Voices.com on VOX!

As usual, you can find pretty much everything and anything online.  Today I bring to you a slate of narrations from Howcast that will help you with your voice over career.  All are originally Voice Over Experts podcasts from Voices.com - lectures written and given by professional voice over artists, coaches, marketers, and even voice over agents.

The first narration I recommend taking a listen to is presented by Gary Terzza.  He has a great checklist for you that will help you improve your chances of securing work as a professional voice talent.

I hope you enjoyed this video!  For more voice over training videos, just click here!

You hear voice over actors every day on television, on the radio, and on the internet.  But where else are voice actors heard?

• Audiobooks

Audiobooks are a growing market.  They make it easy for you to take a book along in digital format by loading it onto your favorite MP3 player.  From fiction, to non-fiction, to educational textbooks, virtually every genre has been recorded by a voice over actor.  There are even awards that honor voice actors for exceptional audiobook recordings.

The Microphone·._.·´¯`·._.··._.·´¯)
Originally uploaded by Tomitheos

Standing in front of a microphone brings out different emotions in each one of us. There are some who will bloom, projecting their full selves into their voice and inflections. Still others seem to shrink as the mere thought of their voice being projected intimidates them.

Before you begin investing in a career in the voiceover industry, ask yourself how you feel while in front of a microphone. If you've never stood in from of one, take a tour of a local recording studio and find out how you feel. This small activity can tell you a lot about how you might do as a voiceover actor.

"You have a great voice! You should be on the radio."

Does that sound familiar?
Are friends, family, and even strangers often compliment you on your voice?
If so, you may be interested in finding out how to become a voice over actor.  Imagine - your voice on the radio, on a company's telephone system, on television, or even in the movies!

Before launching into your VO career, you should reflect on whether this is right for you or not.  Growing up, many people asked me if I played basketball, or simply told me that I should play basketball, because I am tall.  However, when I got onto the basketball court I was hopeless!  I wasn't sure of the rules, and I didn't have the time or money to train up to a competitive level.

I guess what I am trying to say is that voice acting is not very different.  You need training, time, and money to invest in a potential career.

Here are some resources to help you find out if voice acting is right for you:

Having a home recording studio is essential for success in the online voice over industry.

Master VO

Demystifying the home recording studio, one question at a time. Q&A with a professional voice talent and audio production coach.

Do it Yourself Home Recording Sound Booth

Read a great interview with a voice over artist as she discusses how she and her husband built a home recording studio complete with isolation booth and editing station.

Studio Etiquette? What's that?

If you've ever wondered what proper recording studio etiquette is, you can listen to this podcast by reknowned VO producer Marc Graue for great tips.

Recommended Recording Studios

Everyone has a favorite...check the comments of this blog post for great studios worldwide!

The Gypsy's Guide to Professional Home Recording

Review of the book by Pat Fraley.

Audio Production Schools

There are many schools for audio production.  Here is a rundown of a few of the most popular.

Advanced Digital Audio Recording Techniques

Discover new recording studio techniques, written by Voices.com CEO, David Ciccarelli, a trained and knowledgeable recording engineer and honors graduate from OIART (Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology).

The Difference Between Audio Engineers and VO Talent

All things are not created equal! Here's what you need to know.

Used Recording Equipment

Buy used! It's a great way to save when you're setting up your studio and you can find some great deals on used audio equipment.

Voice actors can be found in every nook and cranny on earth!  Who knows, there may be someone right down your street with a home recording studio in their basement.  Check out this map to get an idea of where some Voices.com voice actors can be found:

Multi Point Mapping of Voice Talent

Wow!  Are you on that map?