Since 2000, I’ve worked in the marketing arena and worked with some very good intellectual property (IP) attorneys. What you’ll watch is NOT legal advice (there you’ve been warned), but information garnered from many hours of consulting with them.
Here’s a bottom line for ya: IF you don’t have express, written consent to use an image, photograph, music, sound or written word file. Don’t. There. That was simple, right? Yeah, but what about…
What can I record for you?
Yeah your ego might take a ding, but otherwise, you’re likely to survive. However, it’s harder when you get great advise that takes you down the wrong path. So it was with the electrical and sound system on my motorcycle. The right advise, but wrong solution. Finally took reflecting on two sets of advise and seeing the solution between them. Fun times.
What can I record for you?
I can do a lot of things. But I’m often reminded that there are things better left to others. This last week it was the graphic redesign of my branding. I gave a talented artist carte blanche (if you don’t know that reference you might be in a younger age bracket! LOL) to design something new and fresh. He did and it’s reflected now in all my social media posts and new web design. Go check out my site! The go do what you are great at!!
I wasn’t overjoyed with my branding, but it was really “okay”. But that’s changed!
I’m very excited to share the release of new branding for all things, “GrantsVoice”. I started working with a very good social media guy that has designed all my social media posts “look and feel”. I liked it so much that all my stuff has been changed. Would love your comments!
What can I record for you?
I just KNOW you’re surprised!! (not)
A HUGE amount of voice over work that comes our way is recording commercials!
I chat a bit about the process (abbreviated, of course) and play a sample of a commercial I conceived, wrote, produced for demonstration purposes.
Simply put, a Digital Audio Workstation coverts the signal from your mic/interface into visible, editable sound.
The two I suggest using are:
Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/ -pretty much free to use. Great to start with, easy to understand, a LOT of youtube stuff out there to help you
Reaper: https://www.reaper.fm/download.php -60 day free evaluation period and pretty inexpensive to purchase. –Booth Junkie: Watch/use his series on setting up Reaper for VO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfZ6UxFujx4&list=PLzEW-dm_vsRvfiH9RVKAJA6Vd2CccnVmn
Kenny Gioia’s “Reaper Mania” is the next to watch. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq297H7Ca98HlB5mVFHGSsQ
This one is a bit about me and my strengths as shown in a recent assessment I took as part of being elected to the local AAF (American Advertising Federation). How’d I score?
1- Strategic
2- Relator
3- Futuristic
4- Learner
5- Restorative
Are you using your strengths? I think I am. Slowly but surely over the past few years, I’ve tried to stop trying to do the “things I could do” and do more “Things I’m great at”.
Btw, great learning in our retreat yesterday (with AAF). When you see me, ask me about being “Well Rounded”. Great lesson there!
Can I help your business with strategy or other challenges. Yes! Contact me here!
As voice actors, we get different types of scripts.
I enjoy this slot as it truly seems to be “self help” in many ways!
I talk quickly about doing Meditations, Hypnosis & Affirmations, then there’s a 5 minute sample for you to enjoy!
I dunno! ;-)
Computer: Mac vs. PC; Use what you have until you know more. There is enough “tech” to learn in this business without adding a new computer interface AND re-learning how to use ALL the programs you use on that new operating system.
Mic, Interface, headphones: Call someplace like Sweetwater, Guitar Center or maybe a local guy downtown that supplies bands with equipment. Heck, buy local! Except- if that local guy ONLY does bands, he likely knows nothing about managing sound in a small studio or VO. You’ve been warned.
When you call the company, explain your hopeful budget, let them hear your voice while you talk, and be in the space you hope to record in. They’ll make recommendations based on all that.
I’m not an attorney, or a tax accountant! This is NOT legal or tax advise, only suggestions on what to ask those professionals when you talk to them! –
This one is worth listening to no matter what kind of business you’re starting! I talk about being a Sole Proprietor, and forming an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp and how that formation might effect you, your liability and to a small amount I mention how it might change your taxes. Solid information for starting any business!
Resources: https://americassbdc.org/
