Blogs About The Voiceover Business

In the continuing blogs about getting started in voiceovers, today I'll talk about training.

  As with any other profession, training plays a big part in your job as a voice talent. Sure…anyone can ‘read out loud’, but can you tell the difference between someone reading out loud and someone telling a story?  It’s amazing how different it sounds.  A professional voiceover recording is someone telling you a story, with that person being an expert at what you're hearing; because it sounds natural, unrehearsed and it doesn’t sound like their reading, right?  Well…they ARE reading; and they’re probably not an expert in what they’re telling you; in most cases, they probably don’t have the slightest idea what they’re talking about, even though it sounds like they do.  Translating the written word into a voiceover recording is not easy; you have to control your breathing, know where the inflections are, how to sound emotional, natural, authoritative…etc.  There are some great books, training programs, workshops and coaches out there that can help you get going (usually for a fee); all ya gotta do is go out…and do it.  They're not that hard to find.

   To get you started, do a search for some practice scripts or you can pick an advertisement in the newspaper (any advertisement) and TELL a story about the ad; just tell about it, don’t ‘read it’…tell the story.  Tell it in a few different ways:

        Tell it in a non-chalant way…(matter of fact), like in a conversation.

        Say (in an excited way) how it’s the greatest thing in the world; and how you'd be so much better with it.

        Explain it to a person has no idea what you’re talking about.

        Be sarcastic about the ad

        Ponder if this product would benefit you.

   Use hand gestures (you can hear those); smile, you can hear that, too.  Record it if you’re able.  You can use your phone; or, in one of those rare instances- record it on your computer using the mic that came with the computer.  I know I said (in an earlier blog) about not using the mic that came with your computer; but this is for training purposes.  If you do have a professional recording setup (or access to one), use that. This way you’ll be able to save your recordings for comparison.  When you’re done- play it back and listen to what it sounds like.  If you know someone in the business, ask if they’ll critique it for you. 

  While you’re watching tv…LISTEN to the commercials (instead of changing the channel), the same goes with radio.  Do you like documentaries?  LISTEN to the narrator.  Have training seminars at work?  LISTEN to the narrator.  How do they ‘sound’?  They all sound like an expert in what you're hearing, right?  You can sound like that, too; it just takes a little work on your part.

  If you’re looking to do narrations or audiobooks, pick up a book or a magazine article  and ‘tell the story’.  Audiobooks are tougher because you have to be the narrator and the characters.  The narrator voice could be all you…natural sounding, while the character voice has to sound different from the narrators voice and the other characters; sometimes of the opposite gender.  Search out and sample some audiobooks and you’ll hear what I’m talking about.

  For short voice recordings (up to 2:00, or so), you may want to memorize the script; some like to scan it over a few times before recording.  It depends on what works best for you.  For long-form narrations, reading a book (before recording it) might not fit into the time constraints.  Perhaps reading the chapter first, then recording it, might work; again, it depends on what you’re comfortable with.

 Good Practices:

When you’re recording have a bottle of water handy, the mouth tends to dry up pretty fast with all that air going back and forth. 

Things to avoid:

Avoid eating a big meal prior to recording.  Having a full stomach going into a recording session may leave you feeling winded.  For you to speak your diaphragm needs room to move, if you have a full stomach the diaphragm doesn’t have that room and it leaves you feeling a little out of breath when you record.  It also has an effect on the pitch of your voice.  If you have a meal-break in the middle of a session- eat light.

Don't hold a script in your hand; if the paper is rustled the mic will pic it up; it'll also prevent you from using your hands- as a gesture.  Use a stationary object, like a sheetmusic stand.

Carbonated beverages- nothing worse than being halfway through a script and you belch one out; not very professional either.

Dairy products:  They tend to leave a film in your mouth.

Citrus juices:  Have a tendency of constricting the muscles in your mouth; if anything dilute it with water.

Or you can...

 Just use water

by Rich Brennan

In the continuing series on 'Getting Started In Voiceovers', today I'll talk about equipment.

