A while back I profiled Terri Potratz who is currently in the running to be the Vancouver blogger for FASHION Magazine. As it happens, there is a second Vancouverite in contention for this stylish role and it’s none other than Craig David Long of The Commodified.

Who are you? I am a very recent university graduate, so, you could say I’m in that transition period between lofty ideals and hard facts. I did my undergrad in Communications at SFU and am now trying to forge a career in Marketing or Public Relations. I’ve always been interested in style, but I think my educational background is responsible for my new sensitivity towards it’s social dimensions; the way we use style as a means of personal expression. I consider myself a keen observer of this tendency.

Where do you blog? My blog is called The Commodified. Some people consider it a street style blog, but I’m giving it some time to rest, so I can veer away from that category. For my blog, I’m not particularly interested in photographing people who are well dressed. Instead, I’m just looking for people whose attire makes me consider how it may represent their identity. When someone catches my eye and holds it, and I’m given sense of intrigue… that’s who I will photograph.

Are you originally from Vancouver? Yes. I’ve always lived in the Vancouver area. I was raised in the suburbs, but I grew up in the city.

Why do you blog? I blog because I am passionate about my subject matter. I’ve always kept my eye on the street, and now I’m capturing what I see. I think the people who appreciate my blog, share this passion and appreciate the spontaneity of it.

I don’t really think that my blog is about fashion, because fashion is what is au courant. I’m not looking for the next trend, instead, I’m just looking for people’s individual style, which may or may not be fashionable. That being said, I think fashion is often inspired by the street and that the most provocative designs are usually informed by something real.

What is the BEST part of blogging?The best part about blogging is the freedom of expression it affords people. I would never have been able to show people Vancouver, the way I see it, if it weren’t for my blog. It is incredible to think of the reach blogs have. The response I’ve received from people in Vancouver and around the world is positively overwhelming, and their support is what propels me forward.

Sample Street Fashion Photos from The Commodified’s Best of 2007

Do you write for yourself, your readers, for Google, for a living? My blog is a hobby I keep up mostly for the enjoyment of my friends and loved ones. I think keeping it this way gives the blog a personal touch. It is easy to get caught up in the expectations of the many readers, but I find it best to keep the blog as intimate as possible.

PC, Mac or Speak n’ Spell? I currently use a PC, but would prefer a Mac. On the technology side, I’ve considered uploading photos straight from my cellphone so I don’t have to carry my camera with me everywhere and so that there is less of a delay between posts, but I’ve decided that the quality of the photographs is more important to me.

Blogs you read or would recommend? For street style, my favourite blogs are Hel-Looks, The Sartorialist, and The Street Walker. I also like the Vancouver music blog, From Blown Speakers. It helps me keep informed of upcoming shows.

Why FASHION Magazine online? I decided to participate in the FASHION Magazine reporter search upon recommendation from a few acquaintances of mine. The contest seemed like a great opportunity, because FASHION Magazine and The Commodified are both about inspiring people. I am excited about the possibility of reaching a new segment of people with photos that are fashion conscious, while simultaneously taking The Commodified in a new direction.

You can visit FASHION Magazine online to get more info about the finalists and vote as many times you like (although only once per day) until the cut off August 11th.