This video really shows how all of us “newbies” must not only have a professional demo, but also an in home studio-which I was NOT TOLD when I signed on for voice training. It looks like she just works out of a small closet area but I wonder how much she initially spent on this studio to produce quality results. I have little knowledge of this and where to start. Luckily, if I never can get a home studio together I am a teacher by profession so the “voice training” has at least helped me command much better attention from my students.
Thanks for commenting. Where did you sign on for voice training? Being able to record from home is essential in this era of doing voice overs over the internet. It doesn’t mean you have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on a home studio. There will be more about how to set up a home studio in our training modules which are coming soon! Thanks again!
seattlesteve
August 19 at 12:14 pm
Thx for the vid.
What kinds of marketing do you do for this kind of success?
or is that a secret?
The closet space Catherine uses to record in is a perfect example of how we can set up a home studio without spending thousands of dollars. I’m looking forward to the training modules about setting up a home studio that are coming soon.
I have a small home studio set up but I think there’s room for improvement.
Thanks. I look forward to the information this site provides.
I think this video shows that you don’t have to have an expensive home studio set up. It’s all about finding the right “spot” in your house. I just moved, so I’m still trying to find that place in mine. But I’ve done recordings in my bedroom, my living room, and a closet as well as in a studio. I really liked this idea that would allow you to record from virtually anywhere: http://www.jakeludington.com/podcasting/20080130_diy_portable_recording_studio.html
Absolutely way cool! Thanks for sharing this video. Very inspiring at the end. Two days work of commercials paid for half a year of mortgage! I’m all pumped up cuz I average about 6 to 10 a day. I guess 20 spots is the magic number. Just kidding. :)
Thanks for sharpening the focus!
Yolanda Hooks
August 19 at 10:51 pm
Great video. I am new to the voice over field. One of the things that I am really struggling with is my equipment. I have a mac but I’ve run into people with a pc that use the Adobe Audition. I did find a program other than garage band but I am curious as to what the best program to start with on a mac. Also I know file conversion is a big thing. That program will need to be able to convert the recorded file into multiple formats. Any suggestions?
Rianu Michael
August 22 at 9:58 am
Hi Catherine,
I really love your Brit accent. I wish we could have seen you voice it on the vid.
What kind of Pro training did you take? And how does one know if they have the raw talent for this field or not?
You Are GREAT!!!
John Marsh
November 2 at 5:47 pm
Hello Catherine !
Thanks so much ! Very nice, and inspiring !
The audio was coming from the camera. The video doesn’t reflect what her actual recording sounded like.
Dan Nims
November 23 at 6:41 pm
It is encouraging to see someone actually making a living at the craft.
For those who ‘fear’ setting up home recording, don’t worry. It’s not that difficult nor does it have to be very expensive. (Ok, if money were not an object you could spend a lot.)
Yes, there is a ‘learning curve’ with audio editing software. The time spent learning will be returned when you develop the skills to create a good product and in very little time.
Upward and onward!
Andrea
August 19 at 5:35 pm
It seems that so far all the online voice actors I’ve seen are adults. Are most sites not open to young talents?
Most sites are open to young talent. As a matter of fact, there is a video of my niece in the videos section of Voice Over Club. If you’re referring to some of the pay to play sites, young talents are also accepted there. Let me know if I can answer any additional questions. Thanks for writing! :-)
I am a 16 year volunteer Rock/Blues dj from Victoria in Australia.This looks way cool.any advise greatly accepted.
‘Best.
“Tecka’ Terry Iredale HOTFM 106.7FM Comm/Radio DJ in “OZ”
Helen Jaubert
September 13 at 4:35 pm
Great that she used such a simplified finger technique for her “on-the-shelf” mini studio from her humble abode and amazingly produces work for international clients. How do you get clients like that on a steady basis? and what software did she use??? I love your site and will always learn quality stuff from it. Thank you so very much.
I have to know! What is ‘the simplified finger technique’?
cassandra towers
November 14 at 8:14 pm
This is great! I really want to use my voice as a VO. I worked in PBX for years and all my callers appreciate my tone. Yes, all of them-and I had a call volume of 110 calls per hr on a daily. Plus I love to sing! I hope I can tap into those voices and make some money from my voice!!
cassandra towers
November 14 at 8:15 pm
I really like your work and hope I can work in voice over too.
rachel
November 21 at 6:18 pm
I love this video!! She has an amazing voice!!
