Image via Complex Original
What does it take to become a yung lord of the Internet, to earn a vague yet oh so meaningful title such as "tastemaker," or better yet, "influencer?" Up until now, the methods to becoming the man on these e-streets were as mysterious as the origin of those titles themselves. But now the influencers here at Complex are willing to pay it forward so that one day you can maybe, possibly, get on our level. The main thing to remember is, most independent #influencers all roughly started out the same way. Follow these 10 steps and you just may join us inside the rarefied sphere of influence.
Stage street style photoshoot for the 'Gram.
How will these e-streets know of your #influence without a poppin Instagram account? And how does one new to the game get said Instagram account poppin off the rip? Easy. Recognize your own steez so the internets can follow suit. Hit the block with your homie and the trusty DSLR on a sunny Sunday and snap a few "candid" flicks of you going about your day whilst casually killing the competition. Then "regram" it like you for real appeared in a street round-up and watch the flock of followers trickle in.
"Curate" a Tumblr.
The most important social media platform you need to be on. Nobody's going to trust your right to make taste if you don't have a daily updated photoblog highlighting your interest in dope things with perfect picture composition and lighting.
Secure the relevant RTs.
After you've got Instagram and Tumblr covered, you've got one social media platform left to establish a presence on, and it's not Facebook, unless you want those free clothes from mom. Your influencer cred skyrockets each time a relevant brand or fellow influencer hits you with that great RT. One day you'll wake up and a dumb late-night thought that would've bricked six months ago is platinum before breakfast.
Get rid of the swag-herbs in your squad.
Your influencer credit score plummets the minute you're caught hanging with a bunch of swagless, basic dudes. And/or girlfriend. Everyone in your inner circle better be crushing it on an equal level or else no one will believe you're truly 'bout it. Wolves don't walk with shepherds, and the talk's gotta match the leathers.
Discover a small brand that's about to blow up.
Nods from the established figures are cool and v. necessary but so is linking up with someone on the other side of this influence shit, the fashion chefs making the product for you to taste, if you will. Join forces with a new brand, but one that you truly fuck with and work towards making it blow. When Hov rocks a piece at Coachella or something, your name will be inextricably attached to the story of its success. All risk, all reward.
Finesse the free-shit flourish.
The main signifier that one is a wielder of influence is getting free shit from brands you actually dig and brands you wouldn't be caught dead in that are just hoping you'll cast some of your bountiful shine their way. But before you get to that level of getting carpel tunnel from slicing open too many UPS deliveries, you've gotta get your name on the list. Don't front on the ones that reach out even if you privately feel like that's not a swap to you. Soon enough, your closet won't be able to handle the influx of influencer appreciation.
Get invited to an event.
Crash a brand's super exclusive event but move around like you're totally jaded and only still go to dozens of these per month for the free drinks. Then watch the legit invites pour in.
Make it known you have an opinion on everything else, too.
Extend your rarefied taste and opinions to basically every other realm of pop culture in addition to style. Tweet like you're an expert in TV even though you only caught up on Breaking Bad a month before the series finale just because everyone was talking about it. Blog about how Dwyane Wade needs to retire even though you only watched the FInals this year. The myth of you being a guy who knows his shit and has good taste will only expand further.
Have a street style star give you a nod of recognition IRL.
Life outside of the Internet is still relevant. A co-sign from one of the reigning lords of influence on the net is one thing, but in real life means that much more. Dudes recognizing you on the street as someone who actually exists outside of Tumblr is the come-up you need to join the ranks.
Convince corny old people with money that you're cool.
Old money backing is never a bad thing. If the out-of-touch mid-life crisis to octogenarian crowd believe the myth of your influential powers they'll be dying to throw their old money weight behind you both to further their own brand and stay "in touch with the culture." Let them and enter into a mutually beneficial relationship of influence spreading and personal brand building until you're ready to cut the cord and rake in that #NewMoney.
