Why the 80/20 rule can save your branding
"I don't know who I am - I have so many facets!"
Why exactly this makes your branding as a musician blurry - and how you can do it better
I once again had the same question in my community:
"I don't even know who I actually am. I have so many facets - which of them should I show?"
And that is precisely the point at which many musicians go round in circles.
You are creative, you have thoughts, you want to show your music, your personality, your opinion, your story - everything is important in some way. You want to be "real". Approachable. Inspiring. Funny. Emotional. And professional at the same time.
But in the end, the other person is left with only one thing:
"It's cool, but... I somehow don't know what she or he stands for."
Why this is dangerous
If your content is "all over the place", no one can really connect with you.
Your followers keep scrolling because they don't understand your profile at first glance.
Bookers or labels lose interest because no clear picture emerges.
And you yourself? You run after every topic at the same time - instead of creating impact with focus.
The solution: The 80/20 rule in personal branding
Imagine your brand is like a stage:
You need a main light - and a few colorful spotlights around the edges.
80% of your content follows a clear archetype - i.e. an overarching role with recognition value.
This is the main light. It ensures that your audience understands you immediately.
20 % show what makes you special: your story, your hobbies, values or your lifestyle.
These are the colorful spots - they make you human and interesting.
Which archetype are you?
Here is a selection of archetypes that can help you find your core:
Heroine - strong, courageous, fights for change (e.g. Beyoncé, Serena Williams)
Rebel - provocative, breaks rules, wants freedom (e.g. Billie Eilish, early Lady Gaga)
Explorer - curious, loves adventure (e.g. Alicia Keys, Lewis Capaldi)
Friend - approachable, honest, down-to-earth (e.g. Adele, Ed Sheeran)
Sage - profound, reflective (e.g. Sade, Eckhart Tolle)
Magician - mystical, transformative (e.g. David Bowie, Björk)
Lover - sensual, emotional, aesthetic (e.g. Lana Del Rey, The Weeknd)
Jester - playful, surprising, funny (e.g. Lizzo, Jack Black)
Creator - creative, artistic, original (e.g. Florence + The Machine, Grimes)
Innocent - optimistic, light, dreamy (e.g. Taylor Swift in the early years, Aurora)
Ruler - sovereign, leading, success-oriented (e.g. Madonna, Jay-Z)
Carer - healing, supportive, empathetic (e.g. India.Arie, late Alicia Keys)
Of course you are more than just a role. But your branding needs focus. This is the only way to create a clear image for the other person.
And what about the remaining 20 %?
They make you real.
Maybe you're the "hero", but also a vegan family man.
Or the "rebel" who secretly loves classical poetry.
This 20% ensures that you don't look like a role - but like a real person.
Conclusion: You can be multi-layered - but not arbitrary.
Music is an expression of your personality.
Branding is the focus that makes you visible.
If you want people to book you, stream you or really connect with you - they need a clear image. Not everything you are, but what makes you tangible as an artist.
So:
Which archetype are you?
And which 20% make you unique? If you like, write it in the comments or send me a message. I'm curious!