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Cameron Thomas

A Call For Professionalism Within The Voiceover Community

Voiceover

Over nearly 20 years as a voiceover talent, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients. I can count on one hand the number of times a client may have been unpleasant or unprofessional. For the most part, clients value collaboration, respect deadlines, and treat me fairly.

But here’s the twist: the biggest challenges I’ve encountered recently haven’t come from clients at all. They’ve come from within the voiceover community itself.A Call To Professionalism

Where Professionalism Breaks Down
Alongside my VO career, I also serve as a project manager at a website development company that builds sites for voice talent. That means I’ve also worked with hundreds of my peers on the “business” side of their careers. And over the last couple of years, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: a rise in unprofessional behavior from some in our own ranks.

Every industry has its share of challenges and difficult customer service interactions. Perhaps these are just standard but lately, it feels like we’re seeing a different caliber of behavior entering the industry  – and sometimes, even long-time veterans are slipping.

Here are a few examples:

  • Compensation misunderstandings. As voice actors, we advocate for fair rates, usage fees, and revision charges. Yet I’ve encountered talent quibbling and debating to pay fairly for work done to their own websites. Revisions to a website can be just as time-consuming as revisions to a voiceover recording. That’s a double standard.

  • Not following instructions. In VO, following project directions is non-negotiable. But when I provide detailed step-by-step Zoom calls, emails, PDFs, and explainer videos for website processes, too many ignore them — dismissing or repeatedly asking for the same information, delaying progress, or even arguing against the instructions. If we aren’t practicing attention to detail in all areas of our work, it can spill into the way we serve our clients.

  • Rude or dismissive communication. I go out of my way to clarify and assist with folks promptly, even on weekends and holidays. While most colleagues communicate with kindness and respect, I’ve also seen condescending, dismissive comments, or even aggressive messages that later get brushed off as the result of a “bad day.” We all have long days. But professionalism requires us to manage how we communicate — especially in a collaborative industry like ours

How Professionalism Shapes Opportunity
This isn’t just about minor inconveniences. Behaviors have real consequences. If we don’t apply the same professionalism to our peers and vendors that we demand from clients, we risk weakening the very foundation of our industry.

How can talent handle detailed client directions if they can’t follow instructions with their own vendor? If they can’t communicate professionally with colleagues, what happens when a casting director or agent is on the receiving end? These habits can cost opportunities — and erode the reputation of our industry as a whole.

Moving Forward Together
The good news is that professionalism is a skill we can all strengthen. It’s not about perfection — we all make mistakes, and we all have bad days. It is about consistency. It’s about treating every interaction, whether with a client, a colleague, or a vendor, as an opportunity to build trust and strengthen relationships.

Voiceover is, at its heart, a relationship-driven business. Our reputations travel with us. When we practice professionalism in all corners of our work — communication, compensation, follow-through — we build an industry that clients want to hire from and colleagues want to collaborate with.

A Stronger Industry Starts With Us
Voiceover is a relationship-driven business. We expect clients to treat us with respect, pay us fairly, and honor our professionalism. We must hold ourselves to the exact same standards when working with one another.

Professionalism isn’t optional. It’s the very foundation of trust in this industry.

I believe the voiceover industry has an incredible future. The talent pool continues to grow, opportunities are expanding, and technology is opening new doors. If we can match that growth with a renewed commitment to professionalism — both outwardly with clients and inwardly with each other — we’ll all be stronger for it.

Forget The World

General

Forget the World: Why Your Voiceover Website Should Reflect You

When you’re setting out to build a new website—especially as a voice actor—it’s tempting to want a design that “appeals to everyone.” I hear it all the time in my work as a project manager for Voice Actor Websites that specializes in voice talent:

“What layout do people like?”
“What colors will people like?”
“What fonts are best for attracting clients?”

It’s completely understandable. You want your website to succeed. You want it to resonate. But here’s the truth: Your website should reflect you. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Because there is no one-size-fits-all voice, brand, or client.

