Let me introduce myself

Kimberley Byrd · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 7

Hello All,

I'm a brand spanking new newbie. First, a bit of history about me. Like many existing members here, I've been told that I have a great voice. I used to be a Directory Assistance Operator (back when you could actually speak to a real person from start to finish!!) and have done vm recordings for my employer. But I finally decided to follow through and actually see if I have what it takes to become a vo artist. I signed up for an adult learning course this past week and, as part of the class, we recorded a demo at the end and, when I listned to the demo after it had been set to music, I was actually suprised at how good I sounded. Also, I received very positive feedback from the VoiceCoaches trainer the following day. So, I decided to take the plunge and sign up for training w/VoiceCoaches. I'm pretty excited about the whole endeavor.

Has anyone else started out this way? I've never taken any voice/acting classes and am wondering if acting classes are an absolute necessity? I've been surfing the web over the past few days, researching this industry and it is all quite fascinating. I never realized that it entailed so much skill and determination, along w/a healthy dose of perseverance and a very thick skin, but I feel that I up to the challenge.

I do have a few questions - signing up on v123 (standard acct), I've read that if you don't sign up for the premier acct, you are unable to apply for jobs, is that correct? When they ask for auditions, you must submit a demo w/the copy requested from the job posting? I'm also thinking that I signed up a bit prematurely, but I figured it was best to at least, have a site started to familiarize myself w/the process. Additionally, I'm going to purchase the book, "The Art of Voice Acting," by James Alburger. Does anyone have any other recommended readings? Or any other recommended "next steps," for a newbie?

Also, is it essential to create demos at home? When I finish my training I will receive demos, but I'm wondering, after I exhaust that supply, will I have to create my own? Is it worth investing in home equipment? Should I sart looking to purchase home equipment now, at least for practice? I'm thinking ahead, b/c clearly right now, I'm still in the infancy stage of all of this, but I just wanted to be prepared.

One last question - how do you handle paying taxes on VO work? I know, I'm thinking so positive!!!!!! Laughing

Thanks to all who take the time to read and respond, I certainly appreciate your advice. Its been incredibly educational, reading about everyone's experiences and listening to various demos.

Mike Norgaard · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 9

Kimberly, welcome - I'm a newbie also, but I can address of couple of your questions.

Unless you subscribe for the annual fee, you cannot submit any auditions. You will receive notices with information about them, but cannot submit.

Most auditions require a custom demo with a snipit from what they want you to voice. Some do not, some only require that you submit anything that would be along the lines of the project that you have done before.

I suggest that you practice with the sample copy that is provided with ausition notices and anything else you can get your hands on (newspaper, magazine articles, books, scripts you make for voicemail systems if that is an area you are interested in).

You seem very enthusiastic which is great. My feeling is that if you are going to have a shot at getting in and you don't live up the street from a studio and have a great relationship with the owner, it's probably going to take an investment in some home equipment to get started.

You can get a reasonable decent (not studio quality) but decent mic for under 50.00 if you look around (you can also try pawn shops and might find something between bargain basement and studio quality in that price range) - that can at least make for a starting point for practice purposes. You may or may not need to also invest something in a pre-amp and/or upgraded sound card. I had some hissing from my home computer and had to spring for a 30 Sound blaster card at Office Depot (24 bit) which seemed to have reasonable cleaned that up.

You will also need some sort of recording software. There is a free one out there that does a pretty good job - http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

AS far as the taxes, if it gets to the point you need to worry about that you should probably consult a tax advisor. You can do some initial reading about self-employment taxes at everybodys favorite website www.irs.gov

Good luck and welcome!

Mike Norgaard

Training and reading industry is always a good idea.

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

Hello Kimberly, and welcome!

I too love your enthusiasm, and your sense of humour.

Good luck on your V123 voyage.

Michael J. Schoen · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 198

Kim,
welcome!
As far as the IRS is concerned -- you declare your income and add it to what you may have earned in other endeavors -- and hope you earn enough from VO for it to be troublesome.
Realize this is very difficult and competitive -- but the people in the industry, though they may compete with you are very supportive by and large.
I they are seeking 100 auditions for one project, 99 people go away with nothing.
But when you win it -- there's a great feeling of satisfaction.

Good luck

Kimberley Byrd · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 7

Mike, Jacob & Michael,

Thanks for the salutations and great advice. I'll start looking around for equipment - seems like thus far, I only need a very good mic, perhaps an upgraded soundcard and, not sure about this one, but perhaps a "preamp?" I'm not sure. I'm enthusiastic and can't wait to meet w/my trainer to get an idea of the rest of the process. Last question, what is TOS? I know that it is a website, but I'm just not sure what is the meaning of th acronym. Thanks again and have a good week.

Kimberley

Simon Hill · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 288

Kimberley

THOU SHALL GET YEE SELF INTO A ACTING CLASS TOMMOROW!

Acting is so clutch to this game. Go out and get into some kind of theatre gig. There's a really good example of how acting comes into this somewhere in the forums. Ah, Right here http://voiceoversavvy.com/ftopic4962.html

Listen to Carl's delivery, and then listen to Scott's which he posted a little bit down the page.

Having a nice voice is great and it may get you some gigs. Having a great voice and serious acting chops will blow the competition outta the water.

Who knows? Maybe you'll just be a natural!

Welcome to the crazy world of Voice Overs, I'm Simon, nice to meet you.

And here's another clip of my buddy Mike Dobson!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KPBPW2sM3o

It's a 3 part vid and he shells out some good advice and talks about how he approached the business and actually mentions voice123