If you’re a freelancer working for yourself, being on Lockdown can be an incredibly stressful situation. Here are my thoughts on how to keep busy and stay sane, in A Freelancers Guide To Staying Sane During COVID-19.
I used to worry about work a LOT, but realise that there is little point. When talking to colleagues, you find that we’re all in the same boat as freelancers and have good days and bad, ups and downs. Talking to friends and keeping in touch with colleagues when you work alone is a great comfort and shared experience can help ease anxiety.
Use Social Media To Create Great Content
There are several ways that I’ve been staying positive and upbeat during these tough times and I thought I’d share a few thoughts as to how I’m coping. Firstly, the key is to keep busy! As a voiceover artist and impressionist I’ve been keeping busy during the inevitable lean periods by creating content for social media, lots of content which I’ve been putting out to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. One impression I get asked to voice a lot (as you can well imagine!) is Boris Johnson and I’ve been doing a daily Boriscam! Short videos, all less than 2 minutes to keep people smiling. These have been shared and reTweeted far and wide, which is great for the profile and for getting content out.
Keep Up To Date
When work is sparse, it’s a great opportunity to make sure that your website is looking good and up to date. If you’re a creative, make sure that your Youtube account is current, with your latest work, which links back to your website and is all tagged properly. This may seem like a stupid thing to say, but give your office, studio or workspace a spring clean and also do the same to your computer! We have a tendency to leave tonnes of files on our desktops and not organise ourselves. Spend a little time cleaning up your Mac or PC, so it’s all organised and is no longer a pain to work on!
Get Out And Get Active!
Get out and exercise! I know that everyone is banging on about this at the moment, but for me it’s vital. I got for runs, create circuits to do at home or just go for a long walk. It gets the dopamine firing and as well as keeping fit and healthy and it’s valuable time to myself listening to podcasts and interviews.
Finally, don’t stress! Remember that as a freelancer a lot of people will be in the same boat, so there’s little point in thinking that your hirers don’t want you anymore and don’t take it personally!
If you’d like to know more about my voiceover services, or would like me to deliver a celebrity impression, please do get in touch and I’ll be happy to help you get the exact style you require.
FAQ About My Voiceover Services
Q: What am i getting for my money?
A: When you book me to voice for you, you’re not just paying for my voiceover, but the reassurance that it will be broadcast quality with no erroneous room noises for you to have to worry about.
Q: Will I have to edit or do anything to the voiceover?
A: Unless you’re a producer or prefer me to send you the raw file, you can be assured that I’ll edit my read for you, so you receive a finished, high quality file.
Q: How long will my voiceover take?
A: I pride myself on a fast turnaround and will always endeavour to send you back your file within 24 hours.
Q: I’m not entirely sure how to explain the voice, character or style I need, can you help?
A: Of course! I’m more than happy to chat over the phone with you your requirements and won’t hit record until we’re both happy that I’ll be voicing in the style that suits your read or character.
Q: Can I be directed during the recording?
A: Yes! If you prefer to listen in to the recording process and direct me, then I’m available on Skype, ISDN, ipDTL and Source Connect. I’m also happy to travel to studios for sessions.
Q: Do you charge for revisions?
A: Any mistakes made by myself will be corrected free of charge. Any script changes that occur after I have sent my recording will have to be charged. The fee will depend on the length of the read and number of changes.
Q: What are you rates for radio adverts?
A: In the UK, I work to the latest Equity rate card. If your commercial is for transmission abroad, please let me know all the information, so I can quote accurately.
Q: What are your payment terms?
A: Upon receiving your voiceover, you’ll also receive my invoice. My terms are 30 days net and all my payment details are on the bottom.
As well as bank transfer, I can also be paid via Paypal, which will incur a 6% charge to cover their fees.