How to Brand Yourself Without The Cringe
At POSTERCHILD, we specialize in helping creatives like you bring their work to the world in the most compelling and authentic ways possible.
With years of expertise in shaping narratives and crafting visual identities, we know that “branding” can feel like a corporate buzzword—but it doesn’t have to. Here’s how to brand yourself without sacrificing your authenticity or stretching your already-packed schedule.
What Does A Brand Actually Consist Of?
Branding is about creating a cohesive and recognizable identity; it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At a minimum, your brand should include:
Your Story: Why do you create, and what do you want your work to communicate?
Tone of Voice: How you want to sound—thoughtful, bold, approachable?
Visual Identity: Think logo, colour palette, and typography that reflect your style.
Photography Style: Consistent imagery that showcases your work beautifully.
Messaging Framework: Key phrases or themes that align with your art.
Online Presence: A website and social media profiles that feel cohesive.
POSTERCHILD’s brand books typically include all of these elements, tailored to amplify each artist’s unique perspective.
1. Start with Discovery
If you feel overwhelmed, begin by asking yourself, “What inspires me, and what do I want to share with the world?” For example, a photographer might recall how their love of light and shadow started with childhood walks at dusk. Identifying these sparks of inspiration helps you uncover the “why” behind your work and connects you with your audience on a deeper level.
2. Define Your Voice and Tone
Think of your brand voice as a reflection of your personality. A sculptor might choose a tone that’s meditative and introspective to reflect their process of creating tactile, contemplative works. On the other hand, a mixed-media artist blending chaos and humour might lean into a quirky and playful voice. Authenticity is the goal—what do you want people to feel when they encounter your art?
3. Build a Visual Identity
Visuals bring your brand to life. For example, a digital artist who uses bold neon colours and retro-futuristic typography to evoke sci-fi nostalgia. Even a small step—like consistently using soft lighting or minimalist backgrounds in your photos—can make your brand feel unified.
4. Communicate Consistently
Your online presence should tell a cohesive story. Imagine an abstract painter who regularly shares time-lapse videos of their process paired with poetic captions about their inspiration. These posts create a rhythm that helps the audience connect with the artist’s world. Consistency doesn’t mean rigid—it’s about maintaining a recognizable essence.
5. Share Your Story
Stories make art relatable. Let’s say you’re a ceramicist inspired by the textures of your hometown’s natural landscape. Sharing photos of those landscapes alongside your pieces creates an immediate emotional connection and helps viewers understand the heart of your work.
6. Invite Interaction
Interactive content, like behind-the-scenes videos or Q&A sessions, invites your audience into your creative process. If you’re camera-shy, you can still engage meaningfully: a quick time-lapse of how you arrange a gallery exhibit or an annotated sketch of a concept can foster connection without the spotlight on you.
7. Evolve Thoughtfully
Branding isn’t static. As your work grows, so should your brand. A writer branching into visual art might expand their identity by introducing new visuals, updating their bio, and sharing posts that weave their old and new pursuits together. Embrace evolution—it’s part of the journey.
Final Thoughts
Branding doesn’t have to feel like a corporate pitch deck. It’s about showing up as yourself, on your terms, in ways that connect with your audience. Your brand is already within you—this process is about uncovering it and sharing your creative story in a way that feels natural and true to who you are.
Building your brand as an artist can be a challenging, yet rewarding journey. If you’re looking for more support and insights, join POSTERCHILD+, our community WhatsApp group. It’s a space to ask questions, get advice, and stay informed on industry rates and best practices. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your branding, we're here to help you navigate the nitty-gritty of the creative world. Join POSTERCHILD+ here.
All photos by Jelly Luise
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