A Day in the Life of a Voice Actor

This is what I do at work. As a voice actor my time is spent in a studio booth recording commercials, promos, narration, and lots of voices for animated characters and video games. Plus MANY auditions.

[@violaisfree]

his voice is as smooth as butter

[@jdproductions3886]

That's some good butter

[@rob-cg6tv]

smooth like butter like a criminal undercover

[@sabrinaaseme8903]

Whoa, I think I've heard you in some advertisements lmfao.

[@andrewapplegate9374]

Thanks. I am very new to the VO world and this video is super helpful in envisioning what to expect. Great talent besides!

[@chynnascinemas]

Hey John ! I really like your video ur work is awesome. Can’t wait to tune into more of ur videos. I’m getting into voice acting myself !

[@Abacoot]

I just wanna say thank you for this video and being so damn real about voice acting. I knew the moment you said you spend most of your day looking for jobs to voice you were the real deal. You inspire me greatly man. Voice acting doesn't sound like just a impossible dream anymore

[@taxandcredit]

Awesome! This was extremely helpful. Any tips on how to get started?

[@corypham5688]

just wanted to say I just discovered your channel and love your videos and voice acting keep up the great work

[@JohnMondelli]

Thanks! Much appreciated!

[@Azami0001]

Honestly voice acting sounds like a nice part time job.

[@SivSafari]

Why part time? Make it full time! ;D

[@OhItsJAB]

@@SivSafari It's extremely difficult to make a full time career in voice acting, because so many people wanna do it too. The thing is, when you do this full time, you'll have dead spots, where you don't get any work. Or at least, enough to pay the bills. I wanna do it, but I realize you can't just go all in. It'll be great for some part time work.

[@yazzyxx]

yeah, I am actually trying out voice acting for something for the first time to see if I like it. I'll probably also put it on my extra curricular activities when I go into college. Im getting into high school and Im discovering who I kinda am, and what I like. And i've been intrigued with the thought people being amazed if they check out my youtube channel and be like, "WOW, she voice acts for this person, can't believe this characters voice is coming out of her mouth!" I actually got the part for a character in a gacha life voice acted series called Ardon by Boba Bxnny. trailer is coming out Thursday and im super excited

[@Azami0001]

@@yazzyxx sounds cool! good luck :D.

[@nadiakowalska3897]

@@yazzyxx congrats!!! good luck

[@simonwalton506]

John, I watched your studio set up video and wanted to thank you for that and then watched this one. You have a GREAT voice and ability to deliver fun and engaging characters- you deserve and I hope you get a big brand national campaign for tv ads- like the Gecko or something of that magnitude- try approaching the major NY or LA agencies you are good enough- you can trust an advertising icon ;))

[@robinsonroofs]

John, Good job buddy. You are very talented. Thanks for clarifying the difference between voice "Announcing" & "Acting!!" I went to Little Rock to make a demo, and the 73 year old owner didn't know the friggin difference... That's what I get for living in Arkansas...good pipes buddy.

[@dirtywashedupsparkle]

Thanks for sharing the everyday of what you do, that shows a lot of what I wanted to know.

[@MickyJane]

This was very informative! The life of a voice actor looks awesome, I'm an aspiring voice actor myself. Could I ask what computer program you use? Also, do you use audio interfaces or preamps? If so, do you have recommendations? Thanks so much!

[@JohnMondelli]

Thanks! I like to use Adobe Audition, and yes I use an interface which has a built in preamp. I've got a Presonus AudioBox, but I've also used a Focusrite Scarlett. I use a tube compressor on some jobs if I have to yell because it helps avoid clipping. :)

[@chadwfischer7303]

i started with a presonus audiobox, upgraded quickly, anytime you use an interface its good practice to get an audio that does NOT draw its power from the USB but has a separate 120V wall plug, when power draw is ran so close to the data lines it creates interference that can be heard at the highest of settings and sometimes comes out as static or ticking/clicking sound. i use a presonus studio 192 outboard interface/preamp

[@gblazing2802]

This seems really cool! I've wanted to be a voice actor for a while now, but I don't live in Las Angeles, where most studios are for video game companies, so I wasn't sure if I could be a voice actor. I never actually knew you could just send them your recordings from home, cool!

