Can I make my own Voice Over Demo to get started?

[@sethsasure9603]

This was such a great video. I was afraid to begin because I come from Zambia which is in Africa and I thought my voice wouldn't suit any books out there. But there's hope, I have a very popular author who wants to hear my samples and so I'm hoping that it all works out well.

[@naturalmax8474]

Thx for the selfless help to strangers.....you Rock!

[@coacharielandersson]

Another beautifully encouraging video!:)) appreciate you!

[@armandoc964]

Thank you Ms. Angela for the video, you sound & look great. You sparked my thinking process. I am a voice over artist began 2019 i speak two languages. So I'm still learning how to do this Voice over stuff and there's a lot to it. I have the Tech part and I have the performance part (improving every day) now the business part. You helped me fill out my fiverr gig pricing, thank you for that. Now in this video you gave me an idea. Instead of having one gig with all my ranges and tones, languages. I'll produce a Gig for each. 1 for deep male voice radio, 1 for spanish maile voice, 1 for TV Commercials. 1 for narration. 1 for romantic book spanish and english. Thank you Ms. Angela for jump starting my beautiful mind.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Perfect! I'm glad I gave you an idea or two! It's great to think outside the box!!

[@timstephenson3382]

Nicely done, Angela! Very practical and deals well with the anxieties around demos.

[@lauragiardina4630]

I really enjoy your video! Great advice!

[@PrincePeach777]

I really appreciate the videos you upload, I quit my job a week ago and have been trying to put together the stuff for voice over I should have been doing months ago. The audiobook tutorial you posted was very helpful, but could you also make a video about how you would record and put together a standard e-learning request?

[@awwbeeh9917]

same it took me months too! to get started

[@VoiceOverAngela]

That is a wonderful idea! And welcome to the VO family!

[@sincerelysandi]

Rooting for you💕

[@sincerelysandi]

@@awwbeeh9917 Rooting for you💕

[@awwbeeh9917]

@@sincerelysandi your too kind

[@Surfin4christ]

I love what you said don’t be afraid. That’s my problem. I’m excited to get into vo and know I can be good but am slightly afraid and feel like I need to just be pushed into the deep end haha

[@VoiceOverAngela]

@Surfin4christ sometimes that the best way to get past the fear. Just jump in!

[@Surfin4christ]

@@VoiceOverAngela thanks. I’ve found a few open auctions in going to audition for. Indie video games/animation etc by can’t record till Tuesday when daughter is in school:) I’m excited though

[@AliceNicolas-ts7ri]

thanks for sharing your thoughts... very informative....

[@missbunnybloggeralimsl7250]

Thank you so much for this!!! I really needed this 🥺

[@jamesnunn8435]

This is superb. Popped in some interactive samples and used the cooking idea for my first one! Had a lot of fun doing it. Great advice, very clear and thoughtful :)

[@MisterInevitable]

Very informative. I've been looking to get in to voice work and didn't know where or how to start.

[@juliebay3527]

Thank you so much!!! I've always wanted to try this, and didn't know where or how to start. After watching a few of your videos I can't wait to start!

[@stephanierucinski6058]

Extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@kevincarrao9582]

Thank you very much for providing this information. Very useful.

[@georgieannaharp3553]

Just in time… needed that pep talk lol. Sending hugs of thanks!!! ❤️🌹

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thanks for watching! Sending Hugs back!

[@georgieannaharp3553]

@@VoiceOverAngela 🥰Thanks!

[@PrincePeach777]

I've been super afraid to get started, but I've no choice and no distractions so maybe it will stick this time!

[@VoiceOverAngela]

The first step is the hardest, for sure. But make a commitment and go for it! :)

[@blaquewomansoldier3309]

Appreciate ya !!!!! I’ve been struggling for a long while

[@WisdomMinutesYVETTEKLECKLEY]

Your voice is beautiful!

[@mistered1397]

As always Great Info! Thanks Angela

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thank you so much!

