Over the last week, we’ve mourned with our communities and been horrified by the injustices that have taken place across the country. We have the responsibility to do more: to represent our values by empowering, supporting, investing, and fighting for our Black and POC employees, clients and partners because Black Lives Matter. We must stand to not only be against racism, but be actively anti-racist each and every day.

Many of our collaborators, coworkers, friends of the agency and those featured in The One to Know have compiled resources to support and amplify our Black communities and take action to be anti-racist. We know this list in non-exhaustive and grows every day, but here is a place to start.

• Sicily Sewell @sicilysierra has been consistently posting a variety of resources, including this video by @actdottv on systemic racism.

• Jessica Nabongo @thecatchmeifyoucan has been sharing Black-owned businesses to support right now and has a highlight on her page called Buy Black.
• Alicia Mara @aliciammara posted a list of books to read to combat racism and educate ourselves on the history of America’s systemic racism.

• Leo Chan @levitatestyle reposted a message from Sabir Peele, @mensstylepro, in which he tells of his life experience as a Black man and about allyship & standing up for each other as humans.

• D1A’s Creative Strategist, Adaobi Ugoagu @disorderlyfashion, created #cashoutwednesday to drive people to activate their solidarity by posting screenshots of donations made to Black organizations.

• Anuli Akanegbu @anuliwashere compiled a list of Black-owned businesses to buy from near Crown Heights in Brooklyn.

• Oneika Raymond @oneikatraveller is encouraging her community to speak with their wallets and donate to a number of organizations that are Black and BIPOC-led, including Black Visions Collective and Reclaim the Block.

• Grace Bukunmi @bukunmigrace has been sharing organizations to donate to, including screenshots of her personal donations, numbers to call and text to speak to representatives and officials, and encouraging her community to vote and activate.

Black Lives Matter was originally published in Day One Perspective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

As we celebrate Asian American Heritage month, we take a look at a few of our favorite movies by Asian American creators

When Crazy Rich Asians came out in 2018, I remember doing a double take (and fact checking) every article that said it was the first movie in 25 years to have an all-Asian cast and an Asian-American lead. First in my lifetime was the thought that kept running through my head.

While there’s no doubt that the premier of Crazy Rich Asians was a major step toward representation and visibility in Hollywood, it also started a movement and ultimately changed the climate of the industry as a whole. As we celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage month, we take a closer look at a few of the movies that have helped pave the way towards representation by Asian American creators.

Tigertail (2020)
Where to watch: Netflix

Synopsis: Directed by Alan Yang, Tigertail is a multi-generational movie that makes a case for embracing one’s journey and culture wholeheartedly. This movie follows Pin-Jui (Tzi Ma)– from losing his first love in Taiwan to his journey to America as he raises his family.

Why it’s a favorite: Tigertail is more than just a story about immigration to the US. It’s thoughtful, emotional (definitely made me tear up), and shows how we are all changed by the small actions we make along the way.

Late Night (2019)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Synopsis: Directed by Nisha Ganatra and written by Mindy Kaling, Late Night tells the story of a popular TV host who hires her first female staff writer. Although the hire was intended to smooth over diversity concerns, it brings upon hilarious consequences as the two work together to create a late night tv show.

Why it’s a favorite: Not only does this movie bring up sexism in the broadcasting world in the #MeToo era, but it also narrates the importance of female friendships– even if they don’t see eye to eye.

The Farewell (2019)
Where to watch: Youtube, Amazon Prime

Synopsis: The Farewell follows Billi (Awkwafina), who travels from her home in NYC to China under the guise of a wedding when in reality, she is saying goodbye to her Nai Nai (grandmother) who only has a short while left to live. Directed by Lulu Wang and starring Awkwafina, this heartfelt and funny movie also had a first: Awkwafina to win as the first Asian American woman to win a Golden Globe for best actress.

Why it’s a favorite: This sweet movie pulls at the ties of family and the ties of culture. The tendency to freely share one’s thoughts and feelings in Western culture vs. the way of holding emotions close and respecting hierarchy as the norm in Eastern culture unravels between generations.

Parasite (2019)
Where to watch: Youtube, Amazon Prime, Hulu

Synopsis: Parasite tells the story about a Korean family who is struggling to make ends meet and unfolds how they find themselves in a unique circumstance working for a wealthy family. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite also took home a first: First foreign language film to win an Oscar and first Korean film to win a Golden Globe for best foreign language film.

Why it’s a favorite: One of the most thought provoking films, Parasite touches the intersection of class division, welfare, and modern life. A powerful social satire, every scene of the movie hints at the underlying themes of capitalism and class.

Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Where to watch: Netflix

Synopsis: Written by Ali Wong and Randall Park, Always Be My Maybe is a romantic comedy film starring Marcus (Randall Park) and Sasha (Ali Wong) as childhood sweethearts that had a falling out. While their childhood relationship ended on a bad note, they find themselves reconnecting back in their hometown.

Why it’s a favorite: This romantic comedy shares the laughter and savors the rituals of Asian American culture. While you could spin it as a traditional rom-com, Always Be My Maybe treats both partners as equals– highlighting the success of Marcus and Sasha together.