And chasing that mythical “perfect” layout, color, or functionality? It’s exhausting—and ultimately ineffective.Your Voiceover Site Should Reflect You

There’s No Universal Formula for Website Success

You could spend hours (or days!) researching the “perfect” font. Or agonizing over whether your hero image should be smiling-you-with-a-mic or waveform-in-motion. But here’s the thing: even if you used the exact same design, colors, and layout as a top-tier voice actor, it wouldn’t guarantee you their results.

There are simply too many variables at play. What works for one person’s site may not work for yours. Why? Because you’re not them. Your voice, your strengths, your niche—it’s all different.

And how you market your website is a whole different story.

A site’s success doesn’t come from imitating someone else. It comes from clarity, consistency, and authenticity. It comes from YOU!

Reflect What YOUR Voice Sounds Like

Rather than focusing on what others are doing, start with you. Reflect what your voice sounds like. Translate your personality and professional focus into your design choices—colors, layout, font, tone of copy, and even the way your demos are presented.

Are you conversational, relatable, articulate, and knowledgeable? Then a clean, corporate-style website may not do you justice. Are you the “relatable” and “friendly”? Perhaps a casual headshot might work well. Or a bold, colorful design may compliment your quirky character voices. Whatever your styel, show it off with organized layouts and confident messaging.

Don’t design your website for everyone. Design it for the people who are most likely to hire you.

My style is casual, conversational, and trustworthy. The hat on my site is one that I’ve worn for years. It’s me. So I used it as my banner image. The photo was taken on my neighbor’s shed. Again, my style and something personal to ME.

Embracing Individuality (Without the Pressure to Please Everyone)

We live in a culture that shouts about individuality and authenticity—but somehow still pressures us to make our individuality universally appealing. That hasn’t always squared with me – like trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole.

In voiceover (and in life), you are told to be yourself. And then—when it’s time to market yourself—you’re expected to look and sound like everyone else. That’s not just frustrating. It’s ineffective.

Instead, embrace what sets you apart. There’s no shame in not being “everyone’s voice.” That’s what makes you memorable.

FTW: Forget The World

I’m a longtime drummer. One of my musical heroes, the late great Aaron Spears, used to talk about a phrase he carried with him when he played: FTW – Forget The World.

It meant: stop worrying about how everyone else is playing. Don’t focus on how you stack up. Just play what YOU are comfortable playing.

The same goes for your website. Forget what everyone else is doing. Build a site that serves your goals, showcases your voice, and supports your clients. That’s it.

You don’t need the perfect color. Just your color.
>You don’t need the perfect font. You need one that feels right for you.
>You don’t need to chase what’s popular. Be clear about what you bring to the table.

In the End…

The most successful voiceover websites aren’t trying to be everything to everyone. They’re focused, personal, and professional. They speak with clarity—just like the talent behind them.

So next time you’re tweaking that layout, choosing that color, or writing your About section, ask yourself:

Is this me?

If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right track.

Forget the world—and let your voice lead.

Voice Over Talent – Follow These Instructions!

Voiceover

So you have your voiceover or voice acting business set up. You have your training done, demos recorded, website up and running, and you’re ready for auditions. Obviously the most critical factor for being hired is your voice. You may have recorded the best audition but before you send it off, there is one thing that many folks seem to miss which can cost you the job. One of the most critical aspects of being a successful voice talent is the ability to follow instructions and direction meticulously. While the quality of one’s voice is undeniably the primary factor in securing jobs, the ability to adhere to specific guidelines and project details can significantly influence a voice talent’s reputation and longevity in the industry. Follow these instructions for auditions and understand and implement project details when hired.Voice Talent - Follow These Steps - Cameron Thomas Voiceovers

Importance of Following VO Audition Instructions

Audition directions often encompass various elements, such as the vocal style required, the slating of auditions, the number of reads to provide, how to label audition files, and the proper channels for submission. Some project castings may not have much direction, if any at all. But for for agents and casting directors, their audition review process is more involved. Think of it from their perspective. They have to review dozens or hundreds of auditions, so they need to narrow things down. Audition instructions are specific, sometimes numerous, and always required. The ability to follow instructions is paramount or else your audition gets tossed.

