Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Julian Legrand @juliandlegrand

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

First and foremost, I’m an adventurer and experimenter. I was born in Toronto, Canada, but 3 1/2 years I went on exchange in Denmark as part of my undergraduate degree. Since then, I’ve been traveling essentially non-stop and have lived in 5 countries across 3 continents. I’ve just recently moved back after spending the year in Berlin, Germany to upgrade my education and will be heading back on the road in about 2 years, most likely back to Asia.

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

Well, to say I’m a fan of traveling is a bit of an understatement. I spend a good portion of my year exploring new places and nerding over beautiful views and awesome architectuer. I’m also digital marketing and entrepreneurship geek and read everything I can get my hands on. I work primarily in blogging, SEO and content management since these are domains that allow me to work remotely and pursue my biggest passion, which is travel. Of course, the constant travel made the topic of my Instagram account a no-brainer and I use it to document the things I’ve seen around the world.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

Easy, it’s a combination of my first, middle and last name.

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

Well, editing is the easy part and before I get into that it’s crucial to know that the number one rule for great photos is: Be creative. Don’t take the same photos as everybody else and be willing to switch positions and angles to capture something unique. Once you have that down then you can download VSCO and Snapseed, which are the biggest, but most effective, apps in photo editing. I use VSCO for the filters and macro-editing and then export over to Snapseed for its “Selective” feature and that allows me to make the little adjustments to get the photo just right. After that, I might consider using Instagram for really minute changes. Although, that Lux feature on Instagram is just dynamite and I can’t help but use it every time.

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

Definitely love the nature and urban photography Instagrammers. Guys like @ali.horne, @demidism, @hirozzzz, @vnthota, @kdkuiper, @jayscale, @visionelie… well, you get the point. Basically, I love their stuff because they keep pushing the boundaries and are super creative in their style. Can’t get enough of their work!

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

I’d say the “Selective” feature on Snapseed is absolutely top-class and worth trying out. There’s so many times where you want to edit one small section and you can’t, but Snapseed takes care of that obstacles and lets make those final touches to get your picture just right.

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

The comments.

I love getting feedback and particularly getting questions like “where was this shot?” When I travel, I try to go out of my way to balance landmarks with things that are often overlooked or unique things I’ve captured while wandering the streets –or mountains, nature, etc. People recognizing the same beauty I see in the unknown or more obscure areas is a great compliment.

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

Find people that are relevant to what you’re trying to spread. People can be pretty quick to smell marketing, particularly when it comes into their feed via someone they admire like an influencer. Don’t just go for people large followings, but aim for people that have good engagement. This isn’t only with likes and comments, but also with influencers that communicate back with their following.

Authenticity has to come from both sides. Working with influencers who take any kind of work or brands that go for any kind of influencer are sure to lose out in the long run. Aim for a win-win. That’s the beauty of this form of marketing.

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

We live in a content driven world and user generated content is not only common, but essentially… well, essential to our communication. Social media on a personal basis doesn’t require any kind of quality since people are mostly aiming to keep up with their friends. However, when people outside your social groups start to get involved the demand on quality is absolutely necessary. People no longer have time to waste on poor quality, particularly from people they no connection to.

Upping the ante on what’s possible and keeping people entertained and focused on the story you’re trying to tell is what keeps them engaging with you. It also keeps them from disengaging with you completely by unfollowing you.

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

Knowing that they’re willing to go where people are listening and working together with influencers to bring value to the end customer. It’s not just about parterning with any brand, it’s about parterning with the ones that care about who’s buying their product.

In a content driven world where ideas and stories are becoming more difficult to spread, it’s the authentic and relevant partnership between a brand and influencer that bridges the gap with consumers.

Topics:

• Architecture
• Art
• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Technology
• Travel

Country:

Canada