Scott Maitland
November 27 at 2:04 pm
Howard: Helen was likely referring to the portion at the beginning of this video where Catherine places a finger between her lips and the microphone, to minimise popping sounds in the recording.
This is a good video it shows what is possible. These ideas are so simple yet effective her attitude is great when many complain there is no work she sees no problem. An amature set-up by most standards she has accomplished what many of us are having a hard time doing with more professional equiptment. Way to go Catherine blaze your path!!:))))
Please keep in mind that you would probably send about 1500$US on a bottom line recording system. A lap-top, a condenser mic with pop guard, a mic pre-amp, recording software and CD making software, cables and mic stands, internet connection and a 1TB back external hard drive to save all of your work onto. Which is an incredibly cheap investment, but again there are no guarantees. You could stand to loose it all, but be sure to enjoy the ride. If you’re in it only for $$ you’ll never enjoy anything and even when you make money – you’ll find that it really isn’t what you thought it would be. P.S. a foam talk box may be good to get rid of the room tone as well.
Ms Jackson
January 30 at 5:46 pm
Where did you obtain training? And how are you obtaining regular work assignments?
Always enjoy hearing from the professionals like you who are successful in Voice-Over work. If I heard correctly while listening you are receiving work all the time. Me, thinks that’s because you have a heads up on all of us who are new just getting started because they know who you are and so you are most likely contacted first before those of us who would like the opportunity to try out are contacted.
The other observation and this isn’t just with you but all Voice-Over websites I am either signed up with or are observing, it appears that in order to get that opportunity as I mentioned you have to become a member by paying a fee to get that opportunity. Not all of us at this time have the money it takes to contribute to get a job.
Or, it’s get an agent then you will get the work. That cost even more.
Thanks for the comments. If you take the time to explore our site, you’ll notice that we offer a lot of free advice and tips on how to get into voiceovers. Our members area was designed for those who are passionate and serious about learning this craft and you can try it for only a buck! http://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now
I’ve spent thousands of dollars on my business and that includes training and equipment. I still continue to invest in education. Unfortunately, there is no free pass into the industry. You need coaching and professional demos produced. No matter which business you choose to start or go into, there will always be some sort of investment required. There is no way around it.
Please stay in touch with us and let us know how else we can help you. :-)
Catherine Campion is also a well trained actress. If one wants to do voice overs well, it would benefit one greatly to take some acting classes. These are not expensive. For example, here in Louisville, Ky there is a company called “VSM Productions” and they hold a class on Sundays for an hour: it costs $20. There are others out there. Small theater groups also. It will help you ‘limber’ up and get the starch out of your voice.
Again, it is not a requisite but a benefit (not to mention great fun) to one’s VO career and training.
Phil Ashcroft
February 15 at 10:28 am
Hi great advice more please !!!
Bob Morace
March 10 at 8:25 am
Hello Catherine,
You do a UK accent very well. Can you recommend any good litterature/CD’s that help with improving accents? I’ve grew up loving, and often mimicing shows like Monty Python, Benny Hill, Danger Mouse (…stretching I know), etc. and I’m comfortable with the accents of the UK. But I would like to reference something more formal. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. :)
I loved the video, however…..I hated the “Outside” noises. It sounded like there was traffic coming through an open window. If you’re trying to sell me on doing VO work at home, then when you put a video, at least have a good sound quality in order for me to become a believer. Am I wrong here?
Thanks for the comment. Keep in mind, you were hearing the sound from her web cam mic and not her actual mic. I’m sure the actual recording was a lot better and keep in mind, you can remove excess noise in post.
Christine Stevens
January 4 at 11:07 am
This video was very hepful. As I don’t have what I think is a “proper” home studio, this at least makes me feel better about my set up. Of course I continue to find better ways to make my recordings sound more professional . I don’t know what type of mic she was using, but it looked like a good one. I have a Snowball, but sometimes I think an upgrade would help. Any comments from other VO actors are welcome. Cheers
Doug
June 7 at 5:33 pm
Terry, I’m curious about whether I should get a PC instead of the hand-me-down laptop I have right now. The PC seems like it would easier to add the components needed for a decent home studio system.
Good question. As long as your laptop has an OS of Vista or higher, you don’t need a new computer right away. The most important thing is that you have the proper TRAINING so you know WHAT to do FIRST as a voice actor. Then, gradually, as you get more experience, you can upgrade to a better computer, microphone, pre-amp, studio space, etc.