Vocal Style

Casting directors often specify the desired vocal style in the audition instructions. Whether the client is looking for a warm and friendly tone, a professional and authoritative voice, or a playful and animated delivery, understanding and executing these nuances is crucial. Voice talent must thoroughly comprehend these directions and deliver a performance that aligns with the client’s vision. Failure to capture the intended style can result in being overlooked for the role, regardless of vocal quality.

Slating Voice Over Auditions

To slate, or not to slate. That is the question. Slating your name all depends on the client. Slating helps casting directors easily identify and categorize auditions. When they need to review dozens or hundreds of auditions, they need consistency in their auditions to make their assessment easier. Some may want a slate at the beginning or the end. Some may want a bit more info about you in the slate. If the audition does not mention slating, it is generally acceptable practice to include it. But keep it short, like your name and number of takes. However, some castings specifically ask for NO slating. If you see that note in highlighted bold, don’t do it! Neglecting to slate correctly or failing to slate altogether will disrupt the client audition review process. If they get frustrated, your audition may end up in the trash bin.

Number of Voiceover Reads

Casting directors might request multiple reads to gauge a voice talent’s range and versatility. Instructions might specify providing two or three different takes, each with a slight variation in tone or delivery. Adhering to this request showcases the talent’s ability to interpret and deliver direction, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.

File Labeling and Submitting Voiceover Files

In all cases with agency auditions, audition files often need to be labeled in a particular format. Yes, this means dotting your ‘i’s’ and crossing your ‘t’s’. Did you add a dash instead of an underscore? Did you accidentally add a space in the label? This systematic approach helps casting directors manage numerous submissions efficiently. Can you imagine looking at folder of hundreds of files and each one is labeled differently? How would you like to sift through all of those and figure out whose audition is whose?

Additionally, auditions must be submitted through specified channels, whether via email, an online portal, or through an agency. Ignoring these details can result in a submission being lost, overlooked, or discarded, regardless of the talent’s performance quality. Also, many clients may be protective of their communication channels. I have heard of some talent ignoring client requests for preferred communication and going rogue through other channels. That is certainly not cool. Breaking communication protocol risks ruining the reputation of the agent of casting platform – keep doing that and you will likely be asked to leave.

Importance of Following Voice Project Instructions When Hired

If you make it through the audition process and get hired, congratulations! But it doesn’t stop there. Once hired, you must follow detailed project instructions. Projects can vary greatly. Some are fairly straightforward with minimal direction and steps. Record, submit, invoice and get paid. However, some may be much more involved. Your ability to manage and execute these details proficiently is crucial for client satisfaction and project success.

Vocal Direction

Every project comes with its unique set of vocal directions. Whether it’s a commercial, e-learning, corporate narration, or any other type of voice-over work, understanding and delivering the desired vocal style and tone is essential. Clients often provide specific feedback and direction during the recording process. Voice talent must be receptive to this feedback and able to adjust their performance accordingly. This responsiveness ensures the final product aligns with the client’s expectations and requirements.

File Management

In many projects, especially those involving e-learning modules, audiobooks, or video games, there can be dozens, if not hundreds of individual audio files. Properly labeling these files according to the client’s instructions is vital. Mislabeling files can create significant challenges for producers and audio engineers, leading to delays and additional work. For example, files might need to be labeled with specific codes or titles that correspond to particular sections of the project. Ensuring accuracy in this area helps streamline the workflow and maintain project organization.

Acknowledging and Correcting Mistakes

It may seem that I am writing this from a perch of perfection. Despite best efforts, mistakes can happen. And I have made them. Even when I thought I read all of the instructions, sometimes my enthusiasm got the better of me and I missed something. Maybe it was a script mistake. Maybe it was a file mislabel. But what I have done and will always continue to do is take ownership of my mistake. Accountability fosters trust and reliability (part of the “Tried & True” brand). A key to maintaining long-term relationships is not dropping the ball or shifting blame. Part of being a professional is also correcting errors quickly and to take steps to prevent recurrence. I will always restore my quality of work to regain client satisfaction.

