Ok, so you’re an aspiring Gospel artist and you want the focus to be entirely on God. That’s great, because that’s how it should be! I applaud you. But guess what? Just because you sing for God doesn’t mean you have to let who He uniquely created you to be fall through the cracks! Yes, for many of you an image makeover is long overdue and now is the perfect time to project a new image for a brand new year. I know you’ve heard the saying “an image is everything.” I wouldn’t necessarily say it is everything, but it is a pretty big deal!
Ecclesiastes 9:13-16 tells a story about a poor but wise man whose wisdom saved a town. This man evidently had people’s attention long enough for them to hear his plans for delivering the city, but he didn’t have anything to KEEP their attention and focus. Because people are destined for greatness in God, and there are some things you can do to insure that you are taking care of business so that you don’t miss any windows of opportunity.
What about you? You’re an independent artist and you may want to score a record deal, or get airplay on the radio. You may even want to reach people on the Internet with your ministry but for some reason it seems like no one is taking notice. What should you do?
A picture, the saying goes, is worth a thousand words. This is so true! I know you can sing with the best of them, but many people make buying decisions based upon what they see with their eyes. You’ve probably done it yourself. You may have gone to someone’s website, and they could sing like an angel and you said, “That was hot” and kept it moving. You didn’t take them seriously because nothing stood out that said “I’m serious about this.” Great photos say, “I’m serious and am about my business!”
The “packaging” process begins with photos. I know you’ve already invested in your career by paying for studio time, production, engineering and much more. I know the process – believe me. But your image is just as important, if not more. Imagine having a great product created, but no-one bought it because the packaging wasn’t right. Does that make sense?
Find a local photographer in your city and set up a studio shoot. Don’t go the easy route by using a throw-away camera or even the digital camera you received last Christmas. These cameras can’t measure up to a professional camera operated by a professional photographer. As well, great photos require good lighting and someone who is good at directing the photo shoot so that you can get some out-of-this-world shots. A great studio or location, photo retouching and color correction can make all the difference in a good photo and a wow photo. Why do you think so many people look great when they go to Glamour Shots?
A good photographer doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Shop around and check out their work. Ask your friends if they know anyone who knows a good wedding photographer. Chances are you could use them, or they may know someone.
Great photos translate into many other things, like a great album cover, a slamming website and much more. People know when they see someone operating in excellence. That’s all I’m really talking about here. Go the extra mile. Don’t just go
halfway. Believe God for the best. He’ll make it happen. Just have faith, don’t give up and get a polished, professional look.
Your best days are ahead.
Aziz Peregrino-Brimah is president and CEO of Bezworks Design, a graphic design company that has worked with A-list artists and industry professionals. He is nominated for a 2009 Stellar Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for his design of Happy Holidays from Vickie Winans. Having released his own debut CD Livin Proof in 2006, Aziz is also an award-winning Holy Hip Hop artist.
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