Ms. Purple (2019)
Where to watch: Youtube, Amazon Prime, Hulu

Synopsis: Directed by Justin Chon, Ms Purple is a drama about two Korean-American siblings who reconnect as they work together to help their dying father.

Why it’s a favorite: It’s rare to see Korean-American siblings reconnecting and repairing their relationship on screen. This movie shares exactly that, while also highlighting the delicate intricacies of the bond between the children and their father.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Where to watch: Netflix

Synopsis: Adapted from a story written by Jenny Han, this teen rom-com follows Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) and her family as they adjust to life after their sister moves away to college. Once her younger sister exposes Lara’s love letters that she wrote to her childhood crushes, it causes complications to her high school experience.

Why it’s a favorite: When was the last time you believed in teenage romance? When?? Is it now? This movie is a charming, coming of age, gen-z rom-com that will not only make you laugh, but also invites you into the togetherness of the Covey family.

Minding the Gap (2018)
Where to watch: Hulu

Synopsis: Directed by Bing Liu, Minding the Gap is a documentary about three boys and their love of skateboarding. The film focuses on how skateboarding is used as a tool that helps the young men go through life’s challenges from middle school to adulthood.

Why it’s a favorite: Although watching the skateboarding itself is impressive, this documentary is more than just a few boys practicing how to ollie. It’s a love letter to friendship, skateboarding, and how complicated adulthood can get.

The Big Sick (2017)
Where to watch: Youtube, Amazon Prime

Synopsis: Starring and written by Kumail Nanjiani, this comedy tells the story of a Pakistan-born aspiring comedian and his evolving relationship with grad student, Emily Gordon. As they fall in love, they deal with Emily’s mysterious illness and their families’ culture clash.

Why it’s a favorite: Although spending time with your partner’s parents alone can be uncomfortable, this movie dives right in as Kumail spends two weeks with Emily’s parents in the hospital without having spent any time with them prior. This movie shares some of the realities that can come of cross-cultural love and adds humor in between.

The Tiger Hunter (2016)
Where to watch: Youtube, Amazon Prime, Netflix

Synopsis: Directed by Lena Khan, The Tiger Hunter follows Sami (Danny Pudi) and his journey from a rural Indian village to a job opportunity in Chicago.

Why it’s a favorite: While this movie does share Sami’s immigration story, it also reveals the the assimilation to American culture Sami experiences while learning to keep their own cultural traditions.

10 of Our Favorite Movies by Asian American Creators was originally published in Day One Perspective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Our Favorite Asian and Pacific Islander Owned Restaurants in NYC & LA

Growing up in a Filipino household, everything revolved around food. Someone’s birthday? Forget the decorations — let’s set up the menu. A couple getting married? Cute cake, but let’s talk about the real winner and true centerpiece: The Lechon (roasted pig served with a liver sauce).

At any social setting (or at home, or anytime, really) the kitchen and dining table were the places to be. Not once have I lived in a home with my parents that didn’t include two fridges and freezers. And growing up with over three dozen extended family members, I learned to eat quickly, or else I wouldn’t eat at all.

But to Filipinos, it’s not just about eating — it’s also about sharing.

Anthony Bourdain said it best when he took a trip to the Philippines for Parts Unknown: “Filipinos love feeding people.” That’s simply how we show our love and generosity. Enter a Filipino gathering, and you’ll leave with several tupperwares full of rice, pancit bihon (rice noodles in soy sauce, fish sauce, veggies, and of course, meat), and chicken adobo (chicken thighs cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and peppercorns). No tupperware? No problem — you’ll walk away with several paper plates covered in tin foil and an auntie insisting you didn’t take enough leftovers.

One of my fondest memories of childhood is having a Kamayan meal (meaning: eat with your hands). Rows of banana leaves would be laid down on the dining table and act as your plate, place mat, napkin, and rice, shrimp, pork, chicken wings, sausages, shrimp paste, fried fish, and a mango, tomato, and onion salad would be placed on top.

Mouth watering yet?

Kamayan, and other traditional Filipino meals always meant so much more than satiating myself. It was where the best conversations, the biggest laughs, and the deepest bonds were formed among our family and friends (except… there are no friends — you immediately gain a “cousin” or “uncle” upon meeting someone new).

This is, of course, not only the case for Filipinos, but other Asian and Pacific Islander cultures — and beyond. But for this month, which happens to be Asian Pacific Heritage Month, we’re honoring it the way we know best: Eating and the act of sharing a meal.

Our D1A team in New York and LA have put together a list of the best restaurants owned by Asian and Pacific Islanders on our two coasts. And while we may not be able to dine-in right now, sadly — save these for your must-visit lists for the future, or for takeout.

NYC

Check in with your favorites for their most up-to-date hours and delivery options.

Tito Rads

Tito Rad’s Grill serves up authentic Filipino cuisine, just like how grandma used to make it. From simple comfort food to national favorites, all ingredients are carefully chosen, freshly cooked and prepared to satisfy your craving for “lutong bahay” (a taste of home).

