🎥 VIDEO GUIDE:

Create a User Profile

• Sign Up: Create an account on FACTOR’s website.

• Fill In Details: Enter your email, name, and required info.

• Verify & Log In: Check your email for verification and log in.

Create an Artist Profile

• Add Artist: Click "Add New Artist" and enter basic info (name, bio, website).

• Artist Members: Add all band members (or just yourself if solo) and upload citizenship docs for each person.

• Artist Rating: Not required for applying but needed for higher funding tiers.

Create an Applicant Profile

• Choose Type: Select Individual, Partnership, or Corporation based on how you manage finances.

• Applicant = Grant Recipient: The applicant is whoever is getting invoices and paying them.

• Switching Applicants: You can change from Individual to Corporation later if needed.

Setting Up a New Project

• Required: Artist and Applicant profiles must have a provisional rating (General, Artist).

• Creating a Project: Click Add New Project, select profiles, Artist Development, and name it (e.g., “Artist AD 2025-26”).

• Audience Data: Input monthly listeners, followers, and an updated bio (see next lesson for details on updating your bio).

• Bio Optimization: Intro to tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly or Hemingway to improve your bio and readability.

Understanding FACTOR’s Evaluation Process

• Juror Handbook: FACTOR’s jury assesses the bio, track, artist development plan, and links.

• Scoring Breakdown:

  • 75% Assesment Track (MP3 & Lyrics)

  • 25% Plan & Presentation

• Updated Bio: Your plan should make sense in the context of your bio

Editing the Artist Development Plan

• Key Sections:

  • Career Overview: Experience, releases, and performances.

  • Strategy: Growth plans, social media, release schedule, networking.

  • Challenges & Goals: Identify obstacles and set measurable targets.

• Refining Responses: Use AI to improve clarity and ensure alignment with juror criteria.

Uploading Supporting Documents

• Formats: Submit PDFs.

• Required Files:

  • Professional Photos

  • Press Features & Chart/Awards (if available)

  • Letters of Support (industry professionals vouching for you)

  • Producer Bio & Credits

  • Video Links

Selecting & Uploading a Track

• FACTOR’s Track Evaluation:

  • 25% Song Quality

  • 25% Lyrics and Vocals

  • 25% Musicality

  • 25% Plan and Presentation

• Track Criteria:

  • Ideally, should be produced (avoid raw demos).

  • Can be unreleased or released within the three months prior to deadline.

  • MP3 & lyrics with songwriters & contact info.

Budget Planning

• Total Budget: Must be at least $6,667 to request the full $5,000 grant.

• Spending Categories: Include recording, marketing, touring, and video.

• Matching Funds: FACTOR covers up to 75% of eligible expenses.