What works for others may not work you, find your original style: Vidit Jain

Starting out as a wedding and fashion photographer out of passion, Vidit Jain eventually found his way to be a content creator.

While creating editorial content, Vidit Jain ponders over ideas, taking into consideration requests and suggestions from his followers. For brand collaborations, his process revolves around understanding the brief and having discussions with the brands in regards to execution. In both cases, experimentation is key to his content creation process.

Looking back, where did it all begin?

It was my first DSLR that made it possible. I was in awe of a friend who used to take up wedding photography assignments. Back then, I used to click portraits of friends and family members for practice, as well as assist my friend in wedding shoots. Soon after, another friend started his own fashion blog and I offered to clicked pictures for him. The collaboration worked well for both of us. He got a photographer and I got my muse.

In fact, I learnt a lot about fashion from him. As we started going to fashion-related events, I put in a good amount of effort to style myself. It brought me attention from people, who told me I had a knack for it. Eventually, it helped me garner social media following and positive comments and queries about my looks. It motivated me to experiment more with styling and fashion. The monetizing aspect came much later.

What's in the name?

I started out as a photographer and wanted my handle to reflect that, as well as include my name. Thus viditjain.clicks was coined. I fell in love with the name so hard that even later, when I started creating content, I kept the name. Also, people were starting to recognise me as 'ViditJain Clicks'.

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

I have always believed in portraying me as my true self to my audiences our there. I am neither a model nor a celebrity. I am just a guy-next-door and I intend to portray myself that way. I feel that people relate to my blogs because they find their own stories in my content/pictures. Plus, I love colours! Experimenting with my looks and style is an aspect I follow and encourage others to do as well.

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

It depends on whether I am creating content for myself, on my own or according to a brand brief. If it for a brand, I have a clear discussion with them about the expectations but I always make sure the way of execution is mine. Once we are all on the same page, it's the usual game.

When it comes to my own ideas, I ponder about the kind of content that my audience would like to see and if they have made any specific requests in the past. With that, I try to experiment with my own creativity and go about making something new.

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

I try to understand the brand requirements and expected deliverables. Then, I estimate the cost of photography/videography efforts, time and equipment before giving them a quote. A basic remuneration for the efforts involved is a must to keep both parties happy.

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

The formula is to create a balance between the two. First, I try to understand what the brand wants to convey and the idealogy of the campaign. It is vital to know how they want things to be conveyed to their audiences. Then, I pitch my ideas around execution to ensure optimum engagement. Once everything is aligned, I start working on the assignment. To be honest, it has worked out so far.

Also Read: Know your audience, create content that inspires them: Navdeep Jangra

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

Once while attending a wedding in my extended family, a teenager had approached me, saying he follows me on Instagram and loves how I post about fashion and lifestyle. He also mentioned that it had given him the confidence to go the extra mile in dressing up for his college and improving his self-esteem. This boy came from a very small town and listening to him talk about his transformation journey was mesmerizing. It made it all worth it for I has a small part to play in it.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

During my early days of being a blogger, a local brand had approached me to advertise pet food. I didn't even have a pet! Moreover, I am scared of pets, which made it even more difficult for me to consider it. While I can look at people enjoying with their pets, from a distance, I cannot go close to them. The fear may not show up on my face but it still exists deep within. Keeping these apprehensions in mind, I had to respectfully decline.

It might not have been a weird campaign but it was quite a different experience for me. This was when I learnt that brands come up with requests based on their own agenda and thought process. We, as content creators, have our own. There is bound to be differences. However, it is my job to find a balance between the two realms of thoughts or respectfully decline when I can't.

If not blogging, you would be?

I am already working full-time as an engineer, which would always continue. If I hadn't taken to blogging, I would probably be actively spending time as a wedding and lifestyle photographer, which has taken a backseat ever since I started creating content. Even today, I shoot once in a while to keep the photographer in me alive.

A day in your life...

Due to professional reasons, I am used to being an early riser. I am out of bed by 6 am and off to work by 7:15 am. On most days, my shift starts at 8:30 am, ending at 5:30 am. After work, I head to the gym where I spend about two hours. Later, I head home for dinner with my wife. We spend a few hours working over content ideas every night. On lazy days, we relax and watch something together. My wife Mudrika plays an important part in my life, also as a blogger/influencer. Though she is new to this, her keen interest provides me with support and keeps me motivated.

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Never be afraid to experiment. What works for others may not work you. Find your original style, find what makes you stand out and your content will start showing that originality, with time. 

Your Favorite Influencer

Will Taylor, boyfriend, David Guison, Justin Livingston, Parker York Smith and Siddharth Kerkar.

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

To be honest, this is just the beginning. I wish to build a brand and influence a lot of men, thereby breaking a lot of stereotypes pertaining to men’s fashion and lifestyle. One day, I look forward to building a team as well.