Which mirror should I look in? (my struggle to find my "image")

In each artist's development, a five letter word always comes up: IMAGE. Despite our protests, preaching that what you look like shouldn't matter and screaming "LET THE MUSIC SPEAK FOR ITSELF," appearance does actually MATTER. Even though at first thought, one might say the whole world is superficial, the first sense we employ when meeting a new person for the first time is sight. Statistics say that people make a judgement on someone within the first 7 seconds. You then have 90 seconds to reinforce that judgement. So, unless you've got a killer 90 second pitch on who you are as a person down pat, then looks might have to speak for you. A picture really does say a thousand words.

I am dealing with the image battle right now.

First, at work I am helping an artist to define their image. We are meeting with stylists and going through clothing options. The big question for a while was whether this artist should wear a hat or not. Believe it or not, each piece of clothing says a lot about your personality and style. What type of clothes portray good southern values with a high energy and fun loving personality? It's a tough question.

Second, I am dealing with image in my own career. For any of you who have followed my music over the years, it's safe to say that I have some image confusion :) As a gemini, I most definitely have two strong and different personality traits. I love light, happy, cheery things (like CUPCAKES) and at the same time I am drawn to supernatural stories (yes, this includes VAMPIRES), fantasy, birds, and minor chords.  It can be pretty difficult to blend the two together, which explains the inconsistency in my photos throughout the years. However, I feel like I am finally starting to come into my own. It takes time to know who you are. It then takes creativity to express it in the art form of FASHION.

Here are some things to think about when choosing your image and wardrobe:

1. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in.  If your artist outfits make you uncomfortable, or you are always messing with your shirt or skirt trying to keep it in place, it ruins the effect of the outfit. The audience can tell if you aren't confident on stage.

2. Listen to your music. Let your music dictate your clothing. Look at other artists that have similar music styles to yours and study what they are wearing. Don't wear all black, when your music says "acoustic beach."

3. Look at your hair. Decide if you want to change it up. Does it need a boost? Color and hair style can dress up anyone and make them stand out. You have to look like an artist.

4. Make a list of your favorite colors.  Step into your closet and look at the clothes you wear the most. Try to incorporate some of those styles and colors into your more fashionable music clothes.  If you are a big jean wearer, finding a nicer pair of stylish jeans can make a great outfit for performances. Having somewhat of a color scheme with your outfits can help to establish your style.

5. Girls, don't wear shoes you can't walk in. It looks ridiculous when girls wear too high of heels and then they are tripping and awkwardly walking across the stage or the red carpet.

6. Wear clothes you can move in. Enough said...

7. Accessorize.  Any outfit can be spruced up with accessories. This applies to both men and women. Make sure you incorporate jewelry, vests, belts, wristbands, hats, scarfs. Whatever you like to wear. Layers are a great way of sprucing up clothes that are already hanging in your closet. Remember, accessories don't have to be expensive. Styles change too fast to spend a lot of money on them. Places like Claire's, Icing, and Forever 21 have affordable accessories.

8. Don't shop at generic stores.  Boutiques, vintage stores, and thrift stores are great places to find unique clothes. As an artist, your clothing has to make a statement. It is a canvas to express yourself.

9.  Check out this website.  This site is a great place to check out cool clothing options and mix and match them.  Go create! http://www.polyvore.com/

10. Once you've found your style, get some photos.  There are plenty of great photographers that can help you to develop your style even further. One of my favorite local photographers is Mark Boughton http://www.markboughtonphotography.com/

~P.S.