I recommend trying our Members Area for some of the best online voice over training anywhere. Check it out for 3 days for only $1 here: https://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now
This video really shows how all of us “newbies” must not only have a professional demo, but also an in home studio-which I was NOT TOLD when I signed on for voice training. It looks like she just works out of a small closet area but I wonder how much she initially spent on this studio to produce quality results. I have little knowledge of this and where to start. Luckily, if I never can get a home studio together I am a teacher by profession so the “voice training” has at least helped me command much better attention from my students.
Hi Delsey!
Thanks for commenting. Where did you sign on for voice training? Being able to record from home is essential in this era of doing voice overs over the internet. It doesn’t mean you have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on a home studio. There will be more about how to set up a home studio in our training modules which are coming soon! Thanks again!
Thx for the vid.
What kinds of marketing do you do for this kind of success?
or is that a secret?
The closet space Catherine uses to record in is a perfect example of how we can set up a home studio without spending thousands of dollars. I’m looking forward to the training modules about setting up a home studio that are coming soon.
I have a small home studio set up but I think there’s room for improvement.
Thanks. I look forward to the information this site provides.
I think this video shows that you don’t have to have an expensive home studio set up. It’s all about finding the right “spot” in your house. I just moved, so I’m still trying to find that place in mine. But I’ve done recordings in my bedroom, my living room, and a closet as well as in a studio. I really liked this idea that would allow you to record from virtually anywhere: http://www.jakeludington.com/podcasting/20080130_diy_portable_recording_studio.html
Absolutely way cool! Thanks for sharing this video. Very inspiring at the end. Two days work of commercials paid for half a year of mortgage! I’m all pumped up cuz I average about 6 to 10 a day. I guess 20 spots is the magic number. Just kidding. :)
Thanks for sharpening the focus!
Great video. I am new to the voice over field. One of the things that I am really struggling with is my equipment. I have a mac but I’ve run into people with a pc that use the Adobe Audition. I did find a program other than garage band but I am curious as to what the best program to start with on a mac. Also I know file conversion is a big thing. That program will need to be able to convert the recorded file into multiple formats. Any suggestions?
Hi Catherine,
I really love your Brit accent. I wish we could have seen you voice it on the vid.
What kind of Pro training did you take? And how does one know if they have the raw talent for this field or not?
You Are GREAT!!!
Hello Catherine !
Thanks so much ! Very nice, and inspiring !
All the best..
John
That was cool–however, I hope newbies don’t think the audio quality of that video was at all acceptable. It was truly awful!
Paul,
The audio was coming from the camera. The video doesn’t reflect what her actual recording sounded like.
It is encouraging to see someone actually making a living at the craft.
For those who ‘fear’ setting up home recording, don’t worry. It’s not that difficult nor does it have to be very expensive. (Ok, if money were not an object you could spend a lot.)
Yes, there is a ‘learning curve’ with audio editing software. The time spent learning will be returned when you develop the skills to create a good product and in very little time.
Upward and onward!
It seems that so far all the online voice actors I’ve seen are adults. Are most sites not open to young talents?
Hi Andrea,
Most sites are open to young talent. As a matter of fact, there is a video of my niece in the videos section of Voice Over Club. If you’re referring to some of the pay to play sites, young talents are also accepted there. Let me know if I can answer any additional questions. Thanks for writing! :-)
I am a 16 year volunteer Rock/Blues dj from Victoria in Australia.This looks way cool.any advise greatly accepted.
‘Best.
“Tecka’ Terry Iredale HOTFM 106.7FM Comm/Radio DJ in “OZ”
Great that she used such a simplified finger technique for her “on-the-shelf” mini studio from her humble abode and amazingly produces work for international clients. How do you get clients like that on a steady basis? and what software did she use??? I love your site and will always learn quality stuff from it. Thank you so very much.
I have to know! What is ‘the simplified finger technique’?
This is great! I really want to use my voice as a VO. I worked in PBX for years and all my callers appreciate my tone. Yes, all of them-and I had a call volume of 110 calls per hr on a daily. Plus I love to sing! I hope I can tap into those voices and make some money from my voice!!
I really like your work and hope I can work in voice over too.
I love this video!! She has an amazing voice!!
