In a time where personal branding has become just about showing your face in reels….

This artist became one of the most famous artists of our time without showing his face AT ALL!

Don’t get me wrong, the advice ‘your face is your personal brand’ works 100%.

And, short-form videos are undoubtedly a great way to build your personal brand.

However, today we are exploring how ‘mystery and intrigue’ can work wonders for your brand.

Now, back to our artist:

So, it all started when distinctive artwork began popping up on walls of Bristol, England in the 1990s.

Soon, these street artworks, often politically charged and anti-administration, started to become a media event each time they appeared.

As years passed, the pieces attracted breathtaking prices, with customers including Brad Pitt, Christina Aguilera, and Paul Smith.

But guess what?

The artist remained unknown.

Today, exhibitions of his work are sell-out events in cities including London and Los Angeles.

Well, he is none other than Banksy — who not only made street art famous but turned the art world upside-down.

While he hides behind a mask— His art acts as his face.

Each piece is different and yet has a distant visual identity recognizable from miles away.

In this remarkable journey, what is striking is how he has been able to control his own narrative relentlessly.

While not many of us might have talent like his, we definitely can emulate his brand mystique & intrigue.

Get ready to dive into a simple guide to building a brand that grabs attention and keeps people engaged

Using this 3-step actionable framework, you will be able to create anonymity and mystery for creating a compelling, memorable brand that keeps people intrigued and engaged. 

Step 1: Develop a Unique Concept and Visual Identity

• Focus on Your Core Message

  Identify the one key idea or problem you want to address with your brand. Whether it’s social critique, humor, or expertise in a niche field, be clear about the value you want to offer.

• Design a Signature Mark or Symbol

  Even if you remain anonymous, create a strong visual identity. This could be a distinct logo, a recurring visual element, or even a memorable tagline that’s tied to your brand.

• Establish Consistency

  From fonts to color schemes and language style, make your content cohesive. This creates a recognizable brand that people can immediately identify.

Step 2:  Engineer Curiosity with Content Releases and Engagement

• Use Limited and Time-Sensitive

  Create a sense of urgency by releasing content or products for a limited time or to a select few. This could be early-access content, exclusive events, or hidden messages.

• Design Your Brand Identity

  Intentionally design content that includes hidden messages, Easter eggs, or puzzles for your audience to solve. Make this a recurring element to gamify the experience and keep people engaged.

• Create a Signature Content Series

  Release content in unconventional places or methods—like hidden pages on your website, obscure social media channels, or encrypted links. Your most dedicated fans will be excited to discover these.

Step 3: Cultivate a Core Tribe and Feed Speculation

• Nurture a Small, Passionate Audience First
  Focus on building a tight-knit group of followers who love the mystery and become your brand evangelists. Engage directly with them, give them inside access, and make them feel part of the mystery.

• Encourage Storytelling by Fans
  Let your audience create theories, stories, or fan content around your brand. The more people speculate and discuss your identity or intentions, the more your brand grows organically.

• Stir the Pot Occasionally

  Drop unexpected hints, false trails, or major revelations to keep people guessing and reinvest in uncovering the truth. This unpredictability keeps your brand dynamic and always in conversation.

I firmly believe that reverse engineering the top leaders of the industry can create magic for your personal branding journey.

And that’s what I promise to bring to your life. Magic.

So, subscribe to this newsletter if you want this post to be sent straight to your inbox.

Also, send it over to your friends too. Thanks :)

Let’s meet next Thursday.

Your Big Brand Theory,