'I'm a full-time content creator. Here's every question I always get asked, answered.’

Being a full time content creator wasn’t always on my life bingo card, but here we are. You could say it was a natural progression. 

I always had a deep fascination with social media and consumer behaviour, loved consuming content myself, pop culture and soaking up all things trending (memes included). I studied marketing and media at uni which followed with lots of internships and jobs in that realm. 

Fast forward to today I make a living as a full-time content creator/influencer/social media consultant/writer. For this article, let's just focus on the content creator part, because I get A LOT of questions about that side of my job.

I use my platforms on both Instagram and TikTok to share what I love – primarily fashion, food and travel. I also aim to spark conversations within the fashion industry. Having a bust size of a 10G meant that growing up, it sucked to not see my body represented in a more accessible way online. So above all else, I strive to use my platform as a way to spread positivity and normalise wearing whatever it is you want, regardless of size.

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A post shared by lara 🍒 (@carbsmakeitokay)

By extension, this has led me to be able to work with some of my favourite Australian and global brands.  

What’s the crazy part in all this? I film a good chunk of my content all in the comfort of my own home. Along with the editing and uploading process. The whole shebang.

So as you can imagine, having killer WiFi is a non-negotiable for me. Not to be dramatic and all, but my livelihood is dependent on having reliable internet at home. 

IYKYK, the Optus’ Ultra WiFi Modem checks all the boxes. It's powered by the latest (seriously fast) next gen WiFi 6 technology. No matter what corner of the house I'm filming or editing in, it's always so reliable.

I have fact checked this as I live with my brother who is a full-time video editor… and gamer. Working (and gaming) from home, he too, relies on our trusty high-speed internet. This modem means we a) have strong coverage with no lag and b) don’t have to "compete" when we're both online (which leads to a more harmonious family unit all round – a big win, win for mum). 

Anyways, now that we have the basics covered: here are the most common questions I get asked about being a content creator…

Is it really a job? Like what do you actually do?

Despite a lot of distant relatives at family functions eye-rolling when they hear it is what I do, my job is a job, because well I get paid.

I create social media content for brands, in video, photo and written format. A typical process looks like this: I get briefed by the brand about what the main messaging behind their campaign is. 

I then go to the drawing board, and come up with the creative direction to conceptualise my idea for the content. Once I get sign off from the brand, I will then be able to execute and bring the vision to life. 

I provide detailed storyboards and undergo filming. This is where I put on my modelling, stylist, producer and director hat – because it is just me, myself and I. Final part includes editing the content along with any post production additions such as voiceovers, text overlay, and so forth.

How would you describe the type of content you post?

I am prone to oversharing on the internet, because I find it's best to keep it real. From talking about how difficult it can be to find a bra that actually supports the girls, or how stepping into a shopping centre feels so discouraging when you aren’t a size 6, or my personal fave – how jean shopping just isn't it.

@laraseverinoo thankful for online shopping having bigger sizes 🙏 #midsizefashion ♬ Subscribe to QcRiders - Qcriders

@laraseverinoo for real how do you go jean shopping without giving up? i need jean recommendations pls! 🤦‍♀️ #jeanshopping ♬ Sunny Day - Ted Fresco

In the mix of all that, I also post stuff that I simply just enjoy. Whether that’s an outfit combination I can wear day to night, a new food spot in Sydney I can’t stop thinking about or just recently, my holiday itinerary to Vietnam.

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A post shared by lara 🍒 (@carbsmakeitokay)

What does a typical day in your life look like?  

Each day is different and certainly not always glamorous. There are times when it feels like 90 per cent of the gig is admin. Emails, meetings, phone calls, decoding content briefs – mixed in with last minute changes and deadlines – essentially thinking of tasks that I can do while wearing sweatpants. 

Other days we switch it up. I could have back-to-back brand events, full days of content filming and other IRL duties. 

I enjoy the fact that each week comes with new opportunities, which has led me to continue to ride the wave to see what comes next – while also helping me stay connected with my online community.

When did you know it was time to take the risk?

I worked full-time for a couple of years with content being my little side hustle. Eventually my side hustle felt more of a “this is demanding my full attention” type of situation.

I found myself feeling more and more burnt out and finding it difficult to balance working full-time, maintaining friendships, honouring my mental and physical wellbeing, having time with my partner and family, and keeping up with all round life admin. 

So a few months ago I made the decision to focus on content creation full time. It felt like a risk because I was saying goodbye to a major sense of security that having a full-time salary brings you. I knew something had to give – and I didn’t want it to be my passion.

Do you find yourself constantly glued to your phone?

It can feel overwhelming to practically be making a living off being on my phone. I have learnt it is crucial to establish boundaries. If I am going out and am shooting content at an event or I am going to a food spot, I shoot my content. I then will post it a day or two later, in the comfort of my own home. When I am with friends and family I want to be present and in the moment. I don’t want them to be sharing a meal with my phone.

What is the hardest part about working for yourself?

At first it was feeling like you don’t have a tangible network. When you have a typical 9-5 role, you know when you go into the office who your team is. You share a morning commute, or meal at lunch and have a laugh as the day rolls out. Working for myself can feel at times isolating. 

But I now make an effort to spend time with other like-minded creators, who are juggling a similar gig to myself.

What are you most proud of?

Whenever I get a DM like this.

“Lara, I bought the jeans you recommended and I almost cried… They are perfect. It’s been a long time since I genuinely felt good when it comes to shopping. Thank you SO much for your daily influencing for the more curvaceous girls.” 

That is what I am most proud of. Knowing that because of the content I publish, I can inspire even just one person to dress how they want and feel good while doing it.

@laraseverinoo recreating pinterest fits on a size 12 body 👼🏻 p.s cowboy boots are my favourite 👢#midsizefashion #pinterestoutfit #pinterestoutfit #recreatingoutfits #pintereststyle #cowboyboots ♬ Oh my God. - Quinny👍

Great things in life come from having better home internet. Be in control with seriously fast and reliable WiFi, thanks to Optus’ Ultra WiFi modem. Get the next-gen WiFi modem included in select Optus nbn plans.

Feature Image: Instagram/@carbsmakeitokay/TikTok/@laraseverinoo

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