here for the ride. Dalal and I also met at VO North back in 2018. I didn’t know anybody at the conference, but I saw this “punk-looking” girl with one side of her head shaved and the other side with red hair, and I thought, “Ok. I got to sit next to her!” By the end of the weekend, Dalal and I were attached at the hip, bouncing business ideas off each other after every panel session. Dalal is a fierce animation goddess. There literally isn’t anything she can’t do. Animation is her passion, and I know soon enough, she will be living her dream of working on some big projects. She is an incredible actor, loves the craft, and she inspires me every time we talk. She is the kind of person who is in this business for the right reasons.

The Innovative and Trail-Blazing Jodi Krangle

Jodi Krangle, in my opinion, is the steadfast workhorse of VO. She just gets things done! Jodi has been a voice actor for about 17 years, and her accolades could put anybody to shame. There isn’t anybody who doesn’t want to work with Jodi.

I first heard of Jodi when we were on the same roster as a popular Toronto talent agent. I then realized we lived in the same small town and was so thrilled that someone so credible in the VO world lived so close to me. I have had the luxury of meeting up with Jodi and meeting at conferences, and she is light years ahead in the VO world and always provides reliable advice that I appreciate so dearly.

Jodi is at the forefront of what’s new in the VO world. She is also the host of an award-nominated Voiceover podcast where she focuses on Sound in the marketing industry; very cool! Her marketing and branding are direct, clear, and so consistent.

Share Your Inspiration in Voice Over

There are so many inspiring voice actors, coaches, and agents I wish I could include here, but please know that each and every one of you in the business makes voiceover one of the most unique and enjoyable professions, and I’m proud to be a part of it. Thank you!

What to Do When Voiceover Work is Slow

April 7, 2023 by Leah Arscott

When working every day, there can be busy times and slow times. The odd day of no voiceover work can feel amazing, allowing you to relax and rest. But when the days and weeks pass with little to no work, it can leave you anxious, bored, or unproductive. Recently, there have been drastic changes in the economy, which can affect most areas of business. Hence, it’s essential to have a plan of attack when it occurs.

When work is slow for an extended period, sitting back and waiting for things to pick up can be very tempting. However, this can be a missed opportunity to improve your skills and work on essential tasks you need time for. As a diverse, millennial, and contemporary voice actor, there are weeks where it is so busy I can barely keep up and weeks where nothing seems to be coming in. Here are some tips on what to do when work is slow.

Review Your Voiceover Work Calendar and Prioritize Tasks

The first thing you should do when work is slow is to review your current workload and prioritize your tasks. This will help you determine which tasks are the most important and which can be put on hold. You may not have been using your time wisely. Could you delegate some of the work to a friend or hire a virtual assistant? Many creatives use these methods to assist in lead generation. By prioritizing your workload, you can focus on what needs to be done and ensure you are not wasting time on low-priority tasks.

Take the Opportunity to Learn New Skills

It is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills to help you in your job or career. You can take online courses, attend webinars, or read books to improve your marketing, project management, and communication skills. LinkedIn and Skillshare are two popular platforms hosting hundreds of courses relevant to your industry.

Because voiceover is a creative industry, having other interests outside of your line of work is critical. Learning other creative hobbies can allow you to think outside the box and indirectly benefit your own industry. Not only will this help you become a more valuable employee or entrepreneur, but it can also make you more attractive to potential employers.

Organize Your Voiceover Work Area

A slow period can be a great time to organize your workspace and eliminate clutter. When things are busy at work, cleanliness can fall to the waste side. A clean and organized workspace can help you stay focused and be more productive when work picks up again. You can also take the time to make sure all of your files and documents are properly labeled and stored, making it easier to find what you need when you need it. In my business, the times of the year when I usually find it slower are during the summer months and the last two weeks of the year during the holidays. These are times when I typically clean out and reorganize my office.

Network With Colleagues and Clients

It is also a good idea to network with your colleagues and clients during slow periods. You can set up coffee meetings or lunches to catch up and discuss potential projects or opportunities. This can help you build stronger relationships and potentially lead to new business or projects in the future. As previously mentioned, the last two weeks of the year tend to be slow, and many take time off during the holidays. This is a great time to write a card to your clients thanking them for their business during the last year or even drop them an email or a LinkedIn Message.

