An Interview with Helena - aka @plantimal

Taken from @plantimal. Killer haircut, too.

Hello everyone!

Guess who I had the pleasure of interviewing? 

Helena so kindly accepted my offer to be interviewed here on my blog, so I asked her some questions that I hope will interest you all.

If you're not familiar with Helena and you don't have Instagram, her username is @plantimal and she is a photographer, blogger, poet and YouTuber (amongst other things!) all rolled into one. That's a lot of talent not to appreciate - I highly recommend following all of her social media. I'll leave all the links at the end of this post if you're interested.










The Interview: 

Since your social media(s) has grown more and more popular, have you changed the way you portray yourself online or the content you show online due to the influence you may give people? If so, in what ways?

I definitely have changed how I present myself online as my follower count grows. I've really cut back on the silly posts but also have had to become more comfortable putting so much about me or there for 30,000 people to potentially see and take note of. I also find myself shaping what I post around what my followers will enjoy and respond to, but a lot does still come out through my Instagram and only the super secret private hoohaa stays off screen though it does slip out sometimes.

You have launched various projects (EcoPads, the Teen Artists Unite mini magazine and hashtag, Stick A Smile, your own Tictail shop..) and content held in your name to keep your followers entertained. Which has been your favourite to introduce and why?
I've definitely enjoyed introducing and including my followers in the Teen Artists Unite which is an ongoing tag where teen self proclaimed artists of all identities and art styles can tag art and find new artists too. Getting my followers to express themselves more confidently and gives them an outlet, and it's been inspiring for all I think. I've recently started up a project of a mini magazine on the same topic, but besides that- I can't wait to see where it goes!

What profession would you like to pursue, or are you not set on a particular job?
I would be happy working as anything as long as I still had time for art, Instagram, expressing myself and all my other side projects. I have no set career or job goals but I know for sure it would be on the creative side of things or at least where I get to interact with people. Maybe some work will arise from my Instagram antics, but who knows!

Since your recognition, particularly on Instagram, have you enjoyed using your account more or less?
I generally have on and off periods with my Instagram, it all has to do with my own inspiration rather than follower count. I enjoy it almost always though.

What is your favourite aspect of photography and why?
My favourite part of photography is being in front of the camera. Self portraits are more than just the visuals. It's indepth. It's like acting, being something more than myself, sometimes I get to play a character, a role or even a visualisation of my emotions. There is no limit and I am constantly but slowly pushing and discovering the boundaries of my body and mind.

What is your favourite thing about living in Australia?
My favourite thing about living in Australia is...I don't have one!

(Author's note - I'll choose one for you...acquiring that gorgeous accent!)

What is your main source of inspiration?
The inspiration comes my mind and emotions. It 's a mixing pot in there. I also pick up inspiration and ideas from anything I come across, everything has inspiration potential.  The city is best, it has a bit of everything and really corresponds with my thoughts of both good and bad.

Last but not least, what advice would you give to people who struggle to show their individuality on potentially judgemental social media platforms?
Sometimes it helps to not have all the people from school following you. That's a good step for people who are really struggling. But otherwise just flipping go for it, go for your life. You have so much to give, so much to express and this wonderful platform to do so- so don't let the thought of close minded people keep you hidden. They aren't important. Take small steps if you have to but you'll feel so free and a world of inspiration will open for you.

Thank you Helena, and thank you for reading!

Olivia

Helena's Instagram: @plantimal

Helena's blog: http://heyplantimal.blogspot.co.uk