visual identity/art-direction consultant "Visual storyteller + creative director"

Role Summary This is a one-time visual identity and art direction project for artist Elis Cole. The designer will establish the visual system and provide direction/references for how future creative work should look, but will not be responsible for producing the ongoing artwork, photography, video, social content, or other assets. The goal is to establish a cohesive visual language that can be consistently applied across music releases, social media, photography, styling, artwork, and other artist-related visuals. The designer should translate the artist's personality, music, and overall creative direction into a visual system that feels distinctive, recognizable, authentic, and practical to maintain over time. The focus is not simply on choosing colors. The goal is to establish an overall visual identity that can guide future creative decisions. Responsibilities -Develop the overall visual identity and art direction for the artist -Explore and establish a cohesive visual direction through moodboards, references, and creative concepts -Develop a color system direction -Establish photography, image-treatment, and graphic-design direction -Define how the visual identity can be applied across music releases, social media, styling, and other artist-related materials -Provide general recommendations for how the identity can extend to live/stage visuals -Explain the reasoning behind the visual direction and provide guidance for maintaining consistency -Refine the direction based on artist feedback Deliverables The completed project should include: 1. Visual Identity System Primary, secondary, and accent color palette Color usage guidelines Font recommendations Core visual style and design principles 2. Visual Direction Moodboard/reference library Photography and image-treatment direction Color grading/lighting direction General graphic-design direction Styling/color guidance where relevant 3. Artist Applications Guidance or examples showing how the visual identity can translate to: Instagram/TikTok Single/album artwork Promotional materials Artist photography Clothing/styling Live/stage visuals 4. Final Visual Identity Guide Approximately 8–12 pages Consolidates the final visual system and recommendations Designed to be used by the artist and future creative collaborators Creative Direction The visual identity should: -Feel authentic to the artist rather than overly manufactured -Create recognizable visual consistency across platforms -Complement the music without being overly literal -Allow for personality and experimentation while maintaining a recognizable foundation -Work across both personal/entertaining content and promotional material -Be flexible enough to evolve as the artist develops -Avoid making every piece of content look identical -Establish a clear distinction between the artist's core visual identity and temporary aesthetics for individual releases or projects Not Required The designer is not responsible for: -Ongoing social media management -Social media scheduling -Content curation -Video production -Video editing -Photography -Ongoing graphic design -Creating every piece of future artwork -Paid advertising -Full marketing strategy -Ongoing brand management after the project is completed "The designer may provide recommendations for these areas where they relate to the visual identity, but they are not expected to execute them unless separately agreed upon." Project Scope This is intended to be a one-time project, not an ongoing monthly position. The primary objective is to establish the visual system and provide the artist with a clear guide that can be used moving forward. Estimated Timeline Approximately 2–4 weeks, depending on the designer's process and the number of revisions. The process may include: -Initial creative discussion and artist/brand discovery -Moodboard and visual exploration -Initial visual direction -Review and feedback -Refinement of the visual system -Finalization of the brand guide -Revisions Includes approximately 1–2 rounds of revisions as part of the project. Additional revisions or significant changes to the agreed-upon creative direction can be discussed separately if needed. Compensation Target project budget: $1,000–1,300 Final compensation will depend on the designer's experience, portfolio, proposed scope, and final deliverables. Artist Approval The designer is responsible for providing professional creative direction and recommendations. Final approval of the visual identity and brand direction remains with the artist. The artist should feel confident using the final system and understand the reasoning behind the major visual decisions. At a Glance What am I responsible for?: Establishing Elis Cole's visual identity and creative direction What am I creating?: Color palette, visual language, photography/design direction, and practical brand guide What is the goal?: Create a recognizable and cohesive visual identity that can guide future creative decisions How long is the project?: Approximately 2–4 weeks Is this ongoing?: No. This is a one-time project What is NOT included?: Ongoing content creation, social management, video production, photography, etc. Budget?: 1,000-1,300 Who has final approval?: Elis Cole