Archives for June 2025

Just before the world turned upside down with the pandemic, my Dad passed away. Sometimes I think he timed it that way—quietly bowing out before the chaos took hold. That would be fitting. He was thoughtful like that. Measured. Wise. A lifelong educator who loved learning as much as he loved sharing what he knew. From elementary school classrooms to university lecture halls, his curiosity was boundless. But even more than that, he was a man who believed deeply in the importance of doing what you love.

He worked harder than anyone I’ve ever known, but he never complained. He infused everything he did with purpose and a quiet joy. He also had the kind of humor that didn’t demand attention but somehow always became the center of the room—sharp, warm, and human. His advice? Simple: “Do what you love, and do it well. And if today doesn’t go your way, there’s always another shot tomorrow.”

Those words stuck. They’ve shaped how I approach my work and life, especially in the world of voiceover. So much so that I decided to honor him with a tattoo—his handwriting inked into my skin, spelling out his motto: “Carpe diem.” Seize the day.

The design also includes a sunrise, a nod to another piece of wisdom he gave my siblings and me whenever we were having a rough time: “The sun will come up tomorrow.” Also, his passion for being out in nature, and a nod to the family cabin he built.

Getting that tattoo turned into a much more meaningful experience than I expected. Dan, the tattoo artist, created this design. We spent some time talking—not just about ink, but about life, passion, and what it means to commit yourself to something you truly love. We’re at opposite ends of our professional timelines, but I was struck by how similar our core values were: do what you love, keep improving, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

That conversation got me thinking about how this all ties into the voiceover industry—and really, into any career where passion fuels the work.

1. Do What You Love

This isn’t just Instagram-meme advice. It’s real. Voice acting isn’t a career you fall into by accident—it’s something you commit to because you’re drawn to the rhythm of language, the challenge of delivering emotion through sound alone, the art of making words matter. Doing what you love doesn’t mean every day is easy or fun, but it means the hard days are still worth it.

2. Strive to Be the Best at What You Do

Dad never said “be perfect.” He said, “do it to the best of your ability.” That subtle difference makes all the difference. Whether I’m recording a national ad campaign or a local PSA, I aim to deliver my best work. That means ongoing training, coaching, and being open to feedback. Dan, the tattoo artist, mentioned how he still studies techniques and trends—even after years of experience. That kind of dedication to craft is something I think we can all admire and emulate.

3. Stay Humble, and Listen

Ego has no place in lasting success. In voiceover, you’re constantly learning—about tone, pacing, style, clients, and even yourself. I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing directors, producers and coaches who’ve helped me stretch in ways I never imagined. I’ve also had to learn when to shut up and listen. My Dad was a master of that. He could sit quietly in a room, soaking in the conversation, and then offer one perfect insight that changed the whole vibe. He led not by being the loudest voice but by being the most grounded.

4. Be Flexible (Even When It’s Hard)

This one’s a tough one—for me, at least. I like structure. I like to know what’s coming. But life, like voiceover, rarely works that way. Schedules change. Clients pivot. Sessions get canceled or rewritten. And sometimes, you just have an off day. My Dad’s mantra that “there’s always another opportunity tomorrow” has been my lifeline more than once. Flexibility isn’t about giving up control—it’s about trusting your ability to adapt, to bounce back, and to keep going.

5. Have Fun—Laughter Is Underrated

Let’s be real: this industry can be intense. Deadlines, rejection, self-doubt—they come with the territory. That’s why humor matters. My Dad was, hands down, the funniest person in the room—and not because he tried to be. He just had this way of finding joy, even in the hard stuff. That kind of lightness is a skill, and I try to carry that into every session. A laugh at the beginning of a session can set the tone. A smile can be heard in your voice. It’s not about being a comedian—it’s about remembering why you started in the first place: because this is supposed to be creative AND fun.

In many ways, this post is a belated Father’s Day tribute. A thank-you note, written in voiceover auditions, sessions and tattoo ink. My Dad’s legacy wasn’t just in what he taught, but in how he lived. He didn’t chase prestige. He didn’t stress over outcomes. He showed up, EVERY DAY, with curiosity, purpose, and heart.

So, wherever you are in your journey—whether you’re just starting out or decades deep—take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you doing what you love? Are you giving it your best? Are you staying open, humble, and kind? Are you laughing?

And if today’s tough, don’t worry. The sun will come up tomorrow.

Now go—Carpe diem.

Pops guiding the way for a two year old me! ❤️Andy

I recently direct-marketed to a production company to introduce myself as a voice actor—something many of us do regularly to connect with new clients and open doors. They actually replied (win!), but the contents of the message gave me pause. And honestly, it’s a story that’s becoming all too familiar:

“We are always looking for fresh talent, however not all talent are accepting of our terms. We work strictly on flat rate buyouts (no royalties or usage fees). Pay is based on client’s budget. Hope that would work for you. We have many seasoned talent who love to work with us because jobs are typically quick and easy (60 or 30s).”

Yikes.

