How to Be Commercial Voiceover Artist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 14, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The proliferation of digital platforms has had a direct impact on the demand for professional voiceover artists. With the increase in online video content, such as online tutorials, explainer videos, and TV commercials, businesses are turning to professional voiceover artists to bring their scripts to life. Voiceover artists must possess a unique set of skills to succeed in this competitive field, including the ability to adapt their voice to a wide range of styles and accents, and to capture the desired tone of the script. As the demand for professional voiceover increases, so too does the need for specialized training, making it essential for aspiring voiceover artists to educate themselves on the industry and its practices.

Steps How to Become

Develop Your Voice. Take vocal lessons and practice speaking in different tones, pitch, and accents. Read out loud and pay attention to the clarity of your voice.
Record Your Voice. Use a good quality microphone and a recording program like Audacity to record demos of your voice. Listen back to your recordings and make sure that your voice sounds clear and professional.
Create a Demo Reel. Put together a sample reel of your best work to showcase your talent. This should include samples of different styles, tones, and accents.
Network with Industry Professionals. Reach out to casting directors, production companies, and other industry professionals to introduce yourself and get your name out there.
Get Representation. Once youve established yourself as a voiceover artist, you can look into getting an agent or manager to help you find more work.
Stay Up-To-Date on Trends. Keep up with the latest trends in the industry and stay informed about upcoming projects that you may be a good fit for.

The success of a voiceover artist depends on the reliability and quality of their services. To ensure a reliable and qualified voiceover artist, it is important to research their background and portfolio of work. Make sure to inquire about the artist's previous projects, experience, and the tools they use when recording.

consider reviews and recommendations from other clients who have worked with the artist in the past. Finally, pay attention to the artist's ability to produce a quality product with little or no direction. With the right research, you can find a voiceover artist that is both reliable and qualified.

You may want to check Narration Voiceover Artist, Voiceover Announcer, and Voiceover Coordinator for alternative.

Job Description

Radio Commercial Voiceover Artist
Television Commercial Voiceover Artist
Video Game Voiceover Artist
Documentary Voiceover Artist
Corporate Video Voiceover Artist
Animated Film Voiceover Artist
Podcast Voiceover Artist
Audio Book Voiceover Artist
E-Learning Course Voiceover Artist
On-hold Message Voiceover Artist

Skills and Competencies to Have

Professional vocal delivery
Ability to interpret scripts and direction
Ability to produce desired tones and inflections
Capacity to work in a studio environment
Proficient in digital audio production software
Knowledge of microphone techniques
Experienced in editing and post-production
Knowledge of broadcast standards
Professionalism and on-time delivery
Excellent communication skills

Having a strong voice and the ability to read and interpret scripts are essential skills for any voiceover artist. Being able to interpret emotions and create a unique vocal style is also important, as it allows the voiceover artist to bring a message to life. Furthermore, having good breath control and vocal range is key for any voiceover artist, as their performance can make or break a project.

Finally, being able to work with clients to help determine their needs and create a tailored performance is an essential skill that all voiceover artists should possess. All of these skills together help create a professional and effective performance that can bring a project to life and make it stand out from the rest.

Explainer Video Voiceover Artist, French-Language Voiceover Artist, and Spanish-Language Voiceover Artist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in voiceover acting?
How would you describe your vocal style?
What techniques do you use to ensure the best performance?
How do you stay creative and motivated during long sessions?
Describe the most difficult or challenging project you have ever worked on.
How do you ensure your delivery of lines is consistent across multiple takes?
What production software are you comfortable working with?
Are you able to provide your own recording equipment?
Are you familiar with any special techniques for recording commercial voiceovers?
How do you handle constructive feedback from clients?

Common Tools in Industry

Microphone. A device used to capture and record voice (eg: Shure SM7B).
Audio Interface. A device that allows an audio signal to be amplified, processed, and recorded (eg: Universal Audio Apollo Twin).
DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Software used to record, edit, mix, and master audio (eg: Pro Tools).
Plug-ins. Software used to enhance and process sound (eg: Waves Renaissance Reverb).
Voiceover Scripts. The written document that contains the words and instructions to be spoken by a voiceover actor (eg: commercial script).
Mixing Desk. An analog or digital control surface used to control the volume, EQ, and other settings of audio signals (eg: SSL 4000 Series).
Headphones. Used to monitor audio while recording or editing (eg: Sennheiser HD 600).
Reverb Unit. A device used to add reverb to an audio signal (eg: Lexicon PCM 96).

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS)
Voice Actors of North America (VANA)
VoiceOverXtra
Voice Actors Network
The World-Voices Organization (WoVO)
Professional Voiceover Alliance (PVA)
National Association of Professional Voice Talent (NAPVT)
National Speakers Association (NSA)
International Voiceover network (IVONA)
International Music Producers Association (IMPA)

We also have Audio Drama Character Voiceover Artist, Educational Voiceover Artist, and Voiceover Programmer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Voice Acting. A performance art in which a voice actor uses their voice to bring life to a character in a script or story.
Narration. The act of providing an informative and authoritative voiceover for an audio or video production.
Commercials. Short, often humorous advertisements promoting products or services.
Dubbing. The process of recording dialogue in an audio production after the visuals have been shot.
Radio Voiceover. A short vocal performance used to introduce and provide context for a radio spot.
Voiceover Demo Reels. Short audio recordings that showcase a voice actor's range, style, and ability.
Copywriting. The art of crafting words and phrases to effectively communicate an idea or product to an audience.
Dialogue Editing. The process of cutting and rearranging dialogue to match the pacing and tone of an audio or video production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main elements of a voiceover artists job?

A voiceover artist's job typically involves creating audio recordings for use in advertising, television, radio, video games, and other media. Voiceover artists must have a good understanding of their craft, including voice acting techniques, microphone techniques, and audio engineering.

What qualities make a good commercial voiceover artist?

Good commercial voiceover artists have a strong vocal range, excellent diction, and the ability to project energy and emotion. They must also be able to take direction well and have a good understanding of the client's vision.

How much do commercial voiceover artists charge?

Rates for commercial voiceover work vary depending on the complexity of the project. Generally speaking, rates start at around $100 per hour, but can go up to several thousand dollars per hour for more complex projects.

What type of equipment do commercial voiceover artists need?

Commercial voiceover artists need access to quality recording equipment including a microphone, headphones, an audio interface, and recording software. They may also need to invest in a soundproofed studio space.

What is the difference between a voiceover artist and a voice actor?

Voiceover artists are typically hired to record lines for commercials and other media, while voice actors are hired to provide full character performances for animated projects or video games.