How an artist's career resembles a Netflix series
An easy to apply storytelling approach
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Let’s dive into today’s topic:
Storytelling: How an artist's career resembles a Netflix series
Storytelling is more than just another branding buzzword. Here's an easy method to apply storytelling to an artist's career.
Why it matters
Storytelling is a crucial part of an artist's career. It can be used to create a sense of community and engage with fans on a deeper level. It is a powerful method that can help an artist share their journey and create a lasting legacy.
How it works
A few years ago, I read a great quote about storytelling. Unfortunately, I can't remember exactly who said it. I think it was an interview in MBW's World's Greatest Managers series, but I can't find the source anymore.
In the interview, it was said that an artist's career resembles a television series. I often use this comparison to explore storytelling.
Every artist's career is unique, like a Netflix series with its unique plot, characters, and lore. It tells a story around a central theme, and the artist's journey of exploring it, filled with its ups and downs, successes and failures.
Every season presents a new challenge or opportunity with a season finale that can bring closure or promise a new beginning.
Each episode can build on the previous one to create a cohesive story arc, while still allowing for individual moments of exploration and discovery.
Basic example: An artist (series) kicks off an album cycle (season 2) with the release of a new single (season 2, episode 1). The album cycle concludes with a massive festival headlining slot (season finale).
Yes, but..
This is an extremely basic storytelling approach; I know! However, most of the time, branding is about defining the basic elements of a story to get it to spread.
Take action now
Take your next release in mind. A release can be all sorts of things: Music, merch, a newsletter, a presentation you have to do at work, etc.
Consider this a new episode in the current season of your personal Netflix series.
What season are you in? What happens in this season’s finale?
Further reading
Pipdeck Storyteller Tactics (scroll down for 54 free-to-use storytelling frameworks)