Robyn Newton - Voiceover’s Late Bloomer

Life typically isn’t a bowl of cherries. And despite the fact Robyn Newton is the crème de la crème in her field, arriving here was no walk in the park. 

“I left home at 15 because of the problems at home,” Robyn tells me. “Although life looked pretty in New Hampshire, it wasn’t,” she said. “I moved into the chief of police’s house in Raymond, New Hampshire (pop 10,284.) From there Robyn migrated to Massachusetts and then went to California. She was trying to find happiness. She knew it was attainable. “I was a nomad in search of a life.”

She went through all the trials and tribulations all young adults deal with including addiction, getting sober at 24, and entering family life and having a child.

But her professional life which she entered in her 20’s involved climbing the corporate ladder.  “And it wasn’t for me,” Robyn tells me, “but I had responsibilities and things I had to pay for or buy, so I stuck with it.”

Robyn discovered voice over and began some twelve years on improving her natural abilities to voice in several different genres.  She was looking for her sound.

“I’ve spent twelve long years since I began this journey, and I’m improving every day,” Robyn comments.   

Her gift for selling the art of domesticity is but one sector of the new home sales market.

And all of this did not happen for Robyn until she was 59-years-old.

“I was overjoyed to leave corporate America,” Robyn admits “and even though I did so late in life, it has worked out beautifully.”

Now 63, Robyn focus’ is on herself, and her personal growth. Her work has never sounded so good, and her network of friends always keep her grounded.

But the little girl that once was, a childhood runaway, the child, has now all grown up. 

1985 vs. 2025 - The 30-Year Evolution of Voice Over

The world of voice-over has undergone a seismic transformation since 1985. What was once an exclusive field dominated by industry insiders with access to high-end recording studios has evolved into a far more accessible and democratized profession, thanks largely to advancements in technology, the internet, and changing industry norms. The differences between breaking into voice-over in 1985 versus 2025 highlight just how much the landscape has shifted, both in terms of opportunities and challenges.

1985: A Gatekept Industry

In 1985, voice-over work was largely centralized in major media hubs like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Aspiring voice actors had to physically relocate to these cities to have a shot at a career. The industry was tightly controlled by agencies, casting directors, and major studios, making entry extremely difficult for newcomers without connections.

The Studio System

Recording voice-over in the 1980s required access to professional studios. These facilities were equipped with high-end reel-to-reel recording equipment, expensive microphones, and soundproof booths. Home recording was virtually unheard of; only the most well-connected and well-funded individuals could afford even the most basic recording setup at home.

Voice actors had to book time in these studios, often at high costs, meaning that even auditions required significant investment. For most, the only way to get their foot in the door was through an agent, who would facilitate auditions and negotiate contracts. Without representation, securing work was nearly impossible.

Limited Opportunities

The types of work available in 1985 were also more limited. The primary markets included:

• Commercials (radio and television)

• Animation (mostly Saturday morning cartoons and major studio projects)

• Movie trailers

• Corporate training videos

• Telephone systems (early IVR)

Since there were fewer platforms and less media being produced compared to today, competition for these roles was fierce. Even seasoned professionals had to fight for work, and those without established industry relationships were at a distinct disadvantage.

The Road to Success

For an aspiring voice-over artist in 1985, the path was clear but daunting. They needed to:

1. Move to a major city.

2. Invest in professional demo reels (produced in a high-end studio).

3. Secure an agent.

4. Audition in person, often traveling between studios for opportunities.

5. Build relationships within the industry over years, proving themselves before gaining steady work.

2025: A Digital Revolution

Fast forward to 2025, and the voice-over industry is nearly unrecognizable from its 1985 counterpart. The barriers to entry have significantly lowered, and the rise of home studios, online casting platforms, and AI-driven tools has reshaped how aspiring voice actors get started and sustain their careers.

Home Studios: A Game Changer

The biggest shift has been the rise of home studios. Thanks to affordable, high-quality microphones, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and online tutorials, almost anyone can set up a professional-grade recording space at home.

A modern voice actor can record, edit, and submit auditions without ever leaving their house. This has eliminated the need for expensive studio bookings and drastically reduced startup costs compared to 1985. Aspiring artists can now enter the industry with as little as a few hundred dollars in equipment, a quiet space, and some training.

