In the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, a British voiceover artist is challenging perceptions and building a unique business in an industry often misunderstood by the public. With her rich experience in the field, Naomi Ostroff navigates the multifaceted voiceover industry, taking on a variety of projects that showcase her versatile talents.
Breaking Stereotypes
When Naomi introduces herself as a voiceover artist, she often encounters misconceptions. "I sometimes receive comments like, 'Oh, so you do dubbing,' or 'Oh, so you do cartoons, then?'" she shares. "Or 'Now you're famous!! What TV commercials have you done?'"
Naomi clarifies, "I haven't done cartoons or dubbing; I have done a few TV commercials for TV in England but they weren't those that everyone necessarily saw!"
The Diverse World of Voiceover
She enjoys educating people on the breadth of the voiceover industry. "There are many genres of voiceover out there," she explains. "From video games, anime and TV continuity, to corporate training, ELearning and audio description (accessibility for the visually impaired) plus many more genres."
Her own portfolio spans various genres, including "audiobooks, adverts, ELearning, corporate explainer videos as well as a smattering of other miscellaneous projects," showcasing the adaptability required in the voiceover industry.
Immersion in her craft
While some view her career as niche or unusual, Naomi sees it differently. "Once I decided that I'm going to pursue voiceovers, it felt so normal!" she says. "I immersed myself in the voiceover industry! I have taken workshops, coaching, listened to a lot of webinars, podcasts and YouTube channels about voice overs, attended script workouts groups, joined the VO (voiceover) facebook groups, so VO is part of my life!"
This immersion is key to her success and something she recommends to aspiring voiceover artists. "If you are looking to be a voiceover artist, this is one of the first things you need to do - you need to research the industry, know what's going on, know what the trends are, know what genres of voiceover are out there and discover which ones you enjoy and think you'll be good at."
The Business Behind the Voice
Naomi emphasizes that being a voiceover artist is more than just recording. "As a voiceover artist, you are a solopreneur, and for the most part, it is freelance work, so you have to run your own business and find your clients," she explains.
This entrepreneurial aspect involves maintaining a website, reaching out to agencies and production companies, networking, and marketing. "I actually love the marketing side of the business," she explains, "I could actually spend 9-5 on all of the above every day!"
Balancing Act and Building Relationships
Naomi acknowledges the challenges of the industry, particularly for newcomers. "Voiceover work is not always consistent, especially at the beginning. You may well need another stream of income," she advises. However, she also notes the flexibility of the career: "You can work at your own pace, and spend as much available time as you have on building up your voiceover career."
Relationship-building is critical. "As with most freelance work in the creative industry, or any industry for that matter, it's about building relationships with your clients and prospective clients. Repeat work is, of course, what we'd all like and once you build those relationships, you can often have it!"
You can reach Naomi here: https://www.naomiostroff.com
Email: naomi@naomiostroff.com
