I studied journalism in high school, but it wasn’t until I was using the “News From Home” lens by Jimena Depresbiteris, known on Snapchat as Shimenta, that I got to do my own broadcast.
Along with neon filters and festival inspired wear, she offers a range of funny and interactive lenses that let you share your own creativity with friends. A passionate lover of AR, I learned a bit more from the Italy-based creator.
Q: How long have you been using Snapchat? When did you start making your own lenses?
A: I have been using Snapchat since 2016. I always enjoyed playing with the lenses and filters [and] I started to make my own lenses in 2018 after learning how to use Lens Studio [via] the agency I was working [for].
Q: Which lens (of ones you’ve made or others) is your current favorite?
A: It’s really difficult for me to choose just one lens! I think my favorite [is] my last Diwali Lens because the festivity was very inspiring and beautiful. I like how it came out and the message of finding the light and happiness in difficult times. Also, I like my summertime lens where the user can “travel” virtually to a beach and check on a little character. I programmed the lens to change depending on the hour of the day, so I hope people [are] eager to find out what she’s doing at every time [of day].
Q: What do you like about creating lenses and seeing people use them?
A: I love how it can change your perspective of reality. By making lenses we are able not only to share a message, but to let people be a part of it. What I love about seeing people using lenses, in general, is how creative people can be — how they can transform different experiences in their own way. It’s an amazing feature that triggers creativity.
Q: As a Lens Studio Creator, what opportunities do you think a tool like SnapML provides?
A: SnapML is an incredible tool for AR. We have already seen many examples of how to use it on lenses — I have done some tests myself. With SnapML there [are] no limits in how many things we will be able to detect and augment…it provides more capabilities to increase our creativity.
Q: Where do you see your career going — how important is it for you to be a digital creator?
A: I want to build a career on AR strategy. I usually work with brands thinking about how AR can help them to meet their goals and what path they should take. It’s very important for me to be a digital creator because it allows me to explore all the new capabilities of AR [and] also to create in an awesome and unique way and be part of the snaps of people all around the world.
Q: Do you think Snapchat will only increase in popularity in the future or die off like other social media platforms have?
I don’t think Snapchat will die off like other social media platforms. Unlike other apps, Snapchat is an awesome app to be yourself by having fun and sharing content with the people who matter the most to you.
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