Research buying equipment as opposed to renting studio space; studio space is expensive and you're held hostage to the studios operating schedule.  You'll probably find some good deals on used equipment; when voice talents upgrade and buy new equipment they tend to sell their 'old' gear.  Here’s a list of the equipment I use:

WhisperRoom- MDL 4242S/SNV

22” ViewSonic touch screen monitor (VSD220)

Mic:  (2) EV RE 27n/d

Mixer:  Mackie 1402- VLZ Pro

Computer:  Dell Studio XPS9100 Desktop with a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Pro Series PCI Sound card.

Digital editing program: Adobe Audition CC

Phone patch:  JK Audio autohybrid

An ever-growing library of royalty free music and sound effects from Sound Ideas.

  Keeping in mind...that you're main objective is to make YOUR VOICE sound the best it can.  In the voiceover business, you'll absolutely need 4 things: Computer, microphone, recording software and a place to record.  Of course...you can't get an 'off the shelf' computer (from one of those popular retailers)...you'll need a computer with a big hard drive...with an upgraded processor; and an upgraded sound card; or you can use an interface (it's the way to go, these days).  Do you prefer a MAC or a PC?  MAC's are more expensive than PC's; but again, it depends on what system you’re more comfortable with.  You can expect to pay from $1200 and up for a computer whether you get a laptop or a desktop.  External hard drives are a safe investment; I have 3- 1 for sound effects; 1 for music and 1 for all my backups.  I recently picked up the third one (4 terabytes) because I had a virus on my pc and was at risk of losing EVERYTHING I'd recorded; so now I keep everything I record on the 3rd external hard drive.  I've also been playing around with video, so I keep it on there, as well.

You'll need software to record your voice onto....and, of course, you'll have to learn how to set it up and how to record onto it. There’s a whole bunch of recording programs that voice talents use and depending upon your skill-level and what you’re looking to do, you should have no problem in finding something to get you started.  I use Adobe Audition CC because I can also produce material (meaning add music and sound effects to projects). http://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html

Garage Band is a popular program:  http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20100401_garageband_for_windows_7.html

Audacity is another: http://www.sonicdownloads.net/download/Audio/Audacity/?f=inCAk0Xte&a=7378&adid=742700073

And Wavpad:  http://www.nch.com.au/wavepad/index.html

Then there’s always Pro Tools (considered the industry standard) http://www.avid.com/us/products/pro-tools-software  (in my opinion- Pro Tools has the biggest learning curve)

Most software will offer free downloads of their programs, but you’re limited to what you can do; some offer a 30 day trial period.

Microphones: 

  You probably won‘t be spending a whole lot on a mic (for the first time).  A decent mic will run from a few hundred dollars all the way up to a few thousand; realizing, of course, that you NEVER, EVER, use the mic that came with your computer.  Lol.  The best I can tell you about mics is to go into a Sam Ash or a Guitar Center and have the guy show you all the different types of mics that a voice talent can can use for voiceovers.  Your voice has a natural ‘sound’ and depending upon which mic you use….will give your voice a different sound.  I know people who have a bunch of different mics that they use…each for a different purpose; 1 mic for audiobooks; another mic for commercials etc…

Portable gear.

Being able to record on-the-go is booming right now; and the gear needed is getting smaller.  You can record your voice on Smart Phones; however, you can’t edit on them (not yet, anyway..lol).  Laptops are popular and you can get the same quality as being in the studio; you’ll still need a good mic and a place to record.

...and finally, where are you going to record?

  Do you own a home or rent an apt?  Is there a lot of outside noise?  Do you have kids running around?  Pets?  Is your phone always ringing?  These can all affect how and where you can record.  When I first got started, I set up a little space in my basment, it worked well; until the boiler kicked on...lol...I had to wait for it to cycle and shut down before I could continue with the voicoever project.  Some people use a closet (with the clothes hanging in it).  I saw a picture of this one guy who sets up a couple of high-back chairs and throws some blankets over it...lol.  Some people have a booth (either from a manufacturer, or they construct their own)…some convert a whole room,  which is expensive and somewhat permanent. Again, your situation is different, so it’s difficult to point you in ‘any’ direction.  The room is important and it has to be DEAD (meaning- NO ECHO).  Oddly enough, a room ‘lives’.  Walk into an empty room with no carpeting….big echo, right?  Add carpet and some furniture…and the echo is reduced, but there’s still some echo there, you may not hear it, but the MIC will; and then you’ll hear it on the play back.  Youtube has a lot of videos on sound proofing a room.

by Rich Brennan

Remember this:

NOTHING SHOULD LEAVE YOUR POSSESSION WITHOUT YOUR CONTACT INFO INCLUDED!

