Whether you’re producing a promotional video, game, or another audio project, it’s critical to find the right voice over artist. After all, the person you choose will literally become the voice of your brand.
A talented voice over (VO) artist has the potential to heighten your project’s emotional impact and make a lasting impression. On the other hand, one that’s not quite right can often do more harm than good. Knowing what to look for when hiring a voice over artist can help you narrow down your options and find the perfect person. Start with these six tips.
While you might be tempted to dive right in and start listening to demos, it’s important to slow down and think about what you really need. Begin by making a list of the emotional traits that align with your brand. For example, are you looking for someone who is funny and playful? Or someone who will invoke feelings for security and stability?
As you start to look for voice over talent, you’ll be able to narrow down your options based on those most likely to evoke the right emotions.
Experienced voice over artists will have multiple demos of their work. Take the time to listen to at least a few for each artist you’re considering. This will help you get a feel for their range and versatility and allow you to see whether the work they’ve done is likely to fit well with your target demographic. There are plenty of voice over artists to choose from, so be sure to check out at least a few before you make your decision.
Once you’ve chosen a few artists you like, take the time to do some testing to find out whether they truly resonate with your target demographic. If you're targeting a smaller, local audience, then a few tests should give you a solid answer. However, if you're running national campaigns with large audiences, you'll want to spend more time in the testing phase.
If you’re planning to hire your voice-over artist for ongoing work, be sure to confirm their availability. In this case, you may need to work with them over a few months, a year, or even longer. The last thing you want to do is start your project with a great VO artist, only to find out too late that they’re not able to meet your ongoing needs. Asking about this upfront can help you avoid future disappointment.
While price shouldn’t be the only deciding factor, a VO artist’s rates can help you decide whether they’re a good fit for you. An expert will typically offer competitive rates that are in line with industry standards.
When asking for quotes, you can also listen for clues that the artist is knowledgeable about the industry. For example, they may discuss buyout options, usage periods, and other variables that will likely impact the final price.
Lastly, you’ll want to take a long-term approach to choosing your voice over talent. Rather than focusing solely on your current project, think about how the artist will fit with your brand over the long term. It’s normal for customers to become attached to your brand’s voice, so you want to choose someone who has values that align with your brand and will represent you well into the future.
Now that you understand the basics of how to hire a voice over artist, you’re ready to start exploring your options! Take a look through our large selection of talented voice over artists now!
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