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Help! WTW for Magazine Feature (and self-branding for creatives)

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I need your help, ladies! A local lifestyle magazine found me on Instagram and approached me about being photographed for a feature in their November issue. I'd be writing up a DIY project for them, and then, their photographer will shoot me actually making the project.

I'm nervous. Posting WIWs has made me somewhat more comfortable in front of the camera, but I still don't feel super photogenic. What should I wear? The magazine (http://www.colorado-collective.com/) has a boho feel to it, which works for me, but I also don't want to wear anything to distract from the project. Also, the photos will be taken in August for the November issue, so I'll want something relatively seasonless.

Should I get a manicure? I expect lots of close-ups of my hands, but sometimes makers get flak for having too-perfect nails. Plus, when you're working with your hands all day, it's kind of a waste, since it's hard to keep them nice for long

Also, this has started me thinking, in general, about how I need to present myself as part of my brand, especially in scenarios like this one, or when I'm selling in person. I think a lot of creative people have an inclination to want to fade into the background and let their work stand on its own, and that's just not really an option in today's social media world. I know we have quite a few other self-employed creative types on the board... is this something you think about?

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Jaime

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I'd probably at least do a natural manicure myself and I'd wear something without much pattern and probably not white or anything too high in contrast.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, texstyle! I hadn't even thought about the practical photographic considerations.

JAileen

Veteran

I think having perfect polished nails would look more Hollywood than then the Boho look you have. (I'm assuming your product is Boho too?). I think beautiful unpolished nails would be better.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

First off ---- congratulations!!!

I think you should wear one of of eShakti dresses, Jenn. Or the black hi-low maxi dress (the original one).

I don't know a lot about magazine features. But if I were in your place, I wouldn't want to fade into the background. A lot of creative types aren't just memorable for their amazing work, but also for their polished looks. And where is the harm in that, eh? Nigella Lawson comes to mind, for one. I remember when I first started watching her cooking shows....I imagined myself looking just like her in the kitchen

PS: I'd paint my nails. Or get a professional manicure. Who is to say a creative professional can't wear pretty nailpaint? Just keep it mature....a nice nailpaint....no stars or other designs though

Traci

Veteran

Start oiling those cuticles now. I don't care if hands are manicured or not, but it always catches my eye in a distracting way if the cuticles are dry and jagged.

For what to wear, I'd probably go with a column of black and a colorful scarf or bold necklace.

RobinF

Veteran

Congrats! Very exciting. I agree with Traci, a plain dark color with a statement necklace or scarf. And I'd go with a manicure but keep it neutral like pale pink or nude.

Word Lily

Veteran

I think everyone gets a manicure before they go film a Craftsy show; how is this different? We all know that's not how their nails look every day, but we'd all want to put our best version of ourselves forward in that situation.

Aesthetically that mag is reminding me of Taproot (taprootmag), of which at least one of their contributors has painted nails. (Most of them, their hands aren't that clearly seen in their profile pics.) But perfect unpolished would be another option.

I think in general you want color next to your face but not pattern that would distract from what you're doing or that might act funny on camera.

I like the idea of one of your eShakti dresses.

Tina

Veteran

First of all, congratulations on being recognized!
I echo the others, my first thought was the look of healthy, clean unpolished nails (in photo shoots that might translate into needing clear polish?).
For an outfit go with something you feel really good in. Will the magazine give you guidelines or are you on your own?

kkards

Veteran

well i have no idea on what to wear, but WOW, how exciting! congratulations!

Aida

Veteran

I love Burt's Bees' cuticle cream, highly suggest using it for a week or two twice daily before the shoot. I'd opt for a manicure with buffed or clear polish, but would go with something more interesting for clothing; hands are directly "competing" for visual space as the focus will be on the craft, the clothes will reflect you . How about that pretty Anthro embroidered top?

Burt's Bees - Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream with Nourishing Vitamin E - 0.6 oz.

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations! That's wonderful news!

I'm with those who say go for clear or buffed nails and good hand care before. That will be perfect.

In terms of what to wear --- hmm. You do want to look great, you don't want to compete with what you're making. Also -- will they be coming to your studio to film, or will you be going to them? Because the environment is also going to play a role; you don't want to clash with the surroundings yet you want to stand out.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Congrats. I echo all the ladies on taking care of those hands.

I vote wear a top that makes you feel happy and drapes well. Not solid black. It doesn't photograph that well.

Anonymous

Just a quick pop-in to say congratulations. How exciting!
I totally agree about you being part of your brand and needing to have a certain look. I think it has to be a totally authentic look though... It's a good thing you have a good sense of your own style.
I'm sorry I dont have any advise. Looking forward to seeing what others recommend.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

You all have given me a lot to think about already!

JAileen, I don't know that I'd call my products "boho," but they're definitely aimed at an Anthropologie-esque market. My DIY project will be the wreath in photo 1 below.

Maneera, I worry about a summery dress looking weird in a Christmas issue of a magazine. The Colorado Christmas vibe tends towards rustic, cozy, aprés-ski, you know? Snow and mountains and greenery. You're right about there being of plenty of creatives who are FAB at branding themselves along with their products. It's harder than it looks, though.

Traci and RobinF, six months ago, your suggestions would probably have been exactly what I'd do, but my style has definitely become more low-key over the past several months, especially with accessories.

