Connect, Be Authentic, Always Deliver — Artist Development | Brand Consultation

Stephon Samuel

Like any creative, my brand has been a constant journey of finding myself; “Who I would like to be in the industry, without disregarding who I genuinely am by securing myself?”

Much of the success I’ve acquired over the time, where I’ve walked in fashion shows; where only agency models were welcomed to be chosen — danced on stage with professional models — to getting on-screen acting roles, is credence to something we should never forget on our mission to success.

“Connect”, “Be Authentic”, “Always Deliver”

You’ll find out not everything will be found in our favor. DO NOT COMPROMISE • but, we should not be our worst enemy by hindering ourselves from progressing. I’ve made it this far without having to sacrifice much of who I am - and intend on maintaining on keeping that attached to my brand. It’s my unique fingerprint. As yours is to you. #DontLoseYourself

'Be available. No one else will look out for you except you.'

Your aesthetic online is vital to obtaining potential clients in whatever it is you are trying to portray. If someone heard about you through word of mouth, the first place they will try to find you are online to gather information to see if you are worth their time investing in. When someone searches your name or your business, it's helpful as it gives viewers comfort that you are legit, and there is nothing other than what you are promoting to hide, therefore, opening yourself to opportunities to graduate closer to your mission.

It helps with your image when there is also a consistent flow of interaction and/or success stories included on your page to display to onlookers that your business has a clientele and/or support system, no matter how little or how big, you are quite capable of performing and meeting the task.

It's imperative that no matter the social media outlet, everything has to be done in the best light that represents what you're trying to sell from your profile photo, your biography, to the content (images & videos) on your profile. Be conscious that what you advertise, it unequivocally becomes what you stand by. Your web page is a prerequisite tool before you are booked for the position, most of the time.

It may not always work in your favor, so do not get discouraged along your journey by 'no's' (I've heard many in my time) - Do not base your value on someone else's inability to see your worth. You cannot please everyone but having a good perspective is ideal when you can believe there is always room for improvement in your craft.

Though professionalism is important, don't lose yourself along the way. People appreciate authenticity and love to see the fact that you are in a sense, susceptible to winning and losing just like them - but what sets you apart, is you are achieving in the field you are in, at least, some level of success.

"Image is everything. But don't be fooled, your personality and character will get you further." In every aspect of your pursuit, having a strong foundation is necessary.

A lot of my success I give credence to being consistent, determined, passionate, and having faith. These things will help. Someone will see your commitment, reliability and efficiency.

“My name Is Jonathan Belle. Originally from Los Angeles. I am a traveler for the most part, wandering from place to place picking up jobs to keep my lifestyle afloat.”

Jonathan “Superman” Belle

I built my following primarily through Instagram and Twitter. I would say the most challenging part about it is finding my audience, which is the most tedious part. There aren’t a lot of people that like what I’m doing, but there also are. So finding people through similar interest at least puts your image in front of them. Being patient with that process of finding your audience is the most important part. I would go to different people in the same Instagram “category” like me and comment on the people who left comments on the person. With Twitter, I simply started joining conversations that fit my brand (Superman, cosplay, etcetera). I think a new artist should not be hung up on only one social media platform. While every platform has its own purpose, every platform can be used to gain exposure. I get a majority of inspiration from music. Whenever I feel there is a song I love or lyrics that resonate, I try my best to articulate it into a picture. The best advice I’ve received was from my mother, who told me “Don’t put anyone on a pedestal”

$cout

In the beginning, I did not have many people to tell about my music, so I told my friends. But then, my friends started telling their friends, and it went on and on until it created a chain reaction. When you have a group of people who believe in your work, “making it” becomes much easier. You have to show your passion. When people see how passionate you are about your work, they will take a second to listen. A tip I used to get more exposure has been to post my music and progress on music blogs and social media. After posting my music on social media, I would tag the producers, which upon a retweet or repost, helped to put me in front of more people. Its just one big never-ending cycle, if done right.

”I’m a rapper from Kentucky. I came up from nothing and share my experiences through my music. Check out my latest song “Flex” on Spotify.”

Dud Bud

Things that have worked for me to grow my followers are, Facebook promotion through groups and posting to friends! Also paid promotion through other organic channels. I also check my stats on Spotify and iTunes to see were my music is popular and then run ads for that target audience. Additionally, I check where the groups are based on and what platform post my music on a regular, this information gives me more insights on whose interested! Paid promotions are all organic because you are paying only for placement on playlists. Once your promotion is approved you just sit back and wait for the numbers to start rolling in, but make sure you are targeting your music genre.