5 Common Mistakes New Voice Actors Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Learning from Experience

When I started my voice acting journey, I made plenty of mistakes. While some were learning experiences, others could have been easily avoided with the right guidance. Here are five common mistakes I see new voice actors make—and how you can avoid them.

1. Buying Expensive Equipment Too Early

The Mistake

Many beginners think they need a £2,000 microphone and professional booth before they can start. They invest their entire budget in gear before they even know if they enjoy the work or have the skills.

The Solution

• Start with affordable, quality equipment (£150-£300 microphone)
• Invest in acoustic treatment (often more important than the mic)
• Spend money on training and coaching instead
• Upgrade equipment as you book paid work

Remember: Clients hire you for your talent, not your microphone brand.

2. Neglecting Acting Training

The Mistake

Some people think having a "good voice" is enough. They skip acting classes and jump straight to trying to book work.

The Solution

• Take acting classes (even if they're not specifically for voice acting)
• Study improvisation to develop spontaneity
• Practice script analysis and character development
• Watch and analyze performances in games, animation, and audiobooks

Truth bomb: Voice acting is 90% acting, 10% voice. You're an actor who uses their voice as their instrument.

3. Creating a Generic Demo Reel

The Mistake

New actors often create demos that sound like everyone else's, or include too many similar characters, or make them too long.

The Solution

• Keep it short (60-90 seconds for commercial, 90-120 for character)
• Show range, but only include your best work
• Hire a professional demo producer (it's worth the investment)
• Update your demo as you improve and gain experience
• Tailor different demos for different markets (commercial vs. character vs. narration)

Your demo is often your only chance to make a first impression. Make it count.

4. Undervaluing Their Work

The Mistake

Desperate to build a portfolio, beginners often work for free or severely underprice their services, which devalues the entire industry and makes it harder to raise rates later.

The Solution

• Research industry-standard rates for your experience level
• It's okay to do some free work for portfolio building, but be selective
• Set clear boundaries and limits on unpaid work
• Value your time, skills, and the investment you've made in training
• Remember: clients who want quality are usually willing to pay for it

Free work should have a clear benefit to you (portfolio piece, networking, cause you believe in). Otherwise, charge appropriately.

5. Poor Communication and Professionalism

The Mistake

Missing deadlines, poor email etiquette, not reading contracts carefully, or delivering sub-par work and hoping to fix it later.

The Solution

• Respond to emails within 24 hours (even if just to say you received it)
• Set realistic deadlines and buffer in extra time
• Always deliver your absolute best work the first time
• Read contracts thoroughly before signing
• Communicate proactively if issues arise
• Be pleasant to work with—people hire people they like

Your reputation is everything in this industry. Be someone people want to work with again.

Bonus Mistake: Comparing Yourself to Established Pros

It's easy to look at successful voice actors and feel discouraged. Remember:

• They started where you are now
• Social media shows highlight reels, not the struggles
• Success takes years of consistent work
• Your journey is unique—focus on YOUR growth

Moving Forward

If you're making any of these mistakes, don't beat yourself up. We've all been there. The key is recognizing them and making corrections. Voice acting is a marathon, not a sprint.

Stay persistent, keep learning, and focus on continuous improvement. Your future self will thank you.