How to Should I pay for a commercial voice-reel, or try to build up my own reel from voice work

While it's always best to offer a demo reel that features examples of voiceover work from the real world, someone who's new to the industry won't necessarily have that option. You won't generally be considered for work without a good demo either, so putting a first reel together is a job that's often best left to a professional showreel producer.

If you're new to voiceover and making your first demo, then you'll have limited options in terms of finding work from the real world to use. This is also true for an established artist who wants to branch out into a new area. A good producer will have a selection of scripts, which they'll work on with you. They'll also be honest with you about your strengths and weaknesses in particular areas so that you're putting your best foot forward. Most importantly, they'll have the production skills, music library and sound effects to make your demo sound authentic.

You can get recommendations for showreel producers from working voiceover artists you meet. It's also a good idea to ask the producer to let you have the full versions of the pieces they used to make your reel, so that as you start to book work, you have the option of remaking it - either by yourself, or with help - cutting in the best examples of your real life work as you go.

The bottom line is that your demo reel is your calling card. You're selling your voice, and your demos are what potential clients will judge you on, regardless of how great your website looks or anything else. In short, they have to be the best they can be in order for you to book a job. Though it's tempting to think you can do it by yourself, creating a demo reel is a job that's best left to someone who has the skills and expertise, and who can make you sound the very best you can be.