We are now at the halfway point into our second season of Likeminded Podcast and I'm so excited to have illustrator, Katherine Anderson join us for Episode Five. Creatives like Kath, are an essential part of bringing your project to life in a way that will intrigue and entice a person to buy a ticket. I came across Katherine's art when she produced artwork for YEP Festival (Young Everyman Playhouse). They were unique and told a story on its own. Her simplistic style drew people in, certainly with me.

As you can see on her Instagram, she created beautiful work with her unique style. It's clean, bold, and eye-catching. I'm a massive fan of her work. I respect her powerful gift and I believe these creatives don't get the recognition that they deserve. This is the sole reason for this podcast: to highlight not only writers, producers, theatre-makers and filmmakers but also creatives like Kath that package your project so that it's seductive, intriguing and gets your imagination going.

This episode is the most important to date for our fellow creatives who are listening. Why do I say that? The most important part besides the writing is branding and marketing for your play or project. I've seen so many miss the importance of this crucial part of the creative process, and they wonder why their Nan is the only one in the audience.

Jokes aside, I've seen so many great plays that haven't been recognised due to its low audience numbers to witness its greatness. It's a shame because if they took the time to concentrate on this side of the project, they would have more audience members than they did. The more people that see your work, the better. Yes, it's all about selling your show out and people who say; ‘it's not, Well, they can't flog a ticket of their own, so that's why they say it’ - putting it bluntly.

Get creatives like Kath, to create a piece that will entice people to see your show. We all get drawn to the cover when we are looking for a book to read. Play and film are no different. I'll be honest with you, more than half of my budget for a show goes on branding and marketing. We pride ourselves on powerful imagery to get you to want to buy a ticket. No hype, just giving what the play or a film an identity that will get you, the audience to see it.
Why do it if this is not the goal? Does it mean by selling a show out makes your show a success? Of course not, it has to be good but how will you know if it's good or not if you only have your nan there? Of course, she will say;

’it's the best play I've seen, Christopher.’

Chris’ Nan

You get where I'm going with this.

This, for me, is the best yet to come out of the podcast. For the three years of Likeminded, I've obsessed over branding and marketing and still do (Message from the editor: “This is true. Sometimes I don’t sleep. Please help me’). I always argue how important it is to brand yourself and your project with quality. There are quite a few companies within the theatre and film community that have perfected and know how important branding contributes as a whole. Please look at their social media; Naughty Corner Productions, Ugly Bucket Theatre, Perception Theatre, Paperwork Theatre, ArtsGroupie, Avengers Media, and so on.

I'm hoping to collaborate with Katherine in the future. Just look at her portfolio of work. One of the best I've seen. It was interesting to listen, and I hope the listeners conclude how important it is to brand your project the right way.

Words by Christopher Woodward
Images by Andrew Smith