Artist Marketing Tip of the Day

"Ask and you shall receive."

As an artist in the entertainment industry, it is important for us to find our own voice to get what we want.  I'm not saying to have a 3-year-old temper tantrum when you don't get your way, but there is definitely a sophisticated way, and tacky way to going about asking for things.  In any case, NEVER be afraid to ask for what you want in this business.  If you don't ask, no one will know what you want.  If they reject you once, go back to the think tank and come up with another way to ask your question.  Remember that saying, "There is more than one way to skin a cat?"  No one is going to stand-up for you or co-sign you in this industry.  Period!  So make sure you are able to fight for yourself and your talents.  No matter what people say, you are the bomb.com!!!  (lol, sorry I couldn't resist).

"The squeaky wheel gets the grease."

*Let me know what you think.  Comment below!

Artist Marketing Tip #3

With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.

~ Dalai Lama

So you know who you are as an artist and how you want the world to view your talents.  Now it is time to develop your professional portfolio and gather knowledge. Whether you are starting from square one, or are already established in the game, this is an ESSENTIAL part to building your brand in the entertainment business.  

You must take the time to construct your foundation and be as knowledgeable as possible.  Everyone knows you can’t create an empire on shaky grounds!  So run off my luv muffs!  Go to your lab and start creating!  If you dance, start making videos of your choreography.  If you act, get involved in your local theater program.  If you model, start networking and setting up photo shoots.  Check out books and magazines relating to your field.  Find an internship. 
Take the necessary steps to secure your credibility in this industry.

You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.

~ Henry Ford

Artist Branding Tip #2:

Imperfection is beauty.  Madness is genius and it is better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. 

~ Marilyn Monroe 

Now that you have a better understanding of who you are and how you want the world to see you, spend some time figuring out what your talent is.  Okay, we know you are a singer, dancer, model, but what kind of singer, dancer, model are you?  What is your particular style??  Are you a multifaceted talent? 

Hone in on your particular skill set, master it, and make it unique! 

What is it that makes your talent or skill one-of-a-kind?  Never shy away from your quirky mannerisms, or off-the-wall characteristics.  Those idiosyncrasies are usually the key to your success. 

5 Audition Tips Every Dancer Must Know!

I've been on many auditions, some big, some small, and I always walk away gaining valuable inside information that I wouldn't have known had I not gone.  Recently I attended Clear Talent Group's open dancer call audition (more like another type-cast call-but that's neither here nor there), and I couldn't help but notice the amount of dancers who had it together and those who clearly didn't.  So, because I'm ya girl and I wanna look out for you, I decided to put together a list of 5 tips you should know so you don't fall into the "No" category before you even walk through the door!  Enjoy...

1.  Come Performance Ready!

That means your wardrobe, hair, and make-up better be on point like you're about to go on stage and perform "Single Ladies" with Beyoncé!  Invest in a hairstyle that will make you stand-out (in a good way)!  Use false eyelashes to make your eyes pop!  Color in your eyebrows, pucker up your pout with a rouge lip color, buy the biggest, most blingin' earrings you can find, and most importantly, dress for the job you want!  Not too scandalous, but make sure to show 'em what you're working with :)

2.  A Well Presented Package is Key!

Not only is it enough to look presented and well polished, but your resumé and headshot must be on the same caliber as well.  Remember, whatever you turn in to be judged, is a representation of yourself, your style and how seriously you take yourself.  There are some things you should feel okay investing in.  That's business cards, a great head shot, and a dope pair of shoes ;)

A Good Resumé:

• Clear
• Well-Organized 
• Up-to-Date
• Kept to One-page
• Written in Black Ink on Plain White Paper
• No Color Paper or Resumé Paper!
• My Favorite: Southworth Fine Business Paper ($4.99 @ Walmart)

A Good Head Shot:

• Printed on Good Quality Photo Paper-I can't tell you the amount of head shots I've seen printed on regular printer paper!  I was like OMG are you for real right now?!  There's 2 options:
• Print it yourself: go to your local Wal-Mart (or it's equivalent) and buy a good quality photo paper.  My favorite is Kodak Ultra Premium Photo Paper, and it only costs $5.49.  OR...
• Go to a professional printer at Kinkos.  You can pick your paper, and they make the prints in no time.  All for under 5 bucks!

Example of Headshot

• Captures Your Natural Self.  Your headshot should be a real and recent image of you.  There are many instances where people's photos look nothing like them in person.  Don't let this be you!  Not only are you confusing yourself, but you are confusing the people who are auditioning you!
• I suggest taking a new headshot once every 6 months (depending on how often you are auditioning and working).

3.  Free Yo Mind!

Auditions are a crazy whirl-wind of emotions and actions, all balled up in a few hours.  It's very important to free yo mind of the distraction, energy, and tensions around you.  Yes, there will be haters, and yes, there will be those who will try to take you out of your chi.  But remember, you are there for one reason...to bring home the bacon!

4.  Don't Be Your Worst Enemy!

Although it is important to focus and get your mind on grind mode, don't let the thought of doing your best consume you to the point to where that is all you are thinking about.  Once you start getting into your head and your nerves start to take over, you've already began to cloud your mind with negative thoughts as opposed to keeping your eyes on the prize.  So what if you miss a step!  Shake it off, smile and keep dancing.  Nine-times-outta-ten no one will even notice!

5.  It's all in the Eyes!

As soon as you step foot in the audition building your game face better be on!  You only have 2 minutes to make an impression, so make it a good one.  In fact, a choreographer knows who they will hire in the first 5 minutes of an audition (if that) just by the look in your eye!  Make sure to look approachable, let your eyes tell the story, and make your presence known, but whatever you do, DO NOT LOOK DOWN!  There is nothing on the floor that can help you, and it makes you look self-conscious and unsure of yourself.  Own the moment, command your audience's attention, and leave your heart out on the dance floor.  

It's your future, so get it in!!

xoxo