How to be more likeable as an artist

There are lots of talented artists who don’t get too far because their personalities get in the way.

Yes, most of the supporters don’t really care about how the artists are in real life but colleagues, executives, and other professionals in the industry do. Not that these people are really too sensitive or they’re just waiting for you to make one wrong move, they actually do not care if you’re NOT Mr. Personality.

But it matters to them if you’re being too obnoxious. And as you may already know, you need people to survive in this industry. Talent can take you to the first step but in order to keep on climbing, you will need a lot of endurance and you will need people. Here are some way to be more likeable to the big guys as well as fellow artists:

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CHEAPSKATES, BUT DON’T BE TOO AGGRESSIVE WHEN IT COMES TO FEES .

There are those bad wolves who are waiting to abuse your talents and services by offering you very little money for your service/talent.

You’ve been fooled before that’s why you try all your might to be firm and business-like in all transactions. But don’t be too stiff and businesslike  that you’ll turn off people. If they haggle (especially those with low-budget projects) and you think it’s still fair, be flexible.

Don’t go all business-like and turn it into a game of poker. That’s why you need a good manager/producer so you won’t have to deal with this anymore. Not many artists are capable of being graceful when it comes to business transactions.

LEAVE YOUR TEMPER AT HOME

Especially if you’re directing a bunch of people.

This is not easy but one that’s very essential. Sure a good work/show should be able to forgive the artist for being an a** but there are some people who are willing to let go of you.

You are replaceable, don’t ever think you are not. Please leave your temper at home.

REMEMBER NAMES

A person’s name is the most important word for him or her.

Sure, it’s alright to forget someone’s name for the first time but do it twice and you’ll find out how icy cold that person will be towards you.

If your goal is to be likable, this is definitely high priority. Here’s an article on how to remember people’s names better.

WATCH YOUR MOUTH

So you’re a cynic, so you’re critical, that’s fine.

But don’t be a Debbie Downer and pop everyone’s bubbles? Sure you can be brutally honest if someone really insists you to be or if you’re really close to a person.

But if you really want to know how to be more likable, the tip is: be careful what comes out of your mouth. Don’t give crass remarks.

HELP OTHER ARTISTS

Some of us prefer to keep blessings to ourselves because we’re scared we will be outrun by others.

Survival of the fittest, eh?

But that’s not the way to survive. In the creative industries, it’s all about collaboration and paying it forward. People will find out if you’re a taker or collaborator. And I’m sure most of us will agree that it’s better to be in the company of a collaborator.

Please bear in mind that talent is not everything you need. You need people. So be nice.

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James Hill is a veteran of the music industry. He first worked at Warner Reprise Records then later joined Interscope/ Geffen Records where he managed producers and songwriters and got his first platinum record for Keyshia Cole’s The Way It Is. He is now helping indie artists with branding and manufacturing through his company Unified Manufacturing, a CD/DVD, custom vinyl records and merch company in LA.