As someone who craves adventure and loves exploring new places, I understand the burning desire to travel while maintaining a voice-over business. While voice-over artists may have a few extra pieces of the puzzle compared to other freelancers, it’s not impossible for us to embrace the nomadic work life.
So let’s dive into prepping your voice-over business for an epic vacation!
Balancing Travel and Voice-Over Work
When I began the journey to become my own boss, one of my ultimate goals was to travel and work from anywhere in the world. However, I found myself scheduling my voice-over projects around my trips, often missing out on exciting opportunities.
When I had to turn down several radio commercials during a trip in 2019 due to a lack of portable equipment, it was a major wake-up call. That money could have funded a few more days of vacation! I knew I had to find a way to record on the road so I could travel farther and wider in the future.
Tips for Recording on the Go
Now that I have a portable vocal booth that fits within carry-on requirements and a reliable travel studio setup – shout out to VocalBoothtoGo.com – I can travel more since I don’t miss work and the paycheck it provides. This way, I never pass up a contract or disappoint a client.
But it’s essential to be mindful of some pointers when recording on the go.
Set the Stage
As a voice-over professional with a passion for travel, I’ve learned that meticulous planning is the key to a successful vacation. Months before my departure, I dive into a thorough assessment of my workload and commitments. It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of ongoing projects, impending deadlines, and potential new opportunities that may come my way. By doing so, I can strategically plan my vacation while ensuring that the quality of my services remains uncompromised.
Keep Clients in the Loop
When it comes to preparing for a vacation, maintaining open and transparent communication with my clients is paramount. I make it a point to inform my clients well in advance about my upcoming absence, providing them with detailed information about the dates I’ll be away. This proactive approach ensures a smooth transition and instills confidence in my clients that their projects will be well taken care of. By emphasizing the importance of early communication, I create a foundation of trust that strengthens client relationships in the long run.
Select and Set Up an On-the-Go Studio
Choosing the right recording space is vital for maintaining the quality of your voice-over work while on the move. Opt for a closet, preferably one that doesn’t share walls with the outside, or with a noisy bathroom. Alternatively, a garage, shed, or even a corner of a small room with carpeting can suffice. Consider any other activity in the space, such as travel companions or children, and plan your work hours accordingly. Make sure to strike a balance between your studio time and exploring the beautiful places you visit!
A Supportive Team for Remote Collaboration
As voice-over artists, we often find ourselves working alone in our individual booths, which can be isolating. That’s why it’s essential to cultivate a team that supports and collaborates with you. I sought out a few talented individuals early on, so I have assistance with social media, audio editing, quality control, copy editing, and video editing whenever needed. It doesn’t mean they’re available at the drop of a hat (they’ve got boundaries, too), but with a little planning, they can handle some of the work while I’m on the road.
Seriously, though, it’s amazing that we can take our voice-over businesses around the globe. Invest in the right equipment. Choose your recording spaces with care. Build a supportive team. And balance work and exploration with ease. The magic of the internet allows us to collaborate from anywhere and everywhere, so let’s make the most of it. Pack your bags, grab your microphone, and let the world hear your voice while you explore its wonders. Bon voyage, my voice-over adventurer!
Caroline Turner Cole is a voice-over artist, writer, yogi, and coach based in Dallas, TX. Connect via Instagram @carolinecolestories.
