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Health & Fitness

Artists & Actors Beware: BIO-Hazards in LA


Before I begin, allow me to first assure you that this has nothing to do with a chemical spill or any other deadly wastes which may bring about your early demise. 

This is about a threat to your professional brand that may be jeopardizing your career!

If you're an artist, an actor, a musician, or any other creative-minded individual here in Los Angeles, you should have an exceptional Bio to represent you. A bad bio, is professional poison, noxious enough to kill the interest of anyone who views it. From your fans to the media - the impression your bio leaves is a lasting one, so you need to make it count. 

At Stitch & Pen, we're always educating potential clients on what is necessary to have a truly exceptional bio or press kit. 

Here are some BIO-Hazards to be aware of:

  • The Pinocchio: This is when your bio is filled with lies, and the type that are easy to spot. Claiming you performed on a bill that you didn't, or that you've booked jobs that you didn't - It may get initial attention, but it is too easy to fact check these days, and no one likes to be lied to!
  • The Copycat: This is when your bio is written exactly like someone that you're modeling your career after. Imitation is not a sign of flattery, it just unimaginative and pathetic. Be unique and stand out on your own, don't just emulate someone else.
  • The Mime: This is when your bio just doesn't say anything. It can be too short, lacking substance, or just missing the personality or mystique that will help draw readers in. Don't make the mistake of delivering marketing material that is empty - give your readers something to chew on.
  • The Antique: If there is no country for old men, then there is certainly no interest in old bios. Stylistially, you may have a bunch of dusty publicists and marketing "experts" try to tell you to go with a classic format, but they are WRONG. Maybe when content was less accessible and the industry wasn't as flooded, but this day and age, you need to be creative with your story - personality and style go a long way for your image. 
With this, take a look at your bio (hopefully you've been wise enough to at least have something in place by now), and ask yourself a few questions...

Is this real? Is this engaging? Is this clear? Is this how I want to be represented? 

If you aren't elevating your brand to stand out, can you really complain about the state of your career?

For more information on brand management and copywriting, visit www.stitchandpen.com.







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