Win Son

Win Son is a Taiwanese-American restaurant in East Williamsburg (and corresponding bakery, @winsonbakery). Opened in 2016 byJosh Ku and chef Trigg Brown, Win Son serves up creative dishes like the “nutritious sandwich,” which is actually a doughnut sandwich. During Covid19, Win Son is only taking orders through Caviar for pick up and delivery.

Bunker

Vietnamese street food restaurant Bunker was opened in 2013 by chef and co-owner Jimmy Tu. Bunker offers homestyle Vietnamese dishes like beef pho, catfish banh mi, pork spring rolls, papaya salad, and more. As an added plus, Bunker only uses vegetables and heritage meats from local farms, with recipes passed on from generation to generation.

SriPraPhai

SriPraPhai began as a small Thai bakery in Elmhurst by founder Sripraphai Tipmanee. Eventually, it expanded into a restaurant in Woodside (and another in Long Island), and offers over 120 dishes representing food from different regions of Thailand. Order the watercress salad, northern style curry noodles, and ground meat laab — you won’t be disappointed.

Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong

Hands down the best Korean barbecue spot in NYC — and Anthony Bourdain, David Chang, and Dominique Ansel are just a few of the celebrity chefs that have frequented there. Co-owner Bobby Kwak “wanted people [of all backgrounds] to come in and get the closest thing to what a real Korean barbecue in Seoul is like.” The cheese corn will change your life.

Adda

Restaurant owner Roni Mazumdar and Executive Chef Chintan Pandya founded Adda as a “place to hang out” (that’s what it translates to, after all). Adda serves up classics like junglee maas, paneer tikka, and masaledar lipatwan murgh — and isn’t for the faint of heart when it comes to spiciness. Think: simple, homestyle Indian cooking.

LA

Check in with your favorites for their most up-to-date hours and delivery options.

Lunasia Dim Sum House

Originally located in Alhambra (with now a second location in Pasadena), Lunasia is hands down one of the best places to get dim sum. With a huge selection of menu from gourmet chinese dishes to Macao style egg custard–you really have to go in with a game plan.

Pa Ord Noodle

Located in Thai town, Pa Ord Noodle has become one of thai people’s go-to restaurants here in Los Angeles. Pa Ord’s signature boat noodle dish is by far the best boat noodles you will ever find in the city. If you’re looking to get that authentic Thai spiciness and flavor, you’re in the right place.

Iki Ramen

Iki Ramen is truly a hidden gem in koreatown with a casual, and cozy atmosphere. Unlike other ramen places that specialize in one kind of ramen, Iki has a whole range from an amazing light citrusy yuzu shio ramen to a heavy truffle butter ramen. They also serve a variety of hand rolls and rice bowls with fresh fun modern twist.

Sun Nong Dan

Whether you’re in the mood for a Galbi jjim for lunch, or at 2AM in the morning, you can always find it here at Sun Nong Dan. Being open 24/7 with a constant line out the door is a true proof of serious good food. Their Yuk Gae Jung soup comes with many side dishes that hit the right spot of your comfort food cravings.

Din Tai Fung

Famous for their soup dumplings and wontons, Din Tai Fung is second to none when it comes to great Chinese food. With so many great dishes on the menu, nothing can go wrong. Nice warm rice with just the right amount of seasoning and not at all oily, you really can’t beat their fried rice.

Woon Kitchen

This adorable Eastside pop-up is home to some of the best homestyle Chinese food in the city, not to mention some of the kindest vibes, thanks to mother and son owners Keegan and “Mama” Fong. Standout dishes include the house-made bao and Mama’s famous Five Spice party wings.

Omiso

If you’ve ever had real-deal miso, you’ll understand why Ai Fujimoto’s food is worth hunting down. Together with fermentation specialist Nozomi Jinguji, Ai creates umami-filled soups, cookies, and pastes that are as flavor-packed as they are beautiful.

The Best Asian and Pacific Islander Owned Restaurants in NYC & LA was originally published in Day One Perspective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Please join us in warmly welcoming our Director of Operations, Tatum!

Day One Firsts

First job: Waitressing

First word: Juice

First car: Volvo

First album you ever bought: Brand New Heavies/ Notorious BIG

First childhood fear: Freddy Krueger

First celebrity crush: Johnny Depp

First phone: Nokia

Fun Facts

Currently Reading: Outliers

Favorite website(s) to get lost on: Refinery 29, Anything home related

Favorite YouTube channel: Wired

Favorite TV show: Seinfeld

Guilty pleasure: Bacon wrapped hot dogs

About Tatum

Tatum is a Brooklyn native who graduated from Day One NY neighbor, FIT with a B.S. in International Trade & Marketing. Tatum brings over 8 years of operations experience to Day One.

Prior to joining Day One, Tatum worked as Director of Operations & Events at UMR YouTube offices where she managed national and international operations and events. Before UMR Tatum spent over 5 years with Dotdash as Associate Director of Operations for offices in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago for over 500 employees. Tatum considers LA her second home where she lived for over three years.

When she is not working in Operations you can find Tatum working on small TV and Film projects with friends from LaGuardia Performing Arts.

