As a kid, I lived in my own world, liking my own company.
I used burnt matchsticks as props to narrate stories of kingdoms (to myself). I played cricket alone, throwing a ball against the wall with a wooden bat in my hand (flatter than a baseball one). And commentated when no one else was listening.
I was self-sufficient and weird.
Now, most kids grow up and become practical by learning the “rules” of the real world.
I didn’t.
I tried my hand at an engineering major but found respite in writing.
So I Chose to Do Freelance Writing
Graduating college without getting a job was tricky. I wanted to write but also act and play music. I struggled with managing my time (I still do). My romanticism towards a creative career (and a little extra confidence in myself) pushed me through the difficult times.
After a few months, I started doing decently with my freelance writing business. But I was always planning my next creative project.
The freedom from freelancing allowed me to experiment with other creative pursuits. I did some theatre at an acting academy and created drama sketches like the one below:
Later performed a music gig or two after joining a rock music school, and writing a song.
All along, like a weird kid, I have wanted:
My own little corner on the internet.
Probably like many of you, I thought of self-publishing and building an audience on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram — while working on my craft.
I imagined that digital fame and influence were my tickets to bypass traditional gatekeepers like casting directors and music record labels.
But I Found a Problem With Being a Digital Creator
It’s difficult to find the time to balance learning your craft and figuring out the business side to make a living as a creator. Especially if you’re artistically inclined and think that self-publishing and stardom on YouTube, Instagram, or another social media platform is your ONLY ticket to success as a creator.
Tech giants are public companies that are majorly interested in maximizing their profits.
So social media algorithms change at will — mostly causing stress and anxiety for creators — with the goal of increasing engagement and thereby advertising revenue for their parent companies.
You get a tiny portion of this revenue, though you engage users with your craft.
Relying on social media alone, you commoditize your craft into “content” — whether it’s a music video, a short drama skit, or another art masterpiece you create.
Now, don’t get me wrong.
The creator economy offers tremendous opportunities for independent artists and creators. You have to learn how to use social media and other platforms to build an audience you own.
You need to capture a higher chunk of the value you generate from your audience’s attention. Typically by selling your own products.
Most of the creators are not making a decent monthly wage right now. I have built Elite Content Marketer to change that. I still don’t have all the answers, but I and the team behind this project do the leg work for you to find them.
I Am Still on My Creator’s Journey
Coming back to me, I am still romantic about being a digital creator. I value creativity. I want people to be their authentic selves. And I continue to envision a world where creators can express themselves, grow their skill sets, and make a living from their crafts sustainably.
I am learning & sharing how to do this creator thing with you. And I want to impart the “little too much confidence” I have had on my journey with you.
If you’re a creator, why not join me?
Start with exploring educational articles on this website.