Right from the first Covid lockdown there has been a massive influx of people into the voice industry: setting themselves up as voice over artists.   Actors with no work because of Covid. Former radio presenters let go due to increased radio networking. Plus those who have been told they have a “nice voice” and who seem to think that with a laptop and a USB podcaster mic they are good to go.
After all it’s just talking isn’t it?

The question they all ask on various social media groups is:  where do I get work?
There are many established voices on-line who like to “give something back” by helping newbies out with tips on things like mics, booths, pre-amps, headphones and breathing techniques but even these generous souls are reluctant to tell the new-comers – who are competitors after all – who their clients are and how they got them.

Some of the rookies seem to think that getting an agent is the way to steady work.  In reality unless you offer something they think is marketable and, more importantly, that they don’t already have on their books you are unlikely to get an agent.
Or you could be famous already – that helps.

So then it’s a case of putting yourself out there and putting in the hard graft of marketing. Trying various ways to get noticed in a crowded market place.  Perhaps subscribing to some of the sites that offer to put clients in touch with voice artists.
For me much of my voice over work comes through my website, also from word of mouth recommendations and from contacts I’ve approached and built up over the years.  Also thankfully – especially this year – a lot of work comes from repeat bookings.

It is so important to always do a good job for your client: the best you can do.  Listen to what they tell you about the job. Follow any direction they may give you for pace and style of delivery for the voice over and then produce exactly the voice over they want to complete their project and make them happy.
It’s not just a professional attitude it’s an investment in the future of your career.

The clients who come back to you time after time could well be providing a fair chunk of your income and that can be really useful when – like now – times are hard and the market for new work is very competitive.

Now as I approach the end of an undeniably tough year I’d like to say a big “thank you” to those clients that have used my voice time and time again on a range of projects and keep coming back for more.

But who are they and how did I get them?   You didn’t seriously think I’d tell you that did you?

Chris Radley – Voice Over