Enterprise Nation

Whilst walking her dogs over the Scottish landscape, Jenny Farish runs through the vowels of the alphabet. That’s because she’s a voice-over artist, running her business from a sound-clad studio in a farm house south of Perth. We give her a call to listen to her dulcet tones and pose some questions.

How long have you been a voice-over artist?

I set up the business and my studio just over 3 years ago. Before then, I worked in radio and TV so my voice has always been the tool of my trade.

Do you have a dedicated room in the house that serves as your home office/studio?

I do. I have a dedicated studio that is covered in acoustic tiles to prevent the noise from bouncing around the room. Advances in technology have allowed me to work from home – I have an ISDN link to studios across the UK which means I can receive a client request in the morning and have a clean audio file with them by the afternoon. I also use technology to promote myself; my website shows my availability each week and I also send this out in the form of an e-news.

You have a great listing of clients – how do companies get to find out about you?

When I first set up the business I contacted radio stations and production companies. I started to pick up work and am delighted to say many of my customers recommend me to others – and come back themselves. I very much believe that if you deliver what is an easy experience for the client, you will be rewarded with repeat custom. I also promote myself on a very effective site called www.voiceovers.co.uk

How do you keep your voice in shape? Do you do exercises before working on a job?

I do keep my voice in good shape as I’m very aware that it provides my income! I run through my vowels when I’m out walking the dogs, I try to steer clear of people with colds, I drink plenty of water every day and I don’t eat biscuits or chocolate before a job. All these things help.

What is the strangest accent request you’ve ever been asked to record?

I was once asked by a man in Spain to pretend to be a Frenchwoman speaking English, for broadcast on an Australian TV show. That one was quite odd!

Are any of your family involved in the business?

My son is 10 years old and he’s quite the budding voice-artist! When I get requests for children’s voices, he is delighted to oblige. I often think that when Mums are taking their children to zoos and parks in the Holidays, I’m taking my son to see studios! But, to be honest, he enjoys it and I think it’s great for him that he has a Mum who can pick him up from school every day and he gets to see how I earn my living. I think this will pay off when he’s considering his own career options but that’s a little way off yet!

Jenny Farish talks (beautifully and professionally) to Emma Jones

• JennyFarish.com