We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elisa Lupu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elisa, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Absolutely, I find immense joy and fulfillment in being an artist or creative. The freedom to express myself through my work is truly a gift. While there are moments of uncertainty, I wouldn’t trade this creative journey for anything. It allows me to explore my passion and connect with others in a unique way. So, even though the idea of a “regular job” crosses my mind from time to time, I ultimately cherish the path I’m on.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello there! I’m Elisa, hailing from the enchanting city of Constanta, Romania. Wrapped in positivity, I believe in spreading joy, even when life throws its curveballs. My creative journey started when I moved to Chicago 17 years ago and has been a winding road, peppered with detours and discoveries. It all began with my venture into beauty blogging, where my words found a home on my blog. Then, Instagram emerged, and I seamlessly transitioned.
What truly set my heart on fire were my imaginative forays into photography. This led to enchanting collaborations with illustrious names like Chanel, Givenchy, Lancome, and more. As a multi-creative artist, I evolved from being an influencer to capturing cityscapes and then to crafting mood-altering videos.
Yet, what truly defines my essence is UGC, or user-generated content. It’s a realm where I weave visual stories for brands, sans the need for a public display on social platforms. This, my friends, is where true gratification resides.
Beyond this, I dive into crafting tailored content for eateries and hotels, a testament to my diverse creative spirit.
In this kaleidoscope of creators, what sets me apart is the landscape of my imagination. We all aspire to birth originality, and for me, this is where the magic happens.
Gratitude fills my heart for the journey I’ve embraced, the wisdom I’ve gathered, and the beautiful connections that have flourished. Together, they’ve molded me into the person today.
For my cherished followers, I impart this wisdom: Embrace the unfamiliar paths life presents. Though they may not always be comfortable, remember, it’s your footprints that mark the way. Sample every flavor life has to offer, and savor the ones that make your heart dance. The rest will naturally fall into place.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
When it comes to video creation and User-Generated Content (UGC), there are nuances that may be a bit elusive to those who haven’t dived into this world. First and foremost, the art of video creation is about more than just capturing moments; it’s about weaving a narrative, evoking emotions, and leaving a lasting impression. It demands a keen eye for detail, a knack for storytelling, and a willingness to experiment with different techniques and styles.
In the realm of UGC, this process takes on a collaborative dimension. It’s about harnessing the creativity within a community, each person contributing a unique piece to the larger puzzle. I firmly believe that everyone, in their own way, possesses a creative spark. Whether it’s through capturing everyday moments or infusing a personal touch into their videos, there’s an innate ability in all of us to create something meaningful.
Furthermore, the emotional investment in UGC is something that might not always be immediately evident. Each video clip, each edit, carries a piece of our creative spirit. Feedback, whether positive or critical, resonates deeply because it’s a reflection of the heart we pour into our work. It’s a dance between vulnerability and the desire to share something meaningful.
The quest for originality is another intriguing facet. In the world of UGC, it’s not just about capturing footage, but about presenting it in a way that stands out, that offers a fresh perspective, or elicits a specific emotion. This pursuit of uniqueness can be both exhilarating and, at times, a puzzle to solve.
Additionally, there’s a delicate balance between authenticity and catering to a wider audience. It’s about finding that sweet spot where our creations resonate with both ourselves and viewers, a dance between self-expression and relatability.
In essence, my journey in video creation and UGC is a tapestry of these elements – a blend of technical prowess, emotional investment, a thirst for innovation, and a dance between authenticity and relatability. It’s a testament to the belief that everyone has a creative essence, waiting to be discovered. It’s about embracing the power of visual storytelling, letting imagination run wild, and discovering what remarkable narratives can be woven through the medium of video. Who knows what incredible stories lie ahead with a little bit of creative exploration!
How did you build your audience on social media?
Embarking on the journey of building my social media audience has been nothing short of an adventure. Unlike comedians or celebrities, I didn’t have an instant spotlight. I understood early on that to make a mark, I’d have to put in the work, and boy, did I. In a world where instant virality and quick gains seem to be the gold standard, I learned that true success stems from dedication and effort. Imagine if success were as easy as we wished it to be! We’d all be living a life of luxury, right?
For those who are just starting out, let me share some valuable advice. Firstly, showcase what you’re truly skilled at, be it through captivating photos, engaging videos, or perhaps a blend of both. Test the waters and observe which form garners the most interaction.
Experimentation is key. Post at different hours and observe when your audience is most active. Dive into different styles of editing; it’s incredible how much editing can enhance your content.
Now, here’s the vital ingredient: patience. You’ll encounter moments of frustration and uncertainty. But believe me, every ounce of effort you put in will yield its own kind of fruitfulness.
One critical piece of advice I hold dear is this: don’t get caught up in the numbers game. Views and metrics can be a treacherous path to tread. Instead, invest your focus in your work, in nurturing your creative ideas, and stay true to your vision.
Remember, building a genuine and engaged audience is a journey that requires time, persistence, and an unwavering belief in your craft. The fruits of your labor will undoubtedly be worth it in the end. So, keep at it, and let your creativity shine through.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: elisa.lupu