You always give the most honest and important info for the VO community! I really appreciate that! I have never done pay to play sites but I did definitely start my VO journey on both Fiverr and Upwork, where I landed some incredible long term projects that I was able to negotiate fair rates for. It did catapult my career, experience with clients, as well as gave me great content to add to my portfolio. However, fast forward to today, I see that now as a pro who is relying on that VO income, I am finding those sites much more competitive and less rewarding. The points you make in this video are more relatable for me now for sure. Building those relationships directly are way more sustainable, fair and much more rewarding for sure! Great video!
Thanks, Iman. That's very kind. If there's one thing I hope voice actors, audiobook narrators, heck, any artist or freelancer, takes away from this channel is that your work has value. That it solves a real problem. That it's worthy of a fair wage. What we do is both art and business and we need to be grounded in our ability to be diligent about the quality of both.
This may be my favorite video of yours yet, Paul. I found myself nodding my head along with everything you said. I guess its all sinking in. Good stuff! See you on today's call!
I am a man with low needs autism. I've been mimicking voices and sounds since I was a child and the accuracy I have is maybe 90%? This video is a huge help since I haven't started yet! But I don't know how to begin gaining clients for myself or showcasing my voice. I'm deep, resonant, and gentle. I have echoic memory. Like photographic memory but with sounds. Accents and cadances come naturally. So I wonder, what is my next step? Business classes? I feel like I could use a mentor for some guidance.
Paul, thanks for the hard work producing these videos. Question: Since you seem to allow people to use certain P2Ps, in certain circumstances, as long as they diversify their income streams, would there ever be room in your mind for people to use some free platforms to get in the VO game, as long as they are getting training and as long as they are not relying completely on the free platforms for good (as well as being selective with the types of clients they choose to work with). Thanks.
Thanks for the question, Todd. To be clear, I don't "allow" or disallow anyone to do anything. It's your business and the decisions you make are yours. I simply make suggestions and recommendations based on my experience and that of people I respect. As for when and how to use the P2Ps strategically, watch ua-cam.com/video/fcWEtSRWA0k/v-deo.html
So many talented Voiceover artists have chosen the pay to plays as a viable option because they cant get an agent for love nor money… It seems the natural course, but it’s bunkum… Learn to market YOURSELF… Thanks Paul good words…
In fairness, Steve, many voice actors on the pay to plays are elite and have representation. Many of those are paying thousands for membership tiers that give them first crack, leaving standard members to fight for scraps. It works for them and I don’t begrudge anyone with the talent and resources to do so. But that’s not who I’m talking to here.
I wish I would have just gone straight to LinkeIn and connected it to my site. I guess it's not too late. Paul, when you say "professional demos" as a prerequisite for your services, do you mean the $2,000 - $3,000 ones made by engineers or can they be one of our own making? Edit: Never mind. I just watched another one of your videos. Bummer.
Understand that for a good professional demo, it’s much more than just hiring an audio engineer. And don’t do a demo until you’ve had sufficient training and are ready.
I’d rather you know the truth up front than waste time and money before you even do a good pro demo. I realize it’s not that you wanted to hear, but it’s going to save you some mistakes in the long run.
Oh, precious, everyone wants to voice act, but a tiny slice are willing to do what it takes to be a voice actor. Their mindset, habits, laziness, and entitlement are their pressures. Not me.
@@vo-pro ooh precious am I? Well I am 33 and I have been extremely sheltered because I do have a disability. Plus my mom died when I was 13 so I am pretty set in my ways and thanks to being sheltered- I am lazy as well, but I’m really working on that. Because I realize I’m not getting any younger. You have a point and I see that but I do believe that some people have to deal with doing things a different way.
@@brieezy. I apologize. Sometimes I forget that there are people with legit disabilities. I was a dick and I'm sorry. My attitude was directed at the able-bodied whose disability is their mindset. If I can help you at all, say the word.
I'm going to delete my P to P profiles now. Thanks for the cold bucket of water in the face! It's going to be a slow hike up the maountain, but worth it.
@@vo-pro You've already helped me tremendously just by producing this video. You actually reminded me of what I already thought. You gave me the nudge that I needed.
@@archibaldstudiosmedia2755 Putting your demos out there is not an event. It's an ongoing process. It should be happening every day as often as possible.
▶ Watch this video next: ua-cam.com/video/e6Vx5qzbEhE/v-deo.html
You always give the most honest and important info for the VO community! I really appreciate that!
I have never done pay to play sites but I did definitely start my VO journey on both Fiverr and Upwork, where I landed some incredible long term projects that I was able to negotiate fair rates for. It did catapult my career, experience with clients, as well as gave me great content to add to my portfolio. However, fast forward to today, I see that now as a pro who is relying on that VO income, I am finding those sites much more competitive and less rewarding. The points you make in this video are more relatable for me now for sure. Building those relationships directly are way more sustainable, fair and much more rewarding for sure! Great video!
Thanks, Iman. That's very kind. If there's one thing I hope voice actors, audiobook narrators, heck, any artist or freelancer, takes away from this channel is that your work has value. That it solves a real problem. That it's worthy of a fair wage. What we do is both art and business and we need to be grounded in our ability to be diligent about the quality of both.
