Read on Twitter
I got a typical email from a brand asking for a “collaboration” when what they really mean is, “we ship you an inexpensive product and you create a frankly disproportionate amount of sponsored content for us,” and it got me to thinking about what I consider a collaboration.
I think my shoot with The Togfather is one of the most recent (and best) examples of how I define “collaboration.” To me, a collaboration is a situation where everyone involved contributes significant amounts of time, effort, money, and/or energy towards a shared or common goal.
For that shoot, I borrowed frankly extravagant garments. The spiked corset I wore was worth 5-figures. The sheer gown and black corset I wore were custom made specifically for the shoot. The two sequined gowns I wore were worth more than $3k total. The silk set was nearly $1500.
The designers “collaborated” by lending me incredible garments towards a shared vision. They showed how much they valued the project - and my time.
And, for my part, I paid the photographer. I styled the shoot. And then I shared the final product with them.
And, for my part, I paid the photographer. I styled the shoot. And then I shared the final product with them.
A real collaboration doesn’t look like trying to get something over on someone. It doesn’t look like devaluing - and disrespecting - their time by offering trifles in exchange for content. It might not even look transactional at all. What it does look like is a shared vision.
If you are not both contributing a similar amount of effort and if you are not both receiving a similar value in rewards, then it is not a “collaboration.” It is something else.
