Sunday, December 8, 2013

The Top Five Things Musicians Can Learn From Designers

In music, you look for inspiration everywhere. Cars that go roaring by, films you watch with your girlfriend, and even the girl on the bus sitting across from you tapping her foot can be a source of inspiration that will give you new insights into your own music. Having a creative perspective is not only crucial for making great music, but also in getting your great music *heard*.From all the professions in the creative industry, the design profession has the most insight into making you and your music be viewed as irresistible. Why design? Well, besides from also being artists, designers in general have excelled at the art of instantly attracting attention with their work.So what are the five most important tips that designers would like to tell you as a musician?1. Understand Your Style and Your AudienceDesigners at Pepsi have defined exactly what their unique style is, who is their primary target audience, and the most effective ways to reach them. They have spent a great deal of energy knowing their ideal fan - the exact types of people that will not only notice the ad but are highly likely to purchase the product. Having a clearly defined target audience is equally critical for you and your music. Know interested in who you are wanting to reach and make sure that these people would be interested in your music to begin with. Your target audience and more specifically your ideal fan will be very different based on your genre, image, and message. So know your ideal fan, then go all out to incorporate your style in all of your promotions. Always keep your ideal fan in mind with everything you do and 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 begging to be noticed.2. You Only Have A Single Chance to Make a First ImpressionYour music is more than just something to be heard, it something to be FELT. The same is true with your brand identity - make it instantly compelling. Whatever you're doing - creating a stellar press kit, a lust-worthy album, or a super slick website - make your work go beyond just to evoke an emotional response from your fans. Make it where the industry rep and that potential fan cannot resist you. They don't just notice your material, they feel an immediate emotional connection to you. This is how you can get through all of the noise. This is how you will make a powerful first impression.3. Less is MoreIn the design industry, there is something that is said over and over, "simplicity is beauty." If you think about it, the most eye-catching ads and the most enjoyable designs are clean and distinct. The designer does not overwhelm or distract the user with a hundred things other than what they actually want them to experience. 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 provides your viewer room to relate to your message and develop a connection. Both in your music and in your promotions, less is more, and often "more" is just more.4. Be Creative If You Want It to SellIf you are preoccupied with the creative process and have a commitment to getting your unique voice heard, then make sure your marketing efforts are as creative as your music is. Don't confine yourself to the way things have previously been done within the industry, but create impact by being creative and sharing things that have meaning both for you and your fans. If your merchandise isn't selling, your download cards seem to be a bust, or no one seems to notice your press kits - reevaluate what you must do to make your marketing more attractive and enticing. Approach everything you do, not only your music but your promotions, as making compelling pieces of art.5. Know When to Follow the Rules and When to Reinvent ThemIn creating your brand and marketing your music, know the best practices, try everything, but only keep what works. Distinguish yourself from all the other musicians by doing something different.SummaryHow unique is your brand identity? What can you do right now to start separating yourself from just another good band to a truly memorable one?

Nadine Gressett specializes in graphic design for musicians with Indie Graphic Design, where we show bands how to make a lasting impact in the music industry. We combine marketing expertise, music industry knowledge, and graphic design skill to visually express your unique voice. Sign up now for free marketing and design tips at indiegr

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