A career in Voice Acting requires a unique and enveloping vocal talent, but it also takes a suite of soft skills. A good ear for picking out different voices, and the ability to read quickly and improvise are important. Versatility is also a key trait that many voice actors possess, especially those who specialize in cartoon animation. Similar to session musicians in music, voice actors often find work through multiple sources and can be a bit of a job-hopper.
Most new voice actors begin their careers by working for free on tiny projects in order to build their resume and demo reel. These small gigs may include audio books, student films or indie shorts. Professional voice actors should also invest in equipment to produce high-quality recordings, such as a microphone, an audio interface, and editing software.
Once a voice actor establishes their talent, they can start charging higher rates. The amount that they charge varies depending on whether they are union members and their experience level, but they should always consider how much they are worth as well as how competitive the market is for the particular type of project they’re pursuing.
There are many benefits of a career in Voice Acting, but there are also several challenges to this profession. Building a successful career can take years, and the competition is stiff. Voice actors need to have a strong work ethic and be resilient in the face of rejection. They must be able to balance the demands of the job with other financial obligations such as paying for home studio equipment and maintaining their vocal coaches.