Cenophia Mitchell - #VoLife Voiceover Industry FAQs

“Life as a Freelance Voice Over Talent” aka “#VOLife”

Voice Over Industry Frequently Asked Questions? (click FAQs)

“What is voiceover?”
“Is voiceover a hard Industry to get into?”
“People say I have a great voice, should I get into voiceover?”
“I can do some great impressions…”
“Do I need a voiceover coach?”
“Do I need a voiceover demo?
“I’ve taken the classes and have a demo, now what?”
“Is just recording on my phone good enough?”
“How do I get actual voiceover work?”
“How much money will I earn as a voice over talent?”
“How can I build a sustainable voiceover career?”
*Free Voice Over Resources* (Podcasts, Youtube, & Interviews oh my!)*
“Is voiceover your real job?”

When I tell people that voiceover is my full-time job, 3 things usually happen…

They have no idea what “voice-over” actually means.
They ask to hear me “do a voice” for them.
They confess that voice acting is their secret dream job.

For many, becoming a voice actor seems like an elusive dream career, whether they already work in the arts or have a desk job. I used to think the same thing, even though voiceover was my very first job. Now, with 10+ years in the industry, I can confidently say it’s still my dream job, but it was nothing like I expected.

I’m not a coach, and I don’t have a “magic formula” or “guaranteed strategies” for breaking into voiceover, but I’ve learned valuable insights from working full-time as a professional voice and continue to learn new aspects of the business daily. So I thought I’d answer some Frequently Asked Questions here about voiceover life, #VOLIFE, for those curious about stepping into the voiceover industry.

Thinking About a Voice Acting Career?

Whether you’re just starting or need encouragement along the way, my goal is to share my insights to help aspiring voice actors and anyone curious about voiceover life (full or part-time). So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be a voice actor, keep reading as I share some of what I’ve learned along the way.

#VOLIFE FAQs

“What is voiceover?”

When people hear the term voiceover (VO), their first thoughts are usually:

Anime & Cartoon Characters
Video Game Characters
“Wait… was that YOU in that commercial?”

But voiceover has been around for ages, covering anything where you hear a voice but don’t see the person speaking. Once you think of it that way, it opens your eyes to just how often skilled voice actors are needed.

The voiceover industry is vast, with many genres and subgenres, and thanks to innovations and advances in technology, new opportunities for voice actors are constantly emerging.

Beyond animation, video games, and commercials, voiceover is everywhere—from e-learning courses and instructional videos to podcasts, audiobooks, documentary narration, talking toys, virtual tours, and even live event announcements.

Once you start paying attention, you’ll hear voiceover opportunities everywhere!

“Isn’t voiceover a hard Industry to get into?”

Voiceover is such a huge industry that this is not an easy question to answer, but I would say “yes” and “no”.

Getting into voice acting is both harder and easier than ever.

Thanks to the world wide web, there is no voiceover velvet rope controlling who gets access to VO opportunities. it’s easier than ever to put yourself out there as a voiceover talent and work with clients worldwide

Is the voiceover industry competitive? Absolutely. Many parts of the industry are much harder to break into. If your dream is to be a Disney Princess or the official network voice of a major network, then that is a very ambitious goal and that may be a harder (though not impossible) job to land. At the same time, if you’re open to the diversity of the industry, then there are many ways for you to find voiceover opportunities.

If you’re passionate, persistent, and willing to put in the work, possibilities are everywhere!

I’ll share a few strategies here on how to find VO Opportunities.

“People say I have a great voice, should I get into voice over?”

Umm… Maybe?

Don’t get me wrong—having a voice that people love to hear is a great asset, but voiceover is about much more than just having a “nice voice.” In fact, it’s highly subjective—what sounds amazing to one person might not be the right fit for a particular job.

The real question is: Do you have a passion for it?

Are you a skilled actor?
Do you have a natural talent for storytelling?
Are you a content creator who loves connecting with your audience?
Can you make people laugh or stay engaged with your commentary?
Are you great at explaining things in a clear, compelling way?

