Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Zard Apuya @zardapuya

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

I am an artist born-and-raised on the beautiful island of Guam. I moved to San Francisco 3 years ago and recently had just relocated down to San Diego to try out the SoCal scene. I specialize in customizing designer toys and draw most of my inspiration from food. My inspiration has come from chocolate bars, desserts, cultural delicacies, and iconic dishes from places I’ve been to.

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

Although I am a traditional artist, I would also also consider my style as food art since most of my creations are inspired by it.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It’s from my full name: Zard Apuya

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

If I’m doing a studio-style photo of a piece, I would take photos using my Canon Rebel T2i Digital SLR Camera on a makeshift white background using an inexpensive poster board. But if I want an on-location photo of a piece, my iPhone works just as well. For editing apps, I usually rely on PS Express to adjust lighting, Pic Stitch or Pic Jointer for collages, and Over for texts.

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

Since I started doing designer toys, I’ve really enjoyed following the works of toy artists such as @huckgee and @sket_one. Their styles were very detailed and clean and I continue to aspire to get on their level. When I began focusing on food-themed pieces, I started to follow more food accounts, but I really do enjoy @girleatworld and @desserted_in_paris because they always make the food the star of the post.

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

Be an adventurous eater. I also think food is one of the best ways to meet new people and visit new places.

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

Having the ability to share my craft in a way that combines two things I love in a new perspective: toy art and food.

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

It’s very competitive between brands nowadays and it can be tough on figuring out the perfect formula for getting through to most of your target customers. Sometimes using the cookie cutter approach and using the same channels time and time again might not always work. Don’t be afraid to take risks as well. Use new approaches and influencers that you wouldn’t expect because you may end up with a home run campaign. Also sometimes the goal of campaigns shouldn’t always be about gaining sales or new customers. Engagement is just as important because it gives your audience a reason to follow you for more content.

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

Quality and original content is what drives your audience to come back. If they begin to notice your content is beginning to lose originality and creativity, they lose the motivation to visit your page and see your posts they may have missed.

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

I love partnering with brands because everyone one of them is different–product, industry, location, audience, etc. This challenges me to expand my creative thinking to come up with a proposal that best fits their brand and still allows me to apply my craft.

Topics:

• Art
• Design
• DIY & Crafts
• Food & Drink

Country:

United States of America