Behind the Brand: Visual Artists Share How They Shape Music Identities
Your music speaks, but visuals shout. As the music industry becomes more visual than ever, the role of creative collaborators, especially designers, videographers, and photographers, has become vital.
We sat down with 2 in-house visual artists and designers, known for their work with Afrobeat and Alté musicians, to talk about how visuals enhance music, what artists need to prepare before a shoot, and how to avoid common branding mistakes.
Here are the highlights from those insightful conversations.
Q&A Highlights
Q: Why are visuals so important for artists today?
Designer 1: “Visuals create the first layer of connection. Before anyone hears your voice, they see your profile, your artwork, or your video. A strong visual makes someone stop scrolling.”
Q: What should artists bring to a shoot or design session?
Designer 2: “Vision. You don’t need a mood-board, but come with some inspiration, colours, fashion, even screenshots. That’s how we find alignment.”
Q: What are some branding mistakes artists make?
Designer 1: “Inconsistency. Changing fonts, styles, or tones every time confuses your audience. You want people to recognise your aesthetic instantly.”
Q: What’s the process like when collaborating with you?
Designer 2: “We brainstorm concepts, pick a direction, shoot or design, then adapt the assets for DSPs, socials, and press. I try to make sure the visuals can work across formats.”
Q: Any advice for up-and-coming artists?
Designer 1: “Even if you can’t afford big shoots, use what you have. Natural light, a phone camera, clean design. Authenticity matters more than budget.”
Working With Visual Artists: Tips for Musicians
- Set your visual tone from the start
- Work with designers who understand your genre & story
- Repurpose visuals for social, streaming, and press kits
- Think long-term: branding is about legacy, not trends.
Final Thoughts
Strong visuals don’t just attract fans, they keep them. And building a visual identity isn’t a solo job, it’s a collaboration.
Our creative network connects you with the right designers, directors, and editors to bring your brand to life. Let’s help you tell your story in every frame.
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