Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Jay @Jayandstuff

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

I’m Jay, and stuff. I’m a 24 year old mailman by day and a creative by night, a little unorthodox, I know. I just got off work and I skipped Muai Thai class tonight to sit down and produce some content, so here I am! I come from the Southern California High Desert, an area where most major production companies like to stage their desert scenes and chances are, you’ve probably seen my hometown quite a few times! There’s not a ton to do in Hesperia, California aside from hiking, working, eating food, or tapping into one’s own potential to create. I’ve spent the last 10 years really centering myself around chasing my dreams, retaining knowledge, and learning new skills. I’m an avid photo blogger/photographer, I’ve toured the country playing drums for hardcore bands, I’ve filmed, produced and edited music videos, along with being my very own personal multimedia brand before my 20th birthday. Now, I’ve focused my efforts into networking as much as possible to make an impact on the world, to help others see my vision, to encourage others through my creative outlets. I’m just hungry to grow and achieve!

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

I post a lot of traveling, architecture, life, landscapes, skateboarding, people, performances, automotive, food, anything you can think of really man. I’m constantly intrigued by colors, genuine stories, or even just the casual candid iPhone shot. Recently, analog Photography has taken over my life and it’s caused me to slow down on shooting digital to really explore everything that film has to offer, its killer!

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

Yikes, I spent a lot of time trying to think of something smooth you know, like every major influencer has their signature, their branding. I eventually came to a point where I just felt like I was trying too hard to be catchy and literally just used my first name.. and stuff.

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

VSCO is my go-to and always has been! I’ve gotten so much love over the years from these guys. I’ve been featured on their VSCO Grid numerous times and that kind of encouragement always supports the photography community in ways that really make a difference! Now, when it comes to the editing process I’ll always start with the basics: Exposure, contrast, shadows, highlights etc. From there if the natural lighting and colors aren’t cutting it, I’ll mess around with some of the cleanest presets and filters that apps can provide. I’ve bought a few extra preset packs that VSCO offers in their store to really help me fine tune my own style and they’ve helped a ton!

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

ALL of my friends inspire me, when I see people winning because they chose to do what they felt in their hearts I’m inspired! When I see that a friend released a great project that they worked so hard for I GET INSPIRED. Right now though, I’m really into @mikespears. This dude kills the film photography game and he’s been doing it for ages, I really love his vision and everything that comes with it from architecture, to skateboarding, to people, places and models. Everything is so clean!

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

Buy Gary Vee’s book, then put some headphones on and listen to Anderson .Paak. Get inspired. For real.

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

Sharing my vision, encouraging others, helping people, loving to love, loving to create!

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

It’s not just about a niche or a target market anymore, it’s about genuine relatability. Let that young kid who wishes he could skate like Dylan Rieder know that his vision is important, that he can apply himself to supply his goals.

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

Don’t be discouraged when your style doesn’t fit the trending topic, the latest trends are all set by original thinkers who took risks on executing their visions. DO WHATS ON YOUR HEART.

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

I love networking, I love that feeling of making a new connection, landing a new opportunity, taking a new step on the path to growth!

Topics:

• Animals & Pets
• Architecture
• Art
• Cars & Motorcycles
• Cooking
• Design
• Film, Music & Books
• Food & Drink
• Health & Fitness
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

United States of America