An industry as diverse as voiceover needs a diverse talent pool to make it work! Voiceover success isn’t just about your vocal quality—it’s about bringing your personality and perspective to every performance. Your unique style and delivery are what will set you apart, more than just how your voice sounds.

“I Can Do Great Impressions—Should I Pursue Voiceover?“

It’s a cool skill to sound like a trendy celebrity or popular cartoon character, but it’s more valuable to sound like yourself. Voice matching does exist in some areas of the VO Industry, but it’s a niche market. There’s much more demand for original voices.

If you’re more of a mimic than an actor, that skill alone may not sustain a long-term career in voiceover. It can be an impressive addition to what you offer as a voiceover talent to be an accurate impersonator or a hilarious Impressionist, showing you have a “great ear” for voice matching, but I’d think of that as a bonus skill.

Overall, your unique voice, delivery, and acting ability are what will make you valuable to the voiceover industry and could be a better motivator for pursuing voiceover as a career.

“Do I need a voiceover coach? Isn’t that a scam or a waste of money?”

I totally get why people can be skeptical about voiceover coaching. For every great coach, there are plenty of bad ones out there. But I can say from personal experience—the right coach can be invaluable.

Some believe that their vocal quality—whether it’s powerful, authoritative, raspy, quirky, sexy, or smooth—is more than enough to get their foot in the voiceover door. That may be true for some, but it’s not the norm.

Even if it does happen to you, are you convinced that once you get your foot (or rather voice) in that door you will be properly prepared for what’s expected of you?

How does voiceover coaching help?

Helps you discover your strengths and areas to improve
Teaches you industry standards and what’s expected in different VO genres
Provide audition practice and helpful feedback
Gives you techniques to stay competitive in a constantly evolving industry

Some of you are experienced actors, singers, or public speakers so you may feel confident that you can just wing it. Those skills have definitely come in handy for me personally, but voiceover in many ways is a completely different world.

Learning the different genres of voiceover is like learning a completely new skill. Think of it like music—jazz isn’t the same as opera, and hip-hop isn’t the same as rock, or think of how acting is different for the stage than it is for television or film. Similarly, voice acting for commercials, animation, video games, narration, promos, and e-learning all require different approaches.

Is voiceover coaching worth it?

Having an expert help guide me in finding what I’m good at, what I should focus on improving, and how to stay competitive in the current voiceover industry, was worth it for me. I believe that once you get training with a good coach who is a good match for you, and what you need, or several coaches, you will likely learn a lot of things that you didn’t even know you didn’t know.

I started my voiceover career with years of experience in acting, singing live and in-studio, and even voiceover, but working with Anna Garduño at Voice Forward helped me not only learn about the industry as a newbie but eventually book consistent work.

Many successful voice actors continue coaching—just like athletes keep training to stay at the top of their game. Many professional VO talent don’t just rest on their past wins and expect to stay competitive in the voiceover industry.

I recommend at least trying out voiceover coaching sessions (in person or online), and see if it helps you focus and grow as a voice over talent. Invest in your potential!

“Do I need a Voiceover Demo? Why are they so expensive?!!”

Yes, you will need at least one professionally made, competitive voiceover demo—but don’t rush into it, and don’t assume a homemade DIY demo will be good enough… though in some cases, it might be. Confusing? I know. There’s more than one way to approach voiceover, but industry standards exist for a reason.

I say this as a person who truly believes there is usually more than one way to do anything.

“Should I Just Record My Demo Reel Myself or Not?”

Most working voice actors have at least one high-quality, professionally produced demo—often several. While you can record one yourself, most homemade demos don’t hold up against pro-quality ones, and clients and agents can tell.

Why a Professional Voice Over Demo Matters

It sets the right first impression—clients may book you straight from your demo.
It showcases your best work in a polished, industry-standard format.
A strong demo can land you auditions, bookings, and agent representation.

Arguments can be made for how necessary it is to spend a lot on a demo, but a demo that is not up to standard may mean being overlooked, whether you are talented or not.

What NOT to Do with Your Demo

🚫 Don’t rush into recording a demo before you’re ready. It’s a waste of money.
🚫 Don’t include performances you can’t replicate on demand with consistency.
🚫 Don’t use heavy effects, overpowering music, or filters to “enhance” your voice.

