If you haven’t heard of the viral Instagram account Taste of Streep, you have now discovered your new obsession. It takes a unique and incredibly creative person to come up with the idea to start an Instagram account that is entirely dedicated to photos of Meryl Streep superimposed onto pictures of food.
The iconic Meryl Streep plus your favorite dessert? What more could you ask for? I have followed Taste of Streep for several months now, and I have always been curious about the genius mind behind the account. This brilliant brain belongs to Samantha Raye, a graphic designer and acting student who currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. The Instagram account has now garnered over 180,000 devoted followers. In her Zeitgeist interview, Samantha discusses everything from her advice for young creatives to what’s next for Taste of Streep.
What inspired you to create Taste of Streep?
I already know this is a terrible answer, but I really don’t know. I guess it came from my love of food and film. I’ve been surrounded by the arts since I can remember. Most of my childhood was spent drawing, sculpting, painting, or writing scripts. I also used to love watching my mother in the kitchen. She’d make the most beautiful cakes you’ve ever seen. I studied drama in college, and after graduation, I taught myself the basics of Adobe Photoshop for fun. One day I put Julianne Moore on a cake, and the next I put Meryl Streep from the movie She-Devil on a doughnut.
Did you expect people to like the pictures as much as they did?
Absolutely not. Before I created the account I would share an image here and there just for curiosity’s sake. The response from my friends was overwhelming, but I also have really supportive friends that encourage anything and everything I set out to do. So really, I started the account because of them. I thought it might make them smile as they scroll through their feeds– a little thank you for their endless love and constant inspiration.
If you could tell Meryl Streep one thing, what would it be?
Instead of telling her anything, I’d probably ask her one question. I would love to hear what her favorite memory of New York City is from when she first lived here. The arts scene was on fire, and unfortunately, I don’t think New York City today will ever come close to what it used to be. It makes me sad, but it’s also so wonderful to think of that time. And hearing it from someone who lived it and lived it well… I’d feel like a kid hearing the most beautiful fairy tale for the first time.
The Devil Wears Prada, or Out of Africa?
Oh, you’ve caught me. I’m so ashamed to admit this, but I’ve never actually seen Out of Africa. However, The Devil Wears Prada is iconic. I have yet to meet one person that truly dislikes that film.
What goes into creating one of your collages?
A lot of it comes down to what her outfits look like and the way her body is positioned. From there, usually a food jumps out at me. But it can take a long time trying to get these two elements to work together somewhat seamlessly.
How do you edit and compose your images?
