So many people see only the GLAMOROUS side of being a fashion blogger, but my fellow bloggers know all the hard work that goes into being any kind of a blogger...beauty, fashion, lifestyle or photography. It's a 24/7 kind of job where you're constantly thinking of ways to improve, pitching ideas to various brands, connecting with other bloggers, and regularly creating unique content...it's an ongoing cycle!!! Just like any job out there this one too takes a lot of determination, consistency, work and creativity. Won't you agree?
I know I've had some tough days because a lot of the times things don't go as planned even though the photos might show otherwise. It isn't always as bright and colorful as you SEE IT! For example, there have been times I've felt very frustrated when what I imagined in my head didn't translate the same way in reality or I've had to say a hundred "NO's" to companies that didn't understand my brand. It's the "behind the scenes" that makes being a fashion blogger so much more than just a pretty picture.
That's why today I wanted to share with you what it's like to be a fashion blogger. From my own experience, of course. It may not be the same for other bloggers.
Being a fashion blogger means you're the creative director, stylist, PR agent, brand ambassador, social media manager, model and everything else in ONE!!! It's even more difficult in the beginning if you have no knowledge, connections or any kind of help. That's how I started my blog, five years ago. I learned everything step by step, day by day! If you're thinking of starting a blog, I hope this post gives you some useful pointers.
One of the most important things you've got to figure out first is your niche. What are you going to blog about? What is a topic that you can talk to your friends about non-stop that gets you passionate every time? What is the one thing everyone comes to you for advice? That is your niche! Mine is fashion! That's why most of my posts are style related...Occasionally I have posts that are about a different topic, like beauty or fitness because I have other interests that I like to share, and it's nice to break it up a little to keep my readers interested and engaged.. Plus, here I've got the freedom to share whatever sparks my heart.💗
From there expect to be at a desk working on your laptop for most of the day. I spend probably more hours than I want to admit on mine...answering e-mails, looking for inspiration, updating all my social media, preparing for an upcoming photo-shoot, checking-off deadlines, staying in the know of upcoming trends and always thinking of what's next.
I know it sounds like a lot, but I've gotten the hang of it. I even take a break in between. I go for a walk outside and once I get back I finish where I left off.
Photo-shoot day is crunch time! It's your time to play and really see your vision come to live, but this only happens if you've prepared beforehand. My photo-shoot days for the longest time have been Sundays.
In the beginning it used to take us up to 2 hours to take photos. Now, it takes us around 20 minutes depending on whether or not I'm shooting one or a couple of looks. Make it FUN and feed off your photographer! With time it will start feeling more natural and your creativity will flow and grow. Look for inspiration from magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, other blogs...you'll find it everywhere. Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
Once you've got lots of photos to choose from, that's when the work starts all over again. You've got to choose the best ones, edit them ( I use PicsArt), create a theme, have a topic of what you want to write about, sit down and write it, have a set date you want to post it. When it's out in the open for everyone to see, get your marketing on. Start sharing it!
Being a blogger has everything! You've got the creative and business side. Finding a balance to juggle them both at the same time is key. Also, you need at least one person who believes in you...you can share your ups and downs with them. As well as a good photographer who is ready to drive to that planned location, to carry equipment, to pitch in ideas, and to help get the best out of you, one photo at a time.
If you want to learn more in depth on how to make money from blogging, read this post.
What's one thing you love MOST about blogging? And how many years have you been blogging for?
~ Photography: @artisticspring
~ SHOP
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Love, Radi