As a marketing professional, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless brands to bring their vision to life, but few projects have felt as personal and joy-filled as this recent collaboration. Rags is a beloved children’s clothing brand known for their effortlessly cool rompers. Why was this collaboration so special?
This shoot was more than a creative project, it was a family affair!
The Concept: Everyday Play Meets Elevated Style
Rags is a brand that understands kids: their energy, their individuality, and their need for comfort without compromising on style. I wanted to craft content that felt just as dynamic. Something playful and authentic, with a strong visual identity that echoed the brand’s core values.
From concept to execution, I wore multiple hats: creative director, stylist, and mom. The goal was to showcase the versatility and personality of Rags’ designs through natural, lifestyle-driven imagery featuring my own children.
Creative Direction and Styling
I leaned into Rags’ bold patterns and minimalist silhouettes, styling the pieces in everyday settings that felt familiar. The visual tone was vibrant and natural, highlighting the clothing in motion, on real kids being themselves.
Using soft, natural light and candid framing, I aimed to create a visual narrative that felt organic and lived-in. I wanted to create moments you could step into. Each image was thoughtfully composed to reflect the ease of the rompers.
Photography and Visual Storytelling
Photography is one of my favorite tools as a marketer, it bridges product and emotion in a way no caption ever could. Shooting my own children allowed for a level of comfort and spontaneity that translated beautifully on camera. Brand collaborations can bring a special feeling of connection, movement, and laughter because the moments captured are real.
From detail shots of the garments’ stitching to full-on giggles mid-cartwheel, the gallery told a story of joy and freedom.
Deliverables and Strategy
In collaboration with Rags, I provided:
- A cohesive set of lifestyle images for use across social media and web
- Short-form video clips optimized for Instagram Reels and Stories
- Caption and content strategy aligned with brand voice and seasonal messaging
- A creative moodboard and styling guide to shape the visual direction
Final Thoughts
Working on this project reminded me why I love what I do: storytelling, brand-building, and creating content that feels both strategic and deeply personal. Collaborating with Rags while including my family in the process was a unique and rewarding way to blend my personal and professional worlds.
This was more than a collaboration. It was a memory in the making, and a portfolio piece that truly reflects my capabilities in creative direction, content creation, and brand strategy.
Here’s to many more partnerships that blur the line between work and play!
xoxo,
Michaela Rae

