Art, Art, Brand

Did I mention that I started a new channel last post? No? Just in case, I'll update for those who came in late.

I've resurrected Mum's the Witch; my vlogging channel and place to put a podcast named, "Holy Hera on a Hoover". Well, it's been lead balloon ofva venture. Motivated by the US ban of Tik Tok, I thought I would be able to keep connections going there. Then I remembered that I am a person on the internet. 

Social media stopped being social at least a decade ago but the community angle isn't completely lost. It's been gobbled up by the usual capitalist suspects and algorithmic pushes to a passive consumer/creator dynamic. It will bring out the insecurity and the biggest theif of joy and motivation;  comparisons.

Nostalgia doesn't help. My hopes for the amount of comments, shares and sense of community that fadeda decade ago didn't revive on my new channel. The motivation went quick and the "where did I go wrong" seeps in. I tell you what went wrong with me - nothing! I forgot why I wanted to start again; to create and empty a chaotically busy brain to whoever has the time. 

Today we're kinda pressed into being a brand, product or influencer by the algorithm. Add AI, content farms, slop content, how-to, 'grow your channel ' salespeople,and right wing shock jocks and grifters, you're already drowning in the ocean. 

Did that stop me try to jump the hoops? No. I've changed channel art twice already and tried everything to get engagement. Will it deter me? A little, but I am my own barrier here. 

The first blow was having an AI bot channel subscribe and comment. AN AI CHANNEL!!!  How deflating. 

Also, hiding people from my past that I want to stay there or blocking them has made motivation hard. I know that's giving power over but better than renewing a toxic friendship.

We can't deny good old tempus fugit. People leave social media, quit creating online, parting ways with online friendships, online friends dying and remain real life demands making connections difficult. Not to mention people shift platforms to give a better environment and balance. Content creation is work to many or a way to advertise their businesses. 

So what does this have to do with making videos and creating digital art? A little and a lot simultaneously. It's fun to make all these things but you feel compelled to fit into a narrow formula or aesthetic. You. Don't. Have. To. Lest you have to for your brand or business.

I suppose for me, creating content is an healthy source of confidence and validation.

I'll create again as soon as I get more organised and remember that I'm doing that for me.. and me alone.

That's my thoughts for today.

Enjoy the graphics I made for my channel. I'm hoping to post a video and podcast soon. Big thanks to my friend April for her artwork.