[@random-fixer]

That jester voice sounded like Shaco from League of legends but it also sounded like a wood elf from Oblivion! That was awesome nonetheless

[@firstpersonshredder8933]

Laser Laboy it reminded me of sweet tooth or one of his clowns from twisted metal!

[@JaekSean]

EVA Apsiva - Sounded like the crazy dude from the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim

[@lucasg9526]

@@JaekSean cicero

[@JaekSean]

@@lucasg9526 doesn't ring a bell

[@andorralacour4584]

Omg, you play my little brother’s favorite character from the Transformers show! Chase, I think his name was? He totally loves you, man.

[@thomaspiscioneri7917]

Very nice video for us younger audience who want to get in. What’s the website you use to find these jobs? Thanks for that lovely video

[@JohnMondelli]

Thanks very much! I'm using Voices.com

[@jmvf5252]

Wonderful! Thank you for sharing!

[@yumyumeatemuppp]

You literally blew me away.

[@mustaphaliaichi3004]

Great. Can you give us some tips on how to set up a good home studio? Thanks in advance.

[@TerranceNicholsonVoiceActor]

When you voice for video games do you typically voice them in your home studio or do you have to go to their studio? If you do record them at home , do you typically get directed or do you just get the script and they expect the lines by a deadline?

[@JohnMondelli]

I do everything from my home studio. As far as directing goes, it all depends on how they want to do it. Sometimes they will direct me over Skype or phone, many times there are directions in the script and I record 3 or so takes of each line to give them choices, and deliver them by the deadline.

[@mimiorbe8273]

I'm not sure but ,if anyone else trying to find out voice over actress jobs try Ailyahwan Easy Dominator (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my co-worker got excellent success with it.

[@aissasolis8248]

Thank you for this. This is a great example for my students.

[@mikadocious]

this was so dope! you're really great at what you do! I hope to be as good!!

[@indodinoyoutube]

This is really helpful. I'm looking into being a va and it's nice to know what it will be like!

[@petesmith8886]

Boom! Straight to the point! Brilliant!

[@voa23]

John Excellent Video I saw another of your videos and I see you had 2 MXL Mics the Blue and the Green One with the golden grill. Which one did you use for this video? Also John I see that you are using a pop filter and windscreen, dosen't this reduce the decibels on the ouput or muffle the clarity? Jsut wondering. Thank you for Sharing Happy New Year 2021.

[@JohnMondelli]

Thanks! In this video I'm using the green one with gold grille (The MXL v67g.) And it's true, the more windscreens and pop filters you use the more it can affect the clarity. I usually make it a rule to use no more than 2 pop filters, and these days I rarely put a foam windscreen on the microphone. Always learning and trying to improve. ^_^

[@voa23]

@@JohnMondelli Well the point is you sound awesome all the best and great bookings!

[@afternoonbears6989]

Hey John, I love doing character voices but I’m not sure where I should go to promote myself. Where would you recommend me to go to start booking VO jobs? I really appreciate your time!

[@nikkieh1445]

How can you audition the best way if you don’t have a microphone? Btw you’re amazing

[@troytinsley148]

For someone like myself whose breaking into the business, this video was excellent.

[@shaylap]

I’m interested in becoming a voice actor in the future, I’m currently in community college to get my associates in arts degree and I was wondering: did you get a bachelors degree? If so, what was your major? And if you didn’t get a degree, what steps did you take to build your resume and what steps did you take to get where you are now? Thanks!

[@MahaloLuz]

Hi, John! Congrats!!! Nice video!! I'd like to know how to make my voice sounds like I were under the water, in distance, on the telephone, using a mask, high above the mountain , inside a coffin, behind the door, in a church robot voice.. etc. How to modifying the sound of the voice according to the ambient/atmosphere? What kind of software should I use? How can I learn to make voice effects? What name of the person who work with sound effects? I would like to learn all about this to improve my fandubs! :) Thanks.

[@Tomotasauce]

Are you ever asked to go somewhere if you book something or do you record it in your studio and send it off?

[@JohnMondelli]

I do all recording in my studio and then send the files to the clients. Thanks for asking!

[@chanceva3464]

Do you got any tips for beginners voice actor

[@iamcorytucker]

Hey John! Another great video. What site do you look at for these job opportunities?

[@laznunyabiz4133]

I want to get into the voice over business. where do you find auditions? do you have to pay websites for them?

[@horsenaround2000]

Wow 🤩 I could seriously feel that... you’re wonderful!

