ADA Artist Management & Representation

Sense and Sensability

I’ve been thinking a good bit about Ana’s post last week about an artist’s brand and in turn, the kinds of things that individuals do – consciously or unwittingly – that either protect or obfuscate their brand or image.

I was reminded via NPR today that as we become more used to having social media in our lives connecting us to friends, family and colleagues far and wide, that we are likely to be more complacent than ever about safeguarding our privacy online… it’s an issue that can doggedly plague both your personal and professional life. The website Lifehacker.com has released a great guide on how to restore your privacy portfolio on facebook, unquestionably the most popular of the online social networking platforms. Your image and brand goes hand in hand with your talent, and most casting directors, managers, and artistic administrators are, in some way, affected by how well you juggle that intersection. At the very least, artists should have regular, frank chats with their managers, friends, and trusted colleagues about how they are perceived and if the brand and image is in good shape from an outside point of view. One should never forget that those closest to you – your manager, teacher, coaches and mentors – are a group of people who, to quote Dan Rather, “believe in you, tug and push and lead you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called “truth.” A heap of common sense and a little consistent vigilance will really pay off in the end!