WordLily, hi! Good to see you! I've missed you! You're also right about the similar vibe to Taproot, although this seems to blend the craft with a local, lifestyle focus. You're right about pattern doing weird things sometimes. Mental note: no stripes.

Tina, you know, they might have some guidelines. I should ask. I've never done this before!

kkards, thanks! It remains to be seen what this amounts to. Magazine features are notoriously iffy, right up until publication.

Aida, I have that cuticle cream! I should put it on my nightstand to use before bed. Because I work with paper, I have to be really careful about putting anything greasy on my hands during the day. The Anthro top (photo 2, for those who haven't seen it) is a great idea for something that would be comfortable in August, but still look appropriate in November. One caveat: I've had issues with some "wardrobe malfunctions" with it recently, as the buttons seem to easily come undone. I've been meaning to put some extra stitches in the buttonholes to tighten them up, so I would really need to do that before any photos. No big deal, just an important note to self.

Suz, the photographer is based out of a city about 3 hours from here, but gave me some dates when she'll be in town, so I'm assuming we'll either be at my studio or some local location, but that hasn't been firmed up.

Angie, *backs away from the black*

smittie, that's the rub, isn't it? Finding that "authentic" look and sticking to it. This is why people have stylists!

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rabbit

Veteran

Congratulations and I agree with all the above, I would wear your signature look -- not something sanitized or more formal, but with concessions for the camera with regard to color and pattern (the magazine might have suggestions).

To your other question I try my utmost to fade into the background with my own work (with limited success), outside of artist talks, interviews, and occasional videos and workshops, but I don't sell in person. I think being active on social media with or without your face associated can help with sales for sure, and if you are comfortable with a public persona/personality associated with your face it can definitely be helpful, maybe especially with millennial buyers. It's also true that like any other public facing profession once we get in front of a camera we don't have control over how our likeness is distributed, and if it's flattering or not, lol. I try to not be self-conscious about it.

JAileen

Veteran

I look forward to seeing the article! I think I've changed my mind, actually. Definitely get a manicure, but as to polish, do what you normally do. So if you normally wear polish, then wear it. Otherwise, not. I was thinking if it were me, I would worry about chipping the polish before the photo session. There's not much that looks worse than chipped nail polish, IMO.

Anonymous

I think I'd probably skip the professional manicure, and get a great haircut (that always gives me a boost of self-confidence!).

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Haha, Xtabay! I actually just recently got my haircut and am kind of hoping it grows out some in the next couple of weeks.

Anonymous

OK, you're good to go then! You'll be great.

Helen11

Veteran

Congratulations! I hope it's fun, too. I agree, natural nails are the way to go. Do have a feel for which of your outfits have photographed well already? I like the rich colour of your top above.

Cerinda

Veteran

Yes, you need a solid colored top, ideally deep or even saturated, the color you like best on your skin. Choose an outfit that makes you feel most you. Perfect grooming (smart you to have gotten your haircut a little ahead of time). Even if you don't usually wear make up, you might consider it. Cameras do funny things.

This is so exciting! I'm looking forward to hearing more about the shoot and the story and everything, hoping to see the finished piece. Happy you're getting the exposure.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Congratulations Jenn! I think I would go for either a natural (clear) polish or unpolished look on the nails. Otherwise I would fret about chipping the polish either immediately before or during the shoot. I very much like the Anthro top because it is so flattering and so you. Also it would have appeal to your market wouldn't it?

rachylou

Veteran

I'm curious as to the setting. Colours, busyness of the backdrop...

Staysfit

Veteran

I'm going to say something opposite to what everyone else is saying. My DD has a series of paintings where she dresses to match. They are clever and wonderful to look at. I happen to think it is nice to have some congruence between the artist and their project. It shows true creativity. It may or may not help you blend into the background. It's a bit like what Angie had us do at one point, dress like various works of art. So perhaps instead of a print, you could pick a solid shirt with a ruffle to match the wreath. Or something with small written print and a ruffle. I agree your hands and hair should look good. I like buffed or clear polish for hands.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Interesting suggestion, Staysfit. That's the tack I often take when dressing to sell, where I wear often wear a literary tee under a cardigan or blazer. Occasionally, for shows, I even do some book-text nail wraps for fun conversation-starting.

You know what I just realized? My thoughts (and this discussion) have gone towards, "What should I pull out of my closet to wear?" rather than "What should I go out and buy for this?" I love that!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooh. I love the idea of one of your Out of Print tees under a jacket, if you will be able to bear it in the heat. (Love the wreath by the way!)

Do you have the grey library stamp one? But I'm not sure grey is a great colour for you...hmmmm.....just thinking that a tee like that could be conversational. And your backdrop of books is fantastic with some simple neutrals (other than black, ahem) and very connected to your work.

I can also see what Staysfit is saying about a ruffle, if you have something like that.

Cococat

Veteran

Congratulations! How fab to have your work showcased like that!
DH is an artist and I like to dabble too. DH has been photographed with his work before and he likes to dress casually but wear an interesting tshirt.

I think that it's great to see creative people show their creativity in their dress as well as their work. Like Suz, I like the idea of an interesting print tee, but I think that you should wear colour. I like the idea of short unpolished nails.

Peri

Veteran

Supporting the solid color top idea, just make sure it is a color that makes you glow! I was interviewed for a TV segment once and was told to wear a solid color...maybe print reads more busy on film than real like or something.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Late but congratulations! No great advice to offer but best wishes!