How's Your Image?

Reputation is a word that should be incorporated into every aspiring artist’s decision-making.  This is one of the most important aspects of a career in the entertainment industry because it serves as the individual’s “credit report”.  A great image will profit the artist in the long run because he or she is identified as someone who is easy to work with and produce great results. Let’s be honest, no one wants to work with an artist with a bad reputation due to its ability to define who you are as an artist or businessperson. Therefore, it is important to integrate Public Relations to build the artist’s business and personal brand.

According to Public Relations Society of America, Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. In simple form, public relations serve as communication between the artist and his or her audience, liaison to the media, coordinate performances and media appearances, and improve the artist’s social media presence. Most importantly, public relations help with Crisis Management. Crisis Management is needed when an artist has been publicly humiliated because of behavioral issues or certain unforeseen circumstances have occurred like death. Because of how quickly news spread throughout the media, it is important that an artist releases a personal statement to answer all questions surrounding the problem to avoid any further confusion.

An artist must hire a publicist who is able to handle his or her image in the uttermost respect that portrays them as a model citizen. Even if the artist is jerk, a good publicist makes the artist seem like an angel who cares about the well being of the world. Not only should the publicist be strategic, but also he or she must be well connected in the chosen industry. Many performances and media opportunities are made available because of the work of the publicist. Publicists work 24/7 to ensure press kits and releases are sent to media outlets, coach the artist on what to say on television or radio, and develops rapport with people who will benefit the artist.

A great example of a publicist is Andrea Williams of Tehillah Enterprises, LLC. She has over 20 years of experience in the Gospel Music Industry as a singer and publicist. Tehillah Enterprises, LLC. is a company that specializes in public relations, media and advertising relations, and event management for gospel and Christian artists. Andrea has represented the industry’s best who have been awarded Grammy’s, Dove, and Stellar Awards. These artists include Donald Lawrence, Martha Munizzi, Byron Cage, Marvin Sapp, and many others. I had a chance to sit down and speak with Andrea Williams about the importance of public relations. Take a listen to the wisdom and knowledge she gives to aspiring artists.

Remember, your image in the public’s eye is very important. Be mindful of your decisions and whom you associate with in the industry. It takes ONE bad decision to taint a life-long dream.