What advice would you give to aspiring voice-over artists looking to break into the industry?

First advice...don't take too much advice.   Second, make sure you are real clear on why you want to "break into the industry."  If you want to do voiceovers for "fun" or as a "hobby" most likely you won't "break into the industry."   Definitely can still happen if someone "discovers" you but I would say nowadays that would be the exception.  It is very competitive.

In my experience (take it for what it's worth) if you want to get consistent work you have to accept there is a long and steep mountain to climb.   This is a business like any other business and the more effort you put into all aspects of the business (sound engineering, marketing, vocal skills/abilities, networking, quality assurance, etc.) the better you will do.  

I truly love doing voiceovers!! From the very start with just a cheap dynamic microphone and a blanket over my head I knew this was my calling.  Like anything in life, I truly believe you will be at your best doing something you are passionate about.   That passion will come through in your work and interactions with clients and potential clients and passionate people/work will set you apart. 

Under promise and over deliver.  I cannot emphasise this enough.  Every job and every client is a golden opportunity in the voiceover world.  Impress that client with great service/quality and they may come back or/and they might tell someone else about you.   Every delivery/voiceover make it your best (even the on hold message) because you don't know who will hear that.   Your voiceovers are your best advertisement.   

Don't be desperate! You and your work have value and you are providing a service to a paying customer.   Don't deviate from your values, beliefs and business approach just to try and get someone to hire you.  Do every demo read/job showcasing who you are and what you bring to the table....don't try and be someone your not.  Authenticity is KEY in voiceovers and I believe what we all strive for in every spot we do.

Not sure where to start?  Try focusing on voiceover content/subjects that you're familiar with or/and passionate about.  Your passion and knowledge of the subject will come through in your work/demos and naturally will sound more authentic and convincing.  

Okay back to advice.   At the end of the day this is YOUR journey.   There is no exact right way to "break into the industry" and the moment someone tells you they have the magic formula run the other direction.   The simple fact is, like anything else, it takes hard work, passion, a thick skin, some luck and the ability to learn while falling.  

If you get the voiceover "bug" like I did about 7 years ago there is nothing quite like it.   If successful it can provide a great deal of freedom in your life, financial security and personal/professional growth.   It's an awesome job/career!

Best of luck! 

In all honesty? Don't do it unless you are willing to make it a short career. Not because you aren't good enough. But because of AI voices getting better by the week, and a lot less expensive. We are already feeling the effects on our industry. In 10 years from now, only a few very good and well known voice actors will be able to make a living out of this. 

Still willing to go for it? Then my advise would be: be as versatile as possible, have killer demo's, don't wait untill the work comes to you but get your demo on every platform and email at least a couple of potential clients every day, and when you do land a job: go above and beyond to make the clients happy be providing multiple takes fast and in high quality. 

And ofcourse: enjoy yourself! It's such a fun and amazing job! So I will do it for as long as I can.