Q&A with Daniel aka @redrawdenim

You probably know about the LADenimHangs. There’s also an @nydenimhangs account. And Ben from Clobber Calm is establishing the UKDenimHangs.

But before all of these group profiles were created, three dudes from Sweden got together in what they called #theswedishcrew. Andreas @andreasbergstrom83, Johannes @sennah0j and Daniel @redrawdenim.

I reached out to Daniel to find out how it all began with his profile, which currently has over 31K followers.

What’s your story?

Name: Daniel Bergman

Birthyear: 1980

Location: Gävle, Sweden

Profession: Spare parts and accessories at local Volvo car dealer

I live with wife and daughter in a house that takes up lots of free time. Everyone with a house knows what I mean – always something to do or to be done ?

I love to travel and I love music. Going to concerts is taking up as much free time I have left after “everything is done” at home ?

How Daniel Built His 30K Instagram Following

Thomas: How did it all start with your Instagram feed?

Daniel: In the beginning, I was just a follower of Instagram profiles and feeds. But soon I wanted to do my own thing.

T: Why Instagram? What are your goals?

D: Easy, not to much text content, just photos of yourself and what you like. I dig it! At first, I just wanted to see if there were anyone that would follow me (apart from my father).

Quite soon I had friends and connections all over the world and some of them I can call my real-life friends! Working with denim in some way is one of my goals for the not too far away future, I hope.

T: How much time do you spend on Instagram on a daily basis?

D: I spend approximately 1.5 hours a day on Instagram. Ask my wife, she’ll tell you it’s more than that! ?

T: Which tools do you use? How do you take your photos?

D: I use my iPhone X, no ‘real’ camera or anything like that. Mostly, I do all the photos by myself, but sometimes I got to call in the expert, my daughter, soon to be 7 years old ?

T: Do you make it a priority to post on a regular schedule? And how do you remind yourself of it?

D: I try to post something every day, in some way. At one point, I gave each picture a lot of thought about how to get the most out of it. Now it’s more “if I like the photo, I’ll post it.”

T: What are your favourite locations to take photos? And why?

D: I try to take most of my pictures in the ‘urban jungle.’ But more and more, I just take the photo where I am at the moment. I try to avoid to set it up too much and pretend to be something I’m not, ‘cuz hey, I’m no model, just a regular guy from Sweden ??

Daniel’s Denim Style and Preferences

T: How did you get into denim?

D: I started to really get into denim when my wife started her own little denim shop back in 2006. The shop is no more but my interest is still growing.

T: What’s your favourite feature of jeans?

D: Well, what’s not to like about jeans? They work everywhere: business, at home, working, partying. I even got married in selvedge denim!!

T: How do you wash your denim?

D: Wash your denim, why? Haha, well sometimes you must do it. I tried a lot of ways; soaking, machine washing, sea washing and so on, but my goal is always never to wash my denim.

T: You live in a pretty cold climate. How does that affect what you wear?

D: Since I live in Sweden, denim is something I wear all year round, except for the hottest days in the summer. This summer, I must admit I didn’t put too much wear in my jeans. Too hot! ?

T: What’s your favourite fit? And what’s your least favourite fit?

D: Mostly, I like slim tapered fits. But everything works for me, it all depends on the situation and the mood I’m in. Right now, I’m really into the denim that @rgt makes, great quality and fits. I’ve always been a fan of @nudiejeans, and I really like the way they work with eco-friendly and sustainable clothes.

T: Which boots and leather goods do you wear with your denim?

D: Red Wings, of course. Nothing beats them! In terms of leather gear, I get a lot of support from my friend Ilja at @redhillscompany, great guy and great products!

T: Which sneakers do you wear?

D: I like all kinds of sneakers, but my favourites are Vans, Converse and Adidas.

T: Favourite item that’s not denim or leather?

D: My warm and comfy pile jackets from Swedish brand @sotoqvist, go check them out!

T: Where do you buy your gear?

D: Most of my stuff comes from the German webshop @cultizm, they carry all the great brands. The repair shops by @nudiejeans and great, @secondsunrise_sthlm has great staff and service!

T: What styling tips would you give your followers if they wanted your style?

D: Be yourself and wear what you like. That’s the only advice I can give. If others don’t like it, who cares?!