By Hermes Joy Tunac
For digital content creators, a big part of their job involves traveling, shooting campaigns for brands and attending events, among others. But during this time of mandatory lockdown, how do influencers remain creative despite being faced with the prospect of limited access to content ideas? How do they keep their followers who, like them, are also required to stay at home, entertained? And most importantly, how do they cope up with the new normal?
In this article, get to know veteran content creators Laureen Uy and David Guison more, as they share with readers their tips on how to make quarantine bearable not just for themselves, but also for their followers.
Break my style
Laureen Uy is a blogger/vlogger who has managed to stay at the top of her game, regardless, it seems, of shifting trends in the digital world. From Lookbook, Tumblr, Instagram, YouTube and, now, TikTok, Laureen has managed to produce contents that remain relevant to her million or so followers.
A decade of work as a content creator has landed her numerous endorsement contracts with brands, including Heineken, Adidas, Netflix and Sony. Laureen has also worked with international labels like Sephora, Charriol, Marc Jacobs, Furla and fast fashion brands Mango, Topshop and Guess.
On this vlog, Laureen shares a glimpse of her life by listing down 20 things that keeps her busy during the extended community quarantine (ECQ), which she doesn’t normally do every day due to her busy and on-the-go schedule. These activities include playing the piano, learning how to cook, working out, meditating and reading a book. Above all, however, Laureen emphasizes that ECQ isn’t the best time to push yourself to be productive all the time.
“Don’t feel guilty if you feel like you want to rest and do nothing for a while. It’s okay. If it makes you happy, go for it,” says Laureen on her vlog.
Laureen also uploaded easy to follow recipes on how to make crunchy Korean fried chicken, Tuna Crepe and recreating Shakey’s Mojos and gravy on her YouTube channel.
“I’ve been seeing a lot of creators make amazing content with things that can be found at home, and it has inspired me to do the same,” she tells PeopleaAsia. On her Instagram page, the digital creator makes sure that her posts are light and entertaining for her followers. For instance, she recently did the Pillow Challenge on TikTok, wherein you have to wear your pillow as a dress with a belt accent. But to put some twist to it, the influencer made several looks while doing the challenge. “A smile can change your mood and can make you stay positive— and that’s what I hope I can give to my followers,” she adds.
DG Manila
On the other hand, a half naked David managed to get his summer 2020 content by creatively setting up a beach towel on his terrace, looking as if he’s just chilling on the beach.
David, now 29, started his blog as part of a class requirement in college. Little did he expect that there would be a whole career ahead of him in a new industry dominated by women. But by staying the course after the initial push of the publish button, “DG Manila” eventually evolved into one of the country’s top menswear blogs.
When asked what makes him relevant despite shifts in the digital world, David attributes it to his confident and relentless nature. He started by using Tumblr to shifting to microblogging on Instagram and Twitter. In due time, he took up vlogging on YouTube. “I worked my way up. I started with outfits from ukay-ukay [thrift shops] to working with designer brands. I’ve grown, and so are my followers,” David shares.
According to David, the ECQ was a challenge for him to produce his signature content since he relies mostly on his travels when he shoots. But being on quarantine brought out another creative side of him. “I’ve been shooting content for my [digital] platforms almost every day. Now, I want to share ways to inspire my audience [and remind them] that they can still be creative even in isolation,” David shares.
That’s why when you visit David’s Instagram page, his content is brimming with “summer feels,” making it seem as if summer hasn’t been “cancelled” even if he’s at just at home.
On David’s YouTube channel, for instance, he recently uploaded a “Week in my life, quarantine edition” vlog where the influencer shares what he’s been up to and how he keeps himself productive during these times. Just like Laureen, David has found more time to work out regularly. Aside from doing cardio and lifting weights, David is also trying to practice yoga while on ECQ.
Laureen and David are considered leaders among the “influencer” generation. Amidst the pandemic, their creativity is hardly hampered, as they continue to inspire and entertain countless followers through their digital platforms.
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