Today marks the end of my Blogspiration series. It’s been great getting to know these creative and inspiring women, and I’m sure I’ll be interviewing more bloggers in the future. Stay tuned for some changes on Tuesdays and Thursdays in October (including at least a couple of contributors…so excited!). I’ll give you more info about that next week.
Today we’re going to find out a little bit more about Victoria Smith, creator, writer, and editor of one of my must-read blogs, the beautiful Sfgirlbybay, and woman with exquisite taste. Let’s go!
I have to admit that I’m design geeking out right now. I LOVE sfgirlbybay and I’m so excited that I have the chance to interview you. Thank you, Victoria!
How did you get where you are now? How did you get to be sfgirlbybay, #10 on the London Times top 50 design blogs, a member of Lucky Magazine‘s Style Collective, and recipient of tons of positive press?
Oh, I’m not exactly sure. I started in June 2006, as just a hobby at first – it was never meant to be my ‘job,’ or I probably would have thought of a more appropriate name. I’ve always had a love of photography and interior design, as well as writing, and the blog seemed to encompass everything I was passionate about. I initially started the blog as a way to post photographs of my interiors in the hopes of being featured on one of Apartment Therapy‘s home tours, and fortunately I was selected. Their blog post on my home tour directed traffic to my blog, and one thing lead to another. Over time, the blog grew a loyal readership and eventually became my full-time job.
I’ll be making my first trip to the Altitude Design Summit in Salt Lake City in January, and you’re one of their fabulous group of speakers. Will you give us a little preview of the type of information you’ll be sharing with us next year? Also, do you have any tips for first-time Alt goers?
I’m not sure which panel I will be speaking at yet, but I think it may be on collaborating with fellow bloggers and artists. Alt is great – it’s very welcoming and friendly, and you’ll meet some of the nicest and most generous people. I’ve met great friends there. I think any advice would be to just attend the seminars that teach what you are most interested in learning about, and go with some business cards and an open mind. It’s just fun and very rewarding.
I love visiting San Francisco. It’s such a beautiful and fun city. How long have you lived there? What are your “can’t miss” San Francisco favorites? If someone only had one day to spend in your city (poor soul), what should they do?
I moved from Los Angeles, and have lived in San Francisco 16 years now, and I live in Noe Valley. It’s difficult to narrow down my very favorites, but the city is pretty small – just 7×7 miles, so you can pack quite a bit in. I love taking people to the Mission, shopping on Valencia Street, or I love shopping in Hayes Valley. And then dinner at Zuni – my very favorite restaurant. Order oysters, the Caesar salad and the roast chicken and share. It’s the best! I would also recommend coming on the first Sunday of the month, if you can plan around that date – the Alameda Flea Market is held that Sunday. It’s fantastic.
Note to Victoria: When I saw your photos from Tartine, I wanted to be there. It’s on my list.
Besides sfgirlbybay and contributions to UPPERCASE, Anthology, and 7×7, any other projects or collaborations in the works? I’ll ask you what I asked Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind – have you thought about a sfgirlbybay book? I think it would be beautiful! Plus, the amazing Chronicle Books is right in your backyard. It would be perfect for them. :)
I have an iPhone App coming out that I am collaborating on – a sfgirlbybay city guide for San Francisco. And I am actually working with a publisher right now on a book proposal. Nothing is concrete yet, but we’re working on it. And, I have a meet and greet at Jonathan Adler on Fillmore Street in San Francisco on September 22nd that I’m very excited about.
You have a creative professional background. You have interior design education. You’ve worked as an art buyer and photography stylist. Do you think it’s possible for those of us who don’t have a similar education or professional experience and contacts to have a successful career as a lifestyle blogger(/photographer/artist)? What’s the best advice you have for us, and what are some of your top tips for building a blog audience?
I think it’s possible for anyone who’s willing to work hard (it’s a full-time job for sure!) on their blog to succeed. I think you need to have a very clear vision of who your audience is, and share what you’re most passionate about, and perhaps most importantly speak from your heart and in your own voice. People like authenticity. Find a creative way to share your point of view and be as unique as you can.
I think contributing to other blogs, and being a part of the community is a great way to build your audience. Attend events like Alt, and meet other bloggers. Share your posts and your points of view on Twitter and Facebook, and even Pinterest, and people with similar interests will follow.
Note: Victoria’s beautiful logo was designed by Shanna Murray and her awesome blog was designed by Anna Dorfman.
Go back and read the rest of the Blogspiration series here.
All images courtesy of Victoria Smith. All rights reserved.