How to Brand Yourself as an Artist: A Beginner’s Guide

In a world where content is everywhere and attention is limited, your brand as an artist isn’t just about a logo or a color scheme. It’s about the story you tell, the energy you give off, and the first thing that people remember when they see you and hear your music. Whether you’re a musician, visual artist, producer, or performer, branding is what sets you apart from everyone else trying to do the same thing. It’s how you connect with your audience on a level deeper than just your work.

Branding yourself as an artist starts with figuring out who YOU are. Before anything else, you need to define your artist persona by asking yourself what you want people to feel when they listen to your music, what messages or emotions it consistently carries, and the common themes that keep showing up in your music, media, or performances.

When Lana Del Rey first showed up, she didn’t just release songs—she created a whole new vibe of old-Hollywood romance and sadness that she blends into every photo she posts, lyrics she writes, and interview that is held. She started off with and stuck to soft, vintage colors. She wrote in a poetic but honest way, and never strayed from that moody vibe, so fans always knew exactly what to expect. That’s what made her brand so strong. If you’re an artist, pick a look, a tone, and a story that feel true to you, and use them the same way in everything to build a solid brand

Authenticity is key. Just like Lana Del Rey, people connect with relatable and familiar music. Whether your brand is bold or calm, owning your identity is where your brand begins. From there, find your aesthetic and voice. This includes your “color palette”, photoshoots, album covers, outfits, and the tone of your captions, interviews, and lyrics. Your voice should match the energy of your work.