It's been about 1 year since I started creating on YouTube.
In this post I'll talk about some of my thoughts and differences from the last youtube blog post. You can read last year's post here.
So when it comes to making videos vs blog posts, I think it depends on the topic and length.
Topics I think would go over 20 minutes I prefer to blog. Anything lengthy or wordy kind of vibe.
I've been wanting to turn one of the blog posts into a video, but I still feel like that would be recycling "old" material.
However, I recently revisited an old video and enjoyed it, so maybe I will consider revisiting a topic in the future.
I ended up re-sorting the blog again as my preferences changed, and I deleted some old posts I didn't like anymore.
I've slowed down on the blog as I've been busy working on other things.
But I still enjoy writing so I am trying out working on a newsletter. I know it's not really "old web" like the website, but I do consider it as alternative to social media, kinda. I don't know anymore... lol
This past year, I've been reworking the youtube channel over and over as I try to figure out what sticks and what I enjoy doing long term.
My current thoughts are that I am trying to balance making edited talking videos and streaming. As well as occasionally doing special projects or videos with a longer development time.
That has been my goal from the start, it's more the specifics that have changed.
I do love YouTube as the home of many of my favorite creators and former favorite creators. However it's algorithm and sorting system can be flawed at times, and for a multi-passion creator like me it's harder to fit myself into 1 box or 1 channel.
I don't really see many writer/youtuber combos around on my 2025 feeds, maybe 1 or 2-ish. Though I know they have existed before and used to be more common.
I think maybe that's the kind of person I am though. I like doing both, so I try to make both work, even if I'm still finding my footing.
I hope that eventually if things go okay that people will enjoy the newsletter too! It's not a replacement but a companion piece.
(Also for blog readers, I haven't lost interest. It's more sometimes I don't want to blog about overly personal topics... So I'm going at my own pace.)
So about quitting numbers... I never really stopped checking them.
I think rather than hard quitting I try to check less often instead.
Maybe for a few days after uploading, and then letting it rest while I work on new ideas.
Part of why is I like being able to discuss with people, and the main way to see that is through Studio mode.
I've had a few peaks and a few drops, but I'm trying to get better at focusing less on that, and more on the overall direction.
What's important is that I am making videos and streaming when I can. And connecting with people who enjoy what I do!
Still figuring out my pace as an indie creator, but I think I understand more than I did last year!
I feel like there are sprouts of what my future style could be, if I keep practicing and keep polishing.
Sometimes I have a bad day, or things don't work out, but I eventually get back up and try again.
Thumbnails are still a challenge.
It's hard to explain. The thumbnails themselves are not complicated, but it's having to do them for every video or stream.
I can see why other youtubers have trouble with them better than I did as a viewer.
However, I also do a lot of custom "from scratch" art for my thumbnails. So those thumbs will naturally take longer than editing PNGs together.
I would like to get some base poses down eventually, so I can focus more on making the rest of the thumbnail interesting.
When I do a 100% from scratch thumbnail, by the end of it, I'm tired out a bit.
Thumbnails are important so I will keep practicing!
I learned that I can't do weekly detailed illustration thumbnails with my wrist limitations. I injured my wrist a few years ago and don't want to strain too hard. So I am figuring out how to put out more content without overdoing it.
Some of my favorite thumbs on youtube were because of interesting composition, or colors, or flavor text that was funny.
I will continue to try doing different styles and see what works for me.
But I do still love drawing a lot! I've been doing some graphic design too.
Not too much different here. I am not a huge editing fan, but I think as I gain experience it'll get slightly easier.
Sometimes by the end of editing my video I want to tell myself to shut up! lol
I've made a few pre-edited videos that went over 10 minutes too! I am happy I was able to do so.
I still consider myself a basic editor.
My edits thus far have mostly been pacing based. Not as much on effects because I don't know how to do them yet.
I've done a few basic edits like how to add pictures over the video.
I do think I went under-editing on my first few videos, and then over-editing on others. Finding the happy medium takes time.
I may eventually do some secret side channels to practice my editing more without as much imaginary pressure for screwing up.
I also know how to do some basic audio balancing and effects. Though I want to get better at figuring it out live without asking chat to do it for me. It can be tricky as a beginner.
I am still having fun!
I've done gaming streams and chatting streams, as well as a few art streams.
I really enjoy chatting with people in chat and learning new things about games too.
Having people supporting me makes me feel like I can challenge myself more!
I've already done a few things that I haven't before now. Like I entered my 1st fan zine this year!
I was so nervous when first joining as I wasn't sure what to expect. But everyone was very friendly and supportive! It felt really nice!
So I think I will gradually do more collabs and projects when I get the chance to.
I have taken a few breaks as I make a lot of the assets by myself. It can be tough to balance streaming and art. I have no idea how the pros do it! They're amazing!
But I feel like I'm able to be more open when streaming in a way. I still have social anxiety, and it helps.
When writing this I have about 290 subscribers on youtube on my main channel, and 2 subscribers on my (new)2nd channel.
Originally my channels were split between pre-edited vids and streams. But now I do both on my main channel. However I am slowly trying to launch a new 2nd channel for a different topic.
I've had more people commenting on youtube! I have some regulars now too!
I'm still kinda