Conversations with Emma Marlow

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Marlow.

Hi Emma, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Oh boy, here we go. I am Emma, born in Colorado, and I am a digital content creator and creative director who found my start in High School. Imagine a teenage version of myself making friends with the fashion teacher and writing articles about blind dates with the paper editor trying to find her passion surrounded by salmon-colored walls. Writing was my passion and I loved to tell stories, especially through photos because I had to learn how to use a DSLR. I remember making my first couple of posts on Instagram in High School and thought to myself, “Why can’t my social platform look good? All I post are selfies and Friday Night Lights.” That’s when my passion for fashion, writing, and sharing news came together and I started to slowly metamorphosize into the person I am today. I was seeing my digital life with a romanticized lens. I was always interested in making things look good and the community started to coin me as a hipster. I was thankful to be able to learn about the mom-and-pop shops in my hometown and making connections with people came easy to me. When I got to freshman orientation in college, I haphazardly chose Public Relations as my degree and because of that happy accident, it helped me realize that storytelling is my passion and it confirmed my aspirations. The creative direction and moments where I get to provide my artistic vision is the cherry-on-top.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think anyone has a smooth road getting to where they are creatively. Dealing with analysis paralysis and lack of confidence is pretty common and finding the courage to put yourself energetically into your work can be a daunting task. Learning how to see your artistic vision takes a lot – you’re digging into parts of yourself that you might not know exist but when you find it, it’s a magical sight. Actually, I’m in a time in my life where I am going through a lot of experiences that are challenging me but through therapy and fostering close connections, I’m okay with riding the wave for a little and I feel stronger for it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known around town for helping people build their social media presence organically. This career has allowed me to be able to join these amazing collectives just with a swipe. Denver’s creative scene is small, so I’ve been able to build up these relationships with so many different brands and what sets me apart from others is my deep connection to the scene. Getting my start professionally began in Five Points when I was interning for a boutique called Meraki Moon. I got the gig with them just by asking, and that’s where I met my first agency connection, Bri when I was 21. Fast-forward a year or two, I’m working with Bri at her agency without realizing we met before, small world! Making connections is such a fun aspect and it made me feel like I was in the right spot because it felt so right. Because of those experiences, I’ve been able to work with different industries for a while, it just feels natural for me to connect with anyone who is looking for social help. Sometimes all you need is a person to talk to that just listens, and wants to know more, and to help, I strive to be that person in someone’s life because you never know what they are going through! From music to brunch to boutiques, I’ve had experience with it all from digital content creation to modeling to running booths. I love connecting with people and I can’t wait to meet with you!

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to get connected in the scene is by going to gatherings at places you like! One of my main thrills in life is going to a concert. The lights are bright, the crowds are energetic, the artists are performing their hearts out.. This energy made me want to be a part of the behind the scenes action so what I did was start connecting with people at shows who were mutual friends or people involved in the media production. One connection will lead to the next and next thing you know, you’re talking to someone who manages their tour schedule. It’s easy to connect, but you have to put in the effort to get connected… and get scrappy with your elevator pitch! When I was starting out, I wish I knew that I could take advantage of the connections I had when I was younger. I knew so many cool people in college (my professor was a TIMES reporter in a lifetime!) and I know I can call them up anytime, but I wish I allowed myself to be mentored more at a young age. Thankfully though, I am still grateful to call all of my old mentors friends, and people that I can still learn from. Being creative daily is a challenge, but if you’re doing that, you already won.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmamaarlow/ 

Image Credits
Electric Lady Shoots – Car Photo