Clients want to hear you, not your production skills.

Overall, knowing the industry well and your voiceover strengths when making your demo is the key to making a good one. Be sure you can easily perform what is on your demo when requested, as it can often be a great reference for clients seeking a particular performance from you that they heard and liked.

Also, make sure your demo showcases what you can do as a voice actor objectively, which is what a skilled professional demo producer who is knowledgeable about the current VO Industry can do right for you.

A bad demo may hurt your chances more than no demo at all.

I think of a DIY demo as a flattering selfie, while a pro demo is more like a professional headshot. In some settings, a selfie works, but when it comes to getting hired professionally, you want the best representation of you front and center. Walking into a professional setting with just a bunch of selfies can also make you look like an amateur… unless your last name is Kardashian, then “Touché”.

I know we live in a DIY world, and making your own demo may be good practice for recording voice over at home, or can showcase your production capabilities, but I wouldn’t rely on that being your best representation in a competitive industry full of people showcasing their very best.

That being said, the VO world is always evolving, and social media now offers creative ways to showcase your talent beyond traditional demos. If cost is a concern, focus on building real experience, refining your skills, and making sure your first demo is worth the investment and truly represents your talent.

“I’ve taken the classes and have a demo, now what? Do I try to get an agent, join the union, go to the studio, and collect my inevitable big money checks?”

That would be awesome but don’t depend on it.

I’m sure you’ve already guessed that there are other skills that you will have to get good at, or fairly comfortable with, to build a successful career. To build a sustainable career, you’ll need to get comfortable with more than just performing. Marketing, self-recording, customer service, and even bookkeeping all play a role in your success. Every skill that helps a freelancer thrive, you will need. But hey, that’s part of the freedom of working for yourself.

You can always hire someone to do the stuff you really hate.

Being the hired talent is the fun part of voiceover, but meeting your client’s expectations means more than that. It means being able to record quality audio from your home studio, having some tech know-how, having schedule flexibility, and that you are easy to communicate with and work with overall.

This can be a very different experience than showing up to a set, or studio, or theater, ready to work. Those jobs still exist, but they are much rarer than they used to be.

Remote work is the norm, and the competition is fierce.

This is why it’s important to learn and understand the voiceover industry standards for each voiceover genre and make sure you can meet those expectations—right down to sending a proper invoice.

Master the business side.
Be ready to deliver pro-quality recordings.
Make yourself easy to work with.

The more prepared you are, the more doors will open.

“I have a mic but it’s collecting dust. Is just recording on my phone good enough?”

As a voiceover talent, you’re expected to deliver high-quality, professional recordings. A quick voice memo on your phone won’t cut it for most clients. You’ll need a quiet, sound-treated space and the ability to record clear audio—and in some cases, even edit your own voiceover files.

Before you let this intimidate you because you can’t afford a Studiobricks or Whisper Room just yet, know there’s more than one way to accomplish this. Many successful voice actors have built effective setups in closets, under blankets, and even in hotel rooms while traveling. The key is understanding how to treat your space for clean, professional sound.

Need inspiration? Check out these great resources:

Setting up your first “Voice Booth” – Booth Junkie

My Closet Home Studio Makeover – Brizzy Voices

How I built my Voice Over booth for under $500! – Cherie B Tay

George the Tech’s Free Resources – Expert audio tips for VO artists

No matter your budget, there’s always a way to achieve great sound.

A quiet, sound-treated space is more important than an expensive mic.

A good XLR mic + audio interface or a quality USB mic can be affordable.

Use closed-back headphones to catch noise, and to receive direction while recording.

Set the Right Levels – Avoid clipping to keep your audio clean and professional.

Export audio in the Right Format – Most clients expect mono WAVs or MP3s

Learn as you Go – The more you record, the more you’ll improve your efficiency, and quality.

“But how do I get actual voiceover work? Where are the auditions? I’m ready to work now, so where are the jobs?”

This is probably the hardest question to answer.

It may sound specific, but it’s like asking “Where can I buy food?”

