Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Antuan Byers @antuanbyers

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

I was raised in Dallas, Tx and moved to NYC a little over 3 years ago to train in the professional dance program with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Since then, I have performed with both the main company as well as Ailey II, Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE Dance Company, KEIGWIN + Co., and most recently as a dancer with the historic Metropolitan Opera. I am currently completing my BFA in Dance from Fordham University and hold a certificate in Fashion Industry Essentials from the Parsons School of Design.

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

As a professional dancer, the topics that interest me the most are dance, health and fitness. I do have a passion for fashion so you will sometimes see style posts… and living in NYC, I have to share some of the beautiful sights that I get to see on a daily basis.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

I used to have a nickname as my Instagram handle, but once I saw the power and influence of the platform, I opted for something more professional. My handle is my name, @antuanbyers. Once I knew that I was building a brand, I had to decide what I wanted to be represented as and who I wanted to be known as. Easy answer was simply, me.

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

My go to app is VSCO cam. Not a huge fan of crazy filters, but I do like a clean, minimal, professional look throughout my feed. I also take advantage of the editing tools that come built in on my iPhone as well as on Instagram itself.

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

As a dancer, I love @rhyskosakowski. We have a lot in common considering being professional dancers who like fashion and style and he does a great job of adding in a lot of dance content, but keeping his page personal and down to earth. In general, I also really enjoy @imdrewscott, @lucafersko and @kylekriegerhair. They have incredible content and have clear senses of style and purpose for their Instagrams.

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

UNUM. Great, FREE way to organize content!

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

Getting to share some amazing brands with some of my supporters. I’m all about giving back. For me, that’s always the best part.

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

For me it’s really simple. If I wouldn’t tell a close friend to use the product, I don’t tell my followers. I simply say yes to things I believe in, and no to the things that I don’t.

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

We’re all unique and have something special to say with our content. Finding that will automatically create original content because no two stories are alike. Taping into that will allow you to produce quality content and give you a sense of confidence that your followers will admire. Your followers are Instagram users just like you and me. They can see through fakeness, and forced personality just like we can when we’re using the app.

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

Learning so much about so many cool products and brands. Influencers are usually some of the first to see products so it’s nice to get that inside, first-hand look at new and exciting products. Most companies that reach out to me don’t necessarily directly align with dance, but I like the challenge of finding how you can authentically present a product or brand that you enjoy to your audience.

Topics:

• Art
• Fashion
• Film, Music & Books
• Health & Fitness
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

United States of America