Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/1350781
D I A N A H E L L S O N 96 This series by Diana Hellson is intended for artists who are new to the industry and who are really interested in learning how to find their footing and get grounded as new artists. Diana Hellson is also known as Mamarudegyal MTHC, the cofounder of Vancouver-based Rudegang Entertainment. Diana's first tip is really simple: BE YOURSELF. LESSON 1: BE AUTHENTIC WHEN BRAND BUILDING "There are so many carbon copies of musicians who are already really famous and to be frank, we don't need anymore of them. We need new people. Explore the different parts of yourself in order to stand out from your peers, from other artists in your genre, in your scene, who are vying for the same opportunities as you." "Tap into your true, authentic self and figure out what that means for you," Diana advises. That means asking yourself these questions: What is your brand going to look like? What is the aesthetic of your artistry? Experiment and find what works for you. Think about the most unique part of yourself, even if it's something people tease you about. Diana encourages artists to enjoy the things they love and integrate those things into their brand. "Just rock it. People are going to stand with you when you become unbothered about who you are and you build your brand and your brand identity off of genuine parts of who you are as an artist and as a person." Eventually your career may evolve to a point where you have to worry about corporate interests but when you are first establishing your brand as an artist, you are in the drivers' seat and you don't have to worry what anyone else thinks from a contractual perspective. "Enjoy your time as a free artist before having somebody come in and put their foot in your career and tell you what to say and do and wear or what not to say and do or wear. You have the opportunity now to completely express yourself." How will you define your brand?