Utilising archetypes to maximise your casting potential.
Headshots are designed to book jobs,
not dates.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- What IS an Archetype?
- Understanding ‘Constructive Objectification’
- An example of an External objectification of archetype
- Developing your branding (or, archetype)
- Helpful resources
- Book your headshot with me directly
Introduction
I’ve struggled viewing the same bland, colourless, glammed, oversaturated, undercontrasted, overexposed, underdeveloped, overpaid, and well uninteresting headshots sweep through social media and programs across Australia for years on end. There seems to be no design or specificity to the way our headshots have been captured. And it makes me furious.
What’s concerning though, is that the many artists I’ve voiced this observation with wholly agree with me! People are tired of paying big bucks for imagery that doesn’t even serve the (arche)types or roles they’re passionate about!
What IS an archetype?
Well, whether we like it or not, the way we look, present, speak, and perform are all ways we become objectified in the industry, and categorised into an archetype, by every potential agent, in every application, with every headshot attachment, and every time we address a camera. Especially in this rapidly developing digital age, it’s important to remember (and not get thrown by the fact that) our headshots create an entirely first-impression basis to potential casting.
If you’re interested, take a moment to learn about your archetypes and branding by Taking this Archetype (Jungian) quiz:
Research confirms it only takes “a tenth of a second to form an impression of a stranger from their face,” So it’s about time we take matters into our own hands, and present our castability in the ways we wish to be objectified.
Because remember, your headshots are designed to book you a job. Not a date. They’re not meant to be “lovely”. They’re meant to be purposeful.
Understanding ‘Constructive Objectification’
What would you think if I said that, in the realm of casting and branding, being objectified really isn’t as limiting as it might seem? In fact – understanding your castability now will help you develop your branding and direction in the industry for the future. It will literally save you years of competing in unfulfilling auditions, and working soulless jobs that vampirically drain all aspiration from any performative dreams you may have had in the past.
It begins by changing the way in which we use language, and view the circumstances.
When we start to observe our image (or branding) from the viewpoint that we wish it to serve an objective, rather than it to be an objectification, we can start to develop a strong, supportive, and importantly, healthy attention to our archetypes, our branding, and our ideal castability.
(I encourage you read that last paragraph once more before moving forward.)
What could I possibly mean by “serve an objective, rather than be an objectification”?
Well, by understanding what line of work we are equipped to succeed in, from an
- External (totally uncontrollable) castability viewpoint, and an
- Internal (very controllable) aspiration for performance genre,
we can begin shifting our awareness to serve a balance for what we choose to be seen for. After all – the industry continually feeds us the idea that we ‘can be whoever we want to be’, so why not utilise our own performative ambitions, into taking actionable ownership of our castability.
An example of an External objectification of archetype:
Think of the generic Hollywood, stoic cowboy that rides a battered Harley Davidson half way across uncharted, tumbleweed, scorching desert plains. He’s somehow extremely well kept, despite the visible purpling bruises and dirty wounds, and though the likelihood he hasn’t showered for days, doesn’t taint the quality of his pristeen brushed leather jacket. After resolving an eons-old gang dispute, he shoots down the bad guy, kicks open the doors of a rickety saloon, seats himself on a faded leather stool, and with the huskiest, parched voice you’ve ever heard, demands the largest chalice of crisp, ice-cold beer, the bar has to offer.
Aaand scene.
Now, as much as a badass I think I’d look embodying that character… the reality is, my scrawny pre-pubescant boy-next-door archetype will never allow me to land a role like it!! The reality is that my jawline is just not razor sharp, my hair colour is not jet black, and amongst many other attributes, I can’t even ride a motor-bike! I’d never get given the light of day for this role.
By knowing what casting I’m NOT suitable for, allows me to open my awareness and focus on what castability I do align with. Similarly, by actively placing attention and energy on what archetypal roles suit your branding and performance style, you can focus less on the type of motor vehicle you are (or are not) licensed to drive, and more focus on the gaps in the industry you’re ready, suitable, and passionate to fill.
Here’s an example for you. The above headshots present two contrasting archetypes that can place equal weight on a casting domain. What you might not have noticed immediately is that without even realising, you subconsciously placed an immediate objectification on what you would see this artist performing as, based on the archetypes presented in both images.
Am I wrong? No.
Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not!
Why?
Because these photos both present a strong versatility and contrast in character. These photos also still remain true to who the artists are, whilst providing an offer to casting through their presentation of a particular archetypal style. It’s the offering via nuance essence for the potential of who this person could become.
Does that make sense?
Developing your branding (or, archetype)
Your selection of headshots should provide an authentic, diverse, and honest range to your portfolio, that allows you to perfectly pick’n’choose for the occasion suitable to whatever performance style it presents.
Making active, and controllable decisions in realising your personal archetype(s) is a huge step in developing your brand. Combining that with a healthy and balanced lifestyle, you’re putting yourself in the right direction for a successful and sustainable career.
If you have the time and desire to understand your castability, I highly recommend spending a few minutes looking into the following quizzes/blogs to understand where your performative, and observed archetypes align to your industry!
Helpful resources:
Check out this Archetype (Jungian) quiz:
Read this in-depth description about archetypes in storytelling:
If you’re realising your headshots aren’t serving you the way you wish they would, could, or should, click the link below to book in a headshot session with me and we can curate a portfolio you can be confident putting forward.