[@TeaEndBlog]

Thank you for this information! Is there some place where we could find your demo to get an idea of how it sounds?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

I have demos on my website, fiverr or anywhere else you can find VO work :)

[@taim1696]

Thanks for this video, very motivational!

[@kikoalala]

Hi Angela, I kept come back to visit your channel while I started to set up my gig, this place is a gold! One question to ask if you don't mind, when setting up demo, knowing that most of the client will only listen for the first 6-8 seconds, how would you suggest the demo to be arranged / done? like put the clip with your normal voice in the beginning of the demo or something catchy? Thanks so much for your time!

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thank you so much! I would put your best pieces at the beginning. You have 3 audio samples so try different arrangements and see what works better. They may listen through the whole demo but most of the time, they'll decide to hire you within that first few seconds. :)

[@justinyoungblood5894]

We love you Angela! Can I say that? 🤯🫶🏽

[@VoiceOverAngela]

☺

[@TT-iv1gw]

This video was so very helpful!! I have a question that I can't seem to get a solid answer on, if you're creating a demo for radio Ads, should it just be your voice or should you add music and sound effects to make it a production or is that "doing too much"?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

I say, make one both ways. With and without music and effects. Why not? 😉

[@palomaalejandraramos-tapia264]

I would love to do audio books,

[@rehemamiriam588]

Anyway here from Africa who has tried audiobooks??? Because I am from Kenya and Afraid of doing it.

[@gabrielasolis1061]

When just starting out, can I record my sample on my phone?

[@louielouie9502]

Angela Hi. What's the most amount of samples you've given for a single character voice? I think for me it was like 15 variations.

[@thomaspaddock5534]

I’m sure Angela is the voice of watch mojo

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Haha! No, not me! Would be a fun client though!

[@brookegilbertauthor]

Thanks for all the wonderful information! If you have completed a few audiobooks for ACX, can you use a short section from those on your demo? Would there be any problem with copyright as long as you use one of your audiobooks and not an audition? Thanks so much!

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thanks for watching! I use selections of audiobooks that I have narrated for samples and demos. :)

[@brookegilbertauthor]

@@VoiceOverAngela Great! Thank you!

[@jazznutz]

Should a DIY demo have music and or sound effects? That's a bit harder if you don't have access to royalty free music. I don't mean like ACX samples but like a demo reel of different styles. I paid too much too soon for mine as I had zero experience and probably wasn't ready but was told I was ready. Anyway, the one thing I'd have difficulty replicating is the choice of music and sounds that were added. Is it ok to just make a composite of styles with just voice? Seems a bit dry from all the demos I hear on Fiverr. Man that was a lot of words for one question. Hi Angela!!🤪

[@VoiceOverAngela]

My first DIY demo was just a compilation of my best takes, no music. As you get access to music and more experience, you can add it in with a new collection of reads.

[@jazznutz]

@@VoiceOverAngela Thank you always!

[@sincerelysandi]

Very good information, always so clear. I wrote my own demo script and practicing it daily. Would you say that vo work is worth the financial risk, if that makes sense?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

100% worth it. Just like everything else, it takes work and passion too. ;)

[@sincerelysandi]

@@VoiceOverAngela Thank you so much for the quick response. That is why I will always support this channel and watch commericials too😂No you deserve it.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

@@sincerelysandi Thank you so so much! You rock!

[@goglobalgirlent]

HI I am just starting out. I have a really bright and sharp voice, do I need to consider that my voice isnt as deep and soothing as other vo artists when I am picking a mic and pop screen?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Mics are pretty versatile.... what I did, was watched voice actors on KZbin and took note of the mic they used. If their voice was similar to mine, I would add that mic to my list to consider.

[@andyb811]

I have been told you can do a quick and easy, no frills demo with no music just to have SOMETHING rather than nothing to offer. Is this true?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Yep, I've done it. Most everyone I know has done it. Creating a simple homemade demo is definitely better than nothing.

[@veronicachiaravalli8847]

Hi, How do you fix the volume of the recording before you start? Fixing it with normalize and loudness … works well but what do use before so as when I record andcheck per page I can hear my voice and possible noises?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

@@veronicachiaravalli8847 turning up the gain on your microphone will help. If you're hearing background noise, you may need to focus on your recording space and mic placement.

