In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Paris Cole breaks down artist development through branding, styling, and creative direction and why audiences can instantly tell when an artist is “trying too hard.”

Paris explains that swag has to feel natural, and the best image-building happens through the build: inch-by-inch growth where the artist evolves in public and fans evolve with them. Using Ari Lennox and Lucky Daye as examples, she shows how intentional minimalism, timing, and consistency create trust and trust is what turns casual listeners into a real core fanbase.

We also get into the business reality: styling is a luxury service, and throwing money at glam before the music has traction often backfires. Paris shares the practical playbook for developing strong visuals on limited budgets (thrifting, consignment, tailoring, and building relationships with designers) because in the music business, taste beats budget.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Topics: Artist Development • Artist Branding • Visual Identity • Styling as Strategy • Creative Direction • Fanbase Building • Label Systems • Budgeting • Independent Artist Growth

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/27QXHfulyQlwBpZBLbzVAW?si=K28OvfA_RbqVA6Wvdq7uPQ

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook