To kick off Pampler’s Q&A series, we (virtually) sat down with the Toronto-based artist and vlogger Erica Joaquin to chat about all things new media and how she stays creative in lockdown.
1) What inspired you to create a YouTube channel
When I was a teenager, I was always filming videos and taking photos with my friends and family. I love making memories and documenting it all! It's so great being able to take a trip down memory lane and watch old videos and look at old photos. Before YouTube came out, I was uploading my memories to Facebook.
When YouTube started, I watched a bunch of makeup tutorials and funny lipsyncing videos. Those inspired me to make my own content. About seven years ago, my friend Jackie and I talked about starting YouTube channels, and one morning I just decided to go for it. I have not looked back since!
In 2014, before I left to study abroad in Florence, Italy I decided that I was going to vlog my whole experience there and that was when I was really inspired to document more of my life.
2) I can tell that you put a lot of time and effort into your videos. What is the secret to your consistency?
Thank you for noticing! It definitely takes a lot of time to edit every video. I spend a lot of late nights and early mornings editing, but I would not have it any other way because I love the process! I am passionate about creating videos, and because of that, it makes it very easy for me to be consistent, and I think that is the secret. When you love something enough, you will do anything for it.
3) Let’s talk about the vlogging culture; it’s definitely becoming a crucial part of new media. Do you think it’s going to replace blogging anytime soon? Who are some of the other creators you believe do a good job vlogging?
Although vlogging culture is becoming a crucial part of new media, I do not think that is going to replace blogging anytime soon simply because some people prefer one over the other. Some enjoy watching someone's experience, and others are fascinated by the words written.
There are many creators who I believe do a good job vlogging, but I'll name two. Casey Neistat is a phenomenal vlogger and my favourite one! Check him out if you haven't already because you won't be disappointed. The way his videos are edited is amazing! Matt D'Avella is also great. His videos are full of helpful tips and very film-like.
4) Anywhere in Toronto you’d live to vlog at that you haven’t had the chance to?
I would love to check out the Allen Gardens Conservatory and vlog my experience there! My parents adore plants, so I have grown up with quite a bit of nature. I like going to botanical gardens because it makes me feel as though I am in another world. It allows me to create a little fairytale story in my head and it also inspires my artwork! Like the artist Georgia O'Keeffe, I also admire flowers.
5) I noticed you do lots of beauty product reviews- any beauty tips you’d like to share with The Pampler?
I'll share three!
One. No matter how tired you may be, wash your face before you go to bed and when you wake up! You don't want unwanted dirt or makeup stuck in your pores otherwise it can lead to breakouts. Washing your face will make you feel refreshed, and your skin will thank you!
Two. If your hands are super dry, at night when you're about to go to sleep, slather Vaseline on your hands and wear mittens to bed. When you wake up, your hands will be soft!
Three. Find products that work for you, not necessarily ones that are most popular and trending. Everyone's skin is different so what works for one person may not work for you and vice versa.
6) How do you pick the brands (like Rare Beauty) you feature in your videos?
I enjoy trying out different brands! Sometimes brands will send me products and I like to share my honest review of them with my audience. Other times, I purchase items on my own, such as the Positive Light Liquid Luminizer from Rare Beauty. The reason why I featured that is because I am simply a fan of Selena Gomez and was curious to test it out.
7) As we all know, the pandemic has affected many areas of our daily lives. What have been some of the challenges you faced as a content creator during these difficult times?
Before the pandemic, I was travelling overseas quite a bit for work and pleasure. I would document my new experiences by taking tons of photos and videos. I also used to go to a lot of different art galleries and museums to gain inspiration for my craft as well.
Although I am no longer flying to new places and going to new galleries and museums, I have been making the most of everything! I have experienced new places closer to home and unique socially distanced art exhibits. Most of all, I have been spending quality time with the people closest to me and using every day for overall self-improvement. It is important for me not to allow difficult times to pull me down, but instead push me to do and be better.
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