I love seeing super extravagant, authentic build ups to song releases but alas, it rarely happens. If you're prone to waiting until release day and posting your cover art with the words 'out now' then read on, my pretties. 

A lot of clients who work with me have 'fun' as one of their *keywords and many go for larger than life brands and visuals that not only capture their audience but draw them into their own authentic world! 

This is where my specialities are, luckily, so today I'm giving you some simple tips to start your own unique/colourful/fun/OTT authentic brandworld. 

In this day of fast moving social media trends and constant video content, there´s an even heavier focus on visuals, content creation and branding than there was before. 

It´s a LOT to manage and there are a LOT of creative, innovative ideas that need to be constantly thought up and then implemented. Content is getting more throwaway and short term, social media trends are ever changing and new platforms and features are springing up all over the shop. ​

Why hello there it's been a red hot minute hasn't it?

I wanted to jump back in here and share some info about something super exciting! 

If you need assistance with your branding, visuals and the general organisation of that side of life but are working with little to no budget then I have something that might be of use to you. 

Here are my 7 easy steps to building yourself an authentic brand that represents your music and you as an artist (or band)!

1. Define your musical style and audience

Make sure you're happy with your sound and that it feels authentic. Don't try too hard to sound a certain way or to be commercial, do what comes naturally and feels like your truth. It's also important to understand your audience; these are the people who will be listening to your music and investing in you as a music artist. ​

Whether you're signed to an indie label or completely solo, it's always helpful to have a good grasp on your social media strategy. Building an online audience is crucial these days, for businesses, freelancers, bands and anyone who's success relies on having a brand of some kind. 

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of downsides to the social media world but the positive points do raise a pretty good argument. It allows you to connect with people all over the world (duh), communicate with your audience, see what your people want; what they like, what they wish you would stop doing and most importantly it allows them to get to know you and in turn, listen to your music/ buy your product. 

Right, first of all, this is (kinda) my opinion and also focuses on commercial pop artists so don't @ me!

I have been fascinated with this topic for a LONG time and had many arguments/discussions with various musician friends about it. I've heard the standard points; 'X factor is shit', 'go to watch local bands who are GOOD', 'people who write their own songs are BETTER'. 

In reality, I think these points are completely subjective and very generalised.
To me, there are five factors that make an artist successful:
1. songwriting
2. timing
3. branding/image
4. musical ability
5. like-ability/charisma 

I needed a new creative challenge for this little blog and one cold oktober evening, a brain wave struck. I could brand one music artist as another and vice versa...

my OBVIOUS choices were Melanie Martinez and London Grammar - I love them both equally but boy are they different. 

it was only a matter of time before this one surfaced, amiright?

for me, movie posters are one of the most predictable and easy to recognise forms of advertising media (whether that's a good or bad thing I'll leave it up to you to decide), so i figured it's about time I took on a new challenge and mixed it all up a bit. 

hello, my pretties. 
this one's been ongoing for a while but I got totally carried away with ideas and wanted to share. 

I got given a brief which was this:

BRIEF: a new vegan restaurant concept; American or Australian with vegan junk food (burgers, pizza, ice cream, etc). 

will it end up as an actual restaurant or live a sheltered life in my portfolio blog until the end of time? who knows. 

but for now, here are my initial concept ideas for a Copenhagen vegan restaurant with an American or Australian kinda theme. 

brief:
create a brand from scratch while tackling a current problemo

the problem:
too much waste, too much plastic packaging being thrown away.
rumours about recycling not ACTUALLY being recycled.
lack of fun unicorn themed beverages.

the brand:
REUSACORN- an organic fizzy beverage in a reusable unicorn jar.
no plastic straws, no packaging, just a reusable jar dressed as a unicorn! it can be reused for beverages with the lid and straw or used as a fancy vase without; either way it injects some sparkle and fun into every day life while helping to save the planet. WHAT A WIN. 

brief:
create a make-believe, spoof, satirical campaign based on serious issues that need to be tackled.

the problem:
sexual harassment within the workplace, particularly in large corporations. 

the campaign:

brief:
I have 30 minutes to plan, photograph and edit photos based on Levi's, using only things that I currently own and the same plain white wall as a backdrop. I will pick clothes, apply make up, style my hair, pose and edit in a style that I think captures the essence of the brand.

​oh my, I had a lot of fun here. High waisted jeans, red lippy and ya gal's happy. 
​

brief:
I have 30 minutes to plan, photograph and edit photos based on COS, using only things that I currently own and the same plain white wall as a backdrop. I will pick clothes, apply make up, style my hair, pose and edit in a style that I think captures the essence of the brand.

whooah this one pushed on my time limit! my aim was to airbrush out all my tattoos... I realise I have one entire sleeve left but yanno, I have a lot of tattoos and only 30 minutes for a brand challenge. 
​

the other day I had a *giant brainwave (*slightly fab idea) that would be lot of fun whilst also ticking these three boxes:

1. push my creativity and styling skills
2. build my portfolio
3. improve my SEO (oh yes)

I decided to set myself some creative challenges and post the results right here on this little blog.