A great question was recently posted to Such A Voice's Facebook page about whether or not it's a good idea to use watermarks for voice-over auditions on sites such as Voices.com and Voice123.com.

A great question was recently posted to Such A Voice's Facebook page about whether or not it's a good idea to use watermarks for voice-over auditions on sites such as Voices.com and Voice123.com.

In the audio world, a watermark is another audio file that you place on top of the primary audio file, in this case your voice over, to prevent a dishonest client from using your voice-over work without actually paying you for it. An example of a watermark for a narration or commercial you audition for could be something as simple as a "ding!" sound that pops up every few seconds. As long as this "ding!" doesn't obscure the quality of your voice-over read or completely annoy the listener, the client wouldn't be able to use this recording for commercial purposes. If you are recording a longer voiceover, another common method is to over-lay the voice-over with, "This is just a demo by Jane Smith," every ten seconds or so.

Although watermarking can protect your voice over jobs, it's not advisable to watermark every audition. Especially if you are working with a well-known client or someone you have worked with in the past, watermarking an audition could be interpreted by the client that you are distrustful of them. They might pass up your great audition that was watermarked because, "What, did he think I was really going to use his voice over without paying for it?"

After all of your voice-over training and hard work to become a professional voice actor, it's natural to want clients to treat you with the respect you deserve. However, make sure to maintain good working relationships with all your clients, and you should trust the people you're working with.

So, when is it a good idea to watermark your work?

It depends. As a professional voice-over artist, it is up to you to use your own good judgment. Instances that you might consider watermarking your audition could include:

1. You are working with an over-seas client who you aren't familiar with. 2. You are working with an "unknown" client for a project that was posted through Craigslist or another open forum. (Disclaimer: Craigslist is great, but anyone can post anything for any purpose there.). 3. You are working with a new client who wants you to read the entire script for your audition.

Working in today's highly globalized world is great for your voice-over business, but it can be hard to track down clients who treat you badly. If you do have a bad experience with a client who took your work without paying for it, you also have the opportunity to let everyone know about it through social media. And you should definitely warn others that they might get scammed by someone out there with sleazy intentions. (For example, the Sleazy Sneeze Guy.)