A List for the New Voiceover Artist, Part II

In the last blog post, I started compiling a list of tips that you might want to consider as you begin to break into the voiceover industry.  There is so much to think about when you start on any new career path, but because this field generally requires that you run your own business as well, there is even more to concern you.  However, when you establish the right work habits, you will find it is much easier to build a career to be proud of. So, I continue that list here.

Do Not Bring Your Phone into the Recording Studio I know, I know, I know… everyone has a phone these days, and everyone wants you to respond to them immediately.  But, it is absolutely never a good idea to bring a cell phone into the recording booth.  Not only can the phone cause interference with the recording equipment, all of the little sounds that it emits (even the slightest vibration) will be picked up in the recording.  If you have reason to suspect that someone might need to get ahold of you, try to avoid scheduling recording time for that day, or leave your phone outside the booth, but take regular breaks to check it.

Set Up Your Station for Fewer Interruptions This is something that people generally get better at with time.  Undoubtedly, you will find yourself shuffling papers, turning pages, or doing something of a similar nature as you record, which will ultimately cause background noise that will have to be edited out.  You can cut down on this by setting up your station in the right way, aligning the pages so you have to do very minimal movement.

Care For Your Website, as You Do Your Voice Long before he or she has met you, a potential client can find your website.  That means that your website will be what first impressions are based upon.  If a potential client happened upon your website today, what would he or she think about you?

Keep an Open Mind, and Maintain Patience You will, I promise, at some point during your career as a voiceover artist, come upon a client who is extremely fussy, hard to please, or downright aggravating.  If you want to ensure that you keep the job, and you want to give that person every reason to recommend you to others, then you must maintain your patience and keep an open mind.
If all that fails don't be afraid to simply suggest they find another talent and move on.