And yet another Newbie...

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!!) 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 I was actually suprised at how good I sounded. 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 a 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, but I feel that I up to the challenge.

I do have a few questions - signing up on v123, 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.

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? 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 positively!!!!!! Laughing

Thanks to all who take the time to read and respond, I certainly appreciate your advice.

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

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

Robert,

Thanks much for your response! Just wanted to clarify the point about signing up on v123, I signed up for the free acct, not the whole shebang, not yet. I'm curious as to whether it will pay off; I've read mixed reviews in the forums. So, I guess I'll see how well training goes before I continue my investment.

Thanks again.

Lee Gordon · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 1549

I think signing up for a free Voice123 account and then concerning yourself with how to deal with the taxes on the business that results is putting the cart W-A-A-A-A-Y before the horse.

Even paying the $295 for a premium membership is no guarantee that you'll be swimming in business, but being a standard member is a truly uphill climb, since the only jobs you can audition for are ones in which the voice seeker found your demo by searching -- one by one -- through the vast collection posted at Voice123 and then specifically inviting you to submit. It's not impossible, but it doesn't happen often.

Once you have cleared that hurdle, you are still in competition with a significant group of extremely talented professionals.

But let's be optimistic and assume the stars have lined up and you got the job. It is your own responsibility to keep track of the income you receive and to report it as "Miscellaneous Income" on your taxes. If you are fortunate enough to earn $600 or more from any individual voice seeker, they are supposed to provide you (and the IRS) with a form 1099 showing how much your earned from them. This will be listed either as "Misc. Income" or "Non-Employee Compensation" and should be filed on your Schedule C (Self Employment) form that you would include with your 1040 long form.

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

Lee,

Thanks for the advice. I was pretty much thinking out load about the tax question. I was going to write it down and save for later, but I thought as long as it was foremost in my mind at the time, why not ask.

I'm gouing to continue perusing the forums - they're a great resource. Thanks again.

Kim