Considering Voiceover as a Career?

Now That I’ve Been a Full-Time Voice Actor for Over a Year, Here Are My Thoughts on the Biggest Things You Need to Consider Before Jumping Into Voice Acting

Are you thinking about becoming a full-time voice actor?

I’ve been a full-time voice actor for over a year now, and I can confidently say it’s been an incredible journey filled with excitement, growth, and a few surprises. However, voice acting is not without its challenges. It’s a competitive industry that requires dedication, skill development, and a strong business mindset.

Before you jump headfirst into this career, there are some key things to consider. Let me share with you some of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the past year in voice acting to help you decide if this path is right for you.

1. It’s Not Just About Having a Good Voice

Many people assume that having a “good voice” is the only requirement for being a successful voice actor. While a unique, appealing voice can help you stand out, voice acting is much more than just speaking into a microphone.

You’ll need to master various skills, such as interpreting scripts, conveying emotions, and bringing characters to life. You also need to be adaptable to different genres, whether it’s commercial work, narration, animation, or video games. Continuous training, voice coaching, and practice are essential to improve your craft and remain competitive.

2. Your Home Studio is a Must-Have Investment

As a voice actor, your home studio is one of your biggest investments. In today’s world, most voice acting gigs are done remotely. A high-quality home studio setup, including a professional microphone, audio interface, soundproofing, and editing software, is crucial for delivering top-tier audio quality.

Setting up your studio can get costly, but it doesn’t need to necessarily start that way, but there’s a learning curve when it comes to producing clear, professional-sounding recordings. Before starting, research the best equipment and soundproofing methods that fit your budget, but remember—audio quality is everything in this business. You need to sound just as good as someone recording in a professional studio.

3. Auditioning is a Full-Time Job

Auditioning is a major part of voice acting, especially when you’re just starting out. You may spend hours auditioning for jobs every day, with no guarantees that you’ll book a gig. This can be disheartening, but it’s part of the process.

The key is to stay consistent and resilient. You’re going to face a lot of rejection, but the more you audition, the more you learn. Treat every audition as a chance to improve your performance, and over time, you’ll get better at landing roles. Be prepared to embrace the hustle and understand that persistence pays off.

4. You’re Running a Business

Voice acting is not just a creative pursuit—it’s a business. You’re not only responsible for delivering high-quality performances but also for managing your brand, marketing yourself, invoicing clients, and keeping track of finances.

If you’re serious about becoming a full-time voice actor, it’s important to understand that you are your own boss. This means you’ll need to develop business skills like negotiation, client communication, and self-promotion. Having a website, maintaining a presence on social media, and creating demo reels are all part of managing your voice acting career.

5. Patience and Perseverance are Key

Building a successful career in voice acting doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to establish yourself, grow a client base, and gain recognition in the industry. It’s easy to feel discouraged when progress seems slow, but patience and perseverance are essential qualities for anyone pursuing a voice acting career.

There will be ups and downs, but if you keep honing your skills, networking with others in the industry, and delivering quality work, you’ll start seeing results. Success in voice acting comes from dedication and long-term commitment.

6. Networking is Invaluable

Just like any other industry, networking is essential in voice acting. Building relationships with clients, fellow voice actors, directors, and producers can open doors to new opportunities. Attend voice acting workshops, online seminars, and industry events to connect with people who can help you grow your career.

Don’t underestimate the power of online communities either. Joining voice acting groups on social media platforms can provide support, advice, and even job opportunities.

7. Finding Your Niche is Important

One thing I’ve learned is that not every voice actor excels in every genre. Some voice actors thrive in commercial work, while others are better suited for animation, audiobooks, or video game narration. Finding your niche will help you focus your efforts and develop a unique brand.

Experiment with different types of voice work to discover where your strengths lie. Once you identify your niche, you can specialize in it and attract clients looking for your specific skill set.

Conclusion: Is Full-Time Voice Acting Right for You?

After a bit over a year of being a full-time voice actor, I can honestly say that it’s a rewarding, but challenging career. It’s more than just having a great voice—it requires business savvy, resilience, continuous learning, and perseverance.

If you’re considering jumping into voice acting full-time, take time to evaluate whether you’re ready for the commitment it demands. If you’re passionate about it, willing to put in the work, and dedicated to growing both your creative and business skills, voice acting can be a fulfilling and exciting career.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this helps you decide whether voice acting is the right path for you! If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to drop a comment below—I’d love to chat more about it!