u/Responsible-Let-9974

I honestly don’t know where else to ask this, so posting here hoping creators/models/influencers will give real advice instead of fake motivation.

I’m trying to grow as a fashion/lifestyle creator and model. Not huge level. Still growing. I do content, reels, styling, brand shoots etc. But recently I started noticing the reality behind many influencer pages and now my mind is honestly confused and exhausted.

When I see creators like Deepika Venkatachalam and other established fashion creators, I genuinely wonder:

• How are they managing expenses initially?
• Where do they buy outfits regularly?
• Do they rent dresses?
• How do bridal saree collaborations happen?
• Do designers give free outfits or is it barter?
• How much do creators usually spend for:
  • Makeup artist
  • Photographer/cameraman
  • Studio
  • Jewelry
  • Styling
  • Travel
• At what follower count do brands actually start paying properly?
• How much can a mid-level creator realistically charge?

Because from outside everything looks glamorous… but behind the scenes it feels financially and mentally draining.

One reel itself sometimes needs:

• dress
• makeup
• camera person
• editing
• accessories
• location

And after all that, views may not even cross expectations.

Another thing disturbing me is… some brands and people in this industry indirectly expect “compromises” for opportunities or collaborations. I hate that this exists. It genuinely destroys confidence and peace of mind. I’m trying to grow respectfully and professionally without crossing my boundaries, but sometimes it feels like the genuine people are struggling more.

I also want to understand:

• How do creators become “valuable” enough that brands approach them seriously?
• Is follower count everything now or does content quality/network matter more?
• How do creators connect with good photographers/designers without getting exploited?
• Are there genuine bridal saree brands/designers who collaborate with growing creators?

I’m not asking for shortcuts. I’m ready to work hard. I just want clarity from people who are already in this space or have seen the reality behind it.

Even brutally honest advice is okay. I just want real answers.

I honestly don’t know where else to ask this, so posting here hoping creators/models/influencers will give real advice instead of fake motivation.

I’m trying to grow as a fashion/lifestyle creator and model. Not huge level. Still growing. I do content, reels, styling, brand shoots etc. But recently I started noticing the reality behind many influencer pages and now my mind is honestly confused and exhausted.

When I see creators like Deepika Venkatachalam and other established fashion creators, I genuinely wonder:

• How are they managing expenses initially?
• Where do they buy outfits regularly?
• Do they rent dresses?
• How do bridal saree collaborations happen?
• Do designers give free outfits or is it barter?
• How much do creators usually spend for:
  • Makeup artist
  • Photographer/cameraman
  • Studio
  • Jewelry
  • Styling
  • Travel
• At what follower count do brands actually start paying properly?
• How much can a mid-level creator realistically charge?

Because from outside everything looks glamorous… but behind the scenes it feels financially and mentally draining.

One reel itself sometimes needs:

• dress
• makeup
• camera person
• editing
• accessories
• location

And after all that, views may not even cross expectations.

Another thing disturbing me is… some brands and people in this industry indirectly expect “compromises” for opportunities or collaborations. I hate that this exists. It genuinely destroys confidence and peace of mind. I’m trying to grow respectfully and professionally without crossing my boundaries, but sometimes it feels like the genuine people are struggling more.

I also want to understand:

• How do creators become “valuable” enough that brands approach them seriously?
• Is follower count everything now or does content quality/network matter more?
• How do creators connect with good photographers/designers without getting exploited?
• Are there genuine bridal saree brands/designers who collaborate with growing creators?

I’m not asking for shortcuts. I’m ready to work hard. I just want clarity from people who are already in this space or have seen the reality behind it.

Even brutally honest advice is okay. I just want real answers.