Do you want a quick snack? A five-star meal? Breakfast cereal from your kitchen, a bacon-egg-and-cheese from the corner bodega, or bottomless brunch with your BFFs? Just like food, voiceover work comes in many forms, and your approach will depend on your specific interests, goals, strengths, and hustle.

Everyone’s voiceover journey is unique, but successful talent use common strategies. Start with what feels natural, then push beyond your comfort zone to discover more opportunities.

Here are some effective ways to find voiceover work:

Get an Agent or Manager – Access opportunities you can’t get independently.
Have a Voiceover Website with strong SEO – So potential clients can find you.
Join Studio Rosters – Some companies keep in-house talent lists for casting.
Use Online Casting Sites (P2Ps) – Sites like Voice123, Voices.com, and Bodalgo.
Search Freelancer & Job Boards – Check sites like Upwork, and LinkedIn for gigs.
Network – Attend conferences, workshops, and meetups for VO or potential clients.
Network Virtually – With producers, creatives, and fellow VO talent on Social Media
Cold Pitch – Outreach to studios, agencies, and content creators directly.
Create Content – A blog, video content, or podcast can be a great showcase.

You can even write a blog, create a video series, or podcast to promote your voiceover journey

Have a friend tell her friend at a bar “Hey, my friend does voiceovers and you should hire her” #truestory No single path works for everyone, so experiment and find what fits your strengths. The more research, networking, and persistence you put in, the more opportunities you’ll uncover. There’s no shortcut—research, network, and stay consistent.

The more effort you put in, the more voiceover doors will open!

I wish there were a fountain of voiceover jobs where we could all take our amazing voices and drink our fill. However, like the ever-elusive mythical money tree forest, it does not exist.

What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. If one approach isn’t working, lean into what is working. Maybe 100 auditions haven’t landed you a gig, but one well-placed email to a production company leads to ongoing work. I think having as many different strategies as possible simultaneously is the key to success, but maybe you would prefer having one great manager. Strategies evolve, and what didn’t work yesterday might work tomorrow. This is a question that ultimately only you will be able to answer and the answer will likely change and evolve as your business grows.

There’s no single right path—only the one that works for you.

Want to hear how others have navigated the voiceover industry? Listen to interviews with working VO pros. You’ll hear different journeys, common threads, exceptions to the rules, and maybe a few surprises.

Check out these voiceover podcasts and YouTube channels to get a feel of what this voiceover industry is really like from people who know firsthand. It’s content like this that made me not only feel inspired and empowered to start my VO Career but also helped me stay inspired and get back on track during hard times.

Helpful Websites for Aspiring Voiceover Talent

Check out these valuable websites to help you navigate your voiceover journey:

I Want To Be A Voice Actor!– A resource for getting into the VO industry.

VOcation Conference Resources – Helpful Information focused on the business-side of VO.

The Voiceover Resources Guide – A curated list of voiceover industry services.

These sites are great for both inspiration and practical guidance.

I’ll keep these lists updated when I can to help you stay in the loop!

“So… How Much Will I Earn as a Voice Over Talent?

Voiceover income is project-based, every voiceover genre has unique requirements, and their rates are set with that in mind. Voiceover earnings vary by genre and scope of the project, unlike predetermined salaried positions. Professional voice actors diversify income streams across commercials, eLearning, animation, narration, video games, and more. Understanding industry rates and negotiation is key to maximizing your earning potential.

Most professional voice actors diversify their work across multiple genres to create multiple income streams, diversifying how they get paid. This helps balance the natural ups and downs of freelance work—when one area slows down, another can pick up.

For real numbers and percentages, check out this State of Voiceover Survey, which breaks down average earnings, work sources, and career stages of voice actors. These numbers may even surprise you.

How to Set Your Voiceover Rates

Some clients have set budgets, while others expect you to provide a quote. If you’re using online casting platforms, review their rates and terms before accepting work. Always factor in potential revision fees, pickups, or additional sessions that may require extra payment.

If you’re a SAG-AFTRA member, familiarize yourself with union rates and benefits. Utilize their voiceover rates resources and learn about how their rates contribute to your pension and health plans.

It’s ultimately up to you to decide what your rates will be. I suggest always being open to negotiating without ever selling yourself short. Even as a beginner, don’t feel like you have to underrate your worth.

