Why Unboxing Sneakers Videos Appeal and How They Can Improve

If you look at the current landscape of sneaker media, there are a lot of things that exist now that probably didn’t exist five years ago. One example of this is unboxing videos. An unboxing video is just what it sounds like: a video of someone unboxing their new sneakers. And if you told someone in the 1980’s or 90’s that this would be a popular thing in the future, they probably would have looked at you as if you were crazy. Yet, here we are, with many people creating them.

If you look back at it now, though, in a way, it makes sense. When you really think about it, what is the best moment of getting a new pair of shoes? The answer is the moment you take the sneakers out of the box. And there are a lot of feelings connected to that part of the experience.

There are a lot of sensory and emotional things that come with that moment of unboxing a new sneaker. In a way, it’s a shame that you can’t actually experience the smell of the packaging or the feel of the shoe simply by watching a video, because it’s all very distinctive, and it can really take you back to a specific time in the past.

It’s hard to know where media in the sneaker industry goes from here. The most effective unboxing videos tend to be the simplest ones, whether it’s a basic overhead shot or just something straightforward, focusing on the box and not featuring as much talking. After all, how much is there to really say about an Air Jordan 3 that hasn’t already been said?

One idea is to really embrace the nostalgia that comes with unboxing videos. You could create some that feature a whole theme centered around a specific era of the past. Make the setting look like a Footlocker from 1988, shoot it on VHS tape, have music from the era playing and even have a hairstyle that fits the timeframe. This is just one idea of how these content creators within sneaker media can improve on and create variations of the basic unboxing videos, because they’ll need to evolve and change to avoid becoming stale.

Online sneaker education is a good way to learn more about the development and future of sneaker media and the sneaker industry. It’s by far the most convenient and accessible form of sneaker education available.

Yellowbrick Highlights Student Entrepreneurs for National LGBT Month

The Yellowbrick student community is a great place to find budding talent. Our diverse community is a solid blend of students looking to find their place in a career that they love and others who are looking to grow their skillset. Yellowbrick programs are designed to give students the foundation they need to start building towards a career they are passionate about.

In honor of LGBT History Month, we are highlighting the websites and businesses of our LGBTQ student community. We’ve created a space to highlight some of the businesses that were founded by students in our courses. The landing page for these brands can be found here and when you click on the select squares, you can visit the pages and engage in their services. These businesses offer everything from t-shirts to hoodies to recording studios to makeup. This landing page was created to amplify the businesses and services in our Yellowbrick community.

Please take the time to visit the page and take a look at what some of these brands have to offer. There is also a main student businesses page and we will be adding to that list as the year progresses. Be sure to check back in from time to time.

Webinar Recap | April Walker Talks Mental Health & Wellness for “Survive & Thrive” Part 2

The year 2020 has proven to be a lesson for everyone. When January 1st came around, it is fair to say that no one knew what to expect. By March, the world was looking into the unknown without a clue as to what would happen next. Lives changed, daily routines were disturbed and it took a while for people to figure it out. Mental Health is always important but in these trying times, it is a major key. Developing a routine and coping skills to keep a level head is important. Even if your path is carved, developing ways to keep your mental health in check, can do more good, than harm. 

 

In honor of World Mental Health Day (October 10th), we will be revisiting the Survive & Thrive 2 Part Webinar series with Streetwear Essentials contributor and Walkerwear founder, April Walker. For Part 2, she discussed the importance of mental health and wellness in general but more importantly, during these trying times. She touched on what it was like working in the streetwear industry, the toll it took on her and how she was able to maintain and be successful. While everyone has to do what works for them, it is important to share the types of things people can do to stay mentally (and physically) well. Therapy is expensive and not an option for everyone. Meditation, exercise, healthy eating, and other things can lead to a positive road to solid mental health. Listening, taking notes, and applying what could work for you is helpful to start. 

 

Press play on the webinar above. Be sure to bring a pen and paper because the tips are plentiful. 

 

Yellowbrick Highlights Student Entrepreneurs for Black Business Month

Whether it’s designers or entrepreneurs, the Yellowbrick student community is a great place to find budding talent. A lot of our students are already in the game but are taking our courses to level up their skill. They are looking to learn from the teachers and experts featured in Yellowbrick programs to elevate their existing brands and sharpen their skillset. Since August is Black Business Month, we created a place to highlight some of the black-owned businesses that were founded by students in our courses. 

