How to create the image you want!

I attended an Indie Connect Networking meeting on Monday and the guest speaker was Michael Moore. The lecture was on how to create an image or maybe even more correctly a lasting image as an artist.

I’m going to paraphrase but hit some of the points I thought were excellent and every artist should think about….

One of the main things he said is that creating an image should come from the inside out. Not create an image and worry about substance after that… He said and I think he is correct image should come secondary to talent!

The first and most important thing any artist should do when thinking about creating their image is to first know who they are. They must know what drives them and what they stand for: Personally and musically. He went on to say that the two things artists need to gain fans is reach (viewers and listeners) and frequency of reach. The best way for a new or independent artist to gain frequency and loyalty from their fans is to know who you are, what you stand for and project that thru your music, look, design, and anything else that goes out into the public eye… But outward image should all stem from or be built around who you really are and knowing yourself on the inside.

Another great thing he said was once you know who you are and have an image… stick with it… you are who you are, is who you are and who the public will always expect you to be… and you shouldn’t be talked into or swayed from what it is you do. Now everyone can use a good constructive critique and advise now and then, but can you picture your favorite artist suddenly going off in a new musical direction? It would be strange and you probably wouldn’t be as into them if they strayed from what it is you liked about them. That’s and important tool for you when you are building loyal fans… find out who you are and stick to it! Fans want something they can rely on…

Can you imagine Lynyard Skynyrd being anything but southern rock, MJ being doing say heavy metal, Aerosmith performing Hanna Montana songs, Metallica doing a concert of the Jonas Brothers music, Dianna Krall singing Rhianna songs… you get the point… these artists all know who they are and what their image should be. My guess is you wouldn’t go to see any of those shows. You’d go to see those artists because you know what to expect when you get there. All of those artists know who they are and give that to their audience every time they record, get on stage, do an interview or just hang out at an event… they aren’t acting, they are being who they are! For real….

I always am in favor of a young artist taking the time to find themselves musically before being thrown into a world where they may tell you who to be… what happens if the money people pick a direction, image, look etc that isn’t really “who you are” well, if you want to keep your fans coming to your shows and buying product, you’re pretty much stuck with that image and music… so choose carefully… take the time to sing all kinds of music… follow your own heart and passion. It was Steve Martin who said, “You’re only new once.” Play as many gigs as you can when you’re young and not really in the public eye, sing all kinds of songs and get to know what music really speaks to you. Then when you feel very confident that you know what you want to present to the world, go about marketing yourself and your product. After all, it’s your life… make it what you want because what ever you present is going to be with you a LONG TIME!

I thought this was excellent advise and wanted to share his thoughts with you... I hope you find it helpful!!!