How long have you been working with Gap?
I started at Gap in the fall of 2012, meaning it will be 4 years this coming November. I've moved upward through 3 different roles on the global social media team since then and each one has been a rewarding new challenge. I'm particularly thankful to have seen the brand evolve in those years digitally and socially, as things have changed in a frenetic way!
What does a typical work day look like for you?
My role is content & creative manager, social media. I oversee all digital content & creative production from scouting (talent, photographers, instagramers, locations, inspiration) to concepting and briefing, feedback, approvals, and delivery to our global regions & various partners. On any given day, I am writing a creative brief and pulling swipe (as we call it, or "moodboarding"/inspiration sourcing) to handoff to an agency, a photographer, or an instagram influencer who will then shoot. On occasion, I am overseeing said photoshoot or, very rarely, stepping in to shoot or soft style something myself. It's routine but always different and varied, which I love.
All of your pictures are fantastic! How do you get the perfect shot for each specific client?
I am obsessed with your Instagram! How do you edit your pictures to keep the same aesthetic?
I'm so glad to hear you enjoy it! First and foremost, I aim to keep lighting consistent with a preference for clean, natural sunlight that creates great shadows and reflection. Additionally, I avoid using the same filter on every photo. Contrary to popular opinion, I don't believe it creates consistency. Instead, I like to choose my editing / processing based on each individual photo and the characteristics within it. Lastly, no matter the image, I am typically partial to heightened shadows, contrast, and cooler tones.

Do you have any advice for someone wishing to pursue a career in marketing or photography?
I would recommend creating a personal project for oneself, regardless of your major in school! For instance, I studied Advertising & PR under the College of Communications at my university, which was far from any kind of fashion capitol (understatement!). However, I had always loved fashion and design, art and culture, and digital. While my advertising classes were deeply informative, and my photography electives were interesting (albeit too technical for me), I wanted a different lens of creative marketing that I was not being taught formally. I sought out my own "assignments" for myself -- I would rent a dSLR camera from my school's tech department and experiment with shooting still-life. I also started my blog around this time (2008), immersed myself in the evolving social platforms, and started to watch as careers -- slowly -- opened up that fit my interests. It's important to seek out and learn about your interests on your own -- don't wait to be taught!
A big thanks to Amy Stone for answering my questions!
(All pictures provided by Amy Stone)
Thanks for reading!
loved reading this interview, Ashley! I also love Amy's Instagram and blog.
ReplyDelete- Macy // Peonies & Passports
Thanks Macy!!!
DeleteIt was so lovely to see how things work within the industry! It's like chatting one on one with a pro!
ReplyDeleteRebecca
www.sunnyrebecca.com
Thanks for reading! It was so cool getting to interview her!
DeleteI loved this Ashley-Great job--Amy has so many lovely hydrangea pictures too!
ReplyDeleteall the best,
Katelyn
Theyellowspectacles.com
Thanks for reading! I am obsessed with ALL of her pictures!
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