The landing page for these brands can be found here and when you click on the select squares, you can visit the pages and shop. These businesses offer everything from t-shirts to hoodies to coffee to skin care products. This landing page was created  to amplify these black-owned businesses and services to our Yellowbrick community. Please take the time to visit the page and take a look at what some of these brands have to offer. We will be adding to this list as the year progresses so be sure to check back in from time to time. 

“So I Could…” | Billy Petts

Name: Billy Petts
Course: Streetwear Essentials
IG Handle: @InspirationClothing

I enrolled in this program so I could..
Learn from the best and obtain knowledge from an Industry standpoint not just the underground knowledge I’ve obtained the past decade.

Why did you think the course was right for you when you enrolled?
I felt like there could always be more to learn and that even with years of experience, I could learn other methods and processes to start and finish clothing projects. Learning from like minded creators is always a blessing.

What is your biggest takeaway from this program?
To treat my business as Culture and Storytelling. Not Product and Profits. It’s much more than “business.” It’s Passion and the drive to make a difference in our communities.

Has your experience in Streetwear Essentials impacted your career at all yet, and if so, how?
Yes, my whole outlook on fashion has changed yet again. I feel as if I still have a long journey ahead, learning about mood boards, tech packs, and manufacturing in this course took my brand to new endeavors yet to unfold. Following all the creators and influencers from this course on Instagram has increased my learning as well. Seeing how they post, and market after hearing them speak makes sense why they excel in streetwear today.

How did the course prepare you for working in the streetwear industry?
In a good way. The course forces you really to make the building blocks of a clothing brand. Right down to business plan, target market, potential store layouts, pop up shops, you name it. At the end of this course I found myself with an actually written business plan which I never thought I would have or needed. Now I have something professional to continuously build off.

What would you say to a friend about Streetwear Essentials?
Sign up if you wanna save 10 years of learning on your own.

Kick Back With a Book on National Book Lovers Day

For some people, books are a great way to escape the confines of reality. Sitting with a good title and immersing yourself in its words can be a great way to relax, relate and release. With so many titles to choose from, there is no shortage of options. Books have become more popular these past few months and stumbling across new reading options is always a good thing. Whether fiction, non-fiction, a memoir or a reference title, books have always been the go-to for entertainment and education. Reading is a favorite pastime for many and right now, a popular way to level up skills and knowledge. Sunday, August 9th is National Book Lovers Day and we thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of our favorite reads across the Yellowbrick courses. In addition to taking the courses, these books are great ways to level up your knowledge in areas like Streetwear, Fashion, Beauty, Sneakers, Hospitality, Gaming, Sports, and Music. 

Some of the books we’ve selected are popular titles written by some of our very own course Professors and Industry Experts. Aside from being at the top of their game in the lessons, their books provide a deeper dive into their areas of expertise. Authors like Elaine Welteroth, Kathy Iandoli, Dan Charnas, Jeffrey Rabhan, and April Walker have added to the culture of their respective industries with titles that provide historical insight, personal narrative, and helpful information. 

Celebrating books and all things literary is something that can be done on National Book Lovers Day, or any day. With summer in session and fall on the horizon, reading a book is the perfect way to spend the day outdoors. Simply grab the title of your choice, find a socially-distant compliant area and immerse yourself in all it has to offer.

Swipe through the gallery above to see our picks and for more information on how you can apply for any of our courses, visit yellowbrick.co.

Keeping Creative With Alife’s Rob Cristofaro

Exclusive Conversation: Keeping Creative During Quarantine w/ Rob Cristofaro

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When the world was first introduced to the concept of a “stay-at-home” quarantine order, we had no idea what to expect. We were given a potential timeline to the end but that has changed many times. In the interim, creatives like Alife co-founder Rob Cristofaro are navigating the calm through the storm. Keeping creative and motivated during these times is a major key because his business is dependent on creativity.

We recently sat down with Rob on a Zoom chat to discuss a few things including how he stays creative and what he suggests others do to stay creative during these uncertain times. Rob is also an Industry Expert in the Streetwear Essentials course, which gives students an inside look at what it’s like to have a career in the streetwear industry. He talks about the importance of learning from other people’s experiences and how it can help craft a path for your journey in the streetwear industry. If you missed the full length conversation, no worries. You can drop your email in the “Register Now” box above and get the link.