Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Devon Cleaveland @devon_cleaveland

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

I am a small town gay boy from Omaha , NE whose life pretty much revolves around fashion, taking trendy photos, and going to photoshoots. I am a model, and am currently signed with Develop Model Management and have done a ton of modeling jobs such as: Chicago Fashion week, editorial shoots, commercial shoots, runway, and lots more. Traveling is also something that is a big part of my life because I love love exploring new places, and meeting new people and just seeing what the world has to offer. I am a barista at a coffee shop , so I really enjoy coffee and fast pace environments. Overall social media has become a huge part of my life and I love how much you can do with it , and how much comes out of it. Stay smilin.

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

My Instagram mainly consist of fashion, and lifestyle things. I enjoy taking photos of layouts, and also different outfits. A lot of the time I will go downtown, outside, or just really anywhere to have mini photoshoots so I can post high quality photos, and promote certain clothing stores, designers, etc. I really just like taking photos that are pleasing to the eye, and that will spark the interest of anyone and everyone.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

I wish that I could thing of some sort of trendy name for my Instagram, but it is currently just my name. I chose to just use my name because I want to create a name for myself, and want people to know who I am but you can’t do that if you have some sort of weird middle school username. You gotta stay true to yourself, and keep it simple.

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

The main app that I use for editing my photos is VSCO cam because I personally find it to be the most reliable, and easiest to use. My editing routine starts with setting up my studio light so that I have the best lighting , because honestly that is key to developing the best post worthy photo. Then I usually brainstorm what it is i want to take a picture of that day wether it be an article of clothing, some type of new food, or room decor. Once I figure that out I set everything up so that it looks professional and not sloppy, and I start snapping pics with my phone , while moving things or adding things to make sure I get the turn out I want. After that I go to my camera roll and see that I have taken about 100 photos of the same thing, just in different angles and lights, and so i go through and delete the bad ones, while favoriting the ones that i find interest in and narrow that down to about 3 or 4. Then I go to VSCO cam and upload the pictures I favorited and edit them all using my favorite filers HB1 or HB2 , and mess with the saturation , and also the exposure. I then pull up Instagram and compare the photo to my feed and see which one fits the best, and ask my family for approval. I then think of a good caption and post the photo , and wait for the hearts to show up. So overall a lot goes in to taking the perfect Instagram photo, but in the end the result is amazing.

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

The Instagrammers I look up to most , and get inspiration from would have to be Lauren Elizabeth, Maddi Bragg, and Claudia Sulewski. I came across these ladies when I started getting really into YouTube and the fashion scene of things. The reason I look up to them the most is because 1. they are all flawless but also there pictures and feeds are always so clean, and classy. Every photo they take always goes so well with their feed, and basically make my jaw drop. Comparing mine to theirs you can tell that they inspire me because my feed has become more white , and vibrant just like theirs. Beauty Guru’s have my heart.

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

If there is one thing they should try it would be taking things to the next level, and stepping out of their comfort zones. A lot of the times people don’t really take that much time to think about what photo they’re posting and typically just use the Instagram filters. But really they should try taking a variety of photos, because no one likes to look at the same sorority pose picture over and over again. If you post photos of objects, people, and a ton of different things , people are more likely to like your pics and follow you . You have to take photos that will make people stop and stare, and catch their attention. SO fellow Instagrammers put your thinking caps on and start getting creative.

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

My favorite part of being an influencer is having people see my post and get inspired by them. It warms my heart when someone messages me, or comments on a photo about how they went and shopped at the same store as me, or purchased the same thing i recently had. Another thing i like about it is the people and connections i have made through it, its crazy how just one post can get me a job, or even sometimes have a celebrity like it. The people I have met through being an influencer is amazing , and i can’t wait to continue on this path , and keep improving.

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

My tips to brands would be to make sure that the quality you want the influencer to produce still matches their feed, because thats their life. It sounds bad but I feel like companies should offer an incentive because most likely an influencer will choose sponsoring a company that is going to send them something or pay them , over one that is just doing it for their benefit. Always make sure that the influencer you reach out to fits your companies ascetic , and will gain you more business.

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

My advice would be that companies reach out to you because they obviously see something that they liked and caught their attention, so when it comes to sponsoring them you have to make sure that the picture will exceed their expectations. There are always a ton of guidelines you have to follow so make sure you have a list and when it comes to producing the image you are marking off each one as you go. Also they probably came to you because they saw something different on your account that they liked, so don’t change the way you take or edit photos when it comes to companies reaching out to you, stay creative because that will always keep them coming back. Dont be afraid that you will lose followers, or won’t get any likes because in all honesty this will actually gain you followers, and most likely money, so just do what makes you happy.

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

What I like the most is the exposure, it really helps with creating a name for yourself. When you partner with brands , then more brands will reach out to you, so its really the gift that keeps on giving. There is also usually some sort of incentive , so its always nice being rewarded for doing what you love most. Partner with anyone and everyone you can because that will only build up your reputation, and get you on the road to success.

Topics:

• Art
• Fashion
• Film, Music & Books
• Food & Drink
• Travel

Country:

United States of America