For Collaborations and Content Creation

Getting to Know Blackcavii

HOW DID YOU BECOME A BRAND AMBASSADOR AND/OR INFLUENCER?

Honestly, it happened by accident. I purchased a professional camera with the intent of taking photos and shooting music videos for local music artists. While teaching myself how to use the camera, I snapped a bunch of photos of myself which ultimately ended up on my Instagram account. I thought nothing of it at first, but the more I posted to Instagram, the more likes and comments I received. Over time my page grew to 20k followers; that was the point when brands began contacting me and offering free clothes in exchange for posting pictures of me wearing their fashion to my page. I’ve been hooked ever since.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PERK TO BEING AN INFLUENCER?

It would have to be receiving gifts, travel, and compensation for something I enjoy doing. I never thought that there would come the day where I would say I have too many clothes, have to pick between which all-expense-paid influencer event I want to attend, or receive money for pictures of myself wearing the latest fashions. I also love how it is allowing me to work with various brands, meet new people, and learn new skills. 


WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN BEING AN INFLUENCER?

I would say the biggest challenge is consistently creating and putting out fresh new content. A lot of time and effort go into content creation. It sometimes takes hours to get the right photo and another few hours to edit it. When creating video content, it can take 2 to 3 times longer.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT TO WEAR IN A POST?

I try to find something that would make me stand out or at least acknowledge the way I dress. I think a lot about which colors look best against different skin tones; if the colors I’m putting together complement each other are in the same color palette, if the clothes go well with my physique, or if my outfit is aesthetically pleasing. I also keep the season in mind and think about the impression my outfit would give to a stranger without speaking to them.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO MAKE THEIR INSTAGRAM FEED “FLOW” MORE?

I believe the flow of your page derives from a focus on clarity, quality, creativity, and dynamics. Clarity ensures that what you see in your photos is exactly what your follower will buy from the brand. Quality and creativity are what set you apart from the average person on social media. Your dynamics is what brings your appeal. These include your color choices, framing, poses, and backgrounds. Creativity is simply your personality. I have a few friends with their own theories, but this strategy seemed to have worked for me.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TREND IN FASHION?

I consider my style very versatile, so I have many of them. I love the young, classy, dapper, cool, but still professional type of look. I enjoy sporty streetwear, and I also like short-sleeved dress shirts and shorts with floral patterns, and soft colored polos. This look is great with a thin sweater to throw over your back and loosely tie around your neck.

WHAT IS YOUR STAPLE GOTO TO WEAR IN FALL/WINTER? WHAT ABOUT SPRING/SUMMER?

For the fall, it is lightweight overcoats, sweaters with dress shirts and ties, and lightweight blazers. During the winter, it is turtleneck sweaters, gloves, scarves, Gatsby hats, heavy jackets, blazers, and overcoats. The type of look that makes a person want to ask what you do for a living. For the spring and summer, I like casual but preppy or beachy type of look: short-sleeved lightweight shirts and shorts with interesting patterns and soft colors.

WHAT DO YOU PREDICT THE BIGGEST FASHION TREND WILL BE NEXT?

Trends are tricky because they are easily shifted and are based on what is popular in a current time. I have witnessed a viral post, A-list celebrity, clever marketing campaign, and huge marketing bucks establish or change the trajectory of a trend. I personally believe that there is more value in setting trends rather than chasing them.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING TO DRESS BETTER?

Be unique and develop your own style! Always dress the way you want people to feel about you. If you are smart, creative, and confident, you should look that way.

DO YOU HAVE A FULL-TIME JOB? IF SO, WHAT IS IT?

I am a recent graduate of Ball State University Miller College of Business, having earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems. I am currently exploring job opportunities. I also work part-time as a freelance photographer, cinematographer, and content creator.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?

I enjoy taking pictures, shooting videos, traveling, putting together outfits, creating music, watching funny videos online as well as YouTube tutorials, catching up on the latest tech, building computers, gaming, anime, reading up on the newest conspiracy theories, cooking, and playing sports.

DID YOU LOVE FASHION AS A KID?

Fashion was definitely something that was on my mind as a kid. My family was not able to afford much of the name brand clothes like many of my peers, and my neighborhood was harsh on those that did not keep up-to-date with the latest trends, so to avoid being bullied, I became very creative. The is where I learned that being unique is more valuable than following trends. I may not always wear the newest fashions, but that has not stopped me from unintentionally winning best-dressed awards in grade school, previous jobs, and college.

FAVORITE FOOD

I love fresh wild-caught non-farm raised seafood! It does something to me.

FAVORITE ALL TIME MOVIE?

Demolition Man.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE THE READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I can whip up a mean pancake batter.