Tatum is excited to bring her skills from her previous experiences to Day One.

Meet the Team: Tatum Turner was originally published in Day One Perspective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Yasmin Daguilh

The question I get asked the most by young professionals interested in the experiential field is “How did you get started in events?” The truth is, it’s an industry that’s built immensely on the faith of someone else letting you trial and error your way until you can produce your own moment.

The question they should be asking is, “Why did you stay in events?”

More on that later.

The world of experiential has been halted, almost entirely with COVID-19. A disease that has cost lives and livelihoods, and when it comes to physical events, labeled them extremely discouraged, if not outright banned. As the world evolves and adapts to life with coronavirus, looking at how experiential events have changed and will continue to change remains relevant for the future of the marketing industry as a whole. Over the last month, brands have transitioned quickly to host events on existing digital platforms to help foster connectivity while other platforms modify their services to adapt to the new desires and needs of brands.

Within days of social distancing restrictions hitting key states, a variety of brands began leveraging their social channels with Instagram Live events. “Mentions of IG Live on Instagram and Twitter skyrocketed by 526% between March 8 and March 15, according to Jeannette Ornelas, a senior digital marketing analyst at Mintel intelligence group Comperemedia.” Fitness brands, in particular, like Rumble, amassed audiences in the thousands during their first streams; and over the weeks, what started as a casual extension of their class structure turned into scheduled events with branding and targeted workouts.

Beauty brands like Bobbi Brown have followed similar programming on IG Live with their Always On Artistry series, while Levi’s launched a daily concert series called 501 Live in mid-March, and Loewe has begun an artist series called Loewe En La Casa, one of the earlier luxury brands to engage this tactic.

Almost as quickly as IG Live exploded, so did Zoom. “In the last month, there was a 535% rise in daily traffic to the Zoom.us download page, according to an analysis from the analytics firm SimilarWeb.” Brands like Chipotle (#client) were quick to the trend with lunchtime series #ChipotleTogether that integrated both games and guest hosts, Conde Nast’s Vogue used the platform to host a week-long series of panels with some of the industry’s elite in their first-ever Global Conversations, and Create & Cultivate hosted their first virtual all-day summit Money Moves with keynote speakers, workouts, and workshops.

However, it wasn’t until LVMH brand Fenty, with Rihanna’s blessing, hosted the Fenty Social Club on IG Live that the virtual event space felt like it tapped into the true atmosphere of an IRL event. This shared experience leveraged a multi-person line-up, AR backgrounds, and unique content (from BFA, nonetheless) to help establish a similar energy (and eventual FOMO) virtual event-goers would feel within a four-walled space. As brands continue to turn to IG Live, Zoom, and similar video chat and livestream platforms to engage with their communities and host events, it’s the brands that think beyond the expected nature of the platform that will continue to make these experiential moments worth tuning into. What Fenty did right was create a vibe.

Vibe, atmosphere, energy — whatever people want to call it — is essential to events.

It’s a je ne sais quoi that involves tactics that are often tangible, sometimes measurable, and always unique. Right now, but likely also for many months ahead, events need to be largely digital first. How can brands find their own vibe and draw on the components of IRL to create a successful IVL (In Virtual Life) event?

When looking at successful events, it’s not just what you see, but also what you don’t see that makes them special. Elements like lighting and sound working seamlessly with custom builds that hide all the cords that make the function function. Creatives play with guests’ senses to set a tone to properly tell a brand story and challenge their expectations and surroundings. With no walkie-talkie wearing producers in the viewers’ house to carefully dim the lights, adjust the DJ’s mix, and cue the aerialists, event creators need to challenge new techniques to help event-goers still feel transported. Maybe the next virtual event comes with a proper invite and a set of suggested steps to take to create the best ambiance for the experience. Or for a more intimate affair, brands send curated tool kits with scents and snacks to the attendees. And, for events that have a longer lead time, AR and VR may become a thing of the norm.

Brands have been playing with technology for years, from Louis Vuitton stepping into the gaming world with their limited collection for League of Legends to Patron building an iPhone app to flip the e-commerce experience with AR. Yet, when looking at events, in particular, technology has often been an amplification tool rather than the focus; from projections to motion sensors, these applications have relied on a venue and other tangible elements to tell a full event story.

With the physical world on pause and IRL events flashing a continuous “proceed with caution” warning sign, the market is ripe for technology that plays with perception to become a focus.

Figuring out how to do more than a typical webinar or livestream is key, explained Yadira Harrison, co-founder, Verb, an experiential marketing agency; and a variety of platforms are recognizing that*. They’re creating ways for brands to integrate the video chat and livestream capabilities that already live in IG Live, Zoom, Hangouts, Twitch, etc. seamlessly while adding chat functions and other elements. That being said, there’s still room to think through the guest journey and ensure elements of discovery to make virtual events feel truly experiential.

