Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Kri @krigentile

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

I graduated from college with a BFA in Visual Communications in Design. With this degree, I quickly scaled the corporate ladder as a Senior Art Director, working for some of the globes most highly regarded brands.

On the outside, it looked like I had it all together – but on the inside I was yearning to do more. I wanted to get outside my cubical life. I was born an entrepreneur, which was the driving force to starting my own creative company “one day.”

“One day” came much quicker then I planned. And in 2011 my dream officially blossomed into what is now Kriativ Co. – a commercial photography studio for brands and influencer.

Everyday I get to create amazing imagery with my creative clients. There’s nothing more I’d rather be doing everyday of my life. I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love everyday.

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

I love photography, design and business – so I post mainly this type of content. I’m always sharing new projects I’m working on, or past photography and design work.

My favorite subjects to photograph are fashion, food and lifestyle driven. I can’t get enough of flat lays, stop motion animations and bright vibrant colors.

I also help other creatives turn their creative passions into careers, and hope to be posting much more about this now and in the future.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My instagram name is my first and last name.

Although, I do have an interesting reason why my blog is called It’s Kriativ.

My full first name is Kristen – but all my friends and family call me Kri.

Over the years, they would joke that my projects are “So Kri-ative” like the work creative, but spelled with my nickname.

Being that my blog is all about photography, design, business – all things creative; the name simply happened to work coincidentally.

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

As a professional photographer, I take my editing pretty seriously. After all – it’s my trademark. What makes my work unique. It’s what you’ll remember about my work – bright, vibrant and fun.

I start by color correcting, cropping, and adjusting in Photoshop. Then I take my images to Instagram and make minor tweaks like adding my favorite filters ( Juno with a little warmth ), if needed.

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

OMG there are SO MANY!

Some of my favorites…
Photographers: @nastia.jpg @jasminestar @russelljames
Bloggers: @Garypeppergirl @KristinaBazan @rocky_barnes
Brands: @forloveandlemons @zimmermann @britandco
Artists: @meagancignoli @jessicavwalsh
Inspiration Pages: @thisdesignedlife @thecolorshift

If you go to any of my Instagram accounts: @krigentile, @kriativco or @thisdesignedlife – you’ll notice that I only follow other artists, bloggers, or professionals that inspire me.

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

Coconut Ice Cream with lot of those little cookie cake crumbles that you find in the middle of ice cream cakes. Literally the best ice cream combo ever.

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

The best part about being an influencer is that I get to share bits and pieces of me with the world, in a creative way that I wouldn’t be able to do offline.

I love being able to relate to others. It’s hard when you aren’t surrounded by other entrepreneurs, artists or people who just “get you.” I tend to find more of this type of connection online, with other creatives from around the world.

Being an influencer helps me connect to more creative people and projects. Two things that make me feel fulfilled in life.

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

I have two top tips…

The first is something that used to bug me about working with brands in the corporate world as an Art Director, and also in the creative world as a photographer and that is this…

Stop talking about your brand. Start talking about what it could do for your audience.

People don’t care about you unless they clearly understand what you’ll do for them, or how you’ll help. If you can answer this in a fun, unique, creative way – well then you’ll be golden.

Which leads to my second tip – hire a creative team that has the ability to understand this and act upon it. Work with people you can trust to tell stories and make an impact.

People love learning about your story, your purpose, and how you can help.

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

Quality is key. You have less then 7 seconds to make an impact. If your imagery is poor quality, people won’t take you seriously or consider you to be professional.

I think it’s extremely important to create original content because it shows authenticity and allows you to be able to tell your unique story. In order to gain a following, you’ll need to build trust with your audience.

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

I love being able to tell their story through creative imagery. I like that every brand has a different mission. It allows me to use my creativity and build something unique just for them. I like how each new project brings a new adventure along with it.

I also enjoy the ability to meet and work with other creatives. I’m usually I’m working alongside brand creative directors or graphic designers. I really enjoy collaboration.

Topics:

• Art
• Design
• Fashion
• Food & Drink
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

United States of America