Knowing YOUR aesthetic, challenging “the aesthetic”. Ryanair, Emirates or G6 baby!!!!!
Who am I?
This is the fundamental question when it comes to deciding how you're gonna make your freelance shit work. Reason being how the hell are you going to create visibility and success for yourself if don't know what you're selling? How do you know what's going to get you work? Understanding your aesthetic could be your ticket to your very own private jet (lol I don't have one...yet!).
The hardest step is always the first.....
Step one is knowing yourself. The more detailed the better. What do you look like and where are you from? What are your likes and dislikes. What's your favourite colour, personal item? What does your dream home look like? Sure, these things seem silly and mundane but just hear me out. Knowing these small things will help you to unpack the big stuff. Big stuff in fly girl world is these two points: what do you want to put out and what are you already subconsciously putting out into the world. Understanding what you like will more than likely illustrate your strengths and really, you want to lead with your strongest foot to ensure a solid journey to the skies.
Do you fall under a stereotype?
Unfortunately this world is based on stereotypes. I say unfortunately but actually you can use this to your advantage if you research and explore how these ideas came to form, which you then have the opportunity to embellish, exploit or subvert them completely. Anyone or anything that existed prior to your existence has impacted your life and the lives of those around you. Let's now become aware that we have the power to change these stereotypes if we want to. Or play up to them.
How the hell do I research this shit?
Information is at your feet babes :) Chat to people. Even in general conversation you can begin to decipher and understand ideas about how people perceive culture, society and how they sit within their own constituencies. There's libraries full of manifestos, novels and thesis' that can give you ideas about how people perceive ethnicity, religion and culture. Go to art galleries. Watch tv, go to the cinema. Hit parties. Every moment is a opportunity for education. Also don't forget about your own experience because this is just as valid if not more than the knowledge you sort for. But it's good to look and acquire shit.
Now what!!!!!
Well fly friend, now that you have all this info, decide how you will now put your foot forward. My advice will always be rooted in honesty. You don't have to express and show the world every side of yourself but make sure the side that you do present is authentic. That way you will spend less time trying to please everyone and everything asked of you (in theory!) should feel easy. People will be interested in YOU and no other tiring creation that you'd have to upkeep in order to stay in the loop. You have the knowledge of what people are likely to think about when they lay their eyes on you teamed with a confidence that you can always deliver because you can always be yourself.
Final thoughts
See stereotypes (especially negative ones) as a challenge for you to champion. You don't have to give into what society thinks of you. Living in this knowledge and strength can bring you exactly the kind of work you want. Also stay open to change. Things influence you everyday. Be aware of what you're drawn to. See how it can help you to evolve and stay relevant. You don't have to be rigid in your stance or super free flowing and loose. You have to find the happy medium and glide. This is easy when you're open to listen but know already what you like and where you want to take it.