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As musicians, we are constantly looking for inspiration...a really epic film you saw last weekend, a girl sitting across from you tapping their fingers, and even the train that goes roaring by as you wait for it to pass. Inspiration seems to appear with no notice and leaves you with a new way of approaching your music. Your fresh perspective is important for making great music and for getting your music HEARD
In the creative industry, it are the designers that have the most to offer in relation to making you and your music be viewed as irresistible. What is so special about design? Besides from being creatives themselves, designers have become highly trained when it comes to creating pieces that immediately attract attention.
So let's check out the five biggest things that musicians can gain from designers.
1. Understand Your Audience
The designers at Nestle know exactly who they are targeting and specifically the best ways to capture their attention. They have spent a great deal of time knowing their target audience - the exact types of people that would not only see the ad but are highly likely to buy the product. Having a clearly defined target audience is equally important for you and your music. Know interested in who you're trying to reach and make sure that these people would be interested in your music to begin with. Your target audience will vary greatly based on the type of music you play and the image you project. So understand your ideal fan, then go all the way with incorporating your band's unique style in all of your promotions. At all times keep your ideal fan in mind with everything you create. This will cause your band to connect with your audience and stand out from all of the thousands of other bands that are just grabbing to be noticed.
2. First Impressions are Everything
When writing music, you don't just write it to be heard, you write it to be felt. The same is true with your brand identity and marketing. Whatever you're doing - creating an interesting press kit, a lust-worthy album, or a super slick website - make your work go beyond function to evoke an emotional reaction from your audience. Make it where the industry rep and that potential fan can not resist you. They don't just notice your stuff, they feel an instant emotional connection to you. This is how you can get through all of the noise. This is how you will make a memorable first impression.
3. Less is More
In the design industry, there is something that is often said, "simplicity is beauty." If you think about the most compelling ads and the most engaging designs are those whose appeal is due to their simplicity in their design. The designer does not assault or distract the user with a hundred things other than what they actually want them to notice. It is similar to how you treat your music as a work of art, and therefore stay away from overplaying in order to allow the music to come through. Similarly, make your merchandise, cd design, and all your marketing materials in a way that allows your viewer space to soak in your message and develop a connection. Both in your music and in your brand identity, less is more, and often "more" is just more.
4. If It Doesn't Sell It's Not Creative Enough
Do you have something important to say? Are you consumed with creating something new? If the answers to both of these questions is "yes", then make sure your promotions are as creative as your music. Don't bind yourself to what has been done before you. Create things that make an impact by having meaning to you and others. If what you are doing is not having the intended result - reevaluate. How can you make your press kits more interesting? How can you make your recordings and merch more irresistible? What can you do to make your fliers more noticeable? Approach everything you do, not simply your music but your promotions, as creating enticing pieces of art.
5. Know What the Rules Are and the Best Ways to Break Them
In designing your brand and promoting your music, know the best practices, try everything, but only keep what works. Separate yourself from all the many bands by doing something different.
What can you do today to separate yourself from just another good band to a truly memorable one?
Author Bio...
Nadine Gressett specializes in graphic design for musicians at Indie Graphic Design. Learn how you can make a strong impact in the music industry. At Indie Graphic Design, we show bands how to visually express your unique voice, by combining marketing expertise, music industry knowledge, and graphic design skill. Sign up now for free tips at www.indiegraphicdesign.com.
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