[@lorinatidc]

Uber late, but John, you sir are blessed with a great voice. Much success to you.

[@entertainmentgrouptmp1009]

It's Funny that your voice made my coffee cup vibrate on the table

[@minwoo6647]

I have that same piano in background in my room.

[@GabrielLance24]

How much does voice actor make? What are those background called the black one.

[@clashoclan3371]

1. It depends on how much people pay you and how much people want requests from you, it's very inconsistent money but you'll make a few. 2. It's called Acoustic Foam/Acoustic panels, used to reduce noise pollution as they remove echoes and background sounds not by blocking the sound but by absorbing it, basically used to block sounds like dogs barking outside, people talking, wind, etc.

[@TommyJereiah]

good old Adobe audition! I enjoy it a lot.

[@AllThingsJUDYTV]

Love it.🎤 If you don't mind sharing what is the site that you were sending your auditions and getting work?

[@aarondx3764]

"I read the news today oh boy" Sorry I saw the title and couldn't resist.

[@TTGOz]

What were the odds I clicked on a voice actor video because of my interest and you're also in Minnesota? I'll be tuning in.

[@dillonhansen3839]

I've always wanted to be a voice Actor and have begun practicing. I've seen improvement and such but I know if I want to become at least amateur I'll need to do one of two things...which would you reccomend. Going to college for acting, or hiring a Voice actor to teach me with more of a 1 on 1 approach

[@SchwartzBOSS]

Awesome video, i had no idea how does your job looks like

[@Bingleheimer]

Great insight. Thanks, John!

This is so helpful. Thank you!!🙏🏾

[@from1978]

Good stuff! Great work John.

[@ricanbroski]

Hey John can you tell us how to do that joker like voice?

[@jazlynbell8202]

Oh wow!!! You are so good

[@MajinJustin872]

Where do u find stuff to help such as the wall behind u with all that foam

[@NaturalGallantBodybuilding]

Very talented guy. Nice stuff.

[@Vyshakh_Prince]

I've a rode NT 1 A mic and a focusrite 2i2 audio interface, I can do a lot of voice impressions and my voice is a bass-baritone, I want to be a voice actor but I'm from India ( but my English is fluent with or without accent). Do they hire people from overseas if they are good? And by the way, you are good at this thing for sure.

[@JohnMondelli]

Thank you! Yes, I believe you can book work from anywhere in the world as long as you can deliver what the client wants. And your audio equipment sounds good, so you could definitely book paying work using it. :)

[@Vyshakh_Prince]

John Mondelli thanks man! and your joker impression was impeccable, I am practicing it since last week so I know it's tough, I was able to do Heath ledger in a week but this is taking longer

[@optimisticprime6188]

Any tips for how to laugh on demand/do different kind of laughs on demand? Also how to NOT damage you voice laughing or trying too hard to laugh that it just hurts and makes you feel out of breath and crap.

[@JohnMondelli]

I approach laughing is the same as I would when trying to convey any other emotion. It's acting and getting in the mindset of the emotion of the character. And you can always practice different laughs and voices to find what you are good at and what suits your voice. As for avoiding pain or being worn out - there are probably a few ways to create a big sound without being extremely rough on your voice. I've found ways to project without being overly harsh on my throat. But, voice acting can still be a pretty physically demanding job. I recorded an animation job a few weeks ago that had lots of screaming and hysterical laughing, and I ended up having to break it up into 2 different sessions on different days because my voice was worn out and my throat was raw. Just be careful not to OVER do it and allow yourself time to be able to recover. Many pro voice actors plan to record intense jobs with screaming or combat sounds on Fridays so they have the weekend to recover. :)

[@PentaromaLMA0]

Even if i wanted to voice act it would just be too awkward

[@giltzexuh]

3:39 *holehshet its Freiza*

[@spoilerwarning5527]

Did you play Dipper from Gravity Falls in the epsiode where he drinks a potion and gets a man voice?

[@mr_sn4k3s]

when you were doing the elf you sounded a bit like the fan that follows around the grand champion in the elder scrolls oblivion.

[@blainefiasco8225]

Such talent!

[@TerranceNicholsonVoiceActor]

Have you ever gotten any video game or cartoon roles from voices.com? or is it just commercials?

