In conversation with: James Frost
Nepo babies fear him.
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Does something look different to you? Anything? Maybe the title? Are you wondering what it is? GOOD. Let me tell you. Here at The Digital Native, we’re switching things up again. Now, don’t worry. It’s still me writing, and your favourite commentary on brands’ marketing isn’t going anywhere; you’ll still have that twice a month. But because I can’t start a podcast (yet), we’re bringing to you this fresh new perspective on branding — specifically personal branding from the creatives themselves. Okay, technically, I’m speaking to them and writing it down here, so it’s like executing their will. It’s still their words. I’m just the writer. 🤪
So for the first ‘In conversation with’, we’ve got MY FIRST mentor, who subsequently became my first interviewee, so it’s been a full circle moment for me. Okay, enough with the mystery. Let me introduce you to James Frost, a creative director and entrepreneur based in West London. If you’re unfamiliar with him, I’m sure you know his work. And if you’re still unfamiliar, I just blessed you, so you’re welcome. <3 I’ll let him take over now. I say that as if I’m not the one typing this entire newsletter. What I really meant is that I’ll let his words and advice take over, with sprinkles of my advice thrown in here and there.
Writer’s note: This is my first interview, and like a silly lil goose, I forgot to record it, so it isn’t structured like a standard interview, BUT he has approved everything written, so you’re getting some solid advice straight from the source. I would never lie to you guys, and I’m still just learning. I'm glad to see you guys here to witness my professional growth. But if you love this format, I’d continue with it because it is pretty fun writing this way.
From economics to Fashion Week: The complete 180
Let’s start with his start because I know that’s something many of us struggle with, including me. This will answer the ‘where’ and the ‘how’, so pay attention. James actually has no prior connections in the fashion industry, so if you think it’s impossible to step into the world of fashion, it’s not. Difficult? Yes, but not impossible. The trick is to experiment with a bunch of different creative things and find a connection between them. In James’ case, it involved writing, photography, and music. And if you look at his work today, you see those connections because he’s worked with some big names in the music and fashion industry.
How he got there, though, is by perseverance. For the chronically online people, he became a professional rizz lord and shot his shot. He took a chance on himself, and you need to, too. If you don’t take a chance on yourself, nobody else will. I know that from personal experience because I’m only writing this newsletter because I saw a TikTok from The Z Link on my FYP and sent an email. My boss took a chance on me because I took a chance on myself. I didn’t necessarily have a plan, but James will tell you the exact opposite, and you need to listen to him. Have a plan before taking that chance on yourself, and DON’T GET DISCOURAGED. From all three of us (Erifili, James, and I): rejection is redirection. Trust us on that.
Making a plan, taking a chance and getting that bag
What? You thought I’d leave you hanging without a plan? Don’t be silly; that’s my job. So here’s the plan, a cheat sheet, if you will. And I’ve heard people talk about these things but gatekeep the reasoning behind it, so you can’t implement it properly. Not us, though. Get your notepads ready; I’m about to drop some generational wisdom.
Step 1: The most basic one, but your social media is essential, and whether you combine your professional and personal social media is up to you, but James recommends keeping them separate. I agree and disagree simultaneously because even though I have separate social media for my work, I think people will find those accounts through my personal ones first. Like with me, I know that people would WANT to work with me because of my personality online, so when it comes to networking, I hand out my personal Instagram. But again, do what you think is right. This is your journey, and it needs to be perfect for you and only you.
Step 2: Collaborate, collaborate and collaborate. Collaboration is key. Look, I get that it’s daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve always been scared of networking on LinkedIn because what do you mean all these people have big girl jobs? Why would they want to connect with me? But start with people who are on the same experience level as you. Ask them out for coffee, ask to pick their brain or ask to collaborate. Remember how I started working for The Z Link? It was just about reaching out because, more often than not, there will be a pleasant surprise waiting for you at the end of it.
Step 3: Focus on decks. I know some of you misread that; let’s not get R-rated here. ‼️🤨 But I mean presentations. That’s how you’ll reach out to people to collaborate or to people to hire you. So add your best work and tweak it to fit the intention you’re sending it out for. If you’re looking for collaboration, you’ll probably want to make the deck a mix of your portfolio and the concept you wish to produce. Making it ONLY a portfolio is best if you want to get hired. Focus on creating the best quality of work and making the decks creative. If the decks capture people’s attention, chances are you will also get hired or a positive response.
And now, time for some more advice…
Okay, listen. If I had to describe James’ brand in my own words, I’d say it’s similar to the Gstaad Guy. You have to see it to understand, but it’s there, I promise. He promotes his work and lifestyle on his Instagram, and when you put it into the context of everything I just told you, it becomes easier to imagine yourself doing that, too. He seems mysterious, but he’s not a gatekeeper, just a girlboss and we love to see it. It also ties in with what I said earlier: sometimes, your personal brand and work will overlap. You ARE your work, but you’re also more than that, so it’s a paradox, but you learn to navigate it.
One last piece of advice that he has for everyone is to embrace the highs and lows of fashion. I know he sounds like Archie from Riverdale saying that, but he’s right. Any creative industry, not just fashion, has no ladder you must climb step-by-step. It doesn’t exist. It’s not a linear journey. And everyone’s journey will be different, so you really do have to be passionate. Take everything as it comes to you, and learn to ask for help when you need it the most. I couldn’t do it in my undergraduate years, so I’m begging you not to make the same mistake as I did. If you need any help, contact us on our socials; we’d be happy to help! <3
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for the next issue covering latest marketing campaigns and strategies winning over Gen Z. Any questions/suggestions as to what we should cover next? Reach out to us and we’re always here to chat!
— Brought to you by Shaurya, Trends Reporter at The Z Link