You Asked, I Answered.
Part five.
@seymichelle asked: Next adventures you [and Justin] are planning to go?
Justin and I will be in Vegas next weekend for a brunch with Moet, then NYFW and NY NOW to present a brand lookbook we're featured in. After that, we will be in Santa Barbara to shoot a friend's proposal and then Coachella!
@seymichelle asked: Tips on collaborating with brands?
Always be respectful. Always be grateful. Always communicate.
I can't stress this enough but brands do talk with other brands and if you are upset or act out, other people will know not to work with you.
Being grateful goes into that aspect too. When you show that you are thankful for the opportunity to work with them, etc., it says a lot about you as a person. In every email, I always thank them for something; whether it's a response or for reaching out. Show that you appreciate them. It goes a long way.
Communication is key. This is something I'm always working on. I'm trying to get into the habit of responding to every bit of an email either through clarification or reiteration. If you can't make a deadline or something is wrong with the product you received, let. the. brand. know.
Brands are always very understanding and flexible. Also, if you don't ask, the answer is always no. Don't be afraid to ask what a brand's budget is or if they can gift your photographer. If they can't, they can't, but at least you asked, right?
@theshutupkid asked: Favorite pose?
I love doing very abstract poses and trying to make them look natural. My favorite poses are squatting ones, or when my leg is up and when I'm leaning the upper half of my body against a wall. I think these are the poses I get to be the most creative with and can experiment with.
From my experience in dancing, I tend to freestyle a little with these poses to give them an extra edge or attitude.
@theshutupkid asked: Early on, did you contact brands you were interested in or is it better to wait for them to come to you?
Yes, I did, but to be honest, 98% of the responses I got back were rejections. It hurt a lot and it taught me determination and to grow thicker skin. My solution was instead to expand my portfolio rather than continuously pitching. When you have more under your belt, more experience and more content, you are more credible. You will gain more followers because they trust you and your opinions/voice and eventually, brands will start to notice.
@theshutupkid asked: Next skill/aspect you want to master with your work (i.e. writing, flash photography, editing, video making, etc.)?
My goal for this year is to get back into curating my YouTube channel but I've been holding off on that goal for once I graduate. It's definitely a lot more work but I want to be able to expand. I don't think I'd be able to do so successfully unless I have the time to commit to that.
Not only that, but my other goal for this year was to get knee-deep in projects, whether it's copywriting, creating lookbooks, hosting blogger events or going on trips. I already have my calendar planned until June so things are looking good.
@christiescx asked: What apps do you use to edit?
I don't use any apps actually and I think that's what this generation has really succumbed to. They don't want to go out of their way to buy a program and learn how to use it. They want convenience and instantaneous results via filters and quickly upping the contrast on an iPhone pic.
Justin is the one that edits everything for us on Lightroom. That's it.
@iamdianawin asked: Where does your daily inspiration come from?
My closest group of blogger friends are the ones I see the most frequently because we are the most creative when we're together. We're always out shooting, or staying in doing work together and when we're eating, we're brainstorming. We literally feed off of each other's energy and that's how I've been upping my creative juices.
You are who your friends are.
@iamdianawin also asked: What advice would you give someone who wants to start a fashion blog but doesn't know how?
As with anything, do your research. Understand what you need to do and how much work goes into it. You need to set your expectations and break down the steps to reaching your objectives.
People train their eye to see what works and what doesn't whether it's by following other bloggers or other entrepreneurs so surround yourself with inspiration to get a better idea of what to look for. Also, see what you don't like. Once you understand what you don't like, it's a lot easier to find what you do like and what works for you in creating your brand or blog.
@iamdianawin asked: Who is your favorite fashion icon?
Hmm. I love Rihanna's style because she can do streetwear but also high end without looking bougie. She's such a trend-setter.
As for bloggers, Margharet Zhang is my WCW. She can make anything look good. Lately, I've been keeping a close eye on my friend, Jnel V too. She mixes streetwear with dresses; masculine vibes with feminine and it works.
@iamdianawin asked: How would you describe your style?
I used to say my style is minimal but now it's eclectic. I've been trying to experiment more and have Justin dress me as I try to get in touch with my streetwear side.
Dress via Zaful / Jenner Crossbody bag via Emperia Handbags
Read the other installments here:
