Voice Artist Q&A Sessions: Joy

Joy is a fantastic West African voice artist, who has provided her voice for a great number projects for us over the last few years. Joy has over ten years of experience within the voiceover industry, and brings a unique sound to every project that she is part of.

Joy has a background in the arts; and describes her voice as “soft, sweet, and sensual”, in which our clients can’t get enough of!

We asked Joy a few questions on working within the voiceover industry, her top tips for success, and her day-to-day life as a voice artist.

How did you get started within the voiceover industry, and what is it that you enjoy most about it?

I have always loved broadcasting, music and the arts – so it was natural that I was drawn to a career that allowed me express my love for these creative outlets.

Before I knew what voiceovers were; I’d always loved properly pronouncing words, and painting pictures and telling stories with words – I even used to pretend that I was on the radio!

I was accepted into the University of Lagos to study Creative Arts and major in Theatre Arts, as I knew that I wanted to work in broadcasting. I would discuss with my course-mates about my desire to work within radio, and I was lucky enough that one of my course-mates took me seriously and spoke to his colleague about our discussion at the Radio Nigeria Training School. This colleague came to visit me at the campus, auditioned me on the spot, and asked that I attend Radio Nigeria’s studios. It was then that I began doing small gigs and segments on the radio.

I was involved in a radio drama project (while still a student at the University of Lagos) and through this experience, I met a lot of voiceover artists. They loved my voice and complimented me on my delivery of the script, and asked if I did voiceovers professionally. At the time, I did not, and this was my introduction to the industry. I took to voiceover work like a fish to water and the rest like they say, is history! 

How would you describe a typical day of a voice artist?

I always start my day with a prayer, in order for good and positivity to flow through my day. I then look through any scripts that I have at hand; review them, make sure that I understand the requirements of the project, and research the target audience and context. 

Occasionally, I have scheduled recording sessions in a studio; however, I also work from my own home studio sometimes too. If I am recording from home, I set up the recording equipment, adjust the microphone settings, and ensure the environment is suitable for audio recording. After the initial set up, I then perform multiple takes of the required script, making sure that I deliver the desired tone, pace, and emotion as per the project requirements.

When I am scheduled in for live directed sessions, I make sure to prepare for them ahead of time. I do this through ensuring that I have a strong internet network to carry the session without any glitches or lagging, and logging in to the session on time for the client.  

If I’m not recording, I’m auditioning. I review casting calls, record appropriate audition samples, and submit them to potential clients or production companies. I like to spend time during the working week networking with industry professionals, updating my online profiles or portfolios, creating content for my social media pages and attend industry events or webinars for professional development, so that I stay up to date with any industry developments. 

Of course, my days can be flexible! As a voiceover artist, no day is ever cast in stone; but a typical day for me would definitely contain two or three of the activities outlined here!

What has been your favourite project that you have worked on with Matinée so far?

Hmmm… to be honest, I really can’t point to one specific project because a lot of Matinée projects are fun!

I would say that my favourite projects are the ones that I receive great feedback from, especially while I’m recording in a live-directed session. I always really appreciate it when a client is very expressive about their love for my delivery and provides such great energy. It’s a great morale boost and I’ve had quite a few of those clients and sessions with Matinée!

What is the best kind of project brief to receive? Is there any information that you find particularly helpful to be included before a project takes place?

I’ve found that the best kind of project brief to receive is one in which the project details are clear and detailed. Information such as script and copy details, context and purpose of the script, a pronunciation guide if needed, sample references where necessary, delivery specifications, timelines and revisions, budget, and compensations. 

These elements give a clear direction and helps me grasp the requirements of the brief accurately, with little margin for errors; and helps me deliver to or even surpass the clients’ expectations. 

Matinée always does a great job with their project briefs. I’m never at a loss when I receive a brief from them because they are always so clear and concise about what they want, and I believe this has contributed to a great working relationship with them. 

How do live directed sessions benefit you as opposed to recording independently?

Live directed sessions give me straight access to the clients’ needs from my voiceover. It gives me insights on the client’s exact specifications for the script, leaves little or no room for errors, and prevents potential back and forth on a project. I appreciate that live directed sessions allow time for instant feedback and so to the tone or delivery can be made with ease.

Of course, with a clear brief I can deliver without live direction; but for clients who have a particular set of specifications that they are hoping for from a voiceover, live direction helps in communicating these visions.

Why do you like working with Matinée?

I like working with Matinée because they are easy to work with. The project co-ordinators are all so friendly, always willing to help with any challenges, and their communication is quick and precise.

I’ve been working with Matinée for a few years now, and it has been a great experience so far!

You can listen to Joy’s demo’s here!

Do you require a voice artist to record for a project of your own? Get in touch!

Here at Matinée Multilingual, we have a vast database of talented voice artists who specialise in everything from explainer videos to interactive toys. Whichever language you require a voiceover in (we offer over 80!) and whatever your next project is, let us help you bring it to life with our expert voiceover services.

We’ll help you connect and engage with your audience with the perfect voiceover, all the way from offering a selection of hand-picked voice demos, to recording and editing the final audio file. Why not get in touch with us today and find out more about how we can help you?

Call us on +44 (0) 118 958 4934

Or email project@matinee.co.uk