Creating Your Image

To gain attention from music executives, venue operators and even the general music buying public, bands must compete on many levels. First it's about the music but there are a number of other things that contribute to a band's popularity. The image you create is crucial. You can create a powerful and memorable band image through the selection of the right name, logo and even the right CD cover. Just as commercial companies create a mystique about their product, you need to think about the marketing and advertising ramifications of your image.

CD Cover Art

Let’s look at CD covers and artwork. Bands often overlook their artwork thinking that it is about the music. According to a survey on Guitar9 (www.guitar9.com ), people making decisions to purchase CDs are influenced by the cover artwork. Think of the Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper album. How often have you been browsing through CDs in a store and ending up picking up something that attracted you visually? If it came to a choice between a standard band photo cover and one with some dynamic interest, I know I would select the one that is more striking. Never underestimate the power of a great looking cover.

How do you get a great looking cover? Have you and your band mates spend a little time looking over the CDs you already have. Select those covers that appeal to you, ignoring the music or the band. Often you’ll find that each member gravitates to certain type or style of cover. Once you have a few ideas of the different types of covers that appeal, consider your musical style and the songs that you have for the CD. Does the style of the art project the right image for your band?

Now, finding an artist. Maybe you are talented enough to do it yourself or maybe you have a friend who can create your look. Check around you’d be surprised how many family members, friends or fans that have artistic talent and often they would be thrilled to help you create your cover art. If you don’t know anyone, try local art schools. There is a lot of talent out there and many artists are just looking to be discovered. Art schools are also a good source of people to produce videos, posters, and logos.

Logos

Logos can be a great marketing tool. Sometimes they can just be a great band name spelled in a creative way or in a fabulous font style. You need to explore ideas that fit your band and that will grow with you. When you are creating a logo consider how it will look on T-shirts, caps and other merchandising items. Does it work to project your image? Does it tell someone what your music is all about and will someone seeing your logo emblazoned on a T-shirt be intrigued or interested enough to find out about you? If you’re drawing a blank, consider if you have a band mascot or some item that is a good luck charm to the band. These can sometimes work for a logo. If you still coming up empty, try the art schools or maybe even have a contest for fans.

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