Professional studies
In our group sessions, I had feedback on what photos to use in my EPK and whether or not they add value and if they attract the attention of the right audience. My EPK is to promote myself as a guitarist and a live performer, and I need to be able to somewhat display what environments I have played in. In the discussions we discussed whether or not the pictures I had in my EPK were showing off my style of playing in the right way and if they added anything that would help sell my playing at a brief glance, just by using a couple of pictures. It was also brought up that I should have supporting evidence for the claims I make in my EPK, whether through the use of videos, or a list of venues and or gigs I’ve played in the last couple of years. I decided to include all the venues I’ve played at over my two years of playing guitar at college, as most of them have their own websites and I can leave links to the venue in case a promoter or anyone else reading my EPK would be able to easily check the kind of spaces I have gigged in. as well as these tips, it was pointed out to me that I should consider whether the photos I do chose to include are actually essential for the EPK, and help with my own promotion, and aren’t just there to fill the space. As they are meant to help sell the image of who I am and what I bring to a live show, it was important to choose pictures that highlight this and they would reach the audience in the correct way.
Another key point brought up in our group discussions was to always remember who the audience is, and who I want to attract to my EPK. Keeping in mind that I want to attract live show promoters, tour promoters/ marketers, festival promoters etc. I tried to keep my “About me” section relevant to what shows and styles I’ve played in the past and how I’ve learned from them, and what I am partaking in now and how I aim to take those goals further different future plans. Additionally, it was mentioned that talking about what settings I’ve played in could help attract more attention as it shows versatility and my ability to adapt to different situations.
A further point was to potentially show multiple talents that may be appropriate to the style of work that I would be looking for. In my case, that could be any other instruments I could play to a satisfactory level or being able to sing whilst playing guitar, be it lead or backing vocals. This, in tandem with the other aforementioned points, is in an attempt to set me aside from the countless other guitarists an EPK’S, to get me seen and noticed over other people.