During the summer months, I aim to call my clients on the phone and have a personal conversation that can be very beneficial to keeping that personal contact. Every touch point with a client is a chance to help them remember you and your talent.

Develop New Ideas and Strategies

Another productive way to spend time during a slow period is to develop new ideas and strategies for your business or department. You can brainstorm new products or services, think of ways to improve current processes or develop marketing or sales strategies. This can help you be more prepared when work picks up again and ensure your business is always moving forward.

I do this again during the winter break to consider my business goals for the upcoming year. I also brainstorm with other voice actor friends in my industry as well. Sharing your goals with others can help you think out of the box, and you may devise a new plan you never thought of.

When voiceover gigs are few, it is important to use time wisely and make the most of it. By prioritizing your workload, learning new skills, organizing your workspace, networking with colleagues and clients, and developing new ideas and strategies, you can ensure that you are staying productive and setting yourself up for success when work picks up again.

Rising Above a Voiceover Creative Slump

February 6, 2023 by Leah Arscott

Do you work in a creative industry and tend to feel pressure to be innovative? Are you an on-camera talent or voice actor having trouble booking work because you are in a creative slump? Well, I have good news for you. We have all been there, so here are some exciting and diverse tactics to get out of your voiceover creative slump.

To have the ability and luxury of working in a creative field is something many people dream of. This may be because they need help finding a creative job that provides financial stability. I never had the luxury of working in a creative industry for the first half of my life, although I tried to be innovative in my administrative jobs. My supervisors knew I had a creative knack and tried their best to accommodate me, but most of my previous jobs have been pushing paper.

Inspiring Change in Your Voiceover Creative Slump

If your job requires creative thinking, consider yourself lucky and grateful. To be creative is a skill that many need to possess. Most of us live a very routine life, generally doing the same tasks daily, and while some are ok with that, some are not. Although many like routine, others prefer to use their five senses to see, hear, smell, taste, or touch new and exciting things. Isn’t that what life is all about?

Trying New Creative Tactics

Although working in a creative industry allows you to enjoy your work by thinking outside the box, sometimes, we can find ourselves in a rut. We may have used our best ideas and cannot think of more. Authors often call this writer’s block. Experiencing a creative block is normal, and there are tactics to use to break this cycle. They can recharge your creative juices and encourage overall happiness and fulfillment in your career.

Get Out of Your Regular Routine

This is the simplest way to get out of a creative slump. It could be as simple as changing the order in which you do your daily routine. Once you’ve changed your brain, you may experience a new and creative thought or idea.

Stop Grinding Away in a Voiceover Creative Slump

You won’t have the luxury of completely walking away from your current position; that isn’t what we mean here. Sometimes you need to step away from a situation temporality, even for just a few minutes, to see things differently. You could turn off your computer for an hour, go for lunch, take a walk, or chat with a co-worker. This could be all you need for your creativity to return.

Brainstorm & Collaborate

Trying various forms of brainstorming is an excellent way to get out of a creative slump. Different methods include mind mapping, star bursting, rapid ideation, role-storming, or word association. There are many ways to release new brainstorming techniques, which could lead to creative thinking. My favorite method of brainstorming is to do so with other peers, as they could pull out various ideas and thoughts that could lead your team down a beautiful road of creative thinking.

Rest and Rejuvenate

Similar to point two, get some rest. Rest will allow the brain to be in default mode. In this restful state, your brain becomes more flexible and novel. Experts think this is then when the creative lightbulb moments occur. It helps to switch on your divergent thinking. Meditation is also an excellent way to open the brain to think more creatively. Connecting to nature is a beautiful way to truly rest, which helps the brain come to a sense of calmness, allowing for more innovative thinking.

Travel or Review Past Trips

Travel is a beautiful way to get out of a creative slump. The world is diverse and full of various people, ages, cultures, and attitudes. Many ideas will occur once you leave your town, city, country, or continent. For example, many of us enjoy eating chicken. How many ways can we prepare chicken, three or four if we like to cook? If you were to vacation to another country, you would no doubt learn another 3-4 ways to prepare the same chicken. I have traveled to 29 countries to date, and during my younger days, I spent quite a bit traveling throughout Europe and the Caribbean.