Online Auditions & Remote Work

Unlike the past, where auditions required a physical presence, voice actors in 2025 can audition from anywhere. Websites like Voices.com, Fiverr, and Backstage offer thousands of job postings daily. AI-driven marketplaces match voice actors with projects, making it easier than ever to find work globally rather than being tied to a specific geographic location.

Additionally, the rise of remote work means that even major studios often hire talent from around the world, making it possible for voice actors to build a successful career without ever setting foot in Los Angeles or New York.

Expanding Opportunities

The sheer volume of work available in 2025 dwarfs what was available in 1985. In addition to traditional commercials, animation, and narration, modern voice actors can work in:

• Video games

• eLearning and audiobooks

• YouTube and social media content

• Podcasting and branded audio content

• AI voice cloning and synthetic voice generation

With more content being produced than ever before, there is an increasing demand for diverse voices and styles, opening doors for more talent across the globe.

The Modern Path to Success

While the competition in 2025 is fierce, the steps to becoming a voice-over artist are more accessible:

1. Invest in a home studio setup.

2. Learn basic audio editing and production.

3. Build an online presence and create profiles on casting platforms.

4. Continuously train and refine voice skills through online coaching here at The Voice Shop.

5. Market oneself through social media and networking groups.

6. Audition frequently and build a portfolio of work.

Comparing the Two Eras

While the voice-over industry in 1985 offered fewer opportunities, those who broke in often had long, stable careers with high-paying gigs. In contrast, 2025 offers more accessibility but comes with a larger, more competitive talent pool. Success today requires business acumen, digital marketing skills, and adaptability in addition to vocal talent.

Aspiring voice actors in 2025 have the advantage of being able to start their careers from anywhere in the world, with significantly lower startup costs. However, they must navigate an industry with ever-evolving technology, AI-generated voices, and a more fragmented job market.

Ultimately, while the landscape has changed dramatically, one thing remains the same: talent, persistence, and professionalism will always be the keys to success in voice-over.

The 2025 Job Market Sucks. More Than Ever, Voice-Over Work Makes Sense.

The current job market is in turmoil. With economic uncertainties, layoffs across industries, and a growing number of job postings that turn out to be misleading or outright fake, many job seekers find themselves trapped in an exhausting cycle of endless applications and deafening silence from employers. It has become increasingly difficult to secure an interview, let alone land a job offer. With competition at an all-time high and traditional employment paths seeming less reliable, individuals seeking financial stability and career fulfillment must explore alternative opportunities. One such opportunity that is gaining traction is voice-over work.

The Harsh Reality of Today’s Job Market

The job market today presents a host of challenges that make securing traditional employment an uphill battle. First, the sheer volume of applicants for each job posting means that even highly qualified candidates struggle to stand out. Some job postings receive hundreds—if not thousands—of applications, making it nearly impossible for job seekers to get noticed.

Second, many job postings are deceptive. Companies may post positions that do not actually exist simply to gauge the talent pool, build a resume database, or appear as though they are hiring when they are not. This results in job seekers wasting precious time and energy applying to positions that will never materialize.

Third, the hiring process itself has become excessively prolonged. Candidates are often subjected to multiple rounds of interviews, extensive assessments, and even unpaid projects—only to be ghosted by recruiters or told that the company has decided to go in a different direction. This prolonged uncertainty leads to frustration, financial strain, and decreased morale.

Given these challenges, it is imperative for job seekers to consider alternative career paths that offer more control over their income and professional trajectory. Voice-over work is an increasingly viable option in today’s digital economy.

Why Voice-Over Work Makes Sense Now

With traditional job opportunities dwindling, voice-over work offers a flexible and lucrative alternative that aligns well with modern work trends. Here’s why now is the perfect time to consider breaking into the voice-over industry:

1. Low Barrier to Entry

Unlike many professions that require years of education, certifications, or specialized training, voice-over work is accessible to a wide range of individuals. With a decent microphone, a quiet recording space, and some practice, aspiring voice actors can start auditioning for jobs in a matter of weeks. Online platforms such as Fiverr, Voices.com, and ACX provide easy access to job opportunities without requiring prior experience.

