F A S H I O N // Instagram of the week: @ad_i_

I come across so much hidden talent via social media, that I've decided to start an instagram (or blog) of the week as a way of celebrating all the amazing creative people out there! 
My chosen instragram this week is the incredible ADI of The Place Is Gone Now. He has such a strong eye for composition, form and colour that I can't help but trawling through his feed every time I'm feeling either stressed (the clean tones of white and blue are so calming) or am in need of some inspiration. 

Say whatever you want about social media, but I am a firm believer in it's power. Of course at first I was a little weary (sometimes I still am), and there are still things that stay firmly in my portfolio and would never be posted on either here or instagram, but there is no denying the importance of creating an online persona.
For someone like myself who has just graduated from university and am finding my footing in an incredibly competitive industry, creating a space that showcases who I am as a creative individual feels very important to me.

It feels natural to be sharing how I see the world with everyone else. I want to connect with other creatives, I want to share my imagery and I also want to see how others work. It's something I do without thinking- a composition I find beautiful, a certain light fracture, something I've created- I'm documenting it constantly. Isn't this what creatives do? 
Everything in my life revolves around the way I see things, the things I want to achieve and my love of beautiful things. It's only natural to want to share it.
I've heard people describe social media as 'weird', 'terrifying' and in one case 'evil'?! I know some people are still set in their ways, but for those who are just starting out, getting yourself out there and noticed is usually one of your main priorities. 

Talking from experience here, I've come from a background in which I've had to absolutely work my arse off to get what I want. I've had nothing given to me, money is not handed to me when I need it, advice is rare and criticism plentiful. Like many people, my parents were not able to fund my University degree, nor were they able to send me on my merry way to do masters degree (like a lot of very lucky people I know). Don't get me wrong though, if my parents were up for paying, I'd be jumping at the chance!

However, I have been lucky enough to have learnt from all of it. Having to find your own way is not such a bad thing. I was also lucky enough to have a very creative mother who never once judged my decision to follow my dreams into the fashion world. 
There are more people in my position than not, and although we may not have connections, money, or the funds to intern, we do have the ability to show the world what we are capable of.
Yes it might take many years longer than the rest of them, but I for one know I'll get there in the end. It's for this reason I find social media so important. If it wasn't for my blog and my instagram allowing me to connect with people from every corner of the globe, I wouldn't have come across half of the opportunities that I have. 

Of course, keep some things to yourselves. You don't want to share every wonderful idea you've ever had, but showing how amazing you are isn't a bad thing! Get going and show the world what you're made of!!

Hannah