At first glance, this message might seem polite—even generous. They’re responding, they’re open to new talent, and they’re offering (some) work. But look closer, and it’s clear: this is part of a troubling trend that undervalues creative professionals, especially voice actors.

Let’s Be Clear: This Isn’t Just a VO Problem

While this post is focused on voice talent, the “do more for less” attitude is hitting creatives across the board—designers, writers, editors, content creators, even musicians. It’s the idea that “quick and easy” work doesn’t warrant fair pay. Or that a client’s budget is the only financial benchmark that matters. Or worse, that exposure is a suitable form of compensation.

Spoiler: it’s not.

The Myth of “Quick and Easy”

Let’s talk about that part of the email that says the jobs are “quick and easy” (usually :30 or :60 spots). Sure, the final product may only be a few seconds long, but that doesn’t reflect the time, skill, and resources required to make it.

Behind every short spot is:

• Script reading and analysis
• Vocal prep and warm-up
• Professional-grade studio gear and environment
• Multiple takes (and retakes)
• Audio editing and mastering
• File delivery in specific formats
• Licensing and rights negotiations
• Often, client revisions—sometimes several rounds

Add to that: maintaining a business, investing in training, marketing, admin work… it adds up. Fast.

You wouldn’t ask a photographer to shoot your brand campaign with an iPhone and no usage agreement. Why treat voiceover any differently?

“Based on Client’s Budget” ≠ Fair Compensation

Let’s unpack this line: “Pay is based on client’s budget.”

Of course, budgets vary. Independent brands, startups, and nonprofits often have different resources than multinational corporations. Most voice actors get that. We do work with clients to find solutions that match project scope and budget realities.

But let’s be honest: when a project has professional production standards, paid actors, custom visuals, and marketing dollars—but the voiceover budget is an afterthought? That’s not a financial issue. That’s a priority issue.

Being budget-conscious doesn’t mean ignoring industry standards. Which brings us to…

The GVAA Rate Guide: Your Go-To Standard

The GVAA (Global Voice Acting Academy) Rate Guide is one of the most widely respected tools in the voiceover world. It outlines fair, consistent rates based on project type, usage, market size, and more. It’s not about inflating fees—it’s about establishing professional norms that value creative work appropriately.

Think of it like a menu. You don’t walk into a restaurant and say, “I’ll pay what I feel like for this meal.” You respect the listed price. The GVAA guide is that menu for voice work.

It helps clients set fair budgets and helps talent avoid that awkward dance of “what do you charge?” vs. “what do you have?” It also ensures that things like usage (where and how long your voice will be used) are factored in—because yes, that matters.

Flat Rate Buyouts: The Creative Shortcut No One Asked For

Now, about those “flat rate buyouts.”

This is the practice of paying a single fee, regardless of usage or duration. For example, a voice actor might be paid $300 for a commercial that airs nationally for a year—or even longer. No renewal. No usage fees. Just one flat payment.

On the surface, it might sound simple, even efficient. But in practice? It usually benefits only the client. The talent is left underpaid for work that might generate thousands—sometimes millions—in revenue for a brand.

Flat rate buyouts are like signing away your creative rights without a second thought. And when there’s no negotiation around usage or distribution, that’s exactly what happens.

What This Means for Clients

To all the producers, creatives, and marketers out there: if you want top-tier voice talent, you need to pay them fairly. Not extravagantly. Not exorbitantly. Just fairly.

Fair pay attracts experienced, reliable professionals who care about your brand’s message. You’ll get better performances, better communication, and better results. And—bonus—you help make the creative industry more sustainable.

Win-win.

What This Means for Talent

If you’re a voice actor (or aspiring to be one), this is your reminder: know your worth. The more we normalize asking for fair rates, the more we shift industry expectations away from “whatever the client wants” to “what’s fair for both sides.”

You’re not being difficult when you reference the GVAA guide. You’re being a professional. And while yes, sometimes you might negotiate for passion projects, indie films, or startup brands—that should be the exception, not the expectation.

TL;DR: Don’t Settle. Set the Standard.

“Quick and easy” should never mean “cheap and undervalued.” Creative work deserves creative respect—including fair pay.

So let’s change the script. Let’s push back (kindly but firmly) when terms don’t reflect industry standards. Let’s educate clients who may not know better, and hold accountable those who do.

Fair rates aren’t just about money. They’re about sustainability, respect, and keeping our creative industry thriving.

Why This Matters to You (Yes, You)

If you’re in production, advertising, or content creation, understand this: Fair pay is good business. When you honor the GVAA guide—or negotiate with transparency and respect—you attract top-tier talent. You create better content. You build sustainable relationships.

If you’re a voice actor, know your worth. You have a right to ask for fair compensation. You’re not being “difficult.” You’re being professional.

The Bottom Line

Fresh talent doesn’t mean free talent. “Quick” doesn’t mean cheap. And “based on client budget” shouldn’t be a euphemism for “as little as possible.”

Let’s change the script.

Resources:

📌 GVAA Rate Guide
📌 CAVA(Canadian Association of Voice Actors)

📌 NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors)
📌 Rates & Real Talk – VO Industry Conversations