As a voice actor, finding ways to keep the income flowing when things are slow can be a challenge. Whether you’re in the middle of a dry spell or just starting out in the industry, diversifying your skills and income streams is key to building a sustainable career. From personal experience, I’ve noticed that one of the best ways to do this, is by taking on side hustles that not only bring in extra cash but also enhance your value as a voiceover artist!
A while back, I had the privilege of being a guest on one of my favorite industry podcasts, The Making Wavs VO Podcast with Kevin Kilpatrick and Bobbi Maxwell. It’s a fun and insightful show that covers all things voiceover, and I had the chance to share some of my own experiences about how I’ve used side hustles to keep my career going strong, especially during lean times.
Why Side Hustles Matter for Voice Actors
In the fast paced world of voiceovers, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of landing big projects. But what happens when the bookings dry up? Many voice actors face periods of inactivity, whether it’s because auditions aren’t coming in or you’re simply in between projects. During these slower times, it’s essential to have alternate income streams to avoid stress and keep the momentum going.
One of the things I’ve found to be most beneficial is building side hustles that not only pay the bills but also complement my voiceover career. Some of the side jobs I’ve taken on include audio editing for audiobooks, editing commercials, writing for various companies, and creating social media content for businesses. Each of these roles can provide a steady source of income while simultaneously improving my skill set as a voice actor.
Side Hustles for Voice Actors: A Few Ideas
- Audio Editing for Audiobooks
If you’ve ever narrated an audiobook, you know how crucial it is to deliver a high-quality, polished performance. However, the work doesn’t end with just the narration! Editing and post-production are key components of the audiobook process. By getting into audio editing, you’re not only expanding your skillset, but you’re also providing a service that can be in high demand. - Voiceover Writing for Companies
Writing scripts for businesses or creating content for marketing materials is another avenue for voice actors to explore. Many companies are looking for creative writers who can craft scripts for promotional videos, podcasts, or social media. Most companies don’t have the extra time to write up a lot of content, so this is a great way to get you foot in the door for some extra cash. Plus, as a voice actor, your understanding of how to write with a voiceover in mind gives you a unique edge in this field. - Social Media Content Creation
With the rise of digital marketing, businesses are increasingly turning to social media to promote their brand – which you should be doing the same for yourself, but that will be a story for a different day. If you are good at creating visual content and making ads for companies, this is a great avenue to take because you will be able to use your creativity to help these brands and companies shine even brighter than before.
These are just some quick examples, but if you take a listen to the podcast episode – Side Hustles For Voice Actors, you will hear some other ideas you could potentially implement in your workflow to add some moolah in your pocket!
How Side Hustles Improve Your Voiceover Career
One of the most exciting aspects of taking on side hustles is how they can make you a better voice actor. The more you dive into other aspects of content creation, such as audio editing or scriptwriting, the more you learn about the intricacies of production. This knowledge can help you understand your role in the bigger picture and give you more tools to offer potential clients.
For example, when you’re working with an audio editor or a producer, you’ll be able to communicate better about what’s needed in terms of sound quality and performance. The more you know, the more value you bring to the table. It’s not about boasting about how many skills you have, but about positioning yourself as a problem solver! Potential clients want to know how you can help them succeed. By showing that you’re a multi-talented, adaptable voiceover artist, you make yourself an invaluable asset to companies looking to create top-notch projects.
The Power of Networking and Sharing Your Journey
Talking about side hustles on podcasts like The Making Wavs VO Podcast not only helps you connect with fellow voiceover artists, but it also opens doors to potential clients. Sharing your personal experiences in the industry, especially when it comes to overcoming slow periods and finding additional income streams can be incredibly relatable to both newcomers and seasoned pros.
As voice actors, we’re all in this together, and the more we share about what’s working (and what’s not), the better equipped we are to succeed. I encourage anyone who’s serious about building a long-term career in voiceover to listen to this podcast episode and others like it. You never know what new idea or opportunity could spark the next chapter of your career!
We all have to start somewhere, and it’s essential to keep in mind that success doesn’t happen overnight. As a voiceover artist, it’s a journey that requires time, dedication, and a constant effort to improve both your craft and your business. While you’re honing your vocal skills, it’s important to explore ways to generate income on the side that not only support you financially but also add value to your future clients.
Consider taking on side projects like audiobook editing, scriptwriting, or even creating content for businesses. These not only bring in extra cash but can also sharpen your overall understanding of the industry. The more you learn, the more you grow – not just as a voice artist, but as a well-rounded professional who understands the full scope of production and client needs.
And remember, growth leads to opportunity! The more you expand your skill set and diversify your income streams, the more you position yourself to attract new clients, projects, and exciting career opportunities. Stay patient, stay consistent, and keep looking for ways to learn and evolve. Your efforts will compound, and before you know it, your career will be flourishing with new possibilities.
Final Thoughts: Stay Creative, Stay Adaptable
In the world of voiceover, staying flexible and creative is key to long-term success. Side hustles can not only provide a safety net during slow periods, but they can also help you diversify your skills, build stronger client relationships, and increase your earning potential. Whether it’s editing, writing, or content creation, think about how you can expand your range as a voiceover artist. You never know how these extra skills could make you a more attractive candidate for future projects.
So, if you’re looking to make your voiceover career more financially stable or just want to learn from others in the industry, check out The Making Wavs VO Podcast, and remember, you’re not just a voice actor; you’re a creative entrepreneur with endless opportunities to grow and succeed!
The bottom line is to NOT let yourself get trapped in a box of only being a voice actor. Chances are, if you are like me and the majority of my voiceover friends – you are talented in more areas than just your voice. When you diversify yourself in different areas, you level up your chances of creating more income.
Ask yourself what your skills are and how you can use them to help others while bringing in some extra income! All of the things I mentioned above are just some things you can think about adding to your back pocket. Use your imagination and run wild with the possibilities of bringing in some extra money to help pay the bills.
Take me for example: I am also a working on-camera actor, a professional underwater model and even do photography on the side! I am full of surprises and am always learning, growing, and finding ways to create for potential clients.
By incorporating side hustles, networking, and continuously improving your craft, you’ll not only stay afloat during slower periods but come out ahead, ready to take on even bigger and more exciting projects.
If you’re ready to start diversifying your career, take a listen to my guest appearance on The Making Wavs VO Podcast, and let’s get this side hustle journey started!
Want to check out my Commercial VO demo created by Kevin Kilpatrick – one of the hosts on The Making Wavs VO Podcast? Check it out by clicking the video below:
