The Top Five Things Musicians Can Learn From Designers

In music, you look for inspiration everywhere. Cars that go roaring by, movies you watch with your girlfriend, and even person in the cafe sitting across from you tapping their foot can be a place of inspiration that will give you a new way of approaching your own music. This inspiration, this creative perspective is not only crucial for making great music, but for getting that great music HEARD by others.

From all the professions in the creative industry, the design profession has the most insight into making you and your music be viewed as irresistible. Why designers? Well, besides from also being artists, designers overall have excelled at the art of immediately attracting attention with their projects.

So what are the top five things you can learn from designers?

1. Know Exactly Who You're Creating For

The designers at Coca-Cola know unquestionably who they are targeting and specifically the best way to get their attention. They understand their target audience, the exact type of person that would 1) be interested in the ad and 2) buy what they're advertising. The same thing applies to your music. Know your target audience - those that would interested in you and your music in the first place. Who your target audience is will vary not just by the style of music you play, but also the image you project and the message you stand for. Take time to understand your ideal fan, then really go all the way to use your style in your promotions. Put your band's stamp on everything that you do. If not, you will be perceived as simply another band without anything separating you from all of the thousands of other bands grabbing for attention.

2. You Only Have One to Make a First Impression

When writing music, you don't just write it to be heard, you write it to be felt. The same holds true with your brand identity and promotions. Whether it's an attractive press kit, must-have merchandise, a incredibly unique album, or a slick website – the most memorable work goes beyond just simply function and evokes an emotional response. Make it where the industry rep and that potential fan can not resist you. They don't just see your material, they feel an instant emotional connection to you. This is a major way to get through all of the noise; this is how you make a memorable first impression.

3. Less is More

In the design industry, there is something that is said over and over, "simple is beautiful." If you think about it, the most compelling ads and the most enjoyable designs are clean and distinct. Beautiful and captivating designs avoid bombarding the viewer with a hundred distractions and give room for the message to be absorbed. Similar to avoiding overplaying in music, make your cd design, merch, and other promotional materials in ways that provides the observer space to rest their eyes and absorb your message. Remember, both in music and your promotions, less is more. More...is just more.

4. If It Does Not Sell It's Not Creative Enough

Is your music a way of sharing your unique voice? Do you find yourself consumed with making something new? Are you invested in the creative process? If so, then check to ensure that your promotion efforts are as creative as your music. Don't be bound by what has come before you. Create things that make an impact by having meaning to you and others. If something is not selling or having the desired result, reevaluate. How can you make your fliers more unique, attractive? What's missing or out of place in your press kit? How can you approach your merch in a new light? Look at everything as making and sharing pieces of art.

5. Know the Rules and the Best Ways to Reinvent Them

Learn what the rules are. Use the rules to your advantage, but only keep what works and throw away all the rest. Stay curious, explore, and always try something different. Distinguish yourself from all the numerous musicians by doing something different.

In Summary

What can you do today to deepen your brand identity? How can you start now to set yourself apart from just another good band?

Author Bio...

Nadine Gressett is a Design Manager and founder of Indie Graphic Design, which is focused on graphic design for musicians. We show musicians how to make a lasting impact in the music industry by combining marketing expertise, music industry knowledge, and graphic design skill to visually express your unique voice. Get free promotion and design tips at www.indiegraphicdesign.com.