Howard: Helen was likely referring to the portion at the beginning of this video where Catherine places a finger between her lips and the microphone, to minimise popping sounds in the recording.
This is a good video it shows what is possible. These ideas are so simple yet effective her attitude is great when many complain there is no work she sees no problem. An amature set-up by most standards she has accomplished what many of us are having a hard time doing with more professional equiptment. Way to go Catherine blaze your path!!:))))
Please keep in mind that you would probably send about 1500$US on a bottom line recording system. A lap-top, a condenser mic with pop guard, a mic pre-amp, recording software and CD making software, cables and mic stands, internet connection and a 1TB back external hard drive to save all of your work onto. Which is an incredibly cheap investment, but again there are no guarantees. You could stand to loose it all, but be sure to enjoy the ride. If you’re in it only for $$ you’ll never enjoy anything and even when you make money – you’ll find that it really isn’t what you thought it would be. P.S. a foam talk box may be good to get rid of the room tone as well.
Where did you obtain training? And how are you obtaining regular work assignments?
Hi Catherine,
Always enjoy hearing from the professionals like you who are successful in Voice-Over work. If I heard correctly while listening you are receiving work all the time. Me, thinks that’s because you have a heads up on all of us who are new just getting started because they know who you are and so you are most likely contacted first before those of us who would like the opportunity to try out are contacted.
The other observation and this isn’t just with you but all Voice-Over websites I am either signed up with or are observing, it appears that in order to get that opportunity as I mentioned you have to become a member by paying a fee to get that opportunity. Not all of us at this time have the money it takes to contribute to get a job.
Or, it’s get an agent then you will get the work. That cost even more.
Thanks though, I did enjoy your feature.
Noel
Hi Noel,
Thanks for the comments. If you take the time to explore our site, you’ll notice that we offer a lot of free advice and tips on how to get into voiceovers. Our members area was designed for those who are passionate and serious about learning this craft and you can try it for only a buck! http://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now
I’ve spent thousands of dollars on my business and that includes training and equipment. I still continue to invest in education. Unfortunately, there is no free pass into the industry. You need coaching and professional demos produced. No matter which business you choose to start or go into, there will always be some sort of investment required. There is no way around it.
Please stay in touch with us and let us know how else we can help you. :-)
http://www.catherinecampion.com/actress.html
Catherine Campion is also a well trained actress. If one wants to do voice overs well, it would benefit one greatly to take some acting classes. These are not expensive. For example, here in Louisville, Ky there is a company called “VSM Productions” and they hold a class on Sundays for an hour: it costs $20. There are others out there. Small theater groups also. It will help you ‘limber’ up and get the starch out of your voice.
Again, it is not a requisite but a benefit (not to mention great fun) to one’s VO career and training.
Hi great advice more please !!!
Hello Catherine,
You do a UK accent very well. Can you recommend any good litterature/CD’s that help with improving accents? I’ve grew up loving, and often mimicing shows like Monty Python, Benny Hill, Danger Mouse (…stretching I know), etc. and I’m comfortable with the accents of the UK. But I would like to reference something more formal. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. :)
I loved the video, however…..I hated the “Outside” noises. It sounded like there was traffic coming through an open window. If you’re trying to sell me on doing VO work at home, then when you put a video, at least have a good sound quality in order for me to become a believer. Am I wrong here?
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the comment. Keep in mind, you were hearing the sound from her web cam mic and not her actual mic. I’m sure the actual recording was a lot better and keep in mind, you can remove excess noise in post.
This video was very hepful. As I don’t have what I think is a “proper” home studio, this at least makes me feel better about my set up. Of course I continue to find better ways to make my recordings sound more professional . I don’t know what type of mic she was using, but it looked like a good one. I have a Snowball, but sometimes I think an upgrade would help. Any comments from other VO actors are welcome. Cheers
Terry, I’m curious about whether I should get a PC instead of the hand-me-down laptop I have right now. The PC seems like it would easier to add the components needed for a decent home studio system.
Good question. As long as your laptop has an OS of Vista or higher, you don’t need a new computer right away. The most important thing is that you have the proper TRAINING so you know WHAT to do FIRST as a voice actor. Then, gradually, as you get more experience, you can upgrade to a better computer, microphone, pre-amp, studio space, etc.
I recommend trying our Members Area for some of the best online voice over training anywhere. Check it out for 3 days for only $1 here:
https://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now