My name is Carrie and I’m a Scottish Voiceover Artist that helps businesses across a multitude of industries to describe, inform and sell.
I can describe their products or services via videos on their website or social media feeds.
I can inform their clients or customers of company information and corporate communications via video or their phone systems.
Or I can help sell their products or services which is mainly done via Radio, TV and instore advertising as well as videos on their social media feeds, this part I find particularly fun!
From the age of 17 I worked in the finance industry and following a move to Newcastle Upon Tyne, I became a qualified Mortgage Advisor and then joined the Internal Audit team of a bank. Following a relocation back to the Highlands in 2011, I needed to re-train as there were no relevant jobs available in my local area.
Voice Over work was my hobby at that time and as a single mum this would be the ideal job for me as I could work it around my two young children. I knew to make a career of it I’d need to learn how to do the sound engineering side of the business and that is when I spotted MFR’s SVQ in Radio Broadcasting. I completed the course, gaining all of the skills that I needed, and launched my business in 2014.
At first, I worked out of a home studio that I fashioned by renovating a cupboard in my house into a sound booth and creating a sound editing area upstairs. I worked from my home studio for 6 years before moving into my commercial studio just off the Tain High Street in May 2020. The new purpose built studio is a fantastic creative space to work from and I am loving working away from home. I feel it has really helped me to establish a better work/life balance. My studio can be hired out by other Voice Over artists, be it locals or those holidaying in the Highlands; as well as any member of the public who may be looking for a space to do a live TV or Radio interview. Having the ability to either record in the studio or connect to one somewhere else means that it is as versatile as possible.
My client base varies hugely and includes Bank of Scotland, Boots, Crofting Commission, Highlands & Islands Airport and Zero Waste Scotland just to name a few. The majority of my clients are based down south or overseas and everything is done electronically. A customer would get in touch via email and send through a script. From here I will either self-direct the recording process or alternatively they can direct me via an online connection.
If we go down the self-direct route, the client will provide me with an idea of the delivery style that they are looking for and I will send them a sample of the script for them to check. Once approved I record the script and start the editing process. Once the audio is ready, it is sent over to the client for their final approval.
If the client wishes to direct me then we use a remote audio collaboration tool such as Source Connect. This allows me to link up to any studio in the world and the connection is so strong that they can even record my voice at their end. My microphone is connected to their headphones and vice versa which allows for them to direct the style of delivery as it is happening. Directed sessions can have multiple people listening in at the one time and the most I have had so far is 9.
When Might You Need a Voice Over Artist?
Planning permission, responding to tender invitations or business presentations or proposals
I particularly enjoy doing this type of work. It allows the company to speak directly to their audience in a situation where they are not usually allowed to present in person. Written word and silent video can be interpreted in different ways but adding voiceover with a carefully worded script and choosing the delivery style can help influence the end user’s interpretation of your work, in the same way it would if you were to present in person.
Telephone Systems
This is definitely one of the most popular jobs that I do. I work with phone system companies most days, recording answer machine messages, IVR prompts or on-hold marketing messages.
Companies spend a lot of time and money making sure their premises and website are presentable and match the company brand but many forget that the phone is also one of the first points of contact for potential customers. That’s why it’s important the voice on your phone system is professional, confident and matches your company image. Ideally, you would want someone in house to do this but if that is not possible, it is worth looking into hiring a professional voice over like myself.
As you will know, if someone calls your business they are already interested in your product or services and should be classed as an important lead. While on hold, you can promote your products or services or tell them useful information. Using voice over in this way can also cut down on staff time dealing with messages. For example, if you have frequently asked questions that staff have to deal with e.g opening hours, adding this information into your message reduces number of answer machine messages left.
E-learning and general staff training
This is my favourite type of work to do as it means that I’m constantly learning, although some topics are more interesting than others! It can range from project management or business courses to how to use a specific off-shore drill.
If staff have to spend time going over the same materials during training, whether that is an on-site induction or regulated training that is rolled out every 6 months, it makes sense to have a professional VO recorded. This eliminates the need to have a member of staff repeating the same information and ultimately saves the company time.
For regulated scripts it also offers you additional controls as you know the content was delivered word for word, in exactly the right manner and if a complaint is ever raised, you have evidence of the conversation.
You can add voice over into training videos and power point presentations. You may need additional controls to evidence that your customer or staff member has watched the content and retained the information, however this is easily done by having them sign and date when it was viewed and then possibly asked 3-5 random questions that were covered in the video or presentation.
My aim over the next 12 months is to continue to grow my business, reach new clients and allow other artists to benefit from the use of hiring my studio.
When the Inverness Chamber asked me what I found most valuable about membership it was an easy answer. Networking. I love having the opportunity to meet other members and find out about their businesses. I have made some fantastic contacts and it has been great watching their businesses progress. We are so lucky to have so many amazing businesses in our local area and the chamber team can help you meet lots of likeminded people, which as a sole trader, I’ve found particularly useful.
More examples of Carrie’s work can be found here.
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