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Especially in the beginning, they have to be able to label the product. So they just go -'Rebel. This one's a rebel.' Wow, I had no idea! There's that hideous pressure they hit you with initially, based on your image and how you look, and I never tended that garden. I was always scared shitless of that - it's really limiting and very dangerous. (2003)

Johnny Depp#114

CareerIdentityImageLabelingLabelsPressure

About this quote

What does it mean?
Depp discusses the pressure to fit into a specific image or label early in a career.
In plain terms
Labels like 'rebel' can limit you and create dangerous expectations.
What can you take from it?
Avoid letting initial images define or restrict your potential.

Where it applies

  • career start
  • public perception
  • branding

Putting it to work

  • resist narrow labels
  • define yourself

Questions to consider

  • How do labels affect your choices?
  • Who defines your image?

Another view

Some image building is necessary for marketability.

More from Johnny Depp

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  2. For many years they said I was a wild man. Now they say I'm a former wild man, former bad boy, former rebel. I guess 'former' because now I'm a dad. The media …

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  3. When you meet someone like Hunter Thompson and watch him, get to know him - people say whatever they want to say about Hunter and his books - he's pure, he's a…

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