If you have no idea where to start when figuring out rates for your voiceover services, check voiceover industry-standard resources like the GVAA Rate Guide or Gravy For The Brain Rate Guide. They provide researched pricing benchmarks to help ensure you’re charging fairly for your work.

When researching voiceover work in a specific genre, pay attention to rate standards and pricing models based on that genre, like commercial rates including session fees and “usage” or “buyout” terms, e-Learning modules paying per word or PFM (per finished minute) as well as for providing split files, or Audiobooks paying PFH (per finished hour).

Setting voiceover rates can seem complex at first, but once you understand them, you will be empowered to negotiate confidently and charge what you’re worth.

Be flexible, but never undervalue your skills!

Your Unique Voice Over Journey

Starting your voiceover journey may feel slow and like you aren’t making enough money, or you may book one or two high-paying gigs and then nothing else for months. It often takes time, sometimes years, to gain consistency and discover your VO strengths. You might find yourself booking different types of work than you initially expected, so stay open to opportunities and adapt as you learn.

One key to long-term success? Repeat clients. Building strong relationships with clients who love working with you can lead to steady work and word-of-mouth referrals. Stay professional, proactive, and patient.

What sets you apart isn’t just vocality—it’s your mentality.

Success in voiceover isn’t just about having a great voice—it’s about having a proactive, business mindset. The voiceover industry currently favors self-sufficient voice actors who take ownership of their voiceover career growth and rise to its challenges. Those who actively and strategically seek opportunities, rather than waiting for them, achieve the most consistent and sustainable success.

Understanding your vocal niche and positioning yourself effectively in specific markets is essential for standing out in this competitive field. Your voice may open doors, but your mindset determines whether they stay open. Strong vocal talent is just the starting point—behind most voiceover success stories is an entrepreneurial perspective, one that fuels resilience, resourcefulness, continuous learning, networking, and long-term growth in this ever-evolving field.

Find Support Within The VO Community

The voiceover industry is competitive, but also incredibly supportive. Avoid comparing your journey to others, and instead, connect with fellow voice actors for advice, motivation, and resources.

I highly recommend joining online voiceover communities. Search the countless groups on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Clubhouse that may be a good community fit for you.

Voiceover Conferences, whether virtual or in person, are great for networking, learning, and staying inspired. They make me feel like part of the larger voiceover community, allowing me to connect with people in the industry who I admire, or who are on a similar voiceover path. Both have been very valuable to me.

One great community to consider joining, and that I’m proud to be a member of, is NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors) which was created to advocate for the voice acting industry, offering education, industry action, and exclusive benefits.

Surrounding yourself with a strong community can make all the difference!

Ok, One more question…

“Is Voiceover Your Real “Job”?!”

Yes, Voiceover is My Real Job!

We are Actors.
We are Narrators.
We are Educators.
We are Storytellers.
We are Entertainers.
We are the unseen voices that shape the way the world listens.

Voiceover is more than just talking into a mic—it’s a legit career that many, including myself, have built into a full-time business.

Some of my friends call me “Tommy” 😆 and joke that I’m just lounging in PJs all day, but running a VO business means wearing many hats. Without a traditional 9-to-5 structure, my schedule can be unpredictable, isolating, and full of extra hours—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The freedom, creativity, and growth make it all worth it.

This industry can be both intimidating and empowering, but if you’re serious about pursuing voiceover, know that it’s possible to make this your career. Hopefully, what I’ve shared here has given you a clearer idea of what #VOLife is really like.

I get asked about voiceover all the time, so I created this page to share insights, set realistic expectations, and hopefully make this path feel more attainable. My goal is to inspire you to keep learning, exploring, and finding your own way into the VO world.

If you pursue #VOLife, I’m cheering you on and wishing you success on your VO Journey!

Cenophia Mitchell

Cenophia is a unique, relatable, and versatile American Voice Over Artist with 10+ years of experience in a wide range of genres in the Voiceover Industry. She is based in New York City and is passionate about being an active part of the diverse global voiceover community.

#VoLife : Voiceover Industry FAQs