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Cameron Thomas

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.

Filed Under: Voiceover

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.

Filed Under: General

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.

Filed Under: General

Why Is This So Rare In Communication?

General

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?

Filed Under: General

Critical Skills For Your Voiceover Business

Voiceover

You have worked hard starting your voiceover business. After all of the training, practicing, demos, auditioning, recording, and invoicing, you are proud of your accomplishments and officially calling yourself a voice actor. Those are some big ticket items that cost a lot of money, time, and effort. However, there are some other skills that are just as critical to your voiceover business. These can make or break relationships with your clients and negate all that hard work.

Skills For Your Voiceover Business

After 16 years as a voice over guy I have completed hundreds of projects for commercials, corporate videos, e-learning, explainer videos, podcasts, real estate, and more. My other work as a project manager for a website development has also helped me identify areas that dramatically impact the success of a project. These are common sense, best-practices that you already know, but are certainly worth highlighting. And this is not to say that I am an expert on these. Not at all! In fact, I am guilty of some of these. I just won’t say which one(s) though.

Following Detailed Instructions

Attention to detail. Many of you may be great at this. It may not be as easy for others. Ok, I’ll be honest. I am guilty of this. In fact, I was guilty of it as I wrote this blog! I have to work hard at this because I tend to work quickly. There are many times that I need to focus on slowing down to ensure I do not miss anything.

Some folks have a vision of VO work as getting a script, recording it, and getting paid. Seems simple. For the most part, it is. But it depends on the project. As they say, the devil is in the details.

For starters, ensure you are following audition instructions. Any online voice actor group will remind you of how agents and casting directors get frustrated with voice talent not following their specific audition instructions. Aside from the casting direction, slating, and labeling details are very specific. Like letter specific. Or else your audition will not be heard. So be sure to re-read those audition instructions.

If you are selected for one of these projects, great! Be ready for more instructions though. A 30 second commercial script has less direction and detail than lengthy e-learning projects or audiobooks. Depending on the project and vendor, you may need to dive into pages of instructions, labeling details, and file transfers. A small labeling error could cost your client time and even money. Do not forget about managing a large number of audio files and recording in proper audio formats. IVR and telephony projects may have massive lists of files to record and track. Please do not underestimate the scope of what you need to track. Do not breeze through those instructions. They are there for a reason.

Editing Audio

With most voice actors recording from home studios editing audio on their digital audio workstation (DAW), this probably goes without saying. Auditions need to be edited for a clean presentation! Most folks can do this, but there are some who cannot. Sure, a lot of projects are done in-studio or even remotely through Source Connect directly to the audioCameron Thomas Voiceovers Audio engineer. (Check out tips for your Source Connect session) They handle editing from there. For most of us, you need to be familiar with your DAW and editing. Perhaps you need to record in a different audio format. Or make revisions to existing audio. I have had projects start as a Source Connect session but revisions were later finished from my studio. Making those edits on your own quickly will be much more helpful to your clients.

Managing Emails

There are many pet peeves when it comes to emails. We all have them. However, a few simple adjustments that I have noticed can help avoid some messy email communication snafus.

Minimize multiple email chains. Email chains can go on forever. Yes, it can be difficult to keep reviewing lengthy chains. However, starting a new email thread for every reply or question ends up being too many to track. Answers to questions end up all over the inbox.

Cameron Thomas Voiceovers My emails to folks in project management are pretty lengthy; however every bit of info is there for a reason and speaks to common questions and issues that come up. I know it is a lot but I’m happy to clarify things. To my earlier point about detail, I do understand when folks miss something.

Also using multiple emails addresses is difficult for clients to track. Keeping emails contained to one address helps them manage their inbox better and streamline communications.

Keep important emails handy until your project is done. Archive them for later reference. Clients may question your reliability asking repeatedly for info sent already.

Keeping A Cool Head In Challenging Situations

This could really dovetail into everything about professional communication and emotional intelligence, but I’ll keep it brief here. Misunderstandings and difficult situations will occur. How do you handle it? Do you flip your lid? Or keep a cool head? Pack your patience! It will serve you more than you know. Your reactions in sticky situations speak volumes about you and how others perceive you.

You Never Know Who Is Considering You For Work

Here is an example. During a leadership training course years ago, the speaker told us a story about how he was hiring someone for a position at his company. After multiple interview sessions, he finalized his preferred candidate. Instead of offering him the position, he said they selected someone else. Why? He wanted to see what their reaction to bad news. If the person was understanding, albeit disappointed, and cordial, then perhaps that person might have the emotional intelligence to handle difficult situations at work. In that case, they may be the right choice. The manager would reach back out to the candidate to say that things changed, the position reopened, and was available.

If the person flew off the handle with a harsh reaction, then that might be red flag of how they would react under pressure in the workplace. Would that be someone you would want to work with? In that case, on to the next candidate.

