8 MUST-HAVE Resources Voice Actors CAN'T Ignore, Newbie or Pro
You have the passion, the talent, and the excitement to kill it into the world of voiceover. But there is more to success in this industry than having a smooth voice and good gear.
Voiceover is a mix of artistry, business, and endurance. It requires strategy, dedication, and a commitment to long-term growth. To make it past the early stages and build a career that lasts, you need to master eight critical resources. These go beyond tangible items and touch on things that will define your mindset, workflow, and resilience.
Time
Time is your most precious resource when you are starting out, and I submit, when you’re a pro as well. It feels like there is never enough of it to do all the things you need to. You are auditioning, learning the ropes of audio editing, updating your website, sending emails, and trying to keep up with industry trends.
The truth is that you can’t do everything at once. And trying to will only lead to burnout. Success in voiceover takes time. It is not an overnight process, and that is okay. Focus on planning your days effectively. Set specific work hours and prioritize tasks that move you closer to your goals.
You might feel tempted to rush through everything to get to the “good part” of booking work consistently. But skipping steps or spreading yourself too thin will only delay progress. Time management is not about squeezing every second out of the day. It is about spending your hours on what truly matters.
Even when you’re a pro, no one walks through the door in the morning to hand you your schedule and task list. This is especially tough to get used to for folks who come from a highly structured background, like the military. We have several ex-military students and this a big adjustment for many.
Managing your time effectively is essential, which is why I created Time Mastery for Voice Actors, a comprehensive course to teach voice actors essential time management skills, how to set goals, prioritize tasks, and overcome procrastination using proven techniques. It includes 7 modules, 10 lessons, and I’ll put the link and a you can get 30% off with coupon code TIME30YT at checkout.
Attention
Time is useless without focused attention. In voiceover, where success depends on quality over quantity, attention is your secret weapon. Every aspect of the job, from interpreting scripts to refining audio, demands your full focus.
One of the biggest challenges for voice actors is staying focused in a world full of distractions. Social media is a double-edged sword. It can inspire you, but it can also make you feel like you are falling behind. Comparing yourself to others is a fast track to doubt and distraction.
To get the most out of your attention, create boundaries around your work. Turn off notifications when you are in the booth. Use task management tools to stay on track. Budget your social media time. Give each audition or project the attention it deserves.
The more present you are, the more your work will stand out, and the more work on your business you will get done.
Energy
Voiceover is a physically and mentally demanding career. You are not just reading scripts into a microphone. You are performing, editing, marketing, and running a business. All of these require energy, especially when you’re doing this as a side hustle to a full-time day job.
When you are new, it can be tempting to push yourself to the limit. You might take on every opportunity that comes your way or try to learn every skill at once. But spreading yourself too thin leads to burnout.
Instead, pay attention to your energy patterns. Some people are most productive in the morning, while others thrive in the afternoon or evening. Plan your most important tasks during your peak energy hours.
And don’t underestimate the power of rest. Taking breaks is not slacking off. It is how you recharge to give your best performance. A five-minute pause to stretch or breathe can make a world of difference in how much energy you bring to your work.
Money
The financial side of voiceover is often the biggest hurdle for newcomers. This is a business and there are startup costs, and yes, they can feel overwhelming. The biggest investment early on is training. At least it should be. If you don’t have a competitive, competent product (your performance skills), you don’t have a career or a business.
Then there’s also gear, treating your recording space, and a professional demo. The startup costs add up quickly.
The key is to spend wisely and treat what funds you have as an investment in your career. You do not need the most expensive gear or every new gadget on the market. Start with high-quality essentials and upgrade as your revenue grows.
Money is the fuel for your business. Paid tools like customer relationship management systems or well-chosen coaching sessions can help you grow faster. But as Erikka J. once told me, you can’t spend your way to the top. Make every dollar work for you.
Creativity
At its core, voiceover is about creativity. Every project you take on, whether it is an e-learning module or an animated character, requires you to make artistic choices. Your ability to bring scripts to life is what sets you apart.
But creativity is not something that just appears when you need it. You have to nurture it. When you are stuck in a routine, it is easy to lose that spark. Take time to explore other forms of art that inspire you. Watch commercials, study animation, or take an improv class.
Creativity also thrives on variety. If you are feeling uninspired, challenge yourself to try something new. Experiment with different styles of reads or genres you have not worked in before. Keep your mind open and your ideas flowing.
And lastly you can leverage your creativity in your business. In how you solve problems. In how you write your messaging. In the kinds of prospects and strategies you use to get in front of them.
Health
We don’t talk about this one nearly enough. Yes, your voice is your instrument, but your entire body is part of the performance. If you neglect your health, your work will suffer. I don’t know one voice actor who didn’t lose the vast majority of their work when they ceased to be alive.
Vocal health is essential. Stay hydrated, warm up before recording, and avoid straining your voice. But do not stop at taking care of your vocal cords. Sleep, exercise, and good nutrition all play a role in your overall performance and your capacity to provide and be present for the people you love.
If you are under the weather or feeling drained, it is okay to take a break. Pushing through when your body needs rest can lead to long-term damage. Your health is a priority, not an afterthought.
When you’re healthier, you feel better. When you feel better, you work better, play better, sleep better, and get more done with less effort.
Patience
Voiceover is not a get-rich-quick career. Building a sustainable business takes time, effort, and a lot of patience.
In the beginning, it can feel like you are putting in so much work with little to show for it. You might audition for dozens, hundreds of jobs and not book a single one. You might send out tons of marketing emails and get no replies. It is frustrating, but it is part of the process.
The results of your efforts often take months and years to appear. The connections you make today might turn into opportunities down the road. Patience is not just about waiting. It is about trusting that your hard work will pay off in time.
Community
Voiceover can be a lonely business. Most of your time is spent in a booth, away from coworkers or collaborators. This is why building a strong community is so important.
Your network of fellow voice actors can be a source of support, advice, and encouragement. They can help you navigate challenges, celebrate your wins, and share opportunities.
Do not just join communities to take from them. Be an active participant. Share your knowledge and experiences. Support others in their journey. The connections you build will make your career richer and more fulfilling.
Voiceover success is about more than just talent and skill. It is about managing your resources and learning how to use them wisely.
Time, attention, energy, money, creativity, health, patience, and community are the foundation of a thriving career. None of these come easy, but all of them are within your control.
Take it a step at a time. Start with the resource that feels most urgent for you right now. Work on improving it, and then move on to the next. Success is not about being perfect. It is about being persistent.
Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep growing. The career you dream of is built one audition, one connection, and one small victory at a time.