E-Mail signature:

  Sometimes I need another voice for a project and have to reach out to other voice talents to audition, for the client to choose from.  When I get the submissions I'm boggled by the lack of contact info in the email: Often, it's just a "thank you for the audition" with the persons name (sometimes, there's just a first-name), with no other contact info listed.  How are potential clients supposed to know who you are, if you don't leave any contact info in your email?
  Set up an email signature (including your mobile devices); it'll be attached to every email you send out. Attaching a logo, on the otherhand, may be something you might want to pass on; some mail servers don't allow jpg, bmp, gif or other pictures and your email might not get delivered. I have 3 signatures formatted; Outlook, my cell phone and for Yahoo. Here's my signature

Rich Brennan
JustMyVoice Production
JustMyVoice@yahoo.com
www.JustMyVoice.com
516-454-0859
516-702-6507 (cell)
Facebook: JustMyVoice Production
Twitter @JustMyVoiceProd

After it’s all done and over with, what you’re left with is: JustMyVoice.

by Rich Brennan

  A letterhead is a word document that has your your logo, and contact info, at the top of the page (the header); some folks use the bottom of the page (the footer) for contact info.  It depends on your needs and likes. However, a word document SHOULD contain your logo AND contact info. Word documents are used for correspondences that you send to a perspective client; it can be for an introduction, a proposal, a rate sheet or a thank-you for being chosen to work on the previous job you voiced/produced.   Remember, it's all about familiarity- your logo and contact info on EVERYTHING.  It also shows that you've got your act together. 
  A note on 'rate-sheets': A rate-sheet is a breakdown of what you charge for a particular voice service: commercials, narrations, on-hold messages, production, the various markets...etc. The Edge Studio, Voices.com (and a few others) carry a rate sheet that you can use as a guide for what you'd charge for a voice recording and/or an audio production.  If you're contacted about doing a project (let's say a 5:00 narration for a company's training program) you could reply to the email with a quote, along with a breakdown of how that quote was determined.  It would also be a good idea to attach a copy of your ratesheet as a reference; just make sure that your quote, coincides with your rate-sheet:  What good is having a rate-sheet, if you're not going to follow it?

by Rich Brennan

"How can I get into voiceovers?"

  This is a continuing series of blogs on what I've done to get started in the voiceover business; some of this info may help you get started in voiceovers, as well.  Last time I wrote about business cards; In the coming weeks I'll talk about letterhead, email, equipment, software, recording environments, training, auditions and the process, I used, of 'getting out there' in the virtual (voicoever) environment.

Today, I'll talk about the all important invoice.

  An invoice is an important part of doing business; it's a financial record of the work you've done and the rates/fees that are associated with that work. Your invoice should look professional and should carry all of your contact info, including your logo. There are lots of free templates out there that can be customized for your purposes, do a web search for 'invoice templates'.  If you're running current programs it would be a good idea to use current templates; for example, if you're using Word 2003 and download a Word 2010 template you might have a problem using that template.  I use Microsoft Excel 2010- specifically because I know, and like, the program and know how to set up the formulas so that all I have to do is enter the figures: Excel calculates the totals automatically.  Your invoice should carry the same appearance as your logo, website and business card- remember, it's all about familiarity.

  Below is a copy of my invoice; I just took an excel template and used my logos and contact info, and changed the colors.

  Your invoice should have a description of the work you've done, for example: Lets say ABC Lumber wants you to record 2- :30 radio commercials for an upcoming sale (on sheetrock) and are having the local radio station air them.  You'll notice that I list how the fee was agreed upon:  "As per email agreement".  Sometimes I use:  "As per telephone agreement" meaning that the quote I gave, during a telephone conversation, was how the fee was agreed upon.  I also follow-up with an email re-affirming the quote given over the phone and then printing out the reply.  REMEMBER....COPIES OF EVERYTHING.  

Add the contact info for ABC Lumber, the date and the contact person. Some businesses use purchase or work orders so you can apply those, as well (that's for their record keeping).

Qty- 2

Description-
- Sheetrock sale (this weekend)- :30 radio commercial (voiced and produced). MP3 delivered via email.
- Sheetrock sale (today)- :30 radio commercial (voiced and produced). MP3 delivered via email.

Unit Price- for each spot.

Total- would be the total for both spots.

It should list how payments are made (check, money order, Paypal...etc) and include transaction numbers, check numbers etc. I added my paypal account and tax ID number...I'm amazed that, even after submitting my invoice, I'm still asked for that info (paypal and/or tax ID) later on. lol.

At the end...my slogan, logo and a Thank you.

After the client has made payment, some may want an additional invoice showing a zero balance ($0.00); either their overly detail oriented or it's for their accountant.

There's alot more that can be incorporated into your invoice; like itemization, campaign runs, weekly or monthly invoices, conversion rates (international money transactions) and the dreaded 'T'-word (taxes).  Those are all things that you can use...once you get the ball rolling.

There you have it; the invoice.

by Rich Brennan

 "How can I get into voice-overs?"

  The series of blogs, continues, on what I've done to get started in the voice-over business; some of this info may help you get started in voice-overs, as well.  Last time I wrote about domain names and a website. In the coming weeks I'll talk about invoices, letterhead, email, equipment, software, recording environments, training, auditions and the process, I used, of 'getting out there' in the virtual environment.

Today I'll talk about business cards.

  Business cards, a good item to carry around. I use one of the popular companies for my cards. You can always hand 'em out at a moments notice and they're a lot easier to carry than a load of CD's (although...who uses CD's anymore? lol). Business cards should have all your contact info on it: Your business name, logo, phone number(s), email address, website address and a brief description of your services. 
  QR (Quick Response) codes are the thing now; with a smartphone you can scan the QR code and be directed to your site. Below is a copy of my cards with the QR code, on the front of the card. 

I have another batch of cards with the QR code on the back (below); you'll notice that wherever you look my business name is visible.

  After downloading the QR code reader onto your smartphone (it's free) you'll be able to scan that QR code without having to type the webpage address. I have 2 colors because the black card looked good on the computer screen; however, when you hold it in your hand it's difficult to read so I ordered the white cards which are easier to read.  Go ahead and download the QR app, on your smartphone, hold your phone to the screen and scan anyone of these QR codes- You'll be brought to www.JustMyVoice.com

by Rich Brennan

 "How can I get into voiceovers?"

  This is a continuing series of blogs on what I've done to get started in the voiceover business; some of this info may help you get started in voiceovers, as well.  Last time, I wrote about logos and how necessary they are. In the coming weeks I'll talk about business cards, invoices, Letterhead, email, equipment, software, recording environments, training, auditions and the process, I used, of 'getting out there' in the virtual (audio) environment.

Today I'll talk about domain names and your webstie. 

Domain name: 
  You'll need to register a domain name; without one you can't have a website. You can use your business name as a domain; with JustMyVoice Production (my business name) I wanted to use JustMyVoice.com, it was short, simple, no hyphens, under-scores, numbers instead of letters...etc and I didn't want to use JustMyVoiceProduction.com or JustMyVoiceProd.com...because there's just to many letters to type. But, at the time, JustMyVoice.com was taken; I could've used .net, .biz or any other .name that was available but I wanted .com. So I did a 'whois' search to find that the JustMyVoice.com domain will be coming up for renewal in a few months. It also listed who owned the domain and an email address; so I wrote an email to ask if there were any intentions on renewing JustMyVoice.com. There was no reply, so...I waited. 
  When the domain expired I jumped right on it. Last year (2013), I registered a handful of domains- JustMyVoice.net, .us, .biz, .org, .ca, .me, .co, .info and maybe 1 or 2 more. If you type JustMyVoice-dot-...any one of those domains it will bring you to the JustMyVoice.com site.

Website: 
  With your domain name in place, you'll need a website for folks to visit so that they can hear your audio demos, read about you and more importantly...contact you. To get an idea on the different styles of website designs, do a search of 'voice talent'; check out the sites, take notes on what you like about the sites; are they simple to read/navigate? Listen to the audio demos- to the varied deliveries (some have video demos). While you're looking at the sites take a look at the bottom of the page, there's usually a link to who designed the site. Website designs typically include a year of hosting as well. 
  I started with a free Yahoo site (that I designed myself- and it looked like it, too lol); a little while later I went with a professional site that I paid to have done.  It served me well for a number of years, in 2013 I had WebDugOut.com design my current site and I love how it turned out; I get lots of compliments on it's layout. Just like the logo design process, you'll tell the desingers what kind of site you're looking for, they may offer suggestions; you'll send them your logo (and any other artwork you'd like) so that it can be incorporated into the site. Be sure to keep your artwork relative to your business; your business is voiceover, so having pictures of monster trucks and rock concerts or your family bbq's really have no use on your site; unless, of course, thats the type of work you do (monster truck rallies, rock concerts...etc). If you use someones picture, you'll need to have a signed release, from that person, giving you permission to use their picture. You could also buy high quality pictures to use on your site- which I'd recommend. 
  I signed-up a free account with 'Dreamstime'; do a search for audio, or microphone (or any other business-related keyword) and look through the pictures- some might look familiar as alot of folks use the same pics and alter them a bit. Although joining the site is free you'll have to pay for the pictures (considered a business expense). It's important to keep in mind that your site should look how your vocal delivery style is. For example: If your website has an 'edgy', 'loud' or 'busy' look, then your demos should have that same audio tone- loud, edgy, in-your-face type of delivery. It's not un-common for a voice talent to have more than 1 website: 1 for that loud, edgy delivery and another for the toned down, natural sounding delivery.

by Rich Brennan

"How can I get into voiceovers?"  

  This is a series of blogs on what I've done to get started in the voiceover business; some of this info may help you get started in voiceovers, as well.  Last time I wrote about the legalities of getting started in voiceovers and how necessary they are. In the coming weeks I'll talk about websites, business cards, invoices, Letterhead, email, equipment, software, recording environments, auditions and the process, I used, of 'getting out there' in the virtual (audio) environment.

Today I'll talk about logos.

  Once you've secured a name for your voiceover business, you’re going to need a logo.  Logos are an important part of 'who you are' (as a voiceover business); and it's going to go on everything business-related; You'll see later on. A logo can be the simplest of things, like your name or initials or maybe just a symbol...or you might want the most detailed piece of artwork out there (your imagination and your checkbook will be the only limits...lol). If you're aritistic (or know someone who is) that can design your logo, that's fine, you'll save yourself alot of money.  If you’re not you can contact a logo design company, there are tons of 'em; just do a search of 'logo design companies'. You'll be able to look at their portfolio of designs that they have to (maybe) get an idea of what you're looking for.  From there you can open a 'bid'; you'll list your budget and describe what type of design you’re looking for; maybe offer up some samples of..."I want my logo to look something like this..."; or, "I like how this looks"...etc. Designers will then compete for your design by submitting samples.

  From those samples you can choose a few that you like to narrow down the field and work from there (maybe have the designer make some adjustments); or, if there's a design you really like, choose it and be done. Don't settle for a design; you should absolutely love it because you're going to be using it on everything; and you should be positive that it doesn't resemble other logos. Once you've made a selection have the designer make up some variations of your logo. Different sizes, backgrounds, with and without a slogan (if you have one), some with Holiday themes...etc.

Now that you have your logo you should use it on everything: business cards, letterheads, CD's and, of course, your website.

by Rich Brennan