2. Growing Demand for Voice-Over Services

The digital economy has fueled an explosion in demand for voice-over work. Companies need voice-over artists for various projects, including:

• Audiobooks

• Podcasts and commercials

• E-learning modules and training videos

• Video games and animations

• YouTube content and corporate presentations

As more businesses embrace digital content, the need for voice talent continues to rise. Unlike traditional job markets, the voice-over industry is expanding, not shrinking.

3. Freelancing Provides More Control

One of the most frustrating aspects of today’s job market is the lack of control job seekers have over their employment fate. Voice-over work, however, operates largely on a freelance basis, meaning individuals have greater control over their workload, clients, and income. Instead of waiting endlessly for recruiters to respond, voice actors can audition daily and secure multiple gigs, often within days or weeks.

4. Work from Anywhere

With the rise of remote work, many people are realizing the value of working from home. Voice-over work takes this a step further, allowing individuals to work from anywhere with a stable internet connection. This eliminates commuting costs and allows for a better work-life balance.

5. Scalability and Passive Income Potential

Voice-over artists can create a sustainable income stream by diversifying their offerings. By recording audiobooks for platforms like Audible or creating pre-recorded voice-over content for sale, individuals can generate passive income. Unlike traditional jobs where income is capped by a salary, voice actors can scale their earnings by taking on more projects or increasing their rates as their skills improve.

How to Get Started

For those interested in transitioning into voice-over work, here are some steps to get started:

1. Invest in Basic Equipment – A good USB microphone, a pop filter, and soundproofing materials are essential for quality recordings.

2. Develop Your Skills – Practice reading scripts aloud, study different voice-over styles, and consider taking online courses or coaching.

3. Build a Portfolio – Record a demo showcasing different voice styles and tones.

4. Join Online Platforms – Create profiles on freelance job sites and start auditioning for roles.

5. Network and Market Yourself – Engage with the voice-over community, reach out to potential clients, and promote your services on social media.

Conclusion

In a job market riddled with uncertainty, voice-over work presents a viable alternative that offers flexibility, financial stability, and creative fulfillment. As traditional employment becomes increasingly unreliable, now is the perfect time to explore the growing world of voice acting. Whether as a full-time career or a side hustle, voice-over work provides a unique opportunity for individuals to take control of their professional future. Rather than waiting for job postings to materialize, individuals can take action, develop their skills, and build a career in an industry that is only set to expand in the coming years.

Types of Voice Over Work

The voice-over industry is a dynamic and diverse field, offering numerous opportunities for voice talents to showcase their skills across various mediums. From commercials to audiobooks, voice-over work spans multiple industries and caters to a wide range of audiences. Below, we explore the different kinds of voice-over work available, highlighting the unique characteristics and requirements of each category.

Commercials are one of the most recognizable types of voice-over work. They appear on television, radio, and digital platforms, promoting products, services, or brands. Commercial voice-over artists must convey a clear and persuasive message within a short timeframe, often 15 to 60 seconds. Key qualities for commercial voice-over work include versatility, the ability to adjust tone and style to match different products, from luxury items to everyday goods, engagement, capturing the audience’s attention quickly, and clarity, ensuring the message is easily understood.

Narration involves telling a story or explaining concepts, often in a longer format. This type of work is common in documentaries, corporate videos, e-learning modules, and educational content. Documentary narrators guide viewers through compelling stories or factual content. The tone often depends on the subject matter—informative, dramatic, or reflective. Corporate videos, including promotional materials, internal communications, and training videos, require a professional and polished voice to represent the brand effectively. The e-learning sector demands clear and patient narrators who can articulate complex concepts. This type of work requires consistent energy and pacing to maintain learner engagement.

Audiobooks represent a growing sector in the voice-over industry, catering to literature lovers and multitaskers. Narrating an audiobook requires acting skills to bring characters to life through distinct voices and emotional depth, stamina to sustain vocal performance over hours of recording, and attention to detail to ensure pronunciation and pacing are impeccable, creating a smooth listening experience. Audiobook narration can range from novels and short stories to non-fiction, biographies, and self-help books.

