Public image of alan walker

Logo made by letter A and W. Derivative versions in different colors are used by Alan Walker

Walker at WMA, with an outfit resembling a black bloc protester

Walker was originally known as "DJ Walkzz". Since he has been a part of many producing groups, he later became just "Walkzz". He ended up using his real name, Alan Walker, as his artist name. The recognisable logo consists of intertwined letters "A" and "W", the initials of his name, was designed by Walker himself in 2013.^[52] He also uses a hoodie and face mask resembling the concept of black bloc on stage to create the rest of the image.^[53]

"At the very beginning, we were thinking about ideas like how can we promote Alan Walker as an artist, and then we created a symbol that's kind of almost attach anyone. Therefore, you can just have the hoodie and the mask and you immediately become a 'Walker'. That's also a sign of no matter who you are, you can be a 'Walker', we're all equal." Walker explained the concept of his look, in an interview by KKBox.^[54]When asked in an interview by NRK, why he used the mask, he said: "It is to keep a low profile while maintaining the public image they have given me. I think it's pretty cool. A little twist that makes people ask themselves questions about who really is the person behind Alan Walker", and added, "Basically, all of the data-world, focus on anonymity. Anyone can join Alan Walker, and the masks show that they can be anyone."^[53]

In the first promo pictures his management handed out, Walker's face was barely visible at all. Also in the music video for his single "Alone", he is dressed as a black shadow figure. This is, according to the artist himself, a carefully planned image drawn up together with the record company Sony. "In a meeting with them we talked about how we could build the profile of Alan Walker", said Walker to the newspaper VG. "They asked about my interests. I replied PC, computer gaming and stuff like Anonymous and computer hacking where hoodies play a role."^[55]

At a press conference on 9 November 2016, Walker said: "The concept with the mask is very cool, that is inspired by the hacker group "Anonymous" and the television series Mr. Robot. I have a background as a gamer and kept on with it before I started with music. By taking on a mask I can be immediately seen as a gamer."^[56]

"A lot of people ask me why I am wearing a mask. The mask is more of a sign and a symbol of unity and being alike each other, rather than me being different." said Walker, behind the scenes of the single "Alone".^[57][58]