Personal Branding for Musicians

Where do people go to see more about your music or shows you put on? Your website I hope. Do the images there portray you as the artist you are? This is where Personal Branding for Musicians comes in.

Solo artists have the opportunity to really showcase their unique perspectives around their art. Life and experiences are what influence your sound. The imagery and visual representation of that should as well. Your values, personality, and voice all contribute to this “brand” and should be considered when creating images for your website or social media

A stark difference from the above image of Dr. Robert Lehmann and below of Maria Wagner

From dark and rich tones to bright and airy. Both describe the music you play and the images you put out there. Showcase your unique sound with images that align with that. Wardrobe, backgrounds, and expressions can be specifically chosen to mimic the feel and look you are after. Knowing your brand first is key to articulating what it is you want. It should also show some parts of who you are as a person.

Instrument or No Instrument

A common question for the instrumentalists. A solitary image out in the world can have your instrument featured in a natural way. On your website, I recommend having a variety of images with and without the instrument because you are the artist and your instrument wouldn’t make a sound without you. This gives people the opportunity to see you as an artist. Incorporating instruments can sometimes come across as cheesy or unnatural. I prefer to utilize the instrument as part of a pose or in the environment.

Vocalists have the advantage of being their instrument and often have roles they embody in their performances. This can be showcased in the images you have on your website to show the diversity of your repertoire and what you prefer to sing. A Coloratura Soprano who prefers the cheeky light arias will have a different image associated with their music versus an angsty baritone.

Have a discussion with your photographer before your Personal Brand Portrait Session so you are both on the same page about what you want to represent in your images and what your art is. To get you thinking here is a free guide for what you might need.