Are you tired of your 9-to-5 grind? Do you find yourself daydreaming about using your voice to entertain, educate, or sell products to a wider audience? Well, it’s time to put those vocal cords to work and start a side hustle in voice over work! With the rise of audiobooks, podcasts, commercials, and animated videos, there has never been a better time to break into the voice over industry. And with a little bit of talent, equipment, and a some hard work you can start your own side hustle and become the next big voice in town. So grab a glass of water and warm up those vocal cords, because we’re about to show you how to turn your mouth into a money-making machine!
How much money can you make?
The average employed salary for a voice over artist is $47.48 per hour in the United States. With Brooklyn NY paying $100 per hour and Boston MA paying $33.
As a freelance, a beginner voiceover artist may make around $10-$50 per hour, while a more experienced artist could make anywhere from $50-$1,000 per hour or more.
Here are a couple of examples of the types of requests for freelancers on Upwork
https://www.upwork.com/freelance-jobs/voice-over/
At the time of posting there was around 2500 jobs ranging from $10 to around $1500
Here a some voice over artists on Fiverr with their rates
https://www.fiverr.com/categories/music-audio/voice-overs
There are voicework website that host a lot of job listings, casting calls, sites include;
Other factors that can affect your earning potential include the type of projects you work on, such as commercials, video games, or audiobooks, as well as the length and complexity of the project. Additionally, location can also play a role in how much you can earn, as rates may be higher in larger markets such as New York or Los Angeles.
It’s important to note that becoming a successful voiceover artist requires hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck. But with the right training, equipment, and a solid marketing plan, you can build a thriving side hustle and potentially turn it into a full-time career.
Are there any courses you can take to learn how to do voice over work?
Yes, there are several courses available that can teach you how to do voice over work. Some options include:
Online courses: There are many online courses available that teach voice over techniques and skills. These courses often include video lessons, assignments, and feedback from instructors.
Examples include:
Udemy
Udemy has 46 courses listed in its voice over section
https://www.udemy.com/topic/voice-over/
Ranging from fun courses for beginners in voice overs https://www.udemy.com/course/you-can-be-a-voiceover-artist/ to voice over marketing – strategies you can you to get more voice overs https://www.udemy.com/course/voice-over-marketing-get-more-voice-over-jobs-in-less-time/
Skillshare
Skillshare https://www.skillshare.com/en/browse/voice-over also has a category for voicework, with classes such as audio engineering 101 microphones for beginners, noise removal masterclass for voicer over actors and cleaning up voice overs.
In-person classes
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can look for in-person classes or workshops in your area. These may be offered by community colleges, acting schools, or independent studios.
Private coaching
Some voice over professionals offer private coaching and mentorship. This can be a more personalized and tailored approach to learning voice over skills.
Industry conferences
Attending industry conferences and events can also provide opportunities to learn from and network with experienced voice over actors and professionals.
For example onevoiceconference.com and wovoCON
First bit of kit – The Microphone
When starting out as a voice over artist, the first key piece of equipment you need is a good quality microphone. A microphone is essential for capturing the sound of your voice and producing a clear and professional-quality recording.
There are many different types of microphones available, but a popular choice for voice over work is a large diaphragm condenser microphone. These microphones are sensitive and capture a wide frequency range, which makes them ideal for recording vocals.
You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money on a microphone when you’re just starting out, but it’s important to choose one that is suitable for voice over work and within your budget. You should also consider other factors such as soundproofing, acoustic treatment, and a pop filter to help minimize unwanted noise and ensure the best possible sound quality.
Ultimately, investing in a quality microphone will be a worthwhile investment and help you produce professional sounding voice over recordings that will impress clients and listeners.
Where to find the guide to the best mic?
For the pro mics
https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-microphones-for-recording
For beginners
https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-microphones
Second – The Headphones
And to check the quality of that recording you need a way to hear it.
That is either speakers or headphones
Headphones are often preferred over speakers for voice over mastering because they provide a more accurate and detailed representation of the audio being produced. Here are a few reasons why:
Isolation: Headphones provide a more isolated listening experience than speakers. When using speakers, the sound can bounce off walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in the room, which can affect the accuracy of the sound you are hearing. In contrast, headphones provide a more direct and focused listening experience.