The Voice Shop offers classes on Narration for Audiobooks with the incredible Piper Goodeve! Check them out here.

Animation voice-over work involves creating character voices for cartoons, animated films, and TV series. This highly creative field requires unique voices to craft distinctive and memorable characters, range to perform various roles, often in the same project, and expressiveness to convey exaggerated emotions and personalities. Voice-over artists in animation often work closely with directors to align their performances with the visual storytelling.

The video game industry provides numerous opportunities for voice-over artists, from voicing main characters to background NPCs (non-playable characters). Video game voice-over work is similar to animation but often involves interactive storytelling, delivering lines that respond to player actions, dynamic performances, shifting between various emotional states or scenarios, and recording variations, repeating lines with different inflections to match in-game contexts.

The Voice Shop also offers Animation/Video Game training and classes via Industry Expert Steve Tardio. Check our Class Schedule for availability.

Dubbing involves replacing the original audio of a film, TV show, or other content with a localized version in a different language. Voice-over artists in this field must sync audio to match the timing and lip movements of the original actor, maintain authenticity by capturing the emotions and intentions of the original performance, and adapt to culture by ensuring the voice aligns with cultural nuances and expectations. This work is critical for expanding the reach of content to global audiences.

Some voice-over work extends to singing, such as performing jingles for advertisements or voicing musical characters in animations. Singing voice-over artists should have musical talent, strong vocal control and pitch accuracy, and adaptability to sing in various styles and genres.

With the rise of technology, voice-over artists now contribute to artificial intelligence systems, such as virtual assistants (e.g., Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant) and text-to-speech software. Key aspects include delivering clear, neutral, and universally understandable speech, maintaining identical tone and pacing across extensive recordings, and patience in recording numerous phrases and words with precision.

Podcasts and audio dramas often require voice-over artists for storytelling, character roles, or even advertisements within episodes. This growing medium values engaging delivery to capture listener interest over longer durations and a natural flow with conversational and relatable tones for narrative or interview formats. Audio dramas, akin to radio plays, rely on dynamic acting and sound effects to immerse audiences in fictional worlds.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems are used in customer service, guiding callers through menu options. Telephone voice-over work requires clarity to ensure instructions are easily understood, professionalism to represent the company’s brand tone, and patience to speak at a measured pace to accommodate all listeners.

Promotional videos and explainer content are widely used in marketing, especially on social media and corporate websites. Voice-over artists in this field often simplify complex ideas to present information in an accessible way, align with branding to match the voice to the company’s identity, and drive engagement to encourage viewers to take action, such as subscribing or purchasing.

Voice-over talents are also employed for live events, such as award shows, sports games, and conferences. These roles require real-time adaptability to react to changes or unexpected scenarios, projecting confidence by speaking clearly to large audiences, and dynamic energy to keep the audience engaged and informed.

Medical and technical narration involves reading scripts filled with complex jargon, such as pharmaceutical commercials, training materials, or instructional videos. Artists must master pronunciation to articulate specialized terminology accurately, maintain authority to sound knowledgeable and trustworthy, and keep a steady pace to ensure the information is digestible for the target audience.

We recently interviewed a veteran of the medical VO space, Debbie Irwin. Read here full story here.

Voice-over artists also lend their talents to interactive toys, educational devices, and children’s learning tools. This category often requires playful and inviting tones to engage young audiences and character variety to create fun, distinct voices for different toys.

The voice-over industry offers a wide array of opportunities, catering to diverse skills and interests. Whether you prefer storytelling, character acting, or delivering educational content, there is a niche for everyone. Aspiring voice-over artists should explore various genres to identify their strengths and develop a versatile portfolio that showcases their range. With the increasing demand for audio content across industries, voice-over work continues to be a promising and rewarding career path.

To learn more about opportunities with the Voice Over space and how to learn, fill out the form here and schedule your free consultation! 

Wendy Lands: The Woman of 10,000 Voiceover Hours

Author Malcolm Gladwell says, “if you want to be an expert at anything, spend 10 years or 10,000 hours, and you’ll become one.”  Well Wendy, you made it.

