BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: AYDEN MILLAR LITTLE BLOG OF HORRORS
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BLOGGING AND WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN?
DO YOU THINK THAT BLOGGING IS USEFUL FOR STUDENTS FOR AIDING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES?
I started mine about five years ago while I was at uni. We were encouraged to keep an online journal, however my blog progressed into something a lot more personal when I discovered the ever-growing online community of bloggers that already existed.
I think across most creative industries a blog can act as an excellent platform for your work. Almost like an online portfolio. I know a lot of amazing journalists, photographers, artists, illustrators, food critics, graphic designers etc. whose work and blog go hand-in-hand.
WHAT EXPECTATIONS DID YOU HAVE WHEN SETTING UP YOUR OWN BLOG?
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST EXCITING ABOUT BLOGGING?
I didn't really know what blogging was all about. I just started to share pictures and stories from my day to day life: food, cats, tattoos, makeup and day trips. Before I knew it I had slotted into the category of 'Lifestyle Blogger'.
The most exciting thing is all the fantastic people I have got to meet over the years and the opportunities I have been exposed to. I also love the fact that I have generated an online diary of memories which I can look back on in years to come.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO JUGGLE A CHALLENGING CAREER AND YOUR BLOG? I work in the TV and Film Industry on a selfemployed basis, which means I often have weeks off between jobs. Working 12-14 hour days mean I don't blog as much when I’m on a job, but then I’m able to focus a lot more time on it when I'm off. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BUILD A SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE TO DEVELOP A BLOG? You could have the best blog in the world but nobody reading it if they don't know you exist! Social media is a great way of communicating with fellow bloggers and readers. If you can send an email and use Facebook, then you can definitely set up a blog! I paid for a graphic designer to make my layout, but this isn't necessary and there are loads of tutorials online if you are looking to jazz yours up. @SCOTCAMPUS
WHAT HAVE YOU NOTICED CHANGING IN THE BLOGOSPHERE OVER THE YEARS? The blogging world is much more saturated today, with millions of people writing blogs. So sometimes it can be hard to stand out. You also get a lot of people blogging thinking they will get 'free stuff' from companies. I have been lucky enough to work with a lot of brands who I have admired for years, but if you are starting a blog just for freebies, then you are doing it for the wrong reasons. DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERT TIPS? Do it for yourself; no one else. If you invest time in honest writing and taking good quality pictures of whatever subject you are passionate about, along with networking and engaging with your readership, your blog will naturally blossom into something you take pride in. I have stayed true to myself and I have built up a loyal readership of people who will be my friends for life.
69 LIFE