Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Seth Hartman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Seth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

The second post I ever shared on Instagram back in 2016 was of a Fossil watch I’d had since high school. That post ended up getting over 1,000 likes — and to my surprise, Fossil reached out to me directly to collaborate. I was thrilled! I’d always loved and admired their brand, and hearing from them felt like confirmation that I was stepping into a whole new kind of journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been working as a Creative Director, UI/UX (Product) Designer, and Graphic Designer for 18 years. I’m married to my best friend, and together we have two amazing boys. Design has always been a huge part of my life—it’s something I do every day—but my roots actually trace back to the fashion world.

Back in 2003, I started modeling and doing runway shows. I loved the creativity, the style, and the ever-changing trends. But after a few years, I found myself growing tired of the culture and competitiveness, so I decided to step away from that path.

Fast forward to late 2016—I found my way back to fashion, this time combining it with my love of design. I started an Instagram account where I shared flatlays of my outfits and clothing. It reignited all the things I loved about fashion back in 2003, but in a way that also allowed me to help both small and large businesses grow and expand.

As I’ve continued to evolve in this space, I’ve developed a true passion for showcasing products in creative, engaging ways that elevate a company’s marketing while introducing my followers to fresh, unique, and high-quality finds.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing ideas come to life in a way that truly impacts people—whether that’s through a product that makes someone’s day easier, a design that tells a powerful story, or a visual that sparks inspiration. I love that creativity bridges strategy and emotion; it’s both problem-solving and storytelling at the same time.

There’s also something incredibly fulfilling about the process itself—the exploration, iteration, and discovery that happens along the way. Every project feels like an opportunity to learn, push boundaries, and create something meaningful that connects with others. Knowing that my work can inspire, help, or delight someone is what keeps me passionate about what I do every day.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Timing played a huge role in my journey—it really was all about the moment I started. Back in 2016, the influencer space was just beginning to take shape. I had no idea where it would lead, but I knew that if I challenged myself, stayed motivated, analyzed data, and researched opportunities, I could find success. It took a lot of consistency and late nights, but the effort paid off. At that time, hashtags carried a lot of weight in the algorithm, and through plenty of trial and error, I learned what worked best—when to post, which hashtags to use, and how to pair them with meaningful, inspiring content.

From the very beginning, one of my goals was to give back once I reached a place of surplus. I partnered with a local nonprofit that provided workwear for men preparing for job interviews, and every season, I’d go through my wardrobe to donate pieces that could help someone else take their next step forward. It was a full-circle experience—using something I loved to make a difference in my community. That same drive also fueled my passion for supporting small businesses and showcasing their products. I always cared more about putting the work and the brands I believed in front and center than about promoting myself. That’s where my passion truly came from—creating with purpose and helping others grow along the way.

For anyone just starting out, my advice is simple: be consistent, stay authentic, and focus on quality over quantity. Post content that truly reflects who you are and what you’re passionate about. Use trends as inspiration, but make sure your own voice and style shine through. Engage with your audience, share your “why,” and think of your feed as a living, evolving portfolio of your creativity. When your content is genuine and intentional, growth naturally follows.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mycreativelook.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycreativelook/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycreativelook
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethhartman/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mycreativelook
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/mycreativelook/

Image Credits

Image Credits: All photos and designs © Seth Hartman (MyCreativeLook)