How to Build a Voice Acting Portfolio

Summary

In this video, Jennifer Hale from SkillsHub offers expert advice on building a voice acting portfolio. She emphasizes the importance of collecting and organizing work samples over time, starting with free projects and practice sessions. Hale advises keeping a folder for potential portfolio pieces and regularly reviewing them to reflect current skills. She also highlights the significance of gaining permission before sharing others' work. As you progress, incorporating both completed projects and newly created work into demos is key. Hale encourages voice actors to collaborate, create their own content, and always respect others' time when sharing samples.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Start building your voice acting portfolio early by saving free work and practice sessions.
• 📂 Keep a folder on your desktop to store potential portfolio pieces, whether they're final or in-progress.
• ✋ Always get written permission from creators before using or sharing their scripts, even if it's your voice in the work.
• 🎧 Regularly review your portfolio folder (every 3 to 6 months) to ensure the samples reflect your current skill level.
• 💼 As you begin doing paid work, request samples of finished projects, but always seek permission from creators when necessary.
• 📝 Mix prerecorded work with newly created samples for demos to showcase both your past work and potential future capabilities.
• 🤝 Collaborate with others to create original content for your portfolio, especially in supportive groups like SkillsHub.
• 📅 Consistently collect practice sessions, free work, and paid projects as you progress in your career.
• ⏳ Keep sample clips short—around 10 seconds—to respect the time of those reviewing your work.
• 🔗 When sending samples, provide both a short version and a link to longer pieces if more detail is needed.

Q & A

What is the best way to start building a voice acting portfolio?

Start by keeping copies of the free work you do for friends or projects made together. As you continue, collect samples of practice sessions, auditions (with permission), and free work.

Why is it important to get permission before using an audition in your portfolio?

It’s important because the script belongs to the writers and creators. Even if it’s your voice, you need their written consent before posting it as part of your portfolio.

How should you manage your work samples as you develop your portfolio?

Keep a folder on your desktop for potential work samples, and regularly update it every three to six months. Discard samples that no longer reflect your current skill level.

What are the four pillars recommended by SkillsHub for getting ahead in voice acting?

The four pillars are: plan it, learn it, practice it, and check it.

What should you do if you feel that a practice session went well?

If you think a practice session was successful, cut out that piece, edit it, and store it in your work samples folder for future review.

How often should you review and clean up your portfolio samples?

You should review your portfolio samples every three to six months to ensure they still reflect your current skills and remove outdated material.

What should you do once you start getting paid voice acting work?

When paid projects are released, request a sample of the finished product. Make sure you have the permission of the creators before using these samples in your portfolio.

Why is it important to have a mix of completed work and new content in your demos?

Having a mix of both shows where you’ve been and where you’re going, giving potential clients a comprehensive view of your capabilities and growth.

What is a common mistake voice actors make when sending samples of their work?

A common mistake is sending long samples. People can get a sense of your abilities within 10 seconds, so it’s best to send short samples and offer a link for longer versions if needed.

How can you build a portfolio if you’re just starting and don’t have much work yet?

You can create original content with other people, like what many do in SkillsHub’s free workout rooms. Collaborate on projects and produce material to add to your portfolio.