Creepypasta readings, suggestions on improval?
Hello, everyone! I'm a bit nervous to share, which I assume is to be expected! I would like to get some feedback and constructive insight, however, from any and all who offer it. I'm new to the VO game, a rookie if you will, and I am branching out as a freelancer while I save up funds for things such as improv. and vocal lessons. I haven't really found my so called niche yet, but some friends and family suggested I start by building a portfolio via youtube and soundcloud. I wasn't sure where to start, but I enjoy horror, so my first swing was at tiny creepypastas. I was told a few helpful tips already from a friend of mine who is into directing (he warned on spacing out my words with certain stories to build suspense), and would love to expand upon that, as well as pick up any more advice. The link to my creepypasta video can be found here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10iI-yccKvA
Thank you so much to any and all who offer advice and critique, it's greatly appreciated!
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Hi Jaemi!
I'm sorry that we got so late to reply here. I agree with Cat in everything she said, but I would also emphasize the fact of getting a better mic. You would be impressed on how getting a better microphone, cable and interface can change the game.
We have an article on the best microphones for voice overs that you can find here http://voicebunny.com/blog/the-9-best-microphones-for-voice-over-work/ We did quite a research to come up with it and I can say I've used most of these and they're all amazing.
You have a lot of talent so keep on going! With a good coach and the right training you will become an amazing voice actress. I hope you decide to join us very soon :)
Hey Jaemi,
Thanks for being brave and sharing your work here :) That's a pretty big deal.I listened to the first couple of minutes of your video, and here are some thoughts.
1) I liked there was some variety in the first three sections. You were showing some range.
2) I liked the mixes that you did and voice versus music levels was nice. I think there's more to be done with your post-production (compression, EQ, etc) to really bring things out.
3) You should definitely stop work on the portfolio-building and immediately find a good voice coach. The art of VO is a combination of knowing your audience, interpreting the script, delivering that interpretation, and more. (But wait! you also get .... j/k). Your first piece did not draw me in or invoke any emotion in me. I wasn't scared, intrigued, worried, or anything really. I'd be willing to bet a coach would have you bring that piece to LIFE!!
4) I also think some better mic work would help. Some bits that I heard would have been very different if you'd done some up close work.
5) Really...get a coach. Then create samples and get some jobs. Then in year or two, get a demo. Demos are a big foot in the door, but don't rush to do them. You will change a lot in the first few years of being a VO actor, and they're expensive to get done right. Make sure you really have the passion and the equipment and some training, then go for it!!
(Note I said "some" training. If you're like most us, you'll be taking lessons, workshops, webinars, and coaching for the rest of your career!
Good luck and keep it up! -- Cat
Thank you for your input, Cat! I actually have plans to start vocal coaching and improv classes in January, as well as a course in vocal recording technology! I have the drive to make things happen, and am really looking forward to learning more as I grow! Getting a new mic and more soundproofing is certainly on my list, and I'm learning a lot already about post-production. I appreciate the tips and look forward to improving myself. :)
Glad to hear it, Jaemi! You've already shown some courage, creativity, and passion just showing up here and putting together your video! Good luck :)
Hi, Jaemy!
I agree with cat and Angela. I think you are off to a great start! And you have just done it! Congrats!!
If I can add anything else, I would encourage you to keep practicing and acting! Basically, a good VA is that who can transmit feelings, emotions, create atmospheres, sound real and alive. The audience needs to genuinely get involved with the audio and not get distracted by anything else.
IRegarding your portfolio I think your voice is awesome. True, a better mic would help, especially for the first part which sounds like having a weird and robotic effect.
For the rest, try to get away from the script, and try to act it naturally. We focus a lot on sounding natural and conversational. It doesn't matter the genre or type, either horror or chirpy / upbeat, the goal is to sound natural, genuine, trusted.
Have that in mind when approaching the next script so you can get into the role easily.
Anyway, I hope this helps you as well!
Keep up the good work.
Juan
You'll be pleased to know I plan to pick up a new mic very soon! Right after I relocate and get settled in, in fact! Since this original post things have gotten a lot better! I'm actively freelancing and doing well while working to fund my studio further and I'm relocating to Austin, TX! I've checked out your article, thank you for the information! I want to add that one of the mics I am considering as the Audio-Technica AT2020. I've been using a CAD U37 for the time being, but the sensitivity is enough to drive me nuts at times. That takes some getting used to! I've gotten better at learning how far to position myself depending on the mics as well. If I can find a coach after I get settled I hope to start that quickly! I've considered online coaching but I don't know enough about choosing a good coach and who is reputable but also a good fit for me.
It's a lot of work, but I love it and am so pleased every time I complete something new! Even when I have bad days where I have to re-record a lot or edit a lot I still learn and am proud of my effort. :)
Also, thanks for the tips, Juan! I've been working on trying to get more emotion into my script! I listen to the playback a lot closer, that's for sure! I'm looking into improv and other acting classes and vocal coaches as soon as I can! I wanted to note, because in my last post I didn't, the place I freelance from is called upwork.com! I'm also on acx.com, but I don't look for it to pay out as much until I've taken care of the more crucial things!