It's funny how sometimes we use social media to keep tabs on people, finding out who's doing what and how they're doing it. I constantly find myself reflecting on my Instagram pondering why I started it in the first place. Instagram isn't the focal point in my life; let me make that clear but, for me its an art form; a place to create. Creating content for every tiny square is a small part of a bigger whole to make a comprehensive composition. When I first started Instagram I really didn't care what I posted, I even slapped filters on images like it was nobody's business. There was no real thought in the process; I just posted and moved on. At the beginning of the year I decided to create a blog, and to put a 'face lift' on my Instagram I didn't know much about Instagram themes but, I knew I wanted something cohesive and I wanted it to look good. This has been more difficult than I ever imagined but its all worth it in the end, and I have learned never give up even though I came close many times. I don't know if you ever heard the term 'shadow ban' but, I've been shadow banned three times on Instagram. This only allows the people who already follow you to see and like your content, meaning no new followers or likes, and no new people trafficking the profile. How was I suppose to grow and reach new people? It still doesn't make sense, but the point is I didn't stop, I kept on creating new accounts and learned to 'tip toe' on Instagram. I rarely post more than twice a day, I don't use all 30 hashtags, and I don't copy and paste the hashtags in Instagram anymore. Why do I even hurt my head about all of this some may ask, but the reality is that I didn't want to give up on my dream. My dream is to get content out there that will inspire others and to one day become an influencer. Some may not understand why I take Instagram so serious, but the truth is I couldn't sleep some nights because of the endless ideas running through my mind. I'm very artistic so I have to sketch it out and write down my ideas in my sketchbook.
If something is constantly on your mind why not chase after it? Ask yourself, what keeps you up at night, and what gets you excited? I'm an artist and a designer, and that stuff gets me excited, but also does photography, editing pictures, creating Instagram feeds, and creating content. I'm so fortunate because in all the planning and stressful moments, my husband was always there helping anyway he could with the most important being the photographer. He always tries to give me advice on how to make my feed better but of course I didn't listen every time. Now reflecting on things he said to me in the past, I'm realizing that he was trying to get me where I am today and I could have possibly gotten here a bit faster. For the past month, I've been slowly listening to him more and mixing our ideas. We are a team, and even though you see mostly me on my Instagram he's the one taking each one of those pictures and even recording videos. He's really the backbone of the page and I'm just there to look good in the pictures and edit.
I recently did a poll on Instagram and asked the question "If I create a how I edit and plan my Instagram on Youtube would you watch?" I had some of my followers say yes! I was so flattered, and I felt like I was forming my own little tribe. But although I am so excited about the thought of me speaking about something I truly love, I don't think I'm ready to start something new yet. I'm still searching for the sweet spot. Even though having every I dotted and T crossed doesn't matter for some, I would still prefer to be confident in my feed before I give any advice on how to's. I've figured out a way to get some Instagram tips out there but not necessarily jumping into it all at once. Me and my husband will start our vlogging series on our Youtube channel entitled 'weekends with us', where you can get a glimpse of what we do on the weekends and see the behind the scenes of our photoshoots. This isn't the Instagram series you may have wanted but its my way of getting my feet wet. This weekend I'm challenging myself to only figure out place and the outfits for the shoots so we can wing the rest. I will keep you updated as to when you can expect our vlog. We as in Kita is still editing out first vlog (he has a big Architecture exam on the weekend so I can't pressure him) but as soon as we are done editing the first vlog we will post it. We promise to not keep you waiting long for the others. I'm thinking every Wednesday to post our weekend vlog. Hopefully that's enough time to edit, but what do I know; I don't edit the videos lol.