One of the areas that this could be challenged first is with the concept of space. The same way that brands seek a perfect venue in real life, they’re in need of a virtual whitebox that lets brands put their own spin on experiences while seamlessly supporting elements that are key to driving engagement and intrigue for guests. Discovery is essential for guests at events. They need to be able to click a landing page and still feel transported somewhere new. They want areas to explore, products to engage with, something exciting to take with them when they go. Guests also want human connection. The enchantment of a DJ set or a performance piece is what happens in the crowd. The shared dance, the moment of wonder, and being able to reference it later is what lingers in a guests’ mind when they hail that car home, and what needs to be manifested in the virtual world. As event producers, we are actively exploring what technology is out there (or on its way) that can capture the essence of an event, in a way that makes you feel like you were somewhere, with someone, for a moment in a time, and maybe comes with a photo booth, too. Everyone loves a memento.

That’s another thing that’s key with events: longevity.

Whether the event itself lasts one day or one minute doesn’t matter, but the extension of that experience after the fact is what keeps the brand story alive.

With virtual events at the moment, there’s very little shareable content that bombards your feed, few connections formed, nothing that says “we went to this thing together” — which feels even stranger at a time when we’re all going through something together. Guests enjoy something to look back on, as they look forward. It’s the same notion behind why #ThrowbackThursday is still a thing or the #ImJustAKid challenge is trending. The extension of an event can be (and should) something other than a photo. As brands continue to settle into the digital event space, there is a need to foster community after the link expires. Share the DJ set from the event, create a chat room for attendees to opt into to discuss the conversation, make an AR filter that evokes the setting — make a world that extends not only the lifeline of the event, but also the story of the brand. If the restrictions are lifted slightly, brands could employ a DTC extension for the most engaged event goers to have a more intimate experience with a specific product or exclusive 1:1 events as a way to bring some IRL back to IVL.

While the full future of the experiential world is uncertain, what is certain is that events are still integral. They help foster community, tell a story, and create a moment of magic, even if you’re trapped inside or have to stay 6 feet apart.

In this difficult time, with an uncertain future, the question of “Why did you stay in events?” is even more significant.

Working in events is not for everyone. As a producer you’re the first one in, the last to leave, typically with a 5 a.m. call time and 2 a.m. wrap. Even when you plan everything perfectly, and have back up plans for your back up plans, you still end up putting out fires — sometimes literally.

But we stay because working in events is incredible. Experiential events are a way to say something unique, because they’re based on hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling, feeling something for the first, and often only, time with other people. Witnessing that moment as a producer is what makes it all worth it, and the success of those moments is what encourages brands to keep funding experiential marketing and encourages agencies and individuals to challenge ourselves to take them further.

*There are host platforms like Splash and Eventtia that provide a white-labeled way for brands to host events and integrate ticketing, livestreams, and chats while collecting relevant data, and Event Farm has a virtual campus where guests can experience a webinar and private chats in a few ways.

The Future of Experiential Events was originally published in Day One Perspective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

How the Asian Pacific community is creating during the time of COVID-19 by Selina Dorking

Since COVID-19 was declared a national pandemic, the Asian Pacific community has come together online to celebrate each other and inspire their communities, after several incidents of bullying and anti-Asian attitudes and racism.

1. #WashTheHate has turned to social media to amplify stories, validate experiences, and change the anti-Asian narrative that has been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. By uploading a 20 second video of yourself washing your hands while sharing how COVID-19 has impacted you, we can #WashTheHate together.

2. Felicia Lang, a brooklyn based artist, encourages people to support restaurants in Chinatown through her illustrations. In her illustrations, restaurants in red are open for delivery and takeout and restaurants in black are closed.

3. @wearebetterbrave, @weareuprisers, @asianhustlenetwork, and influencers in the APAC community have come together to launch the movement #HateIsAVirus. By raising awareness through social media and campaign t-shirt/mask sales, their goal is to raise $1M to support Asian owned small businesses that are struggling to stay afloat. Click here to participate!

4. Artist Mimi Zhu uses writing prompts on Instagram and through Write2Heal (a newsletter) to raise awareness around mutual aid groups, mental health, and various organizations that are helping provide relief to vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19.

5. Journalist Sophia Li shares in a personal essay and through Instagram her experiences from both visiting Wuhan and her family living in China during COVID-19. Sophia also utilizes Instagram Live to bring in astrology experts in a series called Supernatural Is the New Natural: the Astrology Behind COVID-19.

5 Asian Pacific Creatives You Should Know was originally published in Day One Perspective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

As billions of people are forced to stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus, industries across the board are feeling the painful consequences of the public health crisis, with many struggling to stay afloat. Those in the influencer space are facing these same issues, with the cancelation of events and travel, and the halting of brand partnerships. According to a recent Bloomberg report, many are pivoting away from polished, glamorous feeds in order to stay relevant. For a few reasons, influencers are in a unique position as the conduit connecting brands to their consumers while navigating the new normal. During a time of uncertainty, influencers are cultivating community in a more personal and authentic way than ever before.

