Derek Daisey

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced, it's becoming increasingly common for voice over artists to compete against AI-generated voices for work. While this can be intimidating, there are ways that human voice actors can stand out and compete against AI. 

First and foremost, it's important to remember that AI-generated voices are not yet able to fully replicate the emotional range and nuance of a human voice. While AI can mimic certain vocal qualities and styles, it's still unable to fully convey the full range of human emotion. As a human voice actor, you have the ability to bring a level of depth and feeling to your performances that AI simply can't match. 

Another way to stand out is by offering a unique, distinct voice that can't be easily replicated by AI. This could mean developing a unique accent or dialect, or simply having a voice that is naturally distinctive. 

In addition to your vocal skills, it's also important to focus on the business side of things. This includes developing a strong portfolio and marketing yourself effectively to potential clients. Building relationships and networking with industry professionals can also be a valuable way to find work and stand out in a crowded field. 

Ultimately, the key to competing against AI in voice over work is to focus on what sets you apart as a human voice actor. By highlighting your unique skills and strengths, you can stand out in a competitive field and find success as a voice over artist.

If you're a voice over artist working from home, you may be looking for ways to create a dedicated recording space without taking up too much room. One solution is to build a studio in a closet. Here's how: 

1. Choose the right closet. Look for a closet that is relatively small and enclosed, with a door that closes tightly. Avoid closets with windows, as they will let in too much outside noise. 

2. Soundproof the closet. Line the walls and ceiling with soundproofing materials, such as foam panels or fiberglass insulation. You can also use weatherstripping to seal any gaps around the door and walls. 

3. Install a floor. Cover the floor with a layer of foam matting or other sound-absorbing material to help reduce echoes. 

4. Set up your recording equipment. Place your microphone, computer, and other equipment in the closet and arrange it in a way that is comfortable and ergonomic. If your computer makes noise, you may want to consider moving it out of the closet and connect it to a monitor and wireless mouse and keyboard in your closet. 

5. Test your setup. Record a sample clip and listen back to it to make sure the sound quality is up to par. Make any necessary adjustments to your soundproofing or equipment setup until you're satisfied with the results. 

Building a studio in a closet is a cost-effective way to create a dedicated recording space in your home. With a little bit of effort and the right materials, you can transform a small closet into a professional-quality recording studio.

As a voice over artist, I understand that my clients rely on me to help bring their projects to life. That's why I always strive to go the extra mile in order to deliver the best possible results. 

One way I do this is by being proactive and taking initiative. If I'm working on a project and I have an idea for how to make it even better, I'll bring it up to my client and see if they're open to trying it out. I believe that it's important to be open to new ideas and to always be looking for ways to improve. 

I also make a point of being responsive and reliable. I understand that my clients are often working on tight deadlines, so I do everything I can to get them the finished product as quickly as possible. I also make sure to be available for any revisions or changes that may come up. 

Another way I go the extra mile is by being flexible. I know that things don't always go as planned, and that's especially true in the world of voice over. Whether it's last-minute script changes or unforeseen technical issues, I'm always ready to adapt and find a solution. 

Finally, I believe in the power of strong communication. I make sure to keep my clients in the loop throughout the process, providing updates and asking for feedback to ensure that we're on the same page and working towards the same goal. 

Going the extra mile for my clients is just part of who I am as a voice over artist. I believe that it's the little things that can make all the difference, and I'm always looking for ways to exceed my clients' expectations and deliver the best possible results.

If you're considering a career in voice over, you may be wondering whether you should invest in a coach. The short answer is: yes, a coach can be an invaluable resource for improving your skills and advancing your career. Here's why: 

A coach can help you identify and overcome any weaknesses in your craft. Whether you're struggling with a specific aspect of voice acting or just looking to take your skills to the next level, a coach can provide personalized feedback and guidance to help you improve. 
A coach can help you develop a unique and marketable voice. With so many voice actors competing for work, it's important to stand out and have a distinctive voice. A coach can help you find your niche and develop a signature style that sets you apart from the competition. 
A coach can help you navigate the voice over industry. Breaking into the voice over industry can be tough, and it can be hard to know where to start. A coach with industry experience can provide valuable insights and advice on how to find work, negotiate rates, and build your client base. 
A coach can help you stay motivated and focused. Pursuing a career in voice over can be a long and sometimes frustrating process, and it's easy to lose motivation along the way. A coach can provide encouragement and support to help you stay on track and stay motivated. 

In short, a coach can be a valuable investment for any aspiring voice actor. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, a coach can provide the guidance, support, and expertise you need to succeed in the voice over industry. 

Being a successful at-home voice actor requires a combination of talent, technical skills, and business savvy. With the right combination of these qualities, it's possible to build a successful career as a voice actor from the comfort of your own home.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, more and more opportunities are arising for voice actors to work from the comfort of their own home studios. But what does it really take to be a successful at-home voice actor? 

First and foremost, it's important to have a good setup. Investing in high-quality recording equipment is a must, as is creating a soundproof space in your home to record. This can be as simple as setting up a makeshift booth using blankets and pillows or building a dedicated room with soundproofing materials. 

I for one started with an Isovox 2, which is essentially a sound isolated box that sits on a speaker stand. It was an excellent portable recording space. But it was $1000!    Shortly after I started working with my coach, he told me to ditch it, clean out a closet, and outfit that.  So I bought some studio foam, packing blankets, and nailed them all around a closet. I then outfitted it with some LED Light strips, put a mic stand, a little table, and a music stand to hold my iPad. and VIOLA! I had a makeshift booth…. Which I’ve done thousands of dollars worth of work in. 

Next, it's important to have a strong understanding of the craft of voice acting. This includes being able to interpret and deliver scripts effectively, as well as having a versatile voice that can adapt to different styles and genres. Training and practice are crucial for honing these skills. 

In the beginning, I auditioned for EVERYTHING. I’d try any and all styles just for practice. And I didn’t win a lot of jobs. But as time went on, I got better and better.  I then got to work with Marc Cashman, a voice actor, coach, and author. He helped me level up and see the opportunities I had in my development. As he and I started to work together, I started winning bigger and bigger jobs. Plus, he was an excellent motivator and helped me keep my eye on the ball. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get a good, EXPERIENCED coach. 

In addition to technical skills, it's also important to have a strong work ethic and be able to meet deadlines. As a voice actor, you may be working with clients all over the world, so it's important to be able to manage your time effectively and deliver finished projects in a timely manner. 

A lot of my jobs are completed in under 24 hours. I’m working with people all over the world, all in different time zones. And this business can be feast or famine at times. But I HAVE to meet deadlines. Because that leads to having repeat customers and having a good reputation in this business. If i have 5 or 6 jobs come in all at once. there’s no chance I’m going to let a job lapse. I will stay up late and power through until it’s finished. 

What can be valuable as you start to get more and more jobs with tight deadlines, is it teaches you to be efficient! In the beginning, I would stress and worry over a small job and spend an hour on it. Fast forward to now, and I will knock out that same job in 10 minutes. So a full day's worth of voice-over work from when I got started may only take me an hour or 2 today. 

Finally, building a strong network and finding steady work can be a challenge for at-home voice actors. Marketing yourself and networking with industry professionals can help you find job opportunities and grow your client base. 

Social media, direct email marketing, cold calling, and anything else you can think of to keep the next job coming is key. Then, of course, there are websites like Voices.com or Voice123.com where you pay membership but then you can audition for jobs daily. it’s all a part of the grind!