[@JohnMondelli]

Thanks, I've booked many video game roles from voices.com, including the one in this video. Voices.com books voice actors for all sorts of jobs including games, animation, TV & radio commercials, TV shows, movie trailers, audiobooks, automated phone answering systems, e-learning modules, explainer videos, and more.

[@botconboy460]

Your Mr. Dudley voice reminds me of Starscream. I like it.

[@lusamini]

Omg amazing, thank you so much for this video!

[@jclbuxfan]

what is your success rate on voices? booking per audition? love the videos

[@michaelh8821]

Damn that was a good read lol, I really need to practice

[@go2274]

Cool, thanks for sharing.

[@mc92walker83]

Nice man! very informative especially for somebody like me who has always thought about doing something like this. Your video is beyond helpful. Thank you! But i wanted to ask whether or not you took any classes or just practiced to get to where you are.. and if you didnt do either of those what resources did you use?

[@daniqtpy647]

Do u have to send them the voice over in mp3 form and when they book u do u have to talk to them on phone or do u just send them the work by email and communicate by email sorry I’m curious possibly want to do this to thanks

[@JohnMondelli]

Thanks! Auditions are normally sent in mp3 format but for the actual job most clients prefer WAV or AIFF files because they are higher quality. As far as communication goes that's all entirely up to the client. Some just communicate by email and let me record on my own, others like to do a directed recording session where they'll give direction over the phone, skype, zoom or other method of communicating. Thanks!

[@daniqtpy647]

@@JohnMondelli how do u convert file to wav or iff thanks for response

[@JohnMondelli]

@@daniqtpy647 In my recording software when I start I make sure that my new audio file is created using the correct settings that they want (usually at least 16-bit, 44100 Hz, which most audio programs let you choose) and when I save my file I select which file format I want it to be. I record with Adobe Audition, but there are plenty of great programs out there such as Audacity which, as far as I know, is free!

[@jaimyyelvington6625]

What websites do you typically audtion at?

[@Lgnno10125]

This was really Inspiring. Im gonna become a Voice Actor.

[@katherinelove4736]

How do you find auditions

[@JohnMondelli]

+Katherine Masciovecchio I am a member of voices.com and receive audition notices from them. Thanks!

[@GuidedSteps]

Touché great work Bro.....

[@CRYSAW]

how do you lookfor auditions

[@Seth6000]

Glad I watched the video

[@FLOODOFSINS]

Are you still doing voice work? What sites are you using to get jobs? voice123? fiverr? What mic and other equipment are you using? thanks

[@JohnMondelli]

Thanks! Yep, I still do voice work all the time. I use voices.com quite a bit, along with work I get from return clients and local commercial work. In this video I'm using an MXL v67g microphone, but I also use an MXL 900s. I also have a presonus audiobox interface now, when I did this video I was using an M-Audio sound card. There's a lot of good affordable gear out there for getting started professionally. Check out Bill DeWees' video on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZmlh56mfcZ3h7c

[@wesandemma2203]

Great voice!

[@charlesbrunsoniii51]

Excellent video you have an excellent voice

[@JohnMondelli]

Thanks!

[@eliasyarnall8099]

What exactly do I have to do to get into the voice over/voice actor business bcuz I have a distinct deep voice and I'm really interested in being in the business

[@ZentrixXentrix]

As a voice actor, do you charge per hour or by the amount of words on the script etc.? Or do you get paid one lump sum regardless of how many words, or how much time you spend on the project?

[@tobiasmaling276]

Really good Video how did you get into the job?

[@JohnMondelli]

Thank you! I started out in theater and on-camera acting and starting doing VO as a hobby. Eventually it became a passion that I pursued. Thankfully there are plenty of opportunities to get work online now that it's easier to build a home studio and deliver files online.

[@nathanitypong5862]

hi John youtube just recommend you in my feed and after watching this video i notice that you have a noice blocker or whatever it is called in your wall.i Just want to ask if it really makes your room soundproof or there is still sound coming out of the room??..cause i also want to have that in my whole room and i dont want my cousins to be bother or hear anything that i'm doing in my room.thanks for your response

[@JohnMondelli]

Thanks! Those are acoustic tiles, and they are for reducing echo in my recording space. They don't block sound from going through the walls, but they absorb soundwaves from bouncing off the flat walls which creates echo, making my recordings sound better. Soundproofing a room is a more complicated process. I haven't fully soundproofed my studio, but I've taken measures to reduce sound coming through windows, and built a booth that reduces some of the sound. I made a video about the booth I built last year that talks about what went into making it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d37HeWZ-i75rn7M

[@peace6566]

What if you don't have a fancy studio to record in?😅

[@MrRoyalmf]

I took lessons for VOs and loved it; however, I hate my demo. Is it okay to remake my demo and use that to send out to companies? Also, when looking for jobs, what sites do you recommended?

[@JohnMondelli]

It's always good to update your demo, and if you have a demo you aren't happy with then it would be a great idea to make a new one! You always want your demo to showcase you at your best. I update my demos often. :) As far as sites, I do most of my work through voices.com

[@MrRoyalmf]

But what if your demo is not going to be the same sound quality and as professional as the previous? I went through a training course and went to a recording studio where that training company developed the demo.

[@JohnMondelli]

If you don't have your own studio or equipment you might want to find someone who does that can help you with it. These days recording equipment is getting very affordable and many people are setting up their own home studios. :)

[@temwalumbwekaluba]

Maybe I could keep that in mind. I guess someday I have lifelong friends to hang out with, and become voice actors.

[@jamesgoodell5710]

howhowhowhowhowHOWHOWHOW?! That voice is amazing! My voice is a lot more musical theatre booming kind of voice.

[@eddieyyy3]

Do you have any training? I've taken workshops here and here but haven't really gotten any traction going as far as where to look for jobs, also is it necessary to get an agent?

[@JohnMondelli]

I don't have any one-on-one voice over training, but I've done a fair amount of theater and on-camera work in independent projects so my acting experience helps, and I've also read lots of info on voice over. Plus these days there are youtube channels from voice over artists and coaches that offer great advice!

[@SimplyIzma]

Wait what app is he is using for voice video game characters or something like that?

[@joelv6605]

Very interesting and inspiring!

[@wish3471]

With his deep voice he sounds like Sebastian from the anime kuromikuro

[@globalcritics9076]

What websites that you go for an audition? A link will be great.

[@JohnMondelli]

Much of my work (like the jobs in this video) is booked through Voices.com

[@globalcritics9076]

+John Mondelli Thank you

[@jaybugo]

What site does he use to post his auditions? Is it really that easy to just record it, and send it through there? (Not that it's easy as a whole, just the actual sending of auditions to a client)

[@JohnMondelli]

The site in this video is Voices.com - and it may not be not very easy to book jobs since many people are auditioning for them, but the audition process is easy! You just record your audition, and send it as an MP3 along with your quote. A premium membership is required in order to audition, though.

[@shawnarms16]

Where do you audition?

[@JohnMondelli]

The auditions in this video are on Voices.com, but I also audition to casting calls I see on forums and facebook groups, craigslist, and even contacting companies directly to mention my services.

[@firerifle64]

Damn, you are a good voice actor or whatever.

[@Jen0va52]

Anyone else thing of Cicero from Skyrim when he demonstrated that audition?

[@PowerCrunchVideos]

how often do you audition? Whether its per week or per day.

[@simcaptainrik]

Well done.

[@malcolmthebear]

On average, how many auditions daily are you recording and sending in?

[@tylerjackson-priceprofessi4670]

What website did you use in this video when showing your auditions?

[@JohnMondelli]

In this video I was using Voices.com, thanks!

[@tylerjackson-priceprofessi4670]

@@JohnMondelli Thank you very much John. Great work.

[@Breanna_monique]

Your voice acting voice for the video game sounds like the dub va for Buggy the Clown in One Piece. Great job

[@Christopher7555]

Can u do this fulltime?

[@Virtual-Media]

Awesome / inspiring... could I ask what mic you're using?

[@JohnMondelli]

Thank you! At the time I made this video I was using an MXL V67. Since then I've switched to an MXL 990. They're both around the same price (right around $100) but I like the warmth the 990 gives my voice.

[@Virtual-Media]

John Mondelli It certainly does, if you got a $100 mic sounding that good you got it going on. I'm a newbie with a lot of ideas but a ways to go on the VO. Best of luck with your VOC.

[@JohnMondelli]

Thanks! Something else that's crucial to quality audio is your recording space. The better treated your room is acoustically the cleaner your audio will be. I also make sure my studio is as quiet as possible (hence why I even remove my coffee mug from the booth) and my computer tower is in another room with the cables running into the booth so the mic won't pick up the sound of the computer's fans.