Creators Building Community… Virtually

In the April segment of D1A’s, The Ones to Know, where we highlight diverse creators in the influencer space, we featured influencers who are helping others and inspiring us all while we #StayAtHome. Overall, this represents a larger trend in the industry, in which influencers are using their influence for good by supporting those in need and cultivating a strong community. By authentically engaging with their followers, opening a two-way dialogue, and learning about what causes are important to them and highlighting those, influencers are deepening their relationships with their followers. They’re using livestreams, Q&As, and polls on IG to interact in a more present capacity, as well as opening up and showing raw emotion. For example…

@thenotoriouskia is tuning into her followers’ needs, offering virtual consulting via Zoom for aspiring content creators.

@lindseysimcik (who we’ve built a great relationship with through our Amex work) shared an image of her crying with the text “anyone else need an afternoon cry?” in an Instagram Story.

@adamjk is supplying inspirational content to his followers, doing mental health check-ins on IG Live (#client), and taking care to respond to comments on his IG Grid posts.

@thecatchmeifyoucan created an interactive geography course called #CatchMeInClass, taught by herself every week on Friday.

Overall, influencers are connecting with their followers in new and unique ways to create engaging content and form deeper relationships. All of this leads to a more personal and direct relationship between influencers and followers which ultimately presents an opportunity for the right brands.

A Place for Brands to Participate

Brands can play an important role during the shift to more personal and direct relationships between influencers and their followers. Deeper connections mean more loyalty, engagement, and trust. Currently, sponsored ads are seeing higher engagement, with one influencer marketing agency reporting a 76% increase in daily accumulated ‘likes’ on posts for IG influencer campaigns in the first half of March.

Within crisis there is opportunity, and for brands that means authentically hearing from and connecting with (potential) consumers through influencers. Moreover, it’s an opportunity for them to truly showcase how they can provide value now and in the long term. According to a survey by Influence Central, 89% of influencer respondents want to work on “feel good” brand campaigns and “philanthropic efforts,” which aligns with how most brands are communicating with consumers at this time.

Post-Quarantine Predictions

So, what will the influencer space look like after quarantines end and people get back to “normal” routines in 3, 6, 9 months from now? For one, consumers will continue looking for those close, reciprocal relationships formed during quarantine. They will expect influencers to be responsive to their input and continue being authentic in the content they are sharing. It’s likely that the transparency we’re seeing from influencers is here to stay, as influencers take on even more of a responsibility to keep it real with their followers. Plus, the more casual use of Instagram has put a significant dent in the usual overly curated nature of content on the platform.

Similarly, there is a rebranding opportunity for influencers. By entertaining followers from within the four walls of their homes, influencers have had to pivot out of their established space and deliver diverse content. This has resulted in more unique and creative content from many creators, who will retain these new skills, especially knowing how their audiences respond to and engage with such content.

How Influencers Are Cultivating Community During Crisis was originally published in Day One Perspective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Before COVID-19, there was already a conversation around the impact social media has on mental health and the debate between curated Instagram feeds and having a more laid back, real approach to sharing with followers. Now as we navigate our new normal, the conversation seems more relevant than ever.

In a recent study on the impact of social media on influencers’ mental health, 47% reported that their mental health was impacted by social media use and that discussing mental health should be de-stigmatized. A number that is sure to have increased in the past few months due to uncertainty around COVID-19 and the future.

To take a closer look at how influencer’s are being open with followers during this time, we *virtually* sat down with Rachel Iwanyszyn, @jaglever, to talk about how she is navigating being an influencer in the age of COVID-19:

D1A: How have you adjusted your content during COVID-19?

Rachel: A balance between normal happy content and inspirational content mixed with content that has sensitive verbiage related to what’s happening. I’ve found that the majority of my followers would like me to be as normal as possible. Most people use Instagram as their happy escape.

D1A: Do you think it’s important for influencers to be open and honest about mental health with their followers right now? Why or why not?

Rachel: Yes definitely! It makes others realize that they are not alone and that at the end of the day we’re all human and we all go through the same things.

D1A: Have you noticed a shift away from curated feeds as people become more honest about themselves/mental health/life?

Rachel: Definitely. It depends on the influencer though. I try to do a mix because I started my blog out of my passion for art and photography, so naturally I want to be curated but I realize that it’s important to be real as well. In the past year Instagram is much more about being transparent and sharing the deeper real things.

D1A: How do you ensure you’re connecting with your followers and keeping them engaged, especially right now?

Rachel: Sharing a lot of my personal interests, struggles, and feelings about everything helps me connect.

D1A: Who, beside yourself, do you think is doing a good job navigating the influencer landscape during this time?

Rachel: I think a lot of my friends are doing great with handling everything, shout out to @RachMartino for her Characters in Quarantine series! I enjoy when bloggers maintain a relatable at home inspiring lifestyle during this time, and can show people what they can do affordably at home :)

According to a recent article published by Bloomberg, in the age of COVID-19 Influencers garner more trust than celebrities and athletes, and more than half of young Americans aged 13 to 38 have made a purchase based on the view of someone in their social media feeds. In addition, 88% of consumers now trust online recommendations as much as face-to-face recommendations.

With the increased opportunity to market to consumers through influencers while social media use surges during shelter in place, brands must learn to navigate what creators are right to partner with and what balance to strike between relatable and inspirational content.