As of one Canada’s most famous voices, Wendy Lands is a vocal star.  You’d have to be deaf to disagree.     

Enormously humble and overwhelmingly friendly, this renaissance woman of the microphone affects you right away, just by saying hello.  She embodies the term “The IT Factor.”      

But that became well known years before her voiceover career developed, because Wendy was once a charting record label singer.

By all indications, Wendy should have wound up as a singer. Music was in her life from her earliest recollections. “As an only child, I always felt different,” says Wendy, “But I was never pushed into all of this.” 

A proud college dropout like Michael Dell and Bill Gates, Wendy’s knowledge of the world superseded what University life offered her, so just like in high school which she also hated, “I just sort of tuned it out and dropped out of college.”

She got a record deal straight out of college, and this set the stage for what Wendy already knew; this was to be her life’s work. “It certainly became apparent when I was hearing myself on the radio singing a song.”

Wendy found voiceover to be more enjoyable than singing. And even at this level, Wendy still auditions for any new client she presents herself to. “And people want to be around me because I’m so easy going,” she tells me, “There’s an etiquette to being in the studio, and I know when to talk and when to not.” 

Perhaps most notable of all of Wendy’s credits is Canada’s most beloved commercial for BELL ATLANTIC of which Miss Lands of course is the voice for.

She hasn’t hit her stride. Wendy feels her very best work is the voicework to come.   But no question about it, she’s hit the 10,000-hour mark, and then some. 

Connect with Wendy:

https://www.wendylands.com/

Instagram 

Facebook 

TikTok  

Linkedin

Daisy Stracener: The New Flower in Voiceover

Daisy is as fresh as a spring day when it comes to voiceover. And although she may be new to the voiceover scene, she’s no stranger when it comes to the business of show. And right away, you can see the promise of the future:

With less than one year in the business full time, Daisy Stracener is showing encouraging signs of what could be.

“I’m definitely doing this for the rest of my life,” She says.  And at 41 years old, she’s been looking for the brass ring all of her life.

Since her childhood, Daisy has been interested in the stage. Learning tap-dancing at the age of four.

“When I was 10, my dad moved to LA and he brought me to the private art school Louis Caroll Academy.” So, Daisy was given the luxury of studying performing arts at a very young age. Through this, Daisy by-passed many subjects that normal middle schoolers were required to take as part of their curriculum.  It’s a concept that most American school systems do not facilitate, but in Daisy’s life, it was what gave her somewhat of a shortcut.

Her parents knew that this little girl wanted to be a part of the arts. Above is a photo taken in the living room, when Daisy wanted her parents to see what she had come up with for very important audience of two.

In 1998, Daisy was cast in the independent film “Baby Blues” and unlike the other cast mates, Daisy had her mind only on the project. This was an unusual mindset for a teenager. “I never partied, and my dad was my rock of Gibraltar, always there to keep me steady and focused,” she says. 

Caption: Daisy on the set of the movie “Baby Blues” circa 1998

By high school, Daisy was fully focused on a career in performing arts and in the year 2000, she began to perform in coming-of-age theatrical productions.

Caption: “The Educated Heart” circa 2000

“To me working a 9-5 would be depressing,” Daisy tells me. “And that was the last thing on my mind.” 

As life would have it, Daisy would go on to get married and have a child. While not a 9-5, this took her out of the quest for searching for the rainbow for some time.

But in 2021, a friend of hers suggested she try voiceover. Lightning can strike twice. For Daisy it did.

And so now at mid-age, Daisy is using all she learned from childhood, education and experience to create yet another career, one as a voice actor.

“It’s all acting,” she says. “The only difference is your audience is your microphone.”

And as fresh as the morning dew, the woman whose name represents that of a spring flower, is blossoming again. 

Connect with Daisy:

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Website

Debbie Irwin: The Late Bloomer in Voiceover

To say that Debbie Irwin is a late bloomer would be an understatement. “I didn’t discover voiceover until I was 45 years old,” she says.

Debbie Irwin in her VO Studio

With an enriching childhood being raised off and on in Rome, Debbie saw the world as so many children do not. “Nature is amazing, and I had a front row seat.”