Mate, many thanks. I've been working for the Man for almost 30 year. Time at the bar....
👍👊
This may be my favorite video of yours yet, Paul. I found myself nodding my head along with everything you said. I guess its all sinking in. Good stuff! See you on today's call!
I appreciate that, Tom. Thanks and Seeya soon.
Love the humor throughout all these six excellent points. Great job, Paul, and especially important for newer talent to watch.
You're awesome to take the time to watch and comment, Laura. Thanks so much!
Absolutely agree, Paul. I've been stuck in the P2P sights and need a robust marketing strategy to grow my business the way I KNOW I can.
Glad we got to chat, Eric. I hope to see your application soon. If you have any more questions, email me.
I am a man with low needs autism. I've been mimicking voices and sounds since I was a child and the accuracy I have is maybe 90%?
This video is a huge help since I haven't started yet! But I don't know how to begin gaining clients for myself or showcasing my voice. I'm deep, resonant, and gentle. I have echoic memory. Like photographic memory but with sounds. Accents and cadances come naturally. So I wonder, what is my next step? Business classes? I feel like I could use a mentor for some guidance.
No worries. I got you. Start here: paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup
Your video was incredibly informative. I deeply appreciate the insight and advice you provided! Thank you.
You’re very kind, Cory. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
amen!
👊👍
I'm with ya Paul...they are the Devil! Love the "Sandlot" reference!
You’re killin me, Smalls. Thanks for watching, Daniel.
Aw... The Sandlot reference! Good times... good times!
Right? One of my faves. ❤️
Paul, thanks for the hard work producing these videos. Question: Since you seem to allow people to use certain P2Ps, in certain circumstances, as long as they diversify their income streams, would there ever be room in your mind for people to use some free platforms to get in the VO game, as long as they are getting training and as long as they are not relying completely on the free platforms for good (as well as being selective with the types of clients they choose to work with). Thanks.
Thanks for the question, Todd. To be clear, I don't "allow" or disallow anyone to do anything. It's your business and the decisions you make are yours. I simply make suggestions and recommendations based on my experience and that of people I respect. As for when and how to use the P2Ps strategically, watch ua-cam.com/video/fcWEtSRWA0k/v-deo.html
So many talented Voiceover artists have chosen the pay to plays as a viable option because they cant get an agent for love nor money… It seems the natural course, but it’s bunkum… Learn to market YOURSELF… Thanks Paul good words…
In fairness, Steve, many voice actors on the pay to plays are elite and have representation. Many of those are paying thousands for membership tiers that give them first crack, leaving standard members to fight for scraps. It works for them and I don’t begrudge anyone with the talent and resources to do so. But that’s not who I’m talking to here.
I wish I would have just gone straight to LinkeIn and connected it to my site. I guess it's not too late. Paul, when you say "professional demos" as a prerequisite for your services, do you mean the $2,000 - $3,000 ones made by engineers or can they be one of our own making? Edit: Never mind. I just watched another one of your videos. Bummer.
Understand that for a good professional demo, it’s much more than just hiring an audio engineer. And don’t do a demo until you’ve had sufficient training and are ready.
@@vo-pro Thanks for the reply. Yes. I have since watched 3 more of your videos and understand. I appreciate the deeply depressing straightforwardness.
I’d rather you know the truth up front than waste time and money before you even do a good pro demo. I realize it’s not that you wanted to hear, but it’s going to save you some mistakes in the long run.
@@vo-pro I wish that I found you a year ago. I got drawn into the make $20k on Fiverr crowd.
This is a very cynical video while I agree extent always gotta be careful but it’s not fair to put pressure on people that want to voice act
Oh, precious, everyone wants to voice act, but a tiny slice are willing to do what it takes to be a voice actor. Their mindset, habits, laziness, and entitlement are their pressures. Not me.
@@vo-pro ooh precious am I? Well I am 33 and I have been extremely sheltered because I do have a disability. Plus my mom died when I was 13 so I am pretty set in my ways and thanks to being sheltered- I am lazy as well, but I’m really working on that. Because I realize I’m not getting any younger. You have a point and I see that but I do believe that some people have to deal with doing things a different way.
@@brieezy. I apologize. Sometimes I forget that there are people with legit disabilities. I was a dick and I'm sorry.
My attitude was directed at the able-bodied whose disability is their mindset.
If I can help you at all, say the word.
@@vo-pro i’m sure a lot of people do forget about that. It’s easy to do when you’re not around us all the time.
@@brieezy. Thanks for your grace. ❤
I'm going to delete my P to P profiles now. Thanks for the cold bucket of water in the face! It's going to be a slow hike up the maountain, but worth it.
Sorry to be so blunt, but sugar coating doesn't serve anyone. Best of luck, and if I can help at all, let me know.
@@vo-pro You've already helped me tremendously just by producing this video. You actually reminded me of what I already thought. You gave me the nudge that I needed.
@@archibaldstudiosmedia2755 That’s kind of you to say. Knowing I helped means the world to me. Thanks!
@@archibaldstudiosmedia2755 Putting your demos out there is not an event. It's an ongoing process. It should be happening every day as often as possible.
@@vo-pro I completely agree. I do work at it everyday.