Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Greg Birman @gregbirman

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

I’m a brand director for a men’s skincare brand, although my career wasn’t always creative. I come from tech and finance world where I managed operations and employee engagement. Eventually, my creative outlet started to pay off and took over my life.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

I’m most inspired when I travel. Not only for the change of scenery, but I tend to use my SLR more leisurely, whereas I never carry it around when I’m home in Chicago. Besides travel, I love symmetry and food, and often the two together.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

I am artist formerly known as @thewatcherchicago, which is the name of my blog, but as I grew my following I self labeled.

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

Every photo goes through VSCOCAM for vetting and if I need to touch it up in specific areas, I’ll export to Snapseed or Touch Retouch. In any case, the editing tools in Instagram are actually really helpful.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

I came up idolizing guys like Grant Legan, Chris Hanley, Nathan Michael, and a few others. It’s crazy how the IG community works – most of those guys are now friends or mentors.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

The Burger at The Loyalist.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

The best part about being an “Influencer” is trying new products from brands I respect, meeting likeminded folks, and getting to visit new venues in my city. These perks are more than I could ask for when starting out.. all I wanted a free coffee here and there.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

Being on the Influencer and the brand side, my best advise is to give your creators as much creative autonomy as possible, especially in the caption. Brands need to embrace the benefit of simply being tagged in the photo. I know it’s tough, but the perception can be much more authentic/ organic to the followers.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

If you’re a creator, don’t let numbers or opinions ever get in the way of your work. Create the art you want to be know for. As for brands, as much as user generated content can help you grow, there’s nothing like a good library of original content!

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

I really enjoy the creative process and learning what brands are doing to promote their product. I’ve seen some really good campaigns and some really corny ones.

Topics:

• Architecture
• Art
• Design
• Food & Drink
• Health & Fitness
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

United States of America