Behind the Filter: An Interview with Eva Buechler
We’ve all seen the hype around filters; they're everywhere! Just open Instagram, Snapchat or Tiktok. Superimposing our photos and videos has undoubtedly fallen into normalcy over the past decade. But, underneath the butterfly freckles and airbrushed skin, there is a woman. A woman who may be insecure about her acne or the way her nose is shaped or her undefined cheekbones.
Photo: @filters_by_eva
Eva Buechler, a 23-year-old digital artist, has developed a business from creating filters. She has successfully branded herself and is the definition of a 21st century "Girl Boss."
Eva began teaching herself how to create filters using augmented reality (AR), about a year ago when she was seeking a job that would challenge her while also allowing her to use her creativity.
“At the time, I had $200 to my name, was living at my boyfriend’s family's house and had absolutely no plan until I discovered AR. Where I am today is honestly where I manifested and saw I’d be a year ago when I began,” Eva said during an interview.
In just one year, Eva has been able to significantly raise the prices of her services as a result of an increase in quality of her work as well as a higher demand for using filters as a marketing tool. This self-taught endeavor has turned into a profitable profession for Eva.
Photo: @filters_by_eva
When we spoke over the phone, Eva and I discussed the concept of “natural beauty.” We agreed that it can have a different meaning to everyone and that it’s important to be able to talk about it.
However, natural beauty is a concept that even Eva and I struggled to define ourselves. As women, we constantly feel expected to adhere to societal beauty norms and maintain a facade while also embracing our individuality. We certainly face a lot of pressure sometimes without even realizing!
“I just want people to understand that you shouldn’t expect to look like any of these characters [...] It’s not just attainable,” Eva said. “Natural beauty is whatever you want it to be. [...] There is no rule book for beauty so I see natural beauty as those who embrace this concept of acceptance and love within themselves.”
While Eva designs and promotes such "beautifying" filters, she constantly remains transparent to her followers about emphasizing the importance of embracing what's underneath.
“I think that social media will only grow. Augmented reality and virtual reality will only grow. So, the challenge for us, as human beings, is to figure out how to use this platform as a place for inclusivity and truth,” she said.
According to Eva, her dad is her biggest inspiration. He paved his own way to success which has reminded her that good things take time and don’t happen unless you work for it.
“My father had a lot of odds against him but his hard work wasn’t one of them. By reflecting on my dad’s life and his story, I am humbled by the privilege I was born with and I don’t want to take that for granted,” Eva said.
From a young age, her father has reminded her that your level of success does not depend on whether you are a man or a woman. At the end of the day, hard work prevails unbiasedly. Eva exemplifies the power of confidently putting an idea to work and, in turn, gaining results.
“My interest in creating AR filters stemmed in part from my curiosity to learn and create, but, more importantly, from chance followed by persistence. I saw an opportunity and took it. It’s really that simple,” Eva said.
When I asked her what her motivation is, she was fully transparent and unapologetically discussed the concept of doubt and how it has been one of her biggest driving factors towards success.
“I use doubt as a motivator. I don’t dwell on times that I have experienced doubt from others. But rather, I see it as inevitable, yet pivotal, in my growth,” Eva explained.
She goes on to say that learning to accept and move on from your own personal doubt is a constant practice and a choice one must learn in order to not let it become detrimental to your growth. We concluded that at the end of the day, YOU are your biggest critic, YOU are the only one holding you back.
“The way you talk to yourself is important [...] much of our action is influenced by our thoughts. Once we can intentionally and positively think, then we can intentionally and positively progress and let go of fear,” Eva said.
Even after facing much apprehension from family and friends during the beginning stages, Eva persisted. She used their criticism as a catalyst for her success.
Women are inevitably faced with adversity in society and we have to defy the odds in order to be recognized and in order to succeed. That is exactly what Eva did and will continue to do.
She says it’s important to think about your end goal. Imagine it and remind yourself what you’re doing it for. That will help you get past any discouragement you encounter.
“Let’s just say I would have been on the floor a year ago had I known that I would make four filters for the Skinny Confidential,” Eva claimed.
Photo: @filters_by_eva
As women in the 21st century, with or without a social media presence, we are conditioned to believe that having pride in ourselves is a reflection of arrogance or narcissism. However, Eva proves that the stigma must be destroyed.
“I’m so proud of myself... and that’s uncomfortable for me to say, but I haven’t felt like this about myself in so long,” she says.
With her talent and conviction, Eva is bound to go far on this journey of AR. Her advice to other women would be to avoid using all of your energy worrying about where you will be next, and rather use it to manifest your future while focusing on the now.
Learn even more about Eva’s filters at evabuechler.com & follow her on IG to keep up with her latest collaborations @filters_by_eva!