Going Full-Time in Voice Over? 10 CRUCIAL Mindset Shifts!

Alright, let’s talk about the mental game of going full-time as a freelancer. I’m talking about the shifts that take you from “Hey, I’m doing this voiceover thing on the side” to “This is what I do. Period.”

The mindset stuff is just as gritty and real as all the tangible things you’re already doing to make the work happen. But the mental side is where you’ll make or break yourself long-term.

Let’s walk through the shifts that get you from being part-time to owning this path full-time and for good.

Paul SchmidtNovember 14, 2024Comment

The Beginner’s Guide to Voice Over Conferences

Today, we’re talking voice over conferences—what they are, why they’re a must for serious voice actors, and how to navigate your first one like a pro. If you’re a new voice actor looking to grow your skills, connect with the VO community, or even just see what all the buzz is about, stick around.

From why to attend, to a practical VO Conferences Survival guide packed with tips, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your first VO conference a smashing success.

And at the end, I’ll give you the link to my FREE Done For You VO Conference Calendar that automatically updates the events in your personal calendar.

Paul SchmidtNovember 7, 2024Comment

Making Wavs with Bobbi Maxwell and Kevin Kilpatrick

Kevin Kilpatrick and Bobbi Maxwell, hosts of the Making Wavs podcast, join me to discuss their backgrounds in radio and how they transitioned into voiceover.

Kevin primarily works in automotive and e-learning, while Bobbi focuses on commercial work, particularly in the automotive and political genres. They also talk about the advantages and disadvantages of coming from a radio background in voiceover.

The conversation covers topics such as the different tiers of automotive work, the evolution of their podcast from the Middle Class VO Podcast to Making Wavs, and the importance of repeat clients in the voiceover industry.

Paul SchmidtOctober 31, 2024Comment

Tracy Lindley, Queen of LinkedIn, on VO, Marketing, Kids, and Getting it All Done

In this first-ever chat with our friend and colleague, we chat with the Queen of LinkedIn for VO, Tracey Lindley about her journey into the voiceover industry, her experiences with LinkedIn, and the importance of community and organization in building a successful career. Tracy shares her unique background, the challenges she faced as a voice actor in a midsize market, and her strategies for networking and marketing herself effectively. We also talk about the the evolution of LinkedIn and its impact on voice actors, as well as the significance of reliability and personal connections in the industry.

Paul SchmidtOctober 17, 2024Comment

How In-Perpetuity Contracts Can Limit Earnings in Voice Over

Alright, so you’ve landed a big commercial gig, and the client’s ready to pay you thousands to use your voice. You’re stoked, right?

But then, buried in the contract, you see it: in-perpetuity rights. Sounds fancy, sounds official, but what does it actually mean?

And why should you, as a voice actor, care? Let’s break this down. This is In-Perpetuity Explained.

Paul SchmidtSeptember 5, 2024Comment

The VO Strategist Tom Dheere: "Voice Over Is Contracting!"

Today, we talk with one of the smartest guys in the business. Tom Dheere, known as the VO Strategist, shares his origin story as a voice actor and discusses the changes in the industry over the past 30 years.

Tom emphasizes the importance of being a good storyteller and adapting to the evolving industry, including the use of AI, and offers guidance and mentorship to voice actors, helping them navigate the industry and make informed decisions.

He also discusses the potential impact of AI on the voiceover industry and advises voice actors to consider their values and consult with a lawyer before getting involved with AI voice cloning.

Paul SchmidtAugust 29, 2024Comment

The REAL PROBLEM with Voice Over - NOT What You Think!

The current state of the voice over business is not the problem. Generative AI, the pay-to-plays, the glut of talent, the seemingly endless string of strikes… none of that is the reason you’re not succeeding in voice over.

VO is not the problem.

Today, I’m talking to me as much as I’m talking to you. You think everyone else, especially coaches have it all together all the time and I’m here to tell you I don’t always have it all together. No one does.

Today is a pep talk for both of us.

Paul SchmidtAugust 22, 2024Comment

The 14 BEST Voice Over PODCASTS in the Industry

What makes a great voice over podcast? There is a mess of them out there, but which ones are worth your precious time and attention?

To me, a great VO podcast has to be current – this industry changes at light speed and if your last episode was 4 months ago or you publish when you feel like it, you’re not keeping the community up to date.

A great voiceover podcast has to be educational and insightful and give solid advice on the industry. If it’s full of get rich quick and Fiverr advice, it’s just garbage.

And a great voice over podcast has to be listenable. The host or hosts have to be engaging and interesting. If they feature guests, the guests have to have insights and stories to tell, and the hosts should let the guests talk.

Today, I’m going to give you 14 of the Top Podcasts in Voice Over in no particular order. In my opinion, all 14 meet these criteria, and are super helpful to learn about the industry.

Paul SchmidtAugust 15, 2024Comment

Erikka J: From P2Ps and Local Studios to VO of the YEAR

Today we chat with the incredible Erikka J. and we cover a lot of ground, including imposter syndrome, Erikka's journey in the voiceover industry, the importance of building relationships, and the evolving opportunities for women and people of color in the industry.

Erikka shares insights from her experiences with various coaches, including K Best, Cliff Zellman, and Everett Oliver, and all with a ton of laughs along the way.

A must-listen, especially if you’re newer to the business.

Paul SchmidtAugust 8, 2024Comment

The VO Pro Blog