Interview: Maintaining editorial aesthetics in my content is a regular phenomena: Kalapalette, Apurva Saxena

The palette of fashion, travel, lifestyle and all things good, depicted by the Kala of Apurva Saxena, a blogger from Delhi has a lot in store for you.

Visualising a concept that goes with the aesthetics of her blog and choosing to post quality content over quantity is a part of her creation process. Read on to know what’s more in store.

Looking back, where did it all begin?

It all began in the year 2011 when I was bored of being a graphic designer and spent most of my free time reading actual blogs of bloggers from around the world. It’s then when I started exploring Indian bloggers and what they really do. Seeing the amount of hard work, exciting experentials and word-of-mouth influence these bloggers participated in their lives on a daily basis, I was inspired and hooked! And that’s when it all began.

What's in the name?

You will laugh if I’ll tell you that the initial name of my blog was Berry & Cheese. Maybe because I wanted something French in my blog’s name. But then I literally spent 6 months trying to find a unique name that stands out. Afterall, 10 years back blog was the king, not Instagram. And this is how KALAPALETTE came into existence.

It is derived of 2 words - Kala which is art in Hindi and Palette, which means the blog is my palette where I showcase my art of life.

What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?

For me, quality is above quantity, always! I don’t post photos every single day on my feed because I need to keep pushing quantities. I patiently wait to produce good content, edit it right and then publish.

Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?

Whatever be the topic, I visualise the concept from a perspective that goes with my personality and the aesthetic sense of my blog. Keeping in mind the type of readership I have, I discuss the pre-production concept with my team and the brand. One solid policy I adhere by is not to promote something I myself am not confident about. And that’s what my readers love and appreciate. I can proudly say that my readers take up my recommendations and often end up purchasing and loving my suggestions.

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

Back in the day, there really was no moolah! Can say, there were just peanuts, because blogging was still an alien concept in the Indian market. But now, blogging has become an industry of its own with brands readily associating for product promotions. Although it has expanded to a level of saturation, but one can still think of sustaining a livelihood if the right type of efforts and marketing strategies are put into use.

How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?

I always make sure that both the parties agree on the type of content generated. I say a straight no to a brand who wants to promote fairness creams and wants me to talk about it. It’s not who I am and it definitely is not something I’d want to promote. Maintaining editorial aesthetics in my content is a regular phenomena because I always tell brands that this is how I want to promote a product and not as a salesperson. Also, I do a lot of genuine promotions with #notsponsored for experiences that I’ve loved on my journey.

Also Read: Interview: Secret sauce of The Hungry Mumbaikar

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

Seeing my parents proudly chatting with relatives and friends alike, telling them about my work, my content and how my work takes me to places.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

To talk about a fairness product that I refused to promote. They then asked me to hide the term ‘Fairness Cream’ on the packaging of the product and then talk about it. I still refused to go ahead with that paid campaign.

If not blogging, you would be?

A hardcore travel writer or travel photographer.

A day in your life....

Meeting new people, or working on productions, shooting, travelling, eating or simply binge-watching Netflix. The best part about being a full-time blogger is that you get to decide your holiday and that Monday Blues are scarce.

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Please avoid joining the herd and doing what they are doing. Find your bestseller brownie points and imply that in your content. Also, don’t become a blogger for freebies and some pocket money. Take it as a serious profession which demands good command on language, be it international or regional.

Your Favorite Influencer

Mark Weins of Migrationology - He makes food experiences across the globe such so addictive and fun to watch. Patrick Starrr for his debonair personality. His journey of being an aspiring MUA at a Mac Store to actually becoming a face of MAC is just remarkable.

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

Expanding my horizons and reach to generating a more rich content. Possibly becoming more inclined towards editorial content than how much I actually am at the moment.