I cannot believe it is 3 years since I hit publish on my first blog post, it feels like only yesterday that I decided to review some of my favourite makeup pieces from my tiny collection, which has somewhat expanded to infinity in 3 years. I thought, it was only fitting to publish a post, 3 years on, about what blogging has taught me. This post is subject to brutal honesty and the one where I brag a little about my improvements - do not diss self love, ok?
1. I'm really creative
Don't get me wrong, I have always been the creative type, whether artistically or musically, I have always enjoyed creation. I guess, when you combine, makeup - a creative art, and writing, one of my better academic skills (thank you law school), I have found somewhere to put my creative outlet which I have definitely lacked since leaving academy in 2014. I actually find it hard to believe that I still manage to come up with content that isn't totally boring and I guess that is due to my creativity.
2. My photography skills have improved - drastically
I think one of the biggest lessons from blogging is that photography is a learning curve.. honestly my flatlay photography in 2014 was cringeworthy, but hey - we all have to start somewhere, right? I think blogging has also taught me you really don't need fancy equipment, the bulk of my photos are taken either with my iphone6s or my actual camera which I really need to start using again.
3. It's okay to have time out
Around this time last year, I packed up all things blogging for 3 months. Why? I honestly do not know. I think it was a partial self loathe for my blog mixed with pressure. I felt that blogging was becoming forced and I just didn't enjoy it like I used to so I initially took a week out, which turned into a month out and so on. I stopped putting pressure on myself and found myself blogging again which is just how it should be. Don't get me wrong brand deals are amazing, and are some of my biggest accomplishments however when you hit the point where you start to hate what you first loved, you know it is time to take a breather.
4. Don't settle for less
I remember my first sponsored post which was actually based on instagram, and considering it was my first post I was given a fair payment however over the years I have worked with some amazing market leaders and have been paid to promote and sponsor products I love and use. However, I have also been subject to companies who offer to pay me for posting to which I send my media pack over and they say the budget is £5 per 300 word blog post.. Sorry hun, but the last time I checked I was worth a little more than that. Don't get me wrong, 90% of my content is unsponsored, in fact I very rarely do sponsored posts because I only promote brands I truly love, but I just find it a bit disheartening and rude that a company would offer something so ridiculous for not only the promotion and increase in sales but also for my time and effort for the post. You don't sit at a desk 9-5 to not be paid by your boss, so why shouldn't I? Rant over.
5. Not living in London makes blog events and work a nightmare
I think on average, I turn down 10 events in London per week. Living in North East of Scotland makes blogging extremely difficult as I am unable to attend all the launch events by brands in London. I have turned down Michelle Keegan and Lucy Mec launches for their fashion lines. In fact, I turned down working with Hawian Tropic last year to feature in their advertorial campaign, and although it was all expenses paid, I was working so was unable to attend.
After I have completed my degree next year (hallelujah) I plan on moving down south to focus in a profession which may be legal based whilst maintaining my blog and I feel this will really help my blog to develop as I will finally be able to say 'yes'.
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KIRSTY JENNIFER | All rights reserved.