How to Become a Voice Actor for Cartoons?

How to Become a Voice Actor for Cartoons?

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  1. About Lau Lapides
  2. How to Start a Voice-Over Journey for Cartoons?
  3. What Training Do I Need To Start A Voice-Over Career?
  4. How to Prepare a Cartoon's Voice-Over Demo?
  5. How Does A Home-Studio Setup Look Like?
  6. What Are The Benefits Of Voice-Over Jobs?

About Lau Lapides

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Lau Lapides, a renowned voice-over coach, actor, and agent, as our special guest speaker. The webinar was expertly hosted by Brandon Horton, an actor and valued member of Allcasting.

With over forty years of experience as an actor, voice talent, director, and producer, Lau Lapides is now the owner and president of Lau Lapides Company. Her hybrid online and in-person studios in Boston, NYC, and LA offer top-tier training for aspiring voice-over talents by an award-winning global team. As the pioneering VO Talent Agent Artist for MCVO, a Division of Model Club, Inc., in Boston, Lau has successfully connected clients from various genres, including commercials, industrial projects, and animation.

With her extensive expertise and unwavering dedication, Lau Lapides is an invaluable figure in the voice-over industry. She empowers talents and elevates the art of voice acting to unprecedented heights. In the webinar session, Lau shares invaluable insights and provides answers to questions about voice acting for cartoons. In this article, we'll highlight the major points that she covered. Let's delve into the details!

How to Start a Voice-Over Journey for Cartoons?

Build a strong foundation.

Establishing a solid foundation through training is a crucial starting point. It enriches body awareness and communication skills and plays a pivotal role in effectively conveying emotions in voice acting for cartoons.

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Plunge into your emotions.

Voice acting is an art that goes further than skill. It requires expressing feelings and emotions through subtle nuances in your voice. Tap into your originality to authentically illustrate between characters and situations.

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Seek direction from a vocal coach.

By working with a vocal coach, you can discover the subtleties of your voice and unlock its complete potential. They will assist you in developing techniques for character portrayal and ensuring vocal wellness while recording.

What Training Do I Need To Start A Voice-Over Career?

To kickstart a prosperous career in voice-over, one must dive headfirst into the realms of self-exploration and vocal ventures. These are the six key ingredients Lau insists you embrace to begin your journey:

  1. Develop and strengthen your vocal abilities by blending breathing, vocal, and diction exercises into your practice routine. Improve clarity, enhance breath control, and expand vocal range through these activities.
  2. Improve your communication skills and unleash your inner performer by practicing reading aloud and performing monologues. This will help you greatly boost your morale.
  3. If your'e looking for the best audio quality, investing in high-quality microphones, headphones, preamps, and top-of-the-line recording software like Pro Tools or Audacity is essential. Doing so will take your recordings to the next level, providing a truly immersive and enriched sound experience.
  4. Learn how to utilize every piece of audio gear and become fully aware of each one's own capabilities.
  5. To keep your voice healthy, it's important to take breaks and maintain good posture during long recording sessions. It's also recommended to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep will help the actors to perform their work effectively. 
  6. To succeed in the voice-over business, cultivate resiliency and accept constructive criticism. Rejection is a necessary part of the path, but how you manage it will determine how successful you are.

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How to Prepare a Cartoon's Voice-Over Demo?

If you want to create a voice-over demo that truly stands out, investing in professional training and prioritizing top-notch audio quality is crucial. Your demo reel should be treated as a precious asset, filled with carefully crafted and amazing content. Opt for scripts that showcase your versatility and range, allowing you to bring characters and stories to life in the most captivating way possible. By doing so, you'll be sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears your demo.

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Variety is essential when showcasing your talent, so flaunt your versatility by presenting a range of samples. You have to aim for a brief demo of around 60 seconds that leaves a lasting impact. Don't underestimate the power of your natural voice - let it take center stage. To ensure flawless recordings, consider partnering with a tech coach.

Finding an accountability partner or joining an online community can provide that extra boost of support. In a sea of generic scripts that inundate the internet, a well-crafted demo reel will set you apart and leave a good impression on casting directors and potential clients.

How Does A Home-Studio Setup Look Like?

Having a home studio is a must when you're in the voice-over industry. You've got to have a well-equipped space with soundproofing to minimize most background noise and distractions. As mentioned before, everyone should consider the necessary equipment, including microphones and their brands, audio interfaces, monitors, headphones, and other specialized tools.

How does a home studio setup look like

Voice actors need to confirm that their work area is comfortable and professional enough for them to project their voices in the best way possible. Furthermore, access to reliable mixing and production software is essential for professional use. By planning carefully, voice actors can make a home studio to make incredible recordings for their clients.

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What Are The Benefits Of Voice-Over Jobs?

Voice-over work can be a fantastic opportunity that offers countless benefits. It empowers you to take control of your creativity, work on your own schedule, and earn a substantial income. Voice-over actors possess the remarkable ability to manipulate their voices in a multitude of ways. They have the power to bring unique characters to life and convey emotions through subtle vocal nuances. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, a professional setup is not a requirement. With the right training, voice-over actors can unleash their innate talents and command of their voices to deliver performances that transcend the written word.

Final Thoughts

Lau Lapides' webinar is an exceptional resource for aspiring voice-over actors interested in delving into the captivating realm of cartoon voice acting. Her deep perspicuity and expert recommendation offer priceless guidance on the art of crafting distinctive voices, honing character development skills, and producing awe-inspiring audio recordings that captivate audiences and bring animated characters to life. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this webinar is a must-attend to unlock the secrets of success in the world of voice-over acting for cartoons.

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