I saw many exciting cultures, tasted many interesting foods, learned amazing dances, and met the most incredible people. I didn’t realize it then, but I was able to tap into so many resources that would help me later in my voiceover career. I picked up on different accents, which enabled me to audition. I can connect with my clients regarding their country and culture when interacting with them. I can think of creative ways to ad-lib in my auditions because I understand the target market of their country. I also know their culture’s business etiquette because I’ve interacted with their residents. These skills are invaluable, and I didn’t realize it then. I can’t speak enough about how important those years of travel were to my voiceover business.

Get Some Fresh Air & Exercise

Exercising is a wonderful way to boost creativity. Scientists believe that exercising can help boost endorphins which increase blood flow and can help to produce a happiness boost which helps fuel original or abstract thoughts. When I audition 20-30x a day, I repeat my methods, and my energy starts to fade. When this occurs, I turn off my computer, put on my shoes, and head for a 20-30 min walk. Upon arriving home, I feel awake and happier, with a sense of accomplishment. I jump back in my booth feeling confident, which always leads to a better, more realistic performance.

Do Something Inspirational to Rise Above a Voiceover Creative Slump

This one may seem obvious but try your hand at a creative activity. As a voice actor, I take coaching sessions with a class to hear other voice actors’ skills. You could take up painting, dancing, photography, cooking, singing, creative writing, gardening, or interior design; the list is endless. There are so many diverse activities one can do that will no doubt spark some creative synapsis in the brain.

It’s completely normal to fall into a creative slump at times, especially if we regularly work in a field that requires new and exciting ideas. If you fall into one of those modes, refer to the list above to help break the cycle and get you back to your unique, authentic creative self!

Benefits of Being a Voiceover Entrepreneur

February 4, 2023 by Leah Arscott

Have you dreamed of starting your own business but need to know how to start it? Are you afraid of all the pitfalls that may come from getting started? Let’s discuss why it’s great to own a business and be a voiceover entrepreneur.

Searching for Opportunities

If you were to tell me ten years ago that I would be a business owner and an entrepreneur, I would have never believed you. Being a small business owner was never my life plan, and the idea seemed overwhelming, confusing, and scary. I have always worked with reputable companies such as Sears, Guess, Allstate, Oracle, and the Canadian Government.

I tried to seek jobs at larger companies because they had paid training, paid time off, benefits, pensions, etc. Although working with a large company has its perks, life has an exciting way of shaking things up. I always appreciated working for a large company and loved the camaraderie with my co-workers, the paid vacation time, and the stability. I never considered running my own business, but now that I am on the flip side, I see some great benefits to working for myself.

At one of my previous places of employment, a co-worker decided to quit her stable job and move to another company. My co-workers were shocked and awed that she would ever consider leaving, and there was quite a bit of chatter behind the scenes about her decision. Even I got caught up wondering why she would leave such a stable job. During that time, my friend at work said, “Leah, you know there is life outside these walls, right?” Many people who don’t work here lead very normal, happy, successful lives. This may not be the best place to work.” Those words fell on deaf ears back then but ring true now.

Becoming a Serious Voiceover Entrepreneur

When I started in voiceover, it was just a side hustle for me with no real intention of turning it into a full-time gig. To my surprise, after a lot of hard work, it has turned into a very stable career. As someone who loves financial stability, betting on myself was scary, and I mean terrifying. I was laid off from my job during the Covid 19 pandemic, and my best option was to make voiceover work. After trusting the process, all worked out very well, and I have come to have a whole new appreciation for being my own boss.

In my previous work life, I would wake up early and didn’t get the recommended hours of sleep each night. I often found myself stressed with the week’s priorities, always watching the clock to ensure I arrived on time, took breaks and lunches, and never left early. My weekly 1:1’s were full of anxiety, not to mention all the office politics. The staff was friendly, and it was mostly a positive work environment.

The Benefits of Being a Voiceover Entrepreneur

The benefits of being a voiceover entrepreneur have been incredible. Although nothing in life is perfect, being an entrepreneur is worth the challenges. My favorite things about working for myself include the following:

Making my own schedule: This is my favorite thing about working for myself. You absolutely can NOT put a price on time, and making my schedule brings me joy daily. I don’t take this for granted. I can wake up when I want, work when I want, take days off when I want, and plan a vacation anytime. I don’t feel guilty when I want to sleep in. I listen to my body and perform better because I am rested and ready to do my best.

