The concept of personal branding has gained significant traction recently, evolving from vision boards and personal colour palettes to the fully-fledged concept of "rebranding" ourselves. While it might seem like just another fad, it’s a strategy that the best in the business have used for decades to establish iconic, memorable, and sellout identities.
In a media landscape that's more saturated than ever, it’s crucial to develop a memorable and recognisable personal brand—one that your ideal audience trust and resonate with. Whether you’re an artist, musician, photographer, consultant, anyone striving to be seen as an expert in your field, cultivating a strong personal brand is key. It’s not just for celebrities or influencers; it’s for anyone who wants to stand out, attract opportunities, and build a loyal following.
The most successful artists and personalities transcend their generations with the larger-than-life identities that we all know and love (Think Madonna, Elton John, Michael Jackson, etc.), but what we perceive as ‘them’ is often an expertly curated collection of fashion pieces, design decisions, hair and makeup looks, and even scripted appearances and ghostwritten catchphrases or lyrics. All designed to complement their unique personality and present them in the most flattering and desirable way to the public.
While you may not have the resources of a major record label or film studio, there are plenty of simple ways to hone your own personal brand and launch yourself into the spotlight.
WHAT IS PERSONAL BRANDING?
Your personal brand is the unique combination of your skills, experiences, and personality that you present to the world. It’s how you position yourself, both online and offline, and how others perceive you. Think of it as the story you tell about yourself—one that communicates your values, strengths, and passions. It’s not just about what you do; it’s about who you are and the image you project to your audience.
When you communicate consistently and authentically it resonates with your audience, creating a sense of reliability. People start associating your name with certain qualities and values, which can be incredibly powerful in building a loyal following, landing a job, or marketing your skills.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM SABRINA CARPENTER ABOUT PERSONAL BRANDING?
A piece on personal branding in 2024 would be incomplete without reference to our favourite rising star, Sabrina Carpenter. With the release of her new album *Short n’ Sweet* this week, Sabrina offers a masterclass in personal branding, showing how singers turn to stars with a touch of artfully constructed personality. Sabrina’s charting songs and sold-out tours are truly a testament to the power of a well-defined personal brand.
So, what makes Sabrina’s branding so effective? She’s charming, witty, and flirty in an un-serious kind of way that we all love. If you’ve seen her perform or speak live you’ll have seen her personality shine on-stage, but she also artfully integrates it into everything she produces. From lyrics to billboards, she’s creating an iconic personal brand that we can’t get enough of.
Some of my favourite pieces lately are her:
Nonsense lyrics
Tour openers often get mixed reactions, some love them, some hate them, but no matter where you stand- engaging a crowd who aren’t really there to see you is undeniably an artform. When Sabrina opened for Taylor Swift on her Eras tour across Australia, Asia, and Latin America she creatively captivated the crowd with her charm and unusual lyricism. Every tour location Sabrina wrote a new set of ‘nonsense lyrics’, sometimes incorporating the name of the city, sometimes a pop culture moment, sometimes just something uniquely her, but regardless, we ate it up. By giving each city something personal and unique to look forward to she built a buzz online as people guessed or commented on her lyrics, and a loyal social media following who resonated with her quirky sense of humour.
Creative Billboards
Sabrina got people talking in April with billboards telling passers-by that she’s going to make them c*me (to see her live), which is a perfectly hilarious piece of copy. She then teased her new album in June by airing fans’ comments in Times Square ‘Sabrina Carpenter has charmed me. I don’t know anything about her but I think waking up every day and being 4’11 is an act of bravery’. She also released Espresso on the 11th of April (which is 4/11 if you’re American), she’s a short queen, and she’s proud of it.
She’s not afraid to go a little wild with marketing, but it’s all so perfectly aligned with her personality (and therefor *hint hint* with her personal brand), that she’s making waves on and offline.
HOW TO CREATE A PERSONAL BRAND
Creating a personal brand isn’t just about choosing a flashy name or logo—it’s about distilling your values and personality into a cohesive identity that resonates with your audience. Here’s how to get started:
1. Explore Your Values and Personality: Start by identifying what matters most to you. What are your core values? What aspects of your personality do you want to highlight? These elements will form the foundation of your brand voice. Your brand should be an authentic reflection of who you are—something that feels true to you.
2. Choose Your Colours: Colours play a crucial role in any good identity. It’s important to choose colours that resonate with you, but don’t forget to research the connotations of the shades you’re choosing. Colours have power! They should also be visually appealing and versatile enough to present well across different collateral, from your website to social media posts.
3. Create a Logo or Monogram: Your logo is the face of your brand and typically needs multiple variations to suit different formats. It should be clear, memorable, and versatile (and don’t forget to add a bit of personality!). Include it on all your documents, letterheads, marketing materials, and social media to create a consistent brand image.
4. Select Your Fonts: Fonts convey the tone and direction of your brand. Choose your fonts carefully; they should convey your identity and message while also being readable in various sizes. Whether it’s sleek and modern or classic and elegant, your typography should be consistent across all platforms.
5. Craft the Look and Feel of Your Brand: Your visual content is a key component of your brand identity. Ensure that your imagery is consistent and aligned with your brand’s aesthetic. Don’t let yourself down with subpar shots. If you’re not ready to invest in professional photography, there are tons of free courses online. Whether it’s for your website, social media, or marketing materials, your visuals should tell your brand’s story at a glance.
6. Develop Social Media Templates: If you’re active on social media (which you should be), it’s well worth creating a set of templates and styles for your posts. This includes consistent caption styles, editing effects, and end cards. Consistency in your social media presence makes your brand more recognizable and fosters comfort and trust! It also makes it much simpler to create and edit posts, which has the added bonus of drastically speeding up your workflow.
In a world where personal branding is increasingly important, taking the time to craft a well-defined, consistent brand can set you apart in a crowded market. So, start today. Explore your values, define your style, and begin building a brand that’s uniquely you. In a world where everyone is vying for attention, your personal brand is what will make you stand out.
Want to make your brand unforgettable? Get in touch hello@annabelhs.com