INTERVIEWING BLACK CREATORS: Aïda

Aïda (@basicstouch) is a content creator based in Paris. Her account is all about minimal
photos and style, but always with beautiful vintage details.

Briefly describe what you do as a content creator and how it all started?

So I’m an artist and content creator from Paris I create BASICSTOUCH in 2017 after being encouraged by my friends and family but really get into it in summer 2018, right now my style is all about minimalism, effortless style, capsule wardrobe and basics. 

How do you take your photos?

Before lockdown I used to take my photos with my cousins or my little brother, sometimes my close friends whenever we hangout, then I started to plan shooting content with my cousins especially because of parisians strikes during winter which was really annoying, then in lockdown mostly myself even though I do ask my dad or brother few times but to be honest I’m shooting 90% of my content by myself with my phone and a tripod which I love.

It’s clear to see that you have a really personal way of creating and editing your photos which makes them unique. How did you figure out your own style and aesthetic for all the content you create?

I don’t really know to be honest I think that I’m just being inspired by what I love and what I see on different media then applied them for my channel, this is how I start details shots, then mirror selfies and now self portraits, I’m just doing what I love and it’s actually funny that a lot of people told me how unique I’am cause I always want to answer “as we should”. 

You have an amazing effortless but chic looking style. Where do you get inspiration from?

Thank you! From everywhere but mostly Pinterest, Instagram too but since it’s my work place I don’t like to spend too much here now (Still working on it ).

Have you noticed a lack of professional opportunities for black creators?

I don’t think so but I’m still new to the industry so I can only speak from my experience, brands has always been kind and respectful to me even when I reject a collaboration.

Have you ever felt underpaid (or been given gifted-only opportunities) for your professional content creation work?

Yes that part is complicated cause you never know if it’s because of your skin color or because we’re in a capitalism world and brands would always want to have the best work but for nothing, but I’ve definitely felt the only gifted opportunities issues and this is probably why some creators has signed with talent agencies. This is part of the learning to me. How to sell myself in a better way.

Do you think that brand campaigns and events are diverse?

If this was the case they would not be in the target of the BLM movement.

Which are three black-owned small businesses that you would recommend?

I don’t know a lot unfortunately  but I love Tongoro Studio which is a luxury fashion brand made in Africa (in Dakar, Senegal my origins country) I’m currently working with Îles de Cocos which is also a modern luxury brand made in UK Iove their knitwear. And Shopa.au by Asiyami Gold I haven’t bought anything from her yet by I’m so amazed by her talent and visions. 

Anything you would like my audience to be aware of?

Being diversify is a learning process especially if you are not a POC, I would say be gentle to yourself and start slowly, do your best, I used to notice on Instagram that everytime a brand post a POC they were less likes somehow, now it’s changing a little bit but we’re not there yet, people should understand that we don’t have to be the same color to be relatable, share the same values and love the same things. But I’m optimistic for our future. 

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Have you heard from her before? Any thoughts you would like to share about her interview? Definitely tell me so in the comments down below and I’ll be glad to read!

Love and lipstick ❤