Voice Actor or Voice Artist?

I am sometimes asked what the difference is between a voice actor and a voice over artist or voice artist.  There is a subtle difference and it is a great question to address here.  Voice actors often work on animated shows, movies, and video games, using their voices to bring characters to life. They are typically expected to develop distinct and realistic voices for each role they play, as well as to bring emotion and personality into their performances.

Voice over artists, on the other hand, usually provide their voices for commercials, radio and television announcements, and documentaries. They are frequently asked to offer a clear and succinct narrative that is instructive and easy to follow. While they must exhibit emotion and individuality in their performances, their primary focus is on delivering the goods.

My work so far has been diverse, covering both genres.  I am often asked to play a varied array of  characters for animation and games that require specific voices and therefore when I approach this work I use my acting ability to bring the characters to life adding a certain amount of entertainment and personality to the voice.  My acting training and experience in the theatre really helps here and I find myself exploring the various "onion" layers of the characters and what it is that makes them unique.  This is when I wear my Voice Actors hat.  However, on the other end of the spectrum in the world of voice artistry, I also frequently work on e-learning and explainer videos which are more serious in tone and require a friendly and personable character for the part.    

There is always an element of voice acting in both roles, in the serious narration or documentary  script I might be a lecturer, a teacher, an instructor.  I never play me , whatever genre I am working in, just a version of myself.  I do love character work.  I love to play and experiment and I love to create characters that are lovable, funny and entertaining.  So if truth be told I am a bit of a Voice Actor and a Voice Over Artist.  Dipping my toes into both genres and enjoying the ride.

​(Sarah J the VA. uk stands for Sarah J the Voice Artist.  The J and the VA rhyme with the UK you see so I thought it would be a memorable name for the website.  That is all and it was thought up by my dear tutor, AJ Mckay at Gravy for the Brain - so he is to blame!! xxx ;)