DIARY directory recently caught up with blogger Matthew Pike, who founded the fashion, design and lifestyle blog Buckets & Spades. Launched in 2008, Buckets & Spades is about 'sharing design, creative ideas, menswear, style and all things we love in life'. It started as a means to store inspiring images and inspiration but grew to become a visual diary formed by contributors and photographers.

Date of birth:    09.09.1985 - age 31
County & country of residence:    Lancashire, UK
3 main areas of focus:    style, design, travel
5 specific areas of interest:    
men's style, contemporary design, curiosities, brand owners, travel guides/city visits

Skin tone:    olive/combination
Hair colour:    brown/shaved
Dress size:    Medium/32 waist
Shoe size:    UK 9

Listed in DIARY directory in the digital influencers subsection, along with 1000+ categorised influencers for PRs to work with, Matthew talks about what inspired him to create content for the blog, his dream collaboration to date and how PRs can work better with influencers. 

What got you into blogging/how long ago did you start?

I started as a means to improve my writing style and as a creative outlet, while I was at university. I first started writing the blog 9 years ago.

What inspires your blog?

Colour, pattern, photography, travel, inspiring people, the blogging community, design.

Who are your core readers? 

We have quite a wide range as far as our audience goes - from 14-65, but our main audience is 24-35. My full-time job is made up of blogging, content creative, freelance writing, styling and consultation work.

"Make time to meet up with the bloggers, and if you can’t find time then employ someone new!
 
Do you have any additional professional help for your blog?

Yes, we have a few contributors and regular photographers.

Favourite sponsored collaboration to date?

Hmm that’s a tricky one, there has been lots of great work through sponsored promotions. One of my favourites was with Red Wing boots back in October 2016.

What would be a dream collaboration that hasn’t yet presented itself?

I’d love to create something with Paul Smith. Also, Nike would be high on the list.

How do you think brands/PRs can work better with influencers? Any pet peeves? 

Working towards the individual, letting go of obsessing about numbers, fine tuning your targeted audience. Make time to meet up with the bloggers, and if you can’t find time then employ someone new!

Biggest lessons learnt while working in the industry?

Always be professional. You never know where “that intern” will work next, or who they will turn out to be. Keep it classy.

What other bloggers /influencers/ sites do you follow and why?

I love Jordan Bunker, Arran Cross, Oliver Hooson, James Bron, Lucie Loves, Olivia Purvis. An individual eye, passion for their work and in it for the right reasons.

Contact
Matthew Pike in 'digital influencers'

Websites
www.bucketsandspadesblog.com
Twitter
@mat_buckets 

source: Diarydirectory