Work from anywhere, anytime: The beauty of voiceover in the digital age is that most artists can work from home. How amazing is that? In the golden age of voiceover, you had to live near a large urban city and travel to the studio to audition and record work. We need a professional home studio and good WIFI, and we can work from anywhere. I recently heard a success story of a voice actor who retro-fitted her van and works from all over the continental US. How amazing is that? One of my dreams would be to spend winters in Aruba. I’d have a studio in my home in Canada and a studio there. I’ll have to manifest that one.

Unlimited earning and learning potential: Working for myself has taught me much about business and other fantastic life skills. I only learned what was tailored to my role in other jobs, but now I am competent in the following:

Accounting
Collections
Forecasting
Marketing
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Lead generation
Customer service
Audio editing and recording
Acting
Improv
On-camera auditions
eLearning
IVR
Commercial acting
Leadership
Problem-solving
Communication
Media production
Social media marketing
And much more!

It would not be easy to learn all those skills in one position. I’m only five years into my business, and I can’t wait to see what other skills I will add as my voiceover business grows.

Answering only to myself: At my old jobs, I had to ask permission and get approval for days off, vacation time, or even taking a break. Now, I am the boss and accountable, and there is a lot of freedom in that.

Creative freedom: I can be as creative as I wish in my voiceover roles. In my line of work, creativity is vital and encouraged. I try to be as diverse as possible with the jobs I audition for daily. There is always room to play, laugh, have fun, and give as much energy as possible.

No glass ceiling: Working for myself, my opportunity to earn an income is up to me. It is directly related to how much time and effort I put into this. A significant amount of time in the audio booth is required to be successful at voiceover, so if I want to succeed, I have to work hard daily.

Start Your Journey as a Voiceover Entrepreneur

If you’re interested in learning more about working for yourself and being an entrepreneur, ask any of your friends or family about their experience. LinkedIn has some great courses to give you the encouragement you need to get started.

Is Voiceover a Good Side Hustle?

February 4, 2023 by Leah Arscott

So you’ve heard about this job or career called “voice over,” and you’re curious to learn more about it. You may know a little already because you know someone who does voiceover as a side hustle, and you’re interested in getting into it yourself. There are more voice actors than ever before. Because of the amount of work available today, producing quality content is essential. Perhaps it’s because we live in a very digital world, and working from home is appealing. More people than ever are getting into the world of VO.

It Starts With Voiceover as a Side Hustle

As a diverse, millennial, and contemporary voice actor, I got started in VO because I heard it was a good side hustle. It was the summer of 2018, and I had already worked at my Canadian government job for nine years. I had good roles at my place of work, but ultimately most of the positions were administrative. It paid the bills, but it wasn’t the most exciting job.

I pushed around papers and made a lot of spreadsheets, and after a while, most of what I was doing became mundane. I had begun to notice that many of my friends were picking up side hustles to make a little extra cash in their spare time. One friend had a side hustle as a model, another made beautiful cakes, another did eyelashes, and another micro-blading for eyebrows.

Before the Side Hustle Job

I was sitting at work one day completely bored and took out a pen and made a long list of potential side hustles. One that was interesting was teaching English to international students. And that was the one I chose. So, for two months in the summer of 2018, I taught English to Japanese students online. It was great. I enjoyed teaching English, and the students I met were very friendly. I even got to teach English to some famous Japanese soccer players. Although I enjoyed what I did, the money could have been better. After two months, I realized I’d rather be outside in the summer than sit in front of my computer.

So back to the drawing board! The following week I was at work again, sitting at my desk, downtrodden about my failed side hustle, and my phone beeped. A message had come in. My best friend Natasha Thompson said, “Hey, Girl, I heard of a cool side hustle. It’s voiceover, and you can do it from home. Here’s a website with more information; it’s voices.com.” And that was the text that changed my life – although I didn’t know it then.

“Voice over. Hmm. that does sound interesting.” I thought.

Research, Planning, and Preparation

I stumbled upon a commercial demo of a voice actress on YouTube 1-2 years prior as I was studying for college one day. Listening to her demo, I thought, “Wow, she is so talented. How could I ever do something like that?” But that was just a fleeting thought, and after a few minutes of imagining life as a voice actor, it seemed too overwhelming, and I went back to studying.