Young Debbie with a horse statue in Rome

With a father as an entomologist, and a mother as a therapist, Debbie was immersed from the beginning with the importance of knowledge, education and learning.

Her parents pulled no punches on the importance of only the very best in education. So, while Debbie started at the University of Chicago, she wound up being a student of Brown University.

For the uninitiated, Brown holds the distinction as one of the world’s finest academic institutions in the Ivy League with only a chosen few allowed to attend.

“Brown was a happy healthy place, and I picked semiotics as my major which is the study of signs and symbols in cultures.,” Debbie tells me. And it was there at Brown, that Debbie took an interest in radio and TV.

Before voiceover she experienced the NYC scene in the 80s, working in various jobs, discovering herself and experiencing the phenomenon of disco. It permeated the New York night life and had an effect on millions of people around the world, and Debbie was right in the thick of it.

She even spent five years as a stockbroker. But when voiceover intercepted, Debbie became hooked…

Nowadays, Debbie’s forte is medical narration. It’s THE most difficult genre to master and THE leanest of all voiceover genres amongst voice over artists. But it appealed to Debbie because of its difficulty.

Hear Debbie’s masterful delivery of medical narration on her website: https://debbieirwin.com/medical/medical-narration/

Debbie’s talents are not limited to just medical narration:

Treasures of New York – Museum of Modern Art – Narrated by Debbie Irwin

Deeply entrenched in wellness, Debbie cares deeply about mental health issues.  Her devotion to living a full and happy life is evident in her work involving people’s emotions. It’s evident in her voice.

So now fully outfitted with a home studio, Debbie Irwin has reinvented herself into a medical and wellness voice talent that cares very much about the message she sends using her voice.

And at 67, Debbie, the late bloomer, has finally arrived.

Debbie and her husband Michael

Connect with Debbie on her website and social media:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

LinkedIn

Byron Wagner: The Wizard of Words in Voiceover

To say that Byron Wagner is not a wizard is beyond the grasp of how anyone would describe him. As one of the nation’s premier audiobook narrators, Byron is in a distinct fraternity of sound, which is popular only with the very few because “99 percent of all voiceover artists do not work in narration,” he tells me.

Byron describes his youth as less than impressive. ” I was the classic underachiever,” he tells me.   Born in Nebraska, the oldest of three boys,  Byron now lives in the thick of it in Los Angeles. But he was given a talent grant from Ohio University. And it was there that the philosophy of education was distinct. “Broadcasting and journalism should be fused.”  So, under that alignment, Byron began to think of voice and information as one item. “It had a huge effect on me.”

Byron (center) with his family.

Carved out by the system in his childhood as a gifted and talented student, “it wasn’t helpful because schools were molded for the working class,” Byron tells me. So, the now very well-known narrator could lean on his childhood background, being highly involved with acting and magic.

Byron, then and now, using his voice and creating “magic”.

Now, at the peak of his career as a narrator, Byron mentors (25) students at the same time to teach them everything he knows about voice and how to use it in the digital age. “And I realized early on that the radio business was not about art but about sales. “So, upon realizing that, I got out of the radio business.”   This opened him up to new audio worlds outside of radio, which was his beginning in the world of sound and voiceover.

As the inventor of audio codec, Byron was in a class of his own.

He created technology and taught others how to develop their talent while working in the voiceover business and audiobook narration.

But to be clear, “I did not create the underlying mathematical algorithm for compressing the digital audio. However, I created the first successful commercial real-time hardware implementation. Disney first used it on Lion King and increased $300 million in revenue.”

Now, at 72 years old, Byron produces thousands of words daily under the glowing pressure of authors and publishers, and it all works well. His career is that of a sophisticated artist in the purest sense. Audiobook narration from top writers. Teaching twenty-five students at a time. And remaining highly active and focused on technology as it continues to affect our modern world.

Just completing the audiobook of Henry Kissinger titled “Genesis,” Bryon is in a unique position. It’s called the top. The top of voiceover where very few can hang. But for the very few that can, they are in a class all by itself. It truly demonstrates wizardry. And that’s what makes Byron Wagner a wizard of words.

#voiceover #voicetraining #voiceactor #audiobooks #narration #ByronWagner