Building a Personal Brand as a Creative

Introduction

• Portfolios are becoming outdated.
• Importance of building a personal brand, not necessarily as a full-time creator.
• Key topics:
  • Living portfolio
  • Anonymous portfolios
  • Transition to being a full-time creator

Transitioning from Traditional Portfolios

• Portfolios don’t tell the full story.
• Importance of storytelling in showcasing work.
• Challenges with traditional portfolios:
  • Hard to believe and understand.
  • Rarely sought out by potential employers.

Creating a Living Portfolio

• Definition: A living portfolio is a continuous and evolving showcase of your work.
• Not restricted to full-time creators, suitable for freelancers and those seeking career advancement.
• Focus on content types like:
  • Transformation videos (BTS)
  • Direct flash photography

Content Types to Master

• Transformation Videos:
  • Includes behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage followed by results.
  • Examples: model shoots, design processes.
• Creative Carousels:
  • Ideal for platforms like Instagram, TikTok.
  • Combines photos/videos to narrate a story related to your work.
• Personal Branding:
  • Develop a brand kit: colors, fonts, iconography.
  • Consistency in visuals helps in establishing a personal style.

Benefits of Using Social Media

• Distribution: Increases visibility of your work.
• Leverage: Establishes authority in your field.
  • Social media presence can enhance credibility in professional settings.

Gradual Approach to Content Creation

• Aim for one piece of content per month.
• Maintain an email newsletter quarterly.
• Connect with people through Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Focus on building a network of decision-makers who remember your work.

Anonymous Branding

• Suitable for those who want to stay private or are restricted by their jobs.
• Create a studio name and build a brand around it.
• Opportunity to flex creative muscles without personal exposure.

Becoming a Creator

• Different paths based on commitment:
  • Living portfolio for gradual growth.
  • Full-time creator for regular and intensive content production.
• Tools:
  • CapCut for video editing.
  • Canva for graphic creation.
• Content creation involves curating interests, documenting processes, and developing opinions.

Conclusion

• Social media and living portfolios are crucial for modern creatives.
• Importance of storytelling, consistent branding, and learning to use digital tools.
• Building a brand is a long-term strategy that should evolve with personal and professional growth.

Additional Resources

• Participate in live discussions and Q&As for real-time engagement.
• Consider online workshops and programs for structured learning and feedback.