After seeing Natasha’s text, I went to the website she mentioned, with hundreds of freelancers highlighting their voiceover skills, and I was instantly intrigued. That evening, I raced home to tell my husband, and he advised me not to rush into anything but to take my time and research, as a job like this requires a commitment of money and time.

Turning Voiceover as a Side Hustle Into a Career

And he was right. Every year I was always getting into something new that would cost money and time. So between July and November of 2018, I took my time and learned everything I could about the voiceover industry. I researched how to get started, how much it would cost, what goals to set, and whether I should try this as a side hustle or a full-time gig.

By the fall of 2018, I was still very interested in voiceover and did some planning. We decided to wait until Black Friday to purchase equipment. We went to the music store for a microphone, music stand, and a pre-amp. I also ordered studio foam and a moving blanket on Amazon for sound insulation. I had also contacted voices.com to purchase their annual Premium membership, which was on sale.

We went home, set up the equipment (well, my husband did; I am not techy at all), and I tried my hand at my first audition. I had no idea what I was doing, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. I’ve mentioned before that if I could make my career all over again, I would have gotten coaching before jumping in head first auditioning. Instead, I explored how far I could take this with zero experience.

Eventually, it worked out for me, and I booked my first job one week later for a great company, and slowly but surely, things picked up.

Are You Interested in Voiceover as a Side Hustle?

Voice Over can be a great side hustle, but some factors must be met to succeed. Voiceover today is highly competitive, with many experienced actors booking regular work. They are skilled, have a coach, and incredible state-of-the-art studios. They have professional demos, direct marketing in place with optimized websites, and long lists of clients who are very happy with their work. So, the opportunities are there, but you only get what you put in.

When I started in VO, I was only on one pay and play platform; voices.com. I auditioned about 15-20 times a day and booked about 5-6 jobs a month for approximately $1000 USD. Those were my statistics. I had no professional demos or coaching, but I did fully complete a profile on voices.com so clients could find me quickly on their platforms. I would come home for lunch each day, do 5-6 auditions, and then do more after work. The additional income helped with the bills and funded the vacations we had lined up throughout the year.

The Jump to Full-Time Voiceover Talent

Deciding to make voiceover a full-time gig is what changed my business. I was laid off from work during COVID, and I had no choice but to make it work. That was when I had to put the pedal to the metal and dig deep to proceed with all the tactics at my disposal. I hired a professional coach, acquired a commercial demo, built a website, and created a marketing plan. The same month I received my commercial demo, everything changed monumentally. I saw a significant difference in my income within four weeks. I couldn’t believe it. That demo changed everything. It told my potential customers that I am a “committed professional voice actor,” Finally, potential clients took me seriously.

The Reality of a Side Hustle

I went from part-time to full-time millennial voice actor in a year and a half. That is a relatively quick trajectory from what I understand from other voice actors, but I trusted the process and believed it would work. Many successful voice actors only do it part-time and still hold a day job as a lawyer, doctor, or government official. They may want to keep voiceover as a side hustle so they can play and be creative without the pressure of earning.

It’s your choice. I started it intentionally as a side hustle with no desire to take it full-time until I had no choice. Plus, I enjoyed what I was doing and found it addictive. There’s always another opportunity coming your way: a new audition or a new client. If you don’t get this job, no problem, be consistent with your efforts, and another opportunity will come to your inbox soon. It’s always a fantastic feeling when you book a job!

How to Jump Start Your Voiceover Career

If you want to be successful, I recommend researching and planning with maximum effort. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your time and money. Here are the items you’ll need to get set up!

Set up your studio to sound as professional as possible
Get professional coaching
Have a professional demo made with a reputable producer
Sign up on pay-to-play websites
Get a website (voiceactorwebsites are the best loaded with SEO)
Participate in direct marketing
Audition, Audition, Audition for diverse jobs

This list can be daunting for most. Each month I have inquiries from friends or family on how to get started in voiceover. I tell them what to do and remind them to set small goals, and success will come. Your ability to be diverse will get you where you want to be.

Voiceover can be an outstanding side hustle if you do it right. Just take your time to get set up, trust in the process, and you can do it!