A long time ago (25 years ago) before I started voice-over and production work, I was in a position with a company where we hired Don Pardo to deliver one line to be used for a radio campaign. This was my first experience, directing Don Pardo. Ha!, when I think about it now, I laugh since I really didn't know what I was doing, yet acting like I did. So I asked him to read the line a few times, making up different ways to say it along the way. The session only took 5 minutes, but that 5 minutes got me hooked.
I started by voicing local commercials and grew through word of mouth to servicing a slew of clients first in the US, then throughout the world. I have worked for ABC Disney, Miller Lite, Moosehead, Pioneer and a few other national brands as well as smaller sized companies doing commercials, movies, industrial projects and even prom audio invites for my friend's kids. I love this business!
I have a degree from BYU in Advertising and a Minor in Sociology. These degrees have helped to warp my mind I think. I've also been a DJ and producer and have Remixed for Atlantic Records, Nancy Sinatra, Otis Day and the Knights, Laura Branigan, along with white-label items from Earth Wind and Fire, Chicago, Pavarotti and Nirvana. I also had a top-10 Dance record in the late 80s.
For VO and production work, I use Pro Tools and an old favorite program Saw Studio. For a mic, I use the Neumann U47 I had refurbished and other "less delicate" favorites. I have a ton of royalty-free music and sound effects as well as produce original background music when needed.
I think the last thing you learn in any skill is texture. With voice-overs and production work, knowing when and how to say and record something takes time to master.