Branding is super big right now (natch, I should know – it pays the bills). The art of personal branding is rapidly becoming a key factor in making it, whether you are an artist, a fashion designer or even a chef. To that point, one of the most carefully managed brands in the world right now is Jamie Oliver (check out the beautiful identity work done for his homeware line by Pearlfisher).
Another group who have mastered the art of branding are musicians. From ye olde rock-god to garden variety pop tarts, they’re all into it – to differentiate, to consolidate and to connect. Think of your favourite band… do they have a logo? Do they perhaps have a logo designed by Turner Duckworth? Yes, the force is strong in these ones. If there was a book written called “BRANDING: tales from the tour bus”, I would totally buy it.
So when I recently came across some branding quotes, straight out of the mouths of musos, I was not surprised. They relate to the two cornerstones of branding, authenticity and storytelling.
Renaissance man Dave Grohl had this to say in the Nov. 2007 edition of Esquire:
It’s all a bit “dude” but Dave’s basically saying be truthful to yourself, and hints at making sure everything you do is honest… Otherwise why bother?
The perfectly coordinated Jack White chipped in with this insight:
Interesting – and the White Stripes certainly did build up a multi-layered fantasy around their music (the mysterious cat is outta the bag now however).
The two quotes and ideas are simpatico, they go hand in hand. Without authenticity there’s no point telling your story loudly because you’ll soon be called out; conversely, without actions that confirm your authenticity, well, your brand may as well sit quietly in the back of your wardrobe like an unworn frock. Good intentions… but no tangible benefits.
As always we can relate these ideas back to our blogs, our online identities and the way we dress. It’s just some things to think about or try. Be true, tell your story through your actions and you’ll succeed.
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I love that Jamie Oliver stuff! Gorgeous!