Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Felicia @iamfeliciart

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

Hi, my name is Felicia. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York but I currently live in sunny South Florida. I was an after school director and teacher for six years before putting all of my energy into my photography and art. Right now I would consider myself a Semi-Pro photographer. I still teach by tutoring students part-time and most of my free time I work on my photography business by doing projects, networking, meeting with potential clients, and working on my online store.

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

Well, as a natural observer everything is of interest to me. Social issues, politics, music, books about religions and spirituality are topics that are my most favorite. Also, art from the most grotesque to the most minimalistic; however, I find myself posting images that I feel people can relate to. When it is my photography work, it’s nature, street photography based and I really pay attention to my surroundings. When I do my graphic design work or drawings it’s a bit more intuitive and personal. Don’t get me wrong photography is very intuitive and personal to me; the difference between the two is, one takes more time to create the overall image. There’s more energy and time put into that kind of artistry.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

I watched an old Madonna documentary from her Confessions Tour years ago and I remember her saying in french, “je suis l”art” which translates to ” I AM ART.” For some reason that just stuck with me. As an artist I see all things as that including myself. So, my name is Felicia and I am art; therefore, IAMFELICIART.

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

Lightroom is on top of my list, followed by Snapseed and VSCO. Photoshop and Illustrator I use when I do my digital art and graphic design pieces. Lately I have been using Cinemagraph Pro which can be addicting once you learn how to use it. I don’t edit like most photographers out there do. To each is own. Most edit right then and there however I feel it is important to wait after you are done with a photo session. Allow the images to sit for a few days before the editing begins. That way when you look at the images it is with a clear mind and your more focused on the feel of the editing process. When you edit it quick time for me it defeats the purpose of being in the position of a photographer. Editing shouldn’t be always the go to. Each time you press the shutter it’s a conscious choice. Use the editing process when necessary.

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

Oh wow, I have a few favorites. Let’s see, Don Scott ( @donscottteacher ) I absolutely LOVE his perspective and style of street photography. Very raw and authentic imagery and you can tell he is paying attention to his surroundings. Another favorite instagrammer of mine is Elena Kulikova ( @elenakulikovastudio ) her work for me is color porn with a mix of an acid trip. Her approach and her style and her way of using multiple exposures is very inspiring to me and not something I see often on Instagram. She definitely stands out to me. I can list so many but here is a last favorite her name is Sophie Derrick ( @sophiederrickart ) again, one of those photographers who uses the human form as her base. With her work she actually paints upon her subject. The use of color and technique is quite jaw dropping. Most of the people I follow inspire me one way or more. So it is really hard for me to pick one, but since I have to I will have to say is Natalie Amrossi ( @misshattan ) before I even knew who she was, when I decided to leave the education field and focused on being a creative, what she does is how I always envisioned myself as an artist. This has nothing to do with the types of images she produces because our styles are very different, but more that her passion for photography has lead her in a path of living off of her passion. That for me is the ultimate prize. To be able to pull up to my future house and say, photography paid for this.

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

Yoga. I tell everyone I know Yoga is the way of true mind and body connection. It has helped me become more aware creatively and more centered. Helped through my depression and has helped me with losing a lot of weight. I also tell them that there’s no need to listen to zen music while doing it either. Put on your favorite playlist, get on a mat and just try it.

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

I have to say my favorite part for me is being able to actually either meet or talk with my followers. A lot of times I will get personal messages that what I wrote pertaining to my image has inspired them. That I am inspiring. I don’t think I can ever get used to hearing that. At the end of the day I am being myself. The images I share and stories that go along with them are a reflection of who I am and come from experiences I’ve been through so I feel that my following comes from my relate-ability. Just being as transparent and authentic as I always am.

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

I have had the privilege on working with a couple of brands. Each assignment was a learning experience but one common thing I found is that companies should find creatives that can truly create original content. At times, the aesthetic between companies start to look the same when they reach out to the same group of people.

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

Being authentic and being true to your work is what makes an artist. Fact, others take from other artists. However, it is our job as artist to also remain true to ourselves. Our images are a reflection of who we are. At least for me, this is how I create my work. Yes, I look at others work for inspiration and ideas but my job is to create my own language from it.

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

It allows me to build a professional relationships within the marketing world. Allows me to expand my imagination and allows me to think outside the box and really stretch out my artistic muscles. Also, to be able to handle products that no one has heard of or know about and being able to share is pretty cool.

Topics:

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

Country:

United States of America