Lady Gaga and personal branding go hand-in-hand. Much like the late Prince, Gaga has perfected the art of standing out and capturing attention like no other and there’s so very much to learn from her.
Branding Case Study: Lady Gaga
Stefani JoAnne Angelina Germanotta, born in March 1986 was passionate about music from an early age. As a teenager, she sang at open mic nights and acted in school plays. Her strong work ethic was influenced by her parents who both came from lower class families. As a young adult, Gaga considered herself a misfit, standing out and described as being “too provocative” and “too eccentric.”
Lady leveraged exactly what she had been bullied for and turned it into an epic brand. Take a look at these three personal brand tips from Lady G.
She’s Real
Yes, beyond the eccentric costumes she has evolved to expressing her more vulnerable side, both visually and expressively. It wasn’t until then that I truly connected with her. The transformation has been nothing less than fascinating to witness because she has revealed her beauty in an imperfect perfection. She is unapologetic about what she stands for and is willing to make mistakes. That’s what makes us love her.
At first, she hid behind her costumes, but as she has become more confident, knowing herself in a deeper way, she’s become willing to let herself be seen. It’s been the most beautiful blossom to observe. It makes you connect with her because you see your vulnerabilities reflected in hers.
You can be real in your brand by aligning yourself with a cause near and dear to your heart and/or sharing your vulnerabilities (once you’ve overcome them) so they can serve as an inspiration to others!
She’s Got a Signature Style
What, you say? Well, her signature style is that you have no idea what to expect next, yet you know it’s going to be exquisite. The range she expresses visually is reflective of her vast talent — whether it’s a meat suit or a sequined gown, neck dripping in diamonds and hair swept in an updo.
A simple way to express your signature style is to dress in a specific color palette; ideally, in alignment with your brand colors. (TIP: Brand yourself in colors that compliment your natural coloring.) When your wardrobe is consistent with your brand colors, you create a visual impression of a cohesive brand. Another idea is to be known for a specific accessory like candy apple red glasses. Have fun and remember, you do not want to fit in a box. You want to stand OUT!
She Has Purpose
“I believe in a passion for inclusion, the spirit of equality and the spirit of this country, one of love and compassion and kindness.” Gaga
The Lady has earned her chops. She’s resilient, strong, committed, and feisty. She takes her craft seriously and goes to great lengths (even obsessing at times) to perfect her gifts. She uses her platform to share her message of goodness and is unafraid to express her beliefs. Her ability to be a chameleon gives her a broad spectrum of ways to get her message through to more than a tight demographic.
Gaga is a personal branding genius and while some may LOVE her and some may not, she is respected as an artist whom the great Julie Andrews trusted to perform The Sound of Music at the 2015 Oscars. I know I love her!!
Want more of my branding tips? Take a look at these…