The Value of the Right Image and Branding

Posted on July 04, 2014 by Emily Correa, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

If you are someone in arts + entertainment, especially in “Acting, Singing, Dancing, Modeling, Performing Arts in any way etc.” your image + branding is a very important part of what you are offering to not only your fans but also to the people who are casting you for their projects.
At the very basic level, is having a good foundation of health that results from proper diet, nutrition, detox (yes, this should be regularly), good work/life balance to relieve stress and some form of spiritual or mental armor to balance yourself.

So before any tips I can share on image + branding, is definitely the topic of a healthy figure, internally and mentally. This is especially to handle the hectic auditioning/performing or working schedule that an artist endures on their quest for success.

That’s why all you see with celebrities is this huge healthy work ethic because it is true, IMAGE is everything in this business…(not 100% everything, I mean, image + luck + talent + relationships (“who you know”) + timing, + your support + passion projects + marketing etc.)

So once you have a great healthy foundation to your life, plus a good schedule to exercise and good diet plan, I can work with you on your “image” and “branding”.

So what is the image all about? Well it’s your personality, energy and looks rolled all into one so that it’s at max attraction towards your “target market” aka your fans.

It’s NOT about being a super model (although being highly attractive does help in this business).

It’s truly about having the “right” image that speaks volumes to the casting people. It’s about having an image that allows you to walk into an audition feeling 100% comfortable with how you look to others.
Lastly, an image where you smile freely without insecurity and just be yourself. (Also having a body that while naked is your pride… And yes, that is a test of your inner beauty and confidence.)

Your image as an artist or entertainer must be designed in a way that speaks WHO you are clearly, while being as MAGNETIC as you can be.

It’s a combo deal, because just being attractive is not going to cut it in this business. It will not bring you long term happiness, fulfillment or success.

Your image involves this: the right look for your hair, skin tone, body type/figure, clothing etc. The right posture so you come across as a leader and confident to others while auditioning/networking/working.

So here are some image tips:

Find out your “season”. Yes, your coloring for your hair, make up (if a woman ;) ) and clothing does depends on what “season” you are. There are the 4; winter, spring, summer and fall. There are plenty of resources online to figure out your season. It does depend on several factors like if you tan easily or not, if you have a certain skin tone or not.

Figuring out you “season” is pretty important. I taught over 1,000 young women modeling and found their “season” for them which completely transformed their look. Knowing what colors look right on you boosts confidence greatly, plus saves $ at the store when shopping.

Choosing your correct proportions for clothing is really important, and does depend on your height and weight. This is also where the use of dark or light material comes into place. A taller person at 5’11, especially female should not wear the same combination of clothing as someone 5’1. It just doesn’t work very well.

Enhance the good, camouflage the bad…now no one is perfect! But everyone has parts of themselves physically that are the best and some that are second place. So whatever those best parts are…show them off but not all at the same time. If you have a nice waist, wear belts to enhance it. If you are petite, wear miniskirts to show off your legs and make you taller.

Show off either the legs/hips, or the chest, not both at the same time.

Make up: depends on the season you are, but same thing, enhance the eyes OR the mouth but not both at the same time.

Now going to auditions, you obviously should consider the clothing instructions your casting person or agent advised you on beforehand. But also recall your season and recognize that it will allow your skin tone/hair color etc. and feminine sex appeal or if you are a man, your aura, energy and presence to stand out from your competitors and look great on camera!

So after some development work on your health first, and then your image, the next part that comes into play is your "branding.

Branding is your trademark look that comes across to everyone you know already in your network and all the new people you meet at networking events too! It just simply describes “you”.

Kim Kardashian has her pouty lips, curves for miles, and her flawless skin (usually dark hair). In a split second you can recognize this woman. She oozes sex appeal and she knows it. She’s a little demure about it, but she’s a siren.

Justin Timberlake has his classy/preppy look, with flair. He has some swag, and his sex appeal comes from his boyish looks, and his understated confidence.

Both entertainers are not overdoing it in my opinion on their image/branding…it’s not too much nor too little but a good balance of everything. To their countless fans, they come across as very attractive and MAGNETIC.

For your branding you want that same “power” through your “overall package”. Your overall package is just that; your energy, aura, confidence, image, attitude, and physical and mental health.

Now branding does move into how marketing materials are arranged for the artist/entertainer (web site, business cards, etc). It does need to tell a story, express one’s spark and be of high quality!

So there you go…to have the amazing, sexy, powerful image + branding, it starts with MAXIMIZING the various layers of how you come across, working internally to feel super confident and outwardly having your most attractive self to show off! I will be happy to customize your image consultation.

Inspirationally your Muze,

Emily Correa