I'm not an expert either, but I've been thinking about this for a long time. I might be right or wrong or you may agree or not but this is what I think.
Music industry, nowadays, is about products, the whole thing. It's about the notes you play, rythm, about lyrics, but also about attitude, what you say in every aspect. If you have something new to offer, you're going to be listened. And of course you do, never doubt about that, I think everyone just have to find it but there it is, in the inner part of you. It's your point of view, your perspective about life, which is unique, but somehow everyone can empathise with it in different ways. Because that's what music is, the most direct channel to express, isn't it? Then someone may like it, someone may not and that's perfect. It's perfect if you were true to yourself while you were doing it, if you really mean it.
So what I think it's that personality matters, not only "image", because a hollow image says nothing. What I mean is that you have the originality inside, just think about what makes you different, what do you want to say, how to do it and the image will come by itself. Never try to imitate others, that's already invented, stay true and make just what makes you happy Anyway, it's good to take care of the image in the point that you have to make it as clean as possible. I work as a designer and I can tell that love at first sight, in this matter, is important, specially at the beggining. That's what people see first, before listening to you, so if you have something that attracts them, they're going to stay and give you a chance. It's only a matter of predispotition.
However, I'd love to have a look at your musical personality!