Precision: Headphones allow you to hear subtle nuances in the audio that may be difficult to detect with speakers. This is especially important for voice over work, where even small variations in tone, inflection, and timing can make a big difference.
Consistency: With headphones, you can maintain a consistent listening environment regardless of the room or location you are in. This is particularly important if you are recording in different environments or using different speakers, as it helps to ensure that your work sounds consistent and professional.
Noise reduction: Headphones can also help to reduce unwanted background noise, which is important for voice over work where even minor background noise can be distracting and affect the quality of the recording.
While speakers can also be used for voice over mastering, headphones are generally preferred for their accuracy, precision, and consistency. It’s important to choose high-quality headphones that are suitable for voice over work, as this will ensure the best possible sound quality and help you produce professional-sounding recordings.
In general, high-quality headphones can be less expensive than high-quality monitors for voice over work.
Where to find the guide to the best headphones?
https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-studio-headphones-top-headphones-for-music-production
From Talking Pets to Video Game Characters
You have your mic.
You have your headphones.
Are you ready to unleash your inner animal, or perhaps your inner robot?
As a voice over artist, you never know what kind of role you may be asked to play. From talking animals to futuristic cyborgs, the world of voice over work offers a wide range of wacky and imaginative gigs that can be both challenging and fun.
In this section, we’ll explore some unconventional and exciting voice over roles
Here are some examples on Upwork
“
I need a voice actor capable of doing a convincing cartoon character voice-over. I am in need of a variety of characters such as Stitch, Elmo, Kermit, Mickey, Sponge bob, and Squidward. For a voice-over reaction video. Each script contains around 700 words and shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete. It is a guided script with context and only requires some enthusiasm while recording. All scripts include some harsh language since it is directed towards teenagers and adults.
$20.00 – Fixed-price – Entry level “
“hi everybody! We are making very interesting cartoon for adults and also children of elder ages, this is the story of the soul after the death of the physical body. The adventure of the soul in the subtle world, after death.
We have a lot of roles there, both make and female, and we are searching for voice-overs who are working in pairs, and have a huge range of vocal, from young to old, from demons to Angels.
This is long-term work, as we have already 6 series done, and there will be more! Just drop me a message if you are interested in this project! This is highly interesting and informative!
$40.00-$85.00hourly – More than 30 hrs/week – 6+ months Duration “
“43 words voice acting for an indie game trailer
ABOUT THE GAME:
Castle of Alchemists is a top-down tower defense and action hybrid game with unique gameplay mechanics and RPG elements. Set in a mystic castle owned by alchemists in medieval times, players must use a combination of strategically placed traps, towers, and weapons to defend against invading forces from another realm.
$15.00-$65.00 Hourly “
Here are some tips on how to prepare for unconventional voice over roles:
Study the character: For roles that require you to voice a specific character, take the time to research and understand their personality, backstory, and motivations. This will help you to bring the character to life in a more authentic and believable way.
Experiment with your voice: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your voice and try out different tones, accents, and inflections. This can help you to discover new and unique ways of expressing a character’s emotions or personality.
Use your imagination: When voicing unconventional roles like talking animals or imaginary creatures, use your imagination to picture what the character would look like and how they would move or behave. This can help you to create a more immersive and believable performance.
Practice, practice, practice: As with any voice over role, practice is key. Take the time to rehearse your lines and experiment with different approaches until you find the one that works best for you.
Have fun with it: Most importantly, remember to have fun with your role! Unconventional voice over gigs can be a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and bring your unique voice to the table, so enjoy the process and let your imagination run wild.
Conclusion
Starting out as a voice over artist can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Whether you are looking to make extra money on the side or pursue a full-time career in the industry, there are many resources and opportunities available to help you succeed. By investing in quality equipment, taking courses and workshops, and practicing regularly, you can develop the skills and knowledge needed to produce professional-quality voice over recordings. Remember, persistence and dedication are key to achieving success in this competitive field. With the right mindset and resources, you can build a successful career as a voice over artist and share your unique voice with the world.