5 Questions with @Jaglever was originally published in Day One Perspective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In the wake of COVID-19, we’ve seen a rapidly-evolving digital landscape.

We asked our Gen Z Council how they’re connecting on social media and digital platforms to fill the IRL voids in this time of social distancing.

These are just a few of the digital trends that stood out to our Gen Z Council…

CGI Influencer Campaign

The WHO has tapped Frost Knox, a CGI influencer based in Atlanta who boasts over one million followers, as a tactic to encourage Gen Zers to take necessary precautions to practice social distancing and flatten the curve.

Drawing Challenges

With the shutdown of the outside world, it seems that Gen Zers are determined to make Instagram #casual again through viral challenges. In what feels like every other IG Story, they are tagging friends to join in, whether it be drawing a carrot, sharing a picture of a dog, or trying to do 10 pushups.

Headspace

Anxiety and fear related to Coronavirus is hitting Gen Z especially hard. According to GlobalWebIndex, 28% of Gen Z, more than any other generation, are concerned about their mental wellbeing in this time. This is especially true in New York, the current epicenter of the crisis. In order to help alleviate some of this stress, The Office of New York Governor Cuomo has teamed up with mindfulness app, Headspace, to offer free meditation and mindfulness practices to NY residents.

Andrew Cuomo on Twitter

We can't underestimate the extreme emotional trauma that many people are feeling now. We thank @Headspace for their partnership to offer New Yorkers much-needed free meditation and mindfulness content as a mental health resource. Check it out here: https://t.co/1752KD5KqA

Teen Vogue Virtual Prom

With the final months of school upended, students are missing out on some of the highlights of high school, like prom and graduation. To bring back a sense of normalcy, Teen Vogue is hosting virtual prom via Zoom, complete with a Prom Committee to provide teens with tips ahead of the big day.

Sims/Minecraft campuses

Despite campuses across the country being closed for the rest of the semester, students are coming up with creative ways to live-out their last days of college. Displaced students are flocking to games like Animal Crossing, The Sims and Minecraft, recreating their campuses and planning virtual graduations.

AskGenZ: Quarantine Edition was originally published in Day One Perspective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Laura Barganier, Vice President, Communications

I love Twitter. In this WFH/LFH reality where it’s socially acceptable to have your eyes on the internet for hours at a time, I encourage you to give your Twitter following list a good polish.

Below are several of my favorite people in the Twitterverse who are giving me life in this quarantine. Listed in no particular order. May they inform you, make you laugh or give you a good moment of escapism. Enjoy! #covfefe

Quarantine Essentials — The Fun

• José Andrés, @chefjoseandres — he’s not only sharing the relief efforts he’s leading but he’s doing a daily cooking video with his daughters. They cook to the length of a Hamilton song. He is not throwing away his shot.
• Lin-Manuel Miranda, @Lin_Manuel, (client) #AmexAmbassador — he’s performing and showing us how he’s adjusting to this WFH life with his two adorable kids.
• John Krasinski, @johnkrasinski, host of his new show Some Good News — he brought the Hamilton cast on to Zoom-surprise/sing/make a girl’s day. I’ve watched it a million times.
• Chrissy Teigen, @chrissyteigen — mayor of Twitter. Her romaine saga = chef’s kiss.

chrissy teigen on Twitter

I'll make a banana bread for anyone that has romaine lettuce. The trade will be made 6 feet apart and we will place the goods on the floor. no funny business

• Caleb Hearon, @calebsaysthings, comedian — his series about his Date with Jonathan from Marketing deserves all the Emmys. Give them to him now.
• Brooke Hammerling, @brooke, tech comms extraordinaire & my former boss — she shares great stories that span from the tech industry to pop culture (her Pop Culture Mondays newsletter is such a treat). She also introduced us to the term: #Cuomosexual
• Shay Spence, @chezspence, food editor @people — national treasure. His clever cooking videos = A+. He is quarantining in Austin. I’m jealous (Keep Austin Weird & #ShopSmall).
• Taylor Lorenz, @TaylorLorenz, internet culture writer @ NYT — follow for news and her great stories + influencer drama + relatable content + TikToks that amused her.

Taylor Lorenz on Twitter

The Quarantine Crew" is a group of 9 TikTokers that quarantining together in a big house in Florida. They have amassed half a million followers in 2 weeks by posting relatable quarantine content, jokes, and challenges. They also have 340k on insta. https://t.co/TprHKuLOuF

• Sally Kuchar, @sallykuchar, home editor @sunset — Similarly, do you like TikTok videos but don’t want to go on the platform? She’s also a great curator. Exhibit A, B and C.
• Amanda Hess, @amandahess, @nytimes critic at large — her covid-related pieces including the celebs in the time of corona and in praise of clapping = so good. I’m this close to posting on Next Door about the man in my neighborhood who is the loudest “wooo, thank you-er.” I must meet him (one day).
• Ashley Nicole Black, @ashleyn1cole — so many people I follow liked this comedian’s content that she was already in my feed. I made it quarantine official.
• Who? Weekly Podcast, @whoweekly — do you like D list celebs/influencers and do you care about how they’re coping?
• Darth™, @darth — do you like dogs?

