Personal Branding Through History
Many people think Personal Branding is a totally new concept.
Spoiler Alert–it is not! Public Relations may be a new term, but it is honestly as old as time. The cultivation of Image is called Personal Branding now, but it has been a really popular and influencial PR tool for Ages.
Personal Branding Creates Buzz
Here we have Henry VIII projecting wealth, power and prosperity as the quintessential Renaissance Man/King.
Going back through History, rulers have used the power of imagery to enhance their status and create cult like followings. In other words–it created Buzz. It was especially important in a time before mass media such as newspapers, radios, TV and now cell phones.
We take our 24/7 access to the news cycle and celebrities for granted. But back in the day, public representations of rulers were very important for Public Relations. A great deal of money was spent by rulers to put out public art works depicting their wealth and status to help create a personal connection with their subjects. Likenesses of rulers were even put on coins for this purpose. They were able to do Personal Branding on steroids.
Every detail in these depictions was carefully thought out and planned. From clothing items and accessories to backdrops and locations, each element communicated something. While the individual likeness was important, it was often idealized to reflect the norms of desired beauty at the time.
Here we have Elizabeth I by Hilliard in the Phoenix Portrait.
In the Phoenix Portrait of Elizabeth I, there are many symbols to decipher. Elizabeth is shown wearing a phoenix pendant as a symbol of her virginity. As the phoenix constantly renews itself, it also alludes to longevity and renewal. The extravagance and opulence of her dress reinforces the idea of her as god like, a subject worthy of adoration.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Going way back to the Egyptians and prior, statues and paintings were also used for PR–especially in the far flung reaches of the Empire. Rulers like Rameses II wanted to project the image of the conquering King as well as cement his status as a God on earth.
Bas Relief of Rameses II.
Art works depicting the Pharoah conquering his enemies were very important in projecting power and divine right. In the age before newspapers and TV, these images provided people with a direct and tangible connection to their rulers/heroes.
Here we have Rameses projecting himself as a Conqueror smiting his enemies.
Personal Branding for Non Royals
This tomb painting depicts Nebamun and his wife hunting in the marshes. This is how he not only wanted to be remembered, but also what he wanted to experience in the after life.
Egyptians who were not kings also employed Personal Branding in their tombs. Most Egyptians with any significant amount of wealth invested in their tombs. They are filled with paintings and statues of everyday life as well as images of the gods.
The object of these representations is believed to be the point of contact between the world of the living and the deceased. The Egyptians believed that the world they created in their tombs would come to life and accompany them to the afterworld. Of course they had themselves painted as youthful and in the prime of life.
Side note–many people wonder why the “important” people in the Egyptian painted artworks are in profile or if the artists were not capable of realistic depictions. The side ways look is because it was thought that they needed to combine all the most recognizable aspects of the person to ensure the ka (soul) recognized themselves in the afterlife.
Personal Branding–Cameras Make It More Accessible
The invention of the camera, and now the computer and cell phones, has made Personal Branding accessible to more and more people. The advent of Social Media and online presence has created a desire in literally almost everyone for curated personal imagery and brands. After all, people will easily remember a brand if they can connect a face and the human behind the brand.
Personal Branding and Public Relations are more accessible than ever.
While Personal Branding is not a new concept, we have many more tools at our disposal. It is also so much more affordable for everyday people. It is an exciting time now to be creating Personal Branding Images–There really is no barrier to entry in the PR game now!
Are you ready to up your Personal Branding game? Awesome–let’s talk! Use our Contact Form or call the Studio directly at (518) 584-4237 today. Let’s make History together.
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