[@veronicachiaravalli8847]

@@VoiceOverAngela Hi, the background noise is no problem. I have good sound. The issue is the low volume when starting the recording. So it is not about postproduction but about recording at a volume that is not too low. I tried setting normalize and some other setting but if do that at the beginning I have to repeat the process for every bit of recording that I do in the same file.

[@tonymagnier9846]

Hi Angela is that a Sennheiser MKH416 you're using there? Why did you opt for a shotgun mic rather than the regular large diaphram cardioids such as a Neumann?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Yep, sure is a 416. I find that the shotgun mic really helps to reduce unwanted noise from getting into my track. I am looking to fulfill my need for more gear here soon, still debating on which Neumann, but I'm hesitant because they may pick up more unwanted sound. The lady thing I want to do is to reconfigure all my settings again. Haha. But, a necessary task...

[@tonymagnier9846]

@@VoiceOverAngela Thanks Angela. I'm about to upgrade from a Rode NT-1 and debating whether to got for a TLM103 or that Sennheiser and from what I've seen the overall verdict is that the 416 is somewhat better in terms of picking up other noises inside and outside the room plus the vocal quality is really good. Think I've made up my mind...

[@VoiceOverAngela]

@@tonymagnier9846 awesome! New Gear is always fun! The 416 is a bit brighter but, for me, it picks up less noise.

[@tonymagnier9846]

@@VoiceOverAngela I have a deep baritone/bass voice and what I'm getting from the reviews and shootouts is that the 416 would be better suited to my timbre of voice. Also it's got its industry rep preceding it. The noise pick-up factor is another big consideration. I was soooo close to getting the TLM103 til my head was turned, but by all accounts the 416 is the way to go for me at least.

[@mikaelrothofficial]

Hi! I am just starting out as a Voice Over Artist. So I was wondering what kind of demo should I do if I wanna go into video games and animated movies? Becuase right now I am recording different kind of voices/characters that I can do. Do you have any tips if you wanna do video games and animated movies as a voice over artist?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Hi! Your demo should showcase the different characters you can do, then start auditioning for roles and jobs. I would highly recommend training from someone established in this niche, they can provide a wealth of information and guidance in finding your characters within and finding work and/or agents.

[@mikaelrothofficial]

@@VoiceOverAngela Thank you very much for the tips. I am actually an actor in movies and been acting since I was very young and I always practise and improve my craft. But I have never done voice over acting before. But I am very happy with your tips and advice, thank you!

[@enriquesasso5269]

Hey Angela! hope you are doing fantastic. I'm new to voiceovers and there is a question that's been bothering me which is what would be the actual process of adding background music? looking for royalty free music websites, dealing with things like giving credits to the artist, letting the customer now the background track was taken from a specific site/artist.. I don't really know.. If you or someone else here in the comment section can help me with the answer, I'd appreciate it a lot.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Hi! Thanks for watching! I belive I have at least one video here on my channel about adding music for reference. I think it's a meditation subject. I use Storyblocks for music and video assets, they are royalty free and you don't need to credit, although I'm sure the artist would appreciate it. I also have the license to use these assets so I'm covered.

[@PayJay77]

Is it ok to use audio files from previous auditions for my first demo?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Absolutely

[@PayJay77]

@@VoiceOverAngela great! I think I can get the TA from my previous VO class to help me with it. I'm still getting the hang of Ableton Live (the DAW that came with my interface).

[@awwbeeh9917]

i have applied for many entry level voice talent jobs for upwork but no one contacted 🙄

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Its hard in the beginning to get the ball rolling, for sure. But keep practicing and improving, and listen to commercials and audiobooks, you will learn alot from them.

[@awwbeeh9917]

@@VoiceOverAngela thank you 🙏

[@EytsirhcChristye]

Does it have to be public domain?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

For Audiobooks, no. I just like to be extra cautious about copyright issues.