Quarantine Essentials — The Informative

• Andrew Cuomo, @NYGovCuomo — our president, and someone who i’m confident calls everyone boss or chief. “Thank you, boss.” Don’t think he only teases his brother @ChrisCuomo on TV, but he also takes the banter to Twitter. When this is all over, we need a Cuomo reality show called, “Call Your Mom.”

Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) | Twitter

• Yamiche Alcindor, @Yamiche of PBS NewsHour — she was the one asking the tough questions and not backing down at the pressers.
• Brian Stelter & Kerry Flynn, CNN Reliable Sources — keeping their fingers on the pulse of what’s happening in the media world.
• Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin of NYT Biz columnist — keeping tabs on the for-profit leadership world.
• Kara Swisher, @karaswisher, Recode Decode podcast host & NYT columnist — Silicon Valley’s most revered journalist. Come for the commentary and stay for the mandatory retweet order (including Twitter CEO @jack) of an ICU team doing a #extubation dance.
• NYU professor Scott Galloway, @profgalloway — “The Big Doc” who co-hosts the Pivot podcast with Kara with smart (and funny!) takes on what’s unfolding in the biz and investor community.
• Tim Herrera Internet Person™⭐️@TimHerrera, Smarter Living Editor @nytimes — great practical advice for getting through the times.

Internet Person™⭐️ on Twitter

I can't stop thinking about Big 'Rona

• Hope King, @lisahopeking Anchor @Cheddar — keeping us posted on the top news she’s delivering from her new home studio.
• Dan Frommer, @fromedome, Founder and Editor in Chief of @newconsumer — great commentary on how brands are reacting to the situation now.
• Joanna Stern, @JoannaStern, Personal Tech @ WSJ — great how to cope in this new digital world content.
• Katie Rosman, @katierosman, styles turned covid writer @ NYT. She’s also sharing how her family is adjusting to the new normal (her funny kids including).
• Caroline Moss, @CarolineMoss — writer who shares her best shopping buys (I gave in on the portable washer we shall see) & charity opps.
• Helen Rosner, @hels, New Yorker food contributor — keeping us informed on how we should approach food right & support restaurants (pick up the damn phone for delivery)

Helen Rosner on Twitter

Who wants to teach me how to shuck an oyster via Zoom https://t.co/iFwNDhSWP3

• Kristina Monllos, @kristinamonllos, marketing editor @digiday — she’s doing a great job of helping us understand how the crisis is impacting the in-house and agency worlds.

Evergreen Favs — Culture/Internet Culture Media & Notable Peeps

• Amanda Mull, @amandamull, writer at @TheAtlantic — her dog is worth the follow alone
• Jia Tolentino, @jiatolentino, Author and brilliant Twitter curator — fellow Texas gal.
• MEL Magazine, @WeAreMel — so clever, I don’t know how they find these stories.
• Amanda Perelli, @arperelli, Business Insider business of influencer reporter
• Rebecca Jennings, @rebexxxxa, internet culture at Vox
• Julia Reinstein, @juliareinstein, reporter/playing online at @BuzzFeedNews

julia reinstein 🚡 on Twitter

just realized Never Let You Go by Third Eye Blind is a perfect song for the part of the Passover story where Pharaoh changes his mind about letting the Jews leave Egypt

• Kat Tenbarge, @kattenbarge, Digital culture reporter @thisisinsider
• Lindsay L Miller, @lindsaylmiller, News and culture director, POPSUGAR
• Eve Peyser, @evepeyser — freelance features writer

eve peyser on Twitter

in the forthcoming issue of Vice Magazine, I wrote a defense of my fave, BILLY JOEL https://t.co/dHPf27kJOE

• Rachel Syme, @rachsyme writer @ The New Yorker
• Rebecca Traister, @rtraister, Writer @NYMag & @TheCut

And Niche Quarantine Essentials

• Room Rater, @ratemyskyperoom — this person is rating the backdrops of everyone’s WFH studios during live TV interviews. What we’ve learned? You need the right balance of knickknacks, art and color helps. And if you have books please align them creatively. 10/10 if you have a pet interruption.
• Danny Pellegrino, @DannyPellegrino — host of Everything Iconic podcast that is just a running monologue; His Instagram #JessicaThursdays where he picks a Jessica Simpson clip each week is the highlight of my week.

Danny Pellegrino on Twitter

Same energy. https://t.co/xCbsWkTQaa

• Gibson Johns, @gibsonoma of AOL — our D1A friend and the best RHO[X] live tweeter.

Gibson Johns on Twitter

Dua Lipa's performance of "Break My Heart" on #FallonTonight is the most inventive remote performance I've seen so far 👏 #FallonAtHome https://t.co/Dv2typ8MRA

• Dave Quinn, @NineDaves of People — another iconic tweeter.

P.S. It’s off platform, but if you’re not following the hilarious Leslie Jordan on Instagram, what are you doing with your quarantined life?

@LauraKB’s Quarantine Follow Recos was originally published in Day One Perspective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.