As the air gets crisper, the leaves turn golden, and pumpkin spice lattes start appearing everywhere, you know what that means… holiday season is upon us! And for us voiceover artists, that translates to one thing: holiday hustle!

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Holiday season? Isn’t that when everyone’s busy with family and festivities?” Well, you’re not wrong, but it’s also the time when the voiceover industry goes into overdrive! Think about it: all those holiday commercials, animated specials, and even those heartwarming messages from your favorite brands – they all need voices!

So, how do you tap into this festive frenzy and land those sweet holiday gigs? Let’s break it down!

1. Get Festive, Get Ready:

First things first, you’ve gotta get into the holiday spirit! That means channeling your inner jingle-bell rocker and practicing those warm, inviting tones. Think about the emotions you want to evoke: joy, warmth, excitement, even a touch of nostalgia.

2. Update Your Portfolio:

It’s time to give your voiceover portfolio a holiday makeover! Add some festive demos that showcase your ability to bring holiday cheer to life. Think of things like: –

-Holiday Greetings: Record some warm and inviting greetings for different occasions – Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve.

– Product Demos: Imagine you’re promoting a new line of holiday cookies or a festive toy. Get creative and showcase your versatility.

– Storytelling: Record a heartwarming holiday tale or a whimsical story about Santa’s elves.

3. Target Those Holiday Clients:

Now that your portfolio is ready, it’s time to get strategic. Who’s hiring for holiday projects?

– Advertising Agencies: These agencies are always on the lookout for voice talent for holiday commercials.

– Animation Studios: Holiday specials and animated films are in high demand during the season.The holidays are a popular time for new releases in the animation and video game world. If you have a voice that can bring characters to life, this is a great area to explore.

– Retailers: Think of all those holiday commercials for department stores, toy stores, and online retailers.

– Greeting Card Companies: They need voices for their holiday cards, both traditional and digital.

-Commercial voiceovers: Think warm and inviting, festive and cheerful. Imagine yourself narrating a heartwarming commercial for a family-friendly toy store or a cozy holiday dinner scene.

-Jingles: Get those vocal cords ready to belt out catchy tunes. Jingles for holiday sales, new year’s resolutions, and even those adorable Christmas carols are all in high demand.

-Audiobooks: The holidays are a great time to cozy up with a good book, and that includes audiobooks. If you have a knack for storytelling, consider adding some holiday-themed audiobooks to your portfolio.

4. Network Your Way to Success:

The holidays are a time for connection, and that includes networking. Reach out to your contacts, attend industry events, and connect with potential clients on social media.

– Reconnect with Old Contacts: Dust off those contact lists and reach out to people you’ve worked with in the past. Let them know you’re available for holiday projects.

– Attend Industry Events: Look for holiday-themed events like voiceover conferences, networking mixers, and industry parties. These events are a great way to meet new people and make connections.

– Social Media Savvy: Use social media to your advantage. Share holiday-themed voiceover samples, engage with other voiceover artists, and connect with potential clients.

5. Don’t Forget the Digital World:

Just like you’d decorate your home for the holidays, it’s time to decorate your online presence with holiday keywords.

– Website and Social Media: Update your website and social media profiles with holiday-themed keywords. Think “holiday voiceover,” “Christmas voiceover,” “festive voiceover,” and “New Year’s voiceover.”

– Online Portfolios: Make sure your online portfolios are updated with holiday-themed samples.

– Voiceover Platforms: Use relevant keywords when you submit your voiceover samples to online platforms like Fiverr, and Upwork.

6. Holiday Content: Create Your Own Festive Samples

Don’t wait for clients to come to you. Create your own holiday content to showcase your skills.

– Record Holiday Jingles: Even if you don’t have a client yet, record a few holiday jingles to showcase your vocal range and your ability to capture the festive spirit.

– Create Holiday Voiceover Samples: Record samples of holiday voiceovers for different types of projects, like commercials, audiobooks, and animation.

– Share Your Holiday Content: Share your holiday samples on your website, social media, and voiceover platforms.

7. Holiday Rates: Know Your Worth

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, including voiceover clients. That means they might be willing to pay a little extra for your services.

– Don’t Undersell Yourself: Know your worth and don’t be afraid to charge a premium for your holiday voiceover services.

– Negotiate Rates: Be prepared to negotiate your rates with clients. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth.

6. Be Prepared for the Rush:

The holiday season is a busy time, so be prepared to work quickly and efficiently. Make sure you have a reliable recording setup, a quiet space to work, and a good understanding of the client’s needs.

7. Embrace the Holiday Spirit:

Remember, the holiday season is all about joy, warmth, and connection. Bring that spirit to your voiceover work, and you’ll be sure to make a lasting impression.

8. Don’t Forget the Fun:

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but don’t forget to have fun! Enjoy the process, embrace the creativity, and let your voice shine!

9. Stay Organized and Focused:

With so many projects coming in, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Stay organized, keep track of deadlines, and focus on delivering high-quality work.

10. Celebrate Your Success:

As you land those holiday gigs, take a moment to celebrate your success! You’ve worked hard, and you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

The voiceover holiday hustle is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talent, expand your network, and earn some extra income. So, get out there, get festive, and let your voice be heard! Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your skills, stay positive, and most importantly, have fun!