Same thing in voice-overs and my project management work. How do you handle situations with co-workers, clients, or vendors? Do you treat everyone the same? This is a networking world. Would they refer you to others? Folks often move or advance into other positions or careers. Would they consider bringing you on board after working with you? I have seen how folks portray themselves as being professional and friendly, but behind the scenes, are completely different. Would I consider others for other work opportunities knowing how they treated others? Hmmmm.

There also seems to be a fixation or sense of pride on being demanding, unwavering, and taking a tough stand on things. (Remember your DiSC assessment?) Depends on the situation. But not for run-of-the-mill, mundane procedural tasks. Asking for things to be done comes across much better than demanding. People are busy. Misunderstandings will happen. So be it! Don’t harp on it. Acknowledge it, and move on.

 

Filed Under: Voiceover

Behind The “Tried & True” Brand – How It Works For Your Voiceover Project

Voiceover

One of the more fun aspects of business development is creating a brand. It’s fun to think about a cool tagline, or a logo that would look good on some swag and that you can have fun promoting. But developing a brand is not easy. You might stumble upon a snappy brand right away. Great! But it often takes a lot more research and reflection and can be clouded by overthinking.  Cameron Thomas Voiceovers’ “Tried & True” tagline and logo developed over a long period of time. So what’s behind the CTV brand and how does it work for your voiceover project?

Voice Actor Brand Factors

Not only am I a voiceover guy, but I am also a project manager for Voice Actor Websites where we help other voice actors design and build websites for their business. One of the biggest struggles that they often encounter? Their brand. I enjoy walking through a talent’s background and experience to explore brand possibilities, whether it’s through website colors, a logo, tagline, imagery, etc.

Key questions are what is it about yourself that’s different than others. What is your signature sound? What does your voice convey and what do people think of when they hear your voice. What are your areas of focus, or genres? What are your personal values? These are just a few considerations among many, and it takes time to sift through.

Once you distill that down to some key ideas, then how does that look conceptually and visually?

Background of The CTV Voice Over Brand

To get my first website off the ground when I first started years ago, my first logo was actually a loosely shaped head with the swoosh-style design, a mic, and a hat, which I wore all the time (Go Bruins!) as a general concept to convey a casual guy speaking into a microphone. I didn’t have a tagline at the beginning but I chose the college/sporty font to represent the youthful/young-adult aspect of my voice.

But I needed to dig deeper. After reading some branding/marketing books, I spent months jotting down literally dozens of pages of notes about all aspects of my potential brand, trying to boil it all down to a simple catch phrase that captured the essence of CTV. I just couldn’t decide.

Finally, my wife said to me, let’s go out, have a drink, and let’s chat about it. Within just minutes of sitting down, she blurts out, “tried and true!” BINGO! That was it!!!!! What literally took me months and pages of notes, she figured out by our first beer!

I find that many popular company brand taglines are often phrases that you hear in common, every-day conversations. Someone will mention a cliche or phrase, and with just a minor tweak, becomes a signature brand.

I recall a video producer mentioning on LinkedIn that describing your brand on a social media post can be as simple as saying what do you do and who you serve.

So what does “Tried & True” mean?

“Tried” – An Experienced Voice Matters

After more than 15 years as a voiceover and hundreds of projects, I have the experience. Clients need an experienced voiceover that can deliver quality sound, quickly and reliably. There is simply no time for clients to spend time with inexperienced folks just learning how to record and deliver audio, not to mention delivering the right tone and pacing. Not only do clients hire me for my voice, they appreciate prompt recordings, high-quality audio, and professionalism. They tried me, they liked me, and they came back for more.  I greatly value and appreciate the clients that have used my voice for more than a decade!

“True” – A Trustworthy Sound

A good exercise on voice branding is to get feedback from demos and actual projects. What do people think of when they hear your voice? When folks heard my demos and previous work, one of the most common words that came up was “trustworthy”. In fact, one client commented about an audition I sent saying “I trust that guy!”

What does “trust” look like on a website? When it came to my brand colors, blue is my favorite color. But blue also helps convey trustworthiness. It has that professional, reliable feel that folks tend to associate with business. Plus, the Air Force core value – integrity first – is one that I value the most and I want to be as true to my clients, my work, and myself as possible.

Putting it all together in an image, I wanted to keep my signature hat in the logo to represent my casual, friendly, easy-going nature as well. With the help of my neighbor, Jim Carlen of Carlen Images, who built a really nice shed with some rough-sawn planks, took a picture of my hat casually hung on his shed wall. The wood gives it a warmer vibe, much like the style of my voice.

His daughter Saralyn Carlen, a talented graphic designer, designed the cap into my logo on top of an old-style microphone. I kept the same style of font that I still sound young but added a little “wear” (like my hat) that reflected my experience and longevity as well.

So that’s how the “Tried & True” brand came to be. An experienced and trusting, “Tried & True” voice for commercials, corporate videos, e-learning, explainer videos, and narrations.

Brands do not have to be super complicated. Concise and simple works well. Be resourceful too. Perhaps a friend or family member can crystallize a tagline or logo, or even have a cool looking shed. Your brand is out there. Just watch and listen, and it’ll hit you – sometimes when you least expect it.

Filed Under: Voiceover

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