Conclusion

When you go through all of the effort of training, building a studio, recording demos, hopefully you find opportunities to audition for work. With all of the focus on perfecting your voice, do not let simple oversights in submitting an audition ruin your hard work. It is easy to overlook a small detail of misusing a slate, or labeling an audio file. You may be surprised by how many folks do just that and torpedo their chance of getting hired and really ticking off agents and casting directors. Don’t make their life any harder than it has to be and ensure that you follow the instructions for all of your auditions and voiceover projects.

Check out the video version of this blog.

Can You Really Be Anything You Want To Be?

General

Have you heard that you can, “be anything you want to be” and thought to yourself, not really?

Chances are you have heard this phrase countless times in speeches and interviews when folks talk about their successes. Dream big, they say. Pursue your passion, they say. Sure, it’s always nice to recognize someone’s success and provide positive thoughts. But doesn’t a part of you say, that’s BS!

That’s what it read in a book recently. When attending a music event at my local library, I sat next to a book display. A book, “Assume The Worst – The Graduation Speech You’ll Never Hear,” caught my eye. Leafing through it I saw this passage – “you can be anything you want to be – total bullshit.”

Finally, someone said it! It is actually refreshing to read. When I hear “you can be anything”, my eyes roll. It’s not being negative – it’s being realistic.

I get it, though. The mindset of doing anything and being anything is ingrained in our culture from childhood. As a father, coach, and team lead in work roles, I always strive to be supportive and encouraging. As a society, we idolize those who have achieved greatness. The notion that we can achieve anything we want and be anything we want is noble and good. A young child or adult will most certainly find ambition and motivation to achieve their goals and dreams.

Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses

However, let us not overlook the inherent limitations. We all have our strengths and weaknesses from a variety of factors, whether it’s genetics, upbringing, or environmental factors.

When I enlisted in the Air Force, I had dreams of working my way to be a pilot. But my eyesight was a showstopper. An issue with depth perception was an uncorrectable condition unsuitable for military flying. There were many things I have wanted to do. For a variety of reasons, they didn’t happen. Some were within my control, some were not.

When I got into voiceovers, I never thought I’d sound like the movie trailer guy Don Lafontaine! Folks said you have a nice voice, but nobody ever said you sound like that movie guy. Of course we all jokingly try to mimic the “In a world” line, but come on, my voice isn’t suited for that. So, no, I cannot be any voice I want to be. That’s just nuts.

Remember Frank the chameleon in the old Budweiser commercials? When acknowledging chameleons are not a good looking species, he said, “I simply know my limitations.” The same for someone with poor hand-eye coordination – chances are they’re not going to be the next Red Sox 3rd baseman Rafael Devers.

This is NOT to say that with hard work and determination you can’t achieve success in a variety of ways. Yes, we hear of many stories of people overcoming all sorts of deficiencies and shortfalls and but holding yourself to a level that you may not be suited for, geared for, or wired for is a level of self-delusion.

Can Anyone Be A Voiceover?

During an interview, someone asked me, “can anyone be a voiceover?” In terms of barriers to entry, I was about to say yes. But I paused. No, I said. I could not honestly say that ANYone can be a voiceover. Not everyone has a voice that could be successful in voiceovers. Even if they did, so many other factors such as determination, training, marketing, are at play that may impact someone’s success.

Entering the voiceover industry is much easier these days with inexpensive gear, remote connection, and a variety of casting sites. Many folks have flooded the market with goals of making money and success. With some investment and training, many folks can be successful. I realized I was not going to be the next movie trailer guy. Believe me, I tried auditioning for all sorts of projects – many of which I was not well suited for hoping there might be a chance I could be even close to the mark. Some of my first demos featured spots that just were not in my vocal wheelhouse.

With coaching and a lot of practice, I started to focus on my vocal strengths and the type of work that my voice would be best suited for. Commercials, corporate narration, explainer videos, and e-learning are areas that I have done the most work and have had a lot of success over the years. Those are in my wheelhouse. Have I done work in other genres such as character, announcer, and promos? Sure but those are not as common for me.

