Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Sebelle Sharmine @xsharmine

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

Hola amigos! A happy senior-student is what I am; at Temasek Design School. I currently study Apparel Design & Merchandising, and of course with “Temasek” you would’ve already identified where I’m from– Where else, if not Singapore?

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

I am a sucker for the arts. I also reeeeally like animals, skies, seas, all things nature. I would say that most of the things I conceptualize always go back to the roots of our grounds. I enjoy getting to know people, how they live, how they feel, and how they work. I’m all about the whats-your-story thang. I think it’s obvious when half the pictures I take have a specific story to tell. I want to convey. I want people to see what I saw through the lens, or feel what I have felt. I create because I want to tell stories. Besides being behind the camera and more often than not, I’m right in front of it in perpetual lazy-poses. I document my style quite a bit, and I also go right down to the details.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

Simple, I needed it to be something that represented myself so my friends would know who this account belongs to, so of course it has my name. I would like to use this opportunity to let people know my name is spelt Sharmine, not Shermaine or Sharmaine or I don’t know what. I honestly still don’t get why people get it wrong when they’re looking exactly at it. As for the “x” in front of it…. Nope, there’s no reason for it. “@sharmine” alone just wasn’t available, and my logo says “xS” so yes, I just indirectly hinted everyone how small I am in person.

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

If they’re taken with my camera, I’d process them out with Lightroom/Photoshop depending on what I think suits better. As for my phone, definitely VSCO. They have the best + free aesthetically pleasing to the eye filters, plus you get to play around with the shadows and all that stuff.

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

They are waaaay too many. It’s difficult coming from someone who spends an equal amount of time being in front and being the camera. My major portraiture inspirations include @chuck, @emilysoto, & @dfreske just to name a few. Their works always have so much substance and so beautiful to look at. As for style, I look up to way too many fellow lookbook.nu users. Some examples include @beigerenegade & @willamazing!

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

Petting cats.

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

I’d have to say it’s getting to learn about the perspectives of the many different people I have met from all industries (from influencer-given opportunities).

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

Quality over quantity: Influencers with bigger numbers do NOT equate to more publicity or bigger influence. The quality of their content and their target market will make a huge difference, so please choose your influencers wisely!

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

Do it because you enjoy doing it, not for the fame. People these days just overlook this and do things just to get “famous”. Having substance is another thing many bloggers now lack.. If you have no substance, you’d just be another face that’ll eventually die out after your peak. Stay true!

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

Connections are very important. I believe a good relationship with brands from around the world will eventually help you in someway or another. Plus, it’s so heartwarming to see a brand grow together with yourself.