My Digital Life: Dan Flay
Lauren Ashdown chats to The Fashion Digital’s Social Media Manager, Dan Flay, about his digital career, the rise and fall of Bebo and Vine, and his current favourite YouTubers.
As the Social Media Manager of The Fashion Digital, no two days are the same. From managing the accounts and workflow to building out in-depth social strategies, Dan combines his skills in copywriting, creativity and organisation to seamlessly execute the smooth running of the agency’s accounts. We chat to Dan about how he got to where he is today, his favourite and least favourite social platforms, and the importance of switching off.
LA: Let’s start with a brief career history: how did you come to be doing what you do now?
DF: My background is in copywriting. I worked for an online directory where I straddled editorial and social media before going freelance. I’ve been incredibly fortunate over the years and have some amazing friends and former colleagues who have put me in touch with the right people and even suggested me for projects. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to write for some great brands and publications both on and offline.
LA: Did you always know you would work in digital?
DF: I always knew that I wanted to write but I was never sure what guise that would be. It’s crazy to think that the job I do now didn’t even exist 10 years ago. I hate the idea of limiting myself to one specific area, I’ve learnt that if an opportunity presents itself to just go for it. That’s kind of how I ended up where I am today.
LA: What is your earliest social media memory?
DF: That you could share unlimited love on Bebo on Valentine’s Day.
LA: What was your first email address?
DF: Clearly as a 13-year-old I was already thinking about my personal brand. It’s always just been my name.
LA: What is your favourite social media platform?
DF: I love Instagram, but Vine will always have a special place in my heart RIP.
LA: And your least favourite?
DF: Facebook is definitely the platform that I’m least active on.
LA: Are there any Youtubers that you’re loving right now?
DF: There’s an influencer called Manu Rios whose vlogs I really enjoy watching at the moment. He just went to Dior’s Pre-Fall Men’s Show in Miami and I was obsessed. I have been known to frivol away many a Saturday morning watching Antoni Porowski interviews and paparazzi footage of Victoria Beckham walking through airports.
LA: Which apps are on the first page of your phone?
DF: I’m so boring! It’s mainly all of the life admin/social media apps. Oh and Mario Kart, obviously. (Editor's note: Dan is a secret Mario Kart world champion.)
LA: Have you discovered any brands via social media? If so, which?
DF: There are so many brands that I’ve heard about through Instagram. One that stands out is Axel Arigato. I’m very easily influenced so if I see something that I like or someone wearing something cool, I add it straight to the top of my wishlist.
LA: How do you make time for being offline?
DF: I’m working on it! Constantly thinking about going to the most Instagramble restaurant or wearing the most Instagramable outfit is something that I’m guilty of. Some of my favourite nights have been the ones when I’ve been having so much fun that I forgot to post to Instagram Stories.
Follow Dan on Instagram here
Interview by Lauren Ashdown
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