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What’s the difference between marketing and publicity? One is paid, and a sure thing; the other isn’t, and subject to breaking news. While publicity is never guaranteed, there’s a credibility factor in the sense that people are more engaged by an article or interview, than an ad or a commercial. |
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Exactly what is a press kit? Good question. Technically, it’s a promotional package sent to the media. However, its use is broad: they are sent to presenters, management agencies, or music directors. Your press kit should match your level of talent, and should be professional to indicate your stature as an artist. A press kit consists of short/long bios, high-res photos, articles, reviews, and a recent recording. Paper versions are sometimes used by managers when they’re pitching an artist to a presenter; once the artist is booked, an EPK (electronic press kit) follows. Marketing departments use EPKs to create press releases, ads, the house programme; venues use them to promote your concerts on their websites. EPKs are standard, and can be downloaded from your website. If you don’t have a website yet – get one. |
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Do I need a website? Yes. Your website is basically an online EPK. When asked for your upcoming concert schedule, bio, high-res pictures, or other info, you can direct people to your site to download what they need. Done. |
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Why do I need you to write my bio? It’s very challenging to be objective in your own bio, and you may feel weird “waxing poetic” about yourself. Also, there are different kinds of bios required: long, short, formal, casual. It’s important to submit two or three bios to a presenter so they can quickly insert them where needed once you are hired for the gig. |
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Why do I need professional photos? ”I have a friend who takes great pictures!”. Sorry – that won’t cut it. This isn’t Facebook; this is your CAREER. Nothing turns off “industry people” (and by that I refer to presenters/publicists/marketing managers/website designers) more than amateur photos. Whether it’s unflattering or cheesy poses, visual clutter, or images too low-res -- there are many reasons to invest in great pictures. Just like the camera adds ten pounds, it also picks up an un-made up face or un-styled hair. When you see a professional pic, you don’t really notice it. When you see an amateur pic, it really shows. (Don’t worry about the ten-pound thing. I’ll help you with the right pose.) Your pictures will be used for several years – they’re an important investment. |
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How do I find a photographer? I can recommend some amazing photographers who take beautiful pictures, and are easygoing to boot. |
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Do I need a clothes shopping trip? That depends. You may have clothes that work already, and I will advise if that's the case. Some clients need to learn what works in a photo shoot or on stage, or for auditions. Some experienced performers have that down pat, but aren't sure how to dress for the administrative aspect of their work, or for their personal lives, be it for dating or day-to-day dressing. What works for a matinee recital may not work for a photo shoot. This Toronto Star article about apparel chain Reitman's is quite informative. I will work within any budget, and I offer a "how to shop for your body type" master class as a part of my services! |
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How much does all this cost? Obviously, it depends on what you need. Just writing you a bio won’t cost too much. Art direction of your photo shoot will cost more, as will a home consultation and a shopping trip. Please note: photographer fees are not included in mine, and you will be charged separately. A good photographer will charge anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a thousand or more, but think of it this way: great pictures will last you at least five years minimum – in some cases, longer. If you spend $1,000, divided by 5 (years), that’s $200 a year. Divided by 12, that’s $16.66 a month. Not bad. Let me know your budget and I’ll meet it. I will take into account if you are a student or recent graduate. |
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How about designing flyers, brochures, and my own
website? Right now, I’m specialising in writing about, and styling YOU – and I have a list of graphic and web designers for you to call on. If you need me to write your copy, I’m available for that. |
| Please contact me for a quote. Happy to meet over a coffee! | |
