Meet Anton Atienza – Edmonton-based digital content creator, visual merchandiser, and style guru all rolled into one budding socialite with the best tips on what to wear, where to wear it, and how to manoeuvre the ever-changing landscape of social media.

 

 

1. Tell us about Anton, where are you from, what do you do, give us the low-down.

 

My name is Anton Atienza. I was born and raised Edmontonian. I balance my time between being a visual merchandiser during the day and a digital content creator at odd hours with whatever is left in the day.

 

2. What are your top 5 wardrobe essentials and your favourite shoe that you own of all time?

 

My top 5 wardrobe essentials:
1. Oversized white tee
2. Black leggings
3. Oversized black blazer (with enough room to layer in or enough to keep you wrapped up in. Plus you can easily dress free up or dress down with a blazer).
4. A small bag that is big enough to fit my other daily essentials: sunglasses, lip balm, power charger, card case, and keys.
5. White leather sneakers

My favourite shoe of all time would probably be an all-white Adidas Stan Smith. The hype around Stan Smith has gone down now, but that shoe always comes back around. Simple, sleek and a classic.

 

3. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when entering a networking situation with fellow creatives?

 

You’re not always going to see eye-to-eye with a fellow creative (people that you meet every day) Everyone has their own opinions and vision. Be civil and remember that just because you have to work together you don’t have to be friends with them. Just be cordial, diplomatic and professional.

 

 

 

4. Who is the mysterious photographer that takes all of your fit pics for you?

 

I get asked this question a lot! Honestly, most of the time it’s one of my best friends’ Megan or whomever I’m out with at that time!

 

5. What’s your hot take on displaying likes vs hiding likes debate?

 

I was anxious at first. This platform, when it comes to work, is a numbers game. When companies and brands can’t see the number of likes on your page, it can be difficult for them to want to take a chance on wanting to work with you. On the other hand, and over time, it’s been a bit of a relief to not see other users insights so publicly and worry about the number of likes. I constantly have to remind myself that this platform, with or without work, is all about creating content – being creative and sharing your vision with the digital world!

 

6. What are THREE things that inspire you on the daily?

 

My family, especially my younger cousins. Seeing the world they are growing up in vs the world when I grew up and just the amount of change that they can bring to the table.
The people around me. Whether I’m walking around, on the train or people watching while waiting for my coffee or cocktails.

 

 

 

 

7. When/how did you first begin to see Instagram as a business opportunity versus solely a photo-sharing platform?

 

Probably when I was initially offered PR gifting from one of my favourite brands. That initial gifting and content creating turned into an on-going digital partnership with that brand and then the rest are what it is now! From there, it became a platform of both personal and promotional use. I’m trying to make space for both worlds and not make my page too much of a billboard. I don’t say “yes” to every campaign offer, especially if I do not believe in that brand. Work with a brand if it’s something you believe in or would use, whether or not you’re being paid to collaborate with them.

 

8. If you could go back to when you first started out on social media, is there anything that you would do differently?

 

Honestly no. You can’t learn if you don’t make mistakes. Make them and move on from them. You’re only human. It’s in our best interest in human nature to make mistakes.

 

 

 

9. How do you keep up with the ever-changing social media engagement trends and tricks?

 

I don’t. I just keep doing me. If you’re using this platform for work, remember the brands these days aren’t completely focused on the insight numbers; it’s the brand representation, content and voice that you carry out in an authentic sense.

10. What is the most valuable experience you have gained through social media?

 

Not to let social media affect your mental health.

 

 

11. If you had no budget and could host an event in your city, what would that look like?

 

I’d keep it small. Probably book Pablo or Alchemy Bar and invite like 50 of my closest friends and colleagues. Have an open bar, snacks, good music and a photo booth. Any excuse to have my closest people come and gather.

 

12. What’s your favourite spot in your city? Food. Drink. Chill.

 

Oh, this is a tough one! I’m going to cheat and pick two favourite spots. My First spot is Red Star. The place is low key, they’ve got a chill vibe and a tasty grilled cheese sandwich and tomato crostini. My second is Bar Bricco. Again, it’s a chill space. Mix that with your small group of friends, a bottle of Lambrusco, a couple of classic or negroni sbagliato and a few plates of Fonduta Agnolotti and Egg Yolk Raviolo – you’re set!

 

 

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Connect with Anton Atienza

Email:

anton.atienza@me.com

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/antonatienza/