Is Anything Achievable?

Some may read this blog and think that this is discouraging or negative.

Have you had to do a SMART goal at work? What does the ‘A’ stand for again? Achievable. There’s a reason for that.

Set goals and do what you can. But balance that out. Do not set yourself up for failure with unrealistic expectations that are unachievable. This leads to disappointment. And that can snowball to personal failure, low self-esteem, and worse, depression.

My dream to be an Air Force pilot was dashed – it still haunts me to this day. But I was still able to work on aircraft as a maintainer. And I did eventually fly by earning my private pilot license. Those were realistic alternatives to the unachievable.

Directing Resources To The Right Goal

Without self-awareness, you may not be equipped to make the best decisions. Think about all of the time and money spent on those unrealistic goals that could’ve been spent on something more attainable. As with life, it’s a gamble sometimes. With any gamble, one needs to weigh all factors.

I’m not here to crush anyone’s goal or dream. I’m really a positive guy! Really! But there are limitations and the potential disillusionment that must be acknowledged. And I feel there is a responsibility to be realistic. Keeping expectations in check ensures we’re not setting people up for failure and to hopefully enjoy those successes, as unexpected as they may be.

So next time you hear “You can be anything you want to be”, it’s ok to be realistic and think to yourself, “not really.” But then, focus on your strengths, recognize your weaknesses, and adjust your goals accordingly.

The Power of Marketing Initiative

General

Last weekend, I found myself meandering through a music flea market. It wasn’t big. Maybe a dozen tables of mostly scattered used musical instruments, parts, and dusty CDs. As I strolled past the tables adorned with worn-out guitars and faded album covers, I came across a duo passionately promoting their band. Initially indifferent to their musical style, I hesitated for a moment before deciding to engage in a conversation with them, eventually walking away with their card. That card was a reminder of the power of marketing initiative.

Back at home, I found myself holding their card. I was just about to toss it, but stopped. The truth was, their genre wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. Would I buy an album? Probably not. However, something about the encounter lingered in my mind. These musicians could’ve stayed home that day. But they didn’t. They spent their weekend in a small church community room, chatting with passersby at a flea market. That gesture, that initiative, spoke volumes.

Initiative Doesn’t Need To Be Flashy

I’m used to seeing promotion tables at conferences and expos with tons of swag and flashy demonstrations. Theirs was far from it. Their table lacked the glamour of big-name bands, featuring only a few cards and some modest swag. What I couldn’t see, though, was the countless hours they had invested in perfecting their craft—practicing, rehearsing, recording, marketing, and creating videos. They could have chosen the comfort of sleeping in on a Saturday morning, but instead, they were out there, dedicating their time and effort to promote their band in an unexpected setting. That kind of commitment and initiative deserved acknowledgment, if not through a purchase, then at least through a genuine listen.

Upon delving into their musical repertoire, I discovered they only had one song. It was decent—good musicianship, but not exactly the kind of act I’d rush to see live. Yet, they had a Youtube channel showcasing their journey, and behind the scenes recording sessions. It was a glimpse into their creative process, and it resonated with me. So I subscribed to their channel. It was a small gesture but a nod of appreciation for their dedication.

Folks Appreciate Effort And Passion

In a world inundated with promotions and advertisements that often go unnoticed, there’s something refreshing about recognizing the sheer effort artists put into their passion projects. After 16 years as a voiceover guy, I know the struggles and skills needed to develop a craft and brand. The band I encountered might not become the soundtrack of my life. I may not be a regular attendee at their shows, but I now find myself taking a moment to appreciate the hard work they’re putting into their craft.

It’s a reminder that behind every business, every creative endeavor, there’s a story of perseverance and dedication. It’s easy to overlook the hustle when bombarded with choices and distractions. Yet, this chance encounter at a flea market served as a wake-up call, urging me to acknowledge and support the grassroots efforts of those chasing their dreams.

In the end, I may not become a lifelong fan, and I may not use their services regularly, but I’ve learned the value of pausing to appreciate the initiative and dedication of individuals who are out there, doing their best to make their mark in the world. So, the next time you come across a small business, a local band, or a passionate individual putting their heart into their craft, take a moment to listen and recognize the power of initiative—it might just leave a lasting impression.

Why Is This So Rare In Communication?

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I was surprised to see a client mention this to me the other day:

“I wanted to say thank you for being so prompt and thorough and ‘on top of it all’ with your responses. That seems to be a rarity in business these days.”

A rarity? Really?

My surprise was not that I was prompt. I pride myself on being prompt with clients. The surprise was that it seemed like a rarity. Why?!

This topic falls under the umbrella of communication that I alluded to in a previous blog about critical skills in running a voiceover business. One of those tips includes email communication so I wanted to elaborate.

How Prompt Is Prompt?

Please don’t get me wrong. I get it. Folks are busy for a whole host of reasons. Works happens. Emergencies happen. Life happens. There are times when a quick reply is just not possible. People have more pressing matters to attend to. So do I. But how prompt is prompt? What is prompt to you or me? It varies of course.

Email Communication - Cameron Thomas Voiceovers

Of course there are extenuating circumstances that prevent replying. I would not expect anyone to pull their car over or step away from dinner that instance. However, Grammarly’s Email Etiquette says replying within 24 hours is a “common courtesy.” Longer than that is preceived as “rude.” We should always consider normal “business” hours and days as well. I would not expect replies on a weekend or holiday.

In my voiceover work and project management role in website development, I always tell my clients that I am usually same-day reply. I also tell them that if it’s more than a day, then I am really busy. If it’s more than two days, then something either happened to me, or I didn’t get it. Aside from a holiday or busy weekend, I have adhered to same-day replies.

Communication Has Never Been Easier

Communicating with others has never been easier. Cell phones put email, texting, message apps in the palm of your hand. There really is no excuse. I currently manage three email platforms, Whatsapp, Slack, texting, and even Facebook Instant Messenger for work and other professional purposes. I also have all of these on my phone. There is NO excuse that I cannot reply to anyone at anytime. Unless of course, I don’t have phone service/internet, or I’m sleeping. Better Communication

But to let a message and a professional request go unanswered just opens the door to speculation from the sender that they are not important enough or are just being ignored. How else are they to know otherwise?

Some messages may simply be missed. With crazy filled inboxes, yes, messages can get lost in the mix. However, the lack of prompt replies on a regular basis is simply unprofessional.

Clients Deserve The Courtesy Of Prompt Replies

If someone were to ask you,”Would you rather be quick or accurate?”, what would you say? My answer is always the same, quick. Urgency seems to me to outweigh accuracy. I want to show urgency to clients. I want to make the client feel like they are my only priority to help them get their project done. Clients have timelines too. Quick answers can help them make decisions and manage their projects so much easier. They deserve the same prompt reply that I would expect from others. I consider it a professional courtesy that I extend to everyone.

Another reason I prefer urgency, is that you can still be accurate. You do not need to sacrifice accuracy. Being accurate is great; however, the sense of urgency is lost forever if that answer is delayed. Speculation and wonder creep in the longer a request or question is delayed. This doesn’t mean your answer has to be wrong. Even if you need more time for a more accurate response, a simple acknowledgement that a message is received and being followed up with is a comfort to the sender. It is peace of mind knowing their request did not float off into email-land somewhere.

A Professional Courtesy Deserves To Be Reciprocated

Seeing an email lingering in my inbox unanswered drives me nuts. I can’t stop thinking about it until I can address it. Perhaps it’s part of my OCD, but there is another reason. Professional courtesies tend to be reciprocated. In many of my activities, I try to lead by example. If I extend the courtesy of prompt replies, then hopefully I get it in return. I expect it more with co-workers and internal communications than I do with clients.   Do I expect it all the time. No. But it is nice.

I know I am not changing the world with this post. But if basic professional courtesies are dwindling, perhaps a friendly reminder is necessary. We’re reminded about everything else online, so why not this? If you have any comments, let me know. Just don’t delay, ok?