Social Media and Visual Branding Syllabus
Total Hours: 144 hours (72 lecture, 72 homework)
Delivery: Instructor-led, in-person or live online via Zoom; video materials by Shuba via LMS; digital assignment submission (e.g., videos, moodboards)
Prerequisites: High school diploma, basic music/performance experience, smartphone (preferably iPhone), computer with editing software (e.g., CapCut, DaVinci Resolve), reliable internet
Materials: Smartphone (1080p+), laptop with editing software, headphones, notebook, accounts on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, file-sharing platform (e.g., Google Drive)
Description: This comprehensive course equips musicians with foundational and advanced social media and branding strategies, covering emotional branding, platform-specific content creation, filming/editing techniques, and portfolio development to build a cohesive digital presence for professional music careers
Objectives:
- Develop foundational and advanced social media strategies for music promotion
- Create an emotional artist persona and professional brand identity with signature elements
- Set up professional filming environments and apply advanced smartphone filming techniques
- Produce high-quality, platform-specific video content with effective hooks
- Analyze successful artist branding, social media trends, and audience engagement
- Deliver a comprehensive portfolio and professional brand presentation
TOPICS:
Lesson 1:
- Crafting a memorable artist identity as a movie character
- Defining emotional branding for musicians
Lesson 2:
- Developing an artist positioning statement and identity map
- Understanding audience needs and core associations
Lesson 3:
- Exploring color psychology and selecting a 2–3 color palette
- Creating an emotional brand moodboard
Lesson 4:
- Defining indie vs. polished visual styles, logos, and fonts
- Establishing a photography style and reference folder
Lesson 5:
- Introduction to social media and Viral Blueprint strategies
- Setting up a filming environment with budget cameras and audio
Lesson 6:
- Midterm: Video post and research presentation
Lesson 7:
- Configuring audio-video setups (mics, tripods, framing)
- Mastering bulk filming and efficient editing workflows
Lesson 8:
- Crafting hooks for audience engagement
- Identifying wardrobe essentials and hero pieces
Lesson 9:
- Budget planning for wardrobe consistency
- Mastering natural and artificial lighting setups
Lesson 10:
- Efficiency in content creation and posting schedules
- Styling try-on and accessory strategy
Lesson 11:
- Final Exam: Preliminary portfolio and brand presentation
Lesson 12:
- Creating a system for continuous content ideas
- Applying the Ultimate Viral Formula
Lesson 13:
- Optimizing smartphone filming techniques (angles, movement)
- Developing authentic content with consistent style
Lesson 14:
- Aligning hair and makeup with brand identity
- Creating a signature visual element
Lesson 15:
- Brainstorming inspired content and planning posting times
- Editing and color grading for platform-specific videos
Lesson 16:
- Crafting engaging Facebook content and cross-posting strategies
- Creating interactive Instagram Stories
Lesson 17:
- Midterm: Platform-specific video post
Lesson 18:
- Developing a cohesive Artist Brand Kit
- Creating experimental TikTok content (e.g., stitches)
Lesson 19:
- Leveraging Snapchat for viral potential and regional targeting
- Developing YouTube strategies for short and long-form content
Lesson 20:
- Creating a consistent multi-platform filming schedule
- Crafting advanced, platform-specific hooks
Lesson 21:
- Preparing a multi-platform content portfolio
- Rehearsing professional brand presentations
Lesson 22:
- Final Exam: Multi-platform portfolio and written exam
Assessments:
- Midterm 1 (10%, Lesson 6): 30–60-second video post with hook, branding, and filming techniques; 1-paragraph reflection
- Final 1 (15%, Lesson 11): Preliminary portfolio (one video, partial Brand Kit), 1-hour written exam, 1-page reflection
- Midterm 2 (10%, Lesson 17): 30–60-second platform-specific video post, 1-paragraph reflection
- Final 2 (15%, Lesson 22): Multi-platform portfolio (three videos, comprehensive Brand Kit, posting schedule), 1-hour written exam, 1-page reflection
- Weekly Homework (40%): 36 assignments (e.g., moodboards, video drafts, research, Brand Kit components)
- Participation (10%): Engagement in class exercises, discussions, and peer feedback