By: Joshua Finley

Voice acting is a dynamic and rewarding career that offers opportunities across various media, including video games, audiobooks, commercials, and animated series. 

We’re lucky enough to get some insider tips from renowned voice actor Vic Mignogna, who has voiced hundreds of characters for anime, films and video games. He’s starred in such shows as Fullmetal Alchemist, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Ouran HighSchool Host Club, and much more. 

So If you’re an aspiring voice actor, here are some essential tips from Vic to help you get started and succeed in this competitive industry.

Build Acting Experience

Voice acting is fundamentally about acting. To excel, you need to develop strong acting skills. Enroll in acting classes, attend workshops, or work with an acting coach to hone your craft. Understanding character development, emotional expression, and dramatic techniques will significantly enhance your voice acting abilities. 

For instance, renowned voice actor Tara Strong, known for her roles in “The Powerpuff Girls” and “Teen Titans,” has a background in theater, which has greatly contributed to her success in voice acting.

Practice Consistently

Consistent practice is crucial for developing a professional voice. Read scripts aloud, record yourself, and critically evaluate your performances. Voice actor Mark Hamill, famous for voicing the Joker in “Batman: The Animated Series,” often emphasizes the importance of daily practice and vocal exercises to maintain his iconic voice.

Practicing regularly will help you refine your vocal techniques, improve your pronunciation, and build endurance for long recording sessions. 

Find Your Niche

Voice acting covers a lot of different genres, including commercials, video games, animation, and narration. So it’s important to identify the areas that best suit your voice and interests. 

Specializing in a niche can help you stand out and target your efforts more effectively. For example, Jennifer Hale, known for her work in video games like “Mass Effect” and “Overwatch,” has carved out a niche in the gaming industry, becoming one of the sought-after voices in that field.

Create a Professional Demo Reel

A demo reel is your calling card in the voice acting industry. It should showcase your vocal range and versatility. Include samples that highlight different styles and characters. 

Make sure that your demo is well-edited, clear, and professionally produced. A standout demo reel can make a big impact on potential clients and agents. Case in point: Voice actor Dee Bradley Baker, known for his work in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” has a demo reel that effectively showcases his ability to perform a wide range of character voices, which has helped him secure numerous roles.

Invest in Quality Equipment

High-quality recording equipment is essential for producing professional-grade audio. Invest in a good microphone, audio interface, headphones, and soundproofing materials. 

Familiarize yourself with recording software like ProTools, Adobe Audition, or Audacity to produce clean and polished recordings. For instance, many professional voice actors, including Troy Baker, use the Neumann TLM 103 microphone for its superior sound quality.

Work with a Voice Coach

A voice coach can provide personalized feedback and help you improve your technique. They can guide you through the nuances of voice acting, from breathing exercises to character development. 

Working with the right coach can accelerate your progress and increase your chances of booking jobs. Voice actor Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, has credited her voice coach for helping her develop and maintain her iconic character voice over the years.

Network and Market Yourself

Building a network within the industry is hugely important. Attend voice acting seminars, join online forums, and participate in workshops to connect with other professionals. 

Also create a strong online presence through a personal website and social media profiles. Marketing yourself effectively will help you attract clients and grow your career. Take, for example, voice actor Rob Paulsen, known for his roles in “Animaniacs” and “Pinky and the Brain.” He actively engages with fans and industry professionals on social media, which has no doubt helped him maintain a successful career.

Audition Regularly

Auditioning is a critical part of landing voice acting jobs. Look for casting calls on voice talent websites and audition databases. Practice the scripts thoroughly before auditions and ensure your submissions are professional and polished.

You should also set goals for the number of auditions you want to complete each week to stay motivated and proactive. Voice actor Steve Blum, known for his role as Spike Spiegel in “Cowboy Bebop,” often shares that he auditions for numerous roles regularly, which has helped him secure a diverse range of characters.

Learn the Technical Side

Also take time to learn the technical aspects of voice recording. Learn how to set up and operate your recording equipment, edit audio files, and troubleshoot common issues. 

Technical proficiency will enable you to produce high-quality recordings and meet clients’ expectations. Jamie Muffett, a British voice actor, has a good article about setting up a home voiceover studio.

Stay Informed and Adapt

The voice acting industry is constantly evolving. Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and market demands. Adapt your skills and strategies to remain competitive. Continuous learning and professional development are key to long-term success in voice acting. 

For instance, the rise of AI and synthetic voices is a big issue, and voice actors who stay informed and adapt to these changes will find new opportunities in the industry.

Final Takeaways

Becoming a successful voice actor requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn. By building your acting skills, creating a professional demo reel, investing in quality equipment, and networking within the industry, you can pave the way for a rewarding career in voice acting. Remember, persistence and passion are your greatest allies on this journey.

Published By: Aize Perez