Instagram has taken over my life.
Okay, not really, BUT I really do love it.
I've had so much fun taking cute pictures and making new talented friends on the platform. There are a lot of people who talk in their Instagram captions about comparing themselves to other Instagram users and I really haven't had that happen (at least not yet). I just like connecting with people and commenting with positive things.
I really wanted to do a blog post about the creative side of Instagram. And when I say creative, I don't mean accounts where you take mirror selfies for every post (although I do love a good mirror shot once in a while. Please see above). I'm talking people who like to tell a story with their pictures. People who like to pose in fun ways or edit their pictures with cool backgrounds.
Let me give you example. One of my favorite "creatives" is Gab (@Chasingswans_). Here's a picture of what I mean about being fun:
I just love her all her pictures....
ANYWAY, I interviewed some wonderful people who's creativity I admire on Instagram. Maybe it's my art roots that connect me to people like them. I loved all their answers and can't wait to share this interview with you guys!!
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Here's who I interviewed and what their Instagram handles are! When you see their handles in this post, click it to take you to their page!
Amira (@the_sweetlife_of_amirarabah)
Hannah (@Hannahjenae)
Gab (@Chasingswans_)
Ellie (@elliecelli)
1. When and how did you start on Instagram?
Amira: "I started Instagram In 2016 to show my baking but as time went on, I wanted to show a different side of me, the real me behind the screen."
Hannah: " I positioned myself as a creator in February 2019 with the launch of my blog. I started off exclusively writing self-care content. I believe self-care is an essential part of a balanced lifestyle that often gets left on the back burner. As time went on though, I wanted to share more general lifestyle content, too. My Instagram reflects this shift because I would use my Instagram to promote my blog. I think my Instagram also reflects when I started to have fun with the content that I created. In the beginning, I was trying an aesthetic that wasn't really me. And I think at the beginning of February of this year, you can tell that I'm started to stray away from that aesthetic and play with content that is more me - it's more fun, colorful, experimental."
Gab: "I started Instagram firstly as a foodie creator. I am a chef so I primarily thought only my creation lies with food; I was so wrong. I started in 2009 and then foodie took over around 2013 and then I started content creating 2019/2020. It took awhile for me to truly dwell into the content creator circle and I’m thrilled I did!"
Ellie: " I started Instagram in 2014-ish but didn’t really use it creatively until 2018! When I graduated college and started my video/photo business I started using it more creatively!"
2. What is your favorite type of content to create?
Amira: "My favorite type of content is colorful content! Anything that has bright colors, whether it be my makeup, my baking, or my outfits!"
Hannah: "I LOVE edits! And edits are truly what saved my creativity during quarantine! Like if I did not find PicsArt when I did, I don't think it would be this fun and colorful space that it is - I would have really struggled to create. I also love shooting in nature - going for walks in my local nature center have become a self-care practice of mine. The trouble with shooting in nature though is the lighting - you really have to shoot for overcast days. I have also recently started experimenting with stop motion videos...and there are some fun videos I can't wait to debut."
Gab: "I love creating content that speaks to my soul and allows me to express myself wholeheartedly. I like doing props primarily because it adds attention to detail and it helps with my editing style. I would definitely say my style varies often so I like to keep it exciting"
Ellie: "My favorite type of content to create is manipulating my current photos!! Just seeing what I can do to my regular photos with adding different backgrounds, objects, pattern, etc. turning an “everyday” pics into something fun, creative and “fantasy-esque”."
3. Do you have any tips for people who want to start being creative on Instagram but just don't know where to start?
Amira: "My tips would be do what makes you happy. I find when you try to be like everyone else you lose a part of yourself. Also don’t be afraid to take a step back sometimes we need a break to get us back on track!"
Hannah: "First, follow creators you love and whose work you admire! Let their feeds inspire you - don't copy, but allow them to inspire you. Look at the ways they use color, props, location, etc. Also, a lot of creators are pretty open and they are happy to answer any questions you might have. A lot of us creators have made friends with one another by just sliding into each other's DMs and asking a question or two or by giving a compliment that leads to a larger conversation. Secondly, don't be afraid to take the plunge! It is scary, stepping out and trying something new, but it can also be so exhilarating and rewarding to flex your creativity! And I mean 'flex' because creativity is a muscle you exercise and grow stronger with use. Start flexing that creativity with different Lightroom presets, edits in PicsArt, props, etc. - just allow yourself to create. Thirdly, I can't recommend Pinterest enough! Pinterest is a great place to gather ideas and mood board out shoots. I rely on this for concept ideas, posing, makeup, props, etc. Check out my photoshoot ideas board for reference."
Gab: "I would say to take a step back and truly figure out where you belong. Is content creating something you can stay dedicated to? It’s something you have to allow yourself to break boundaries and do things outside your comfort zone that you’re not used to doing. But is it worth it? Yes. Is it hard and tiring and energy draining? Yes. But if done right you’ll see this as more of an escape than a job."
Ellie: "My number 1 tips is to JUST START. Even if you don’t know what to create, YouTube ideas, follow other creatives for inspiration and just start making what comes to mind! It doesn’t have to be perfect, and eventually you will find your “niche” or what you like to do most but you have to start somewhere!! Also don’t get intimidated by others, your art will always be unique to you."
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If you have any questions for any of these amazing content creatives, you can send them a DM ('direct message') on Instagram!
If you have any questions for any of these amazing content creatives, you can send them a DM ('direct message') on Instagram!
I want to thank Gab, Amira, Ellie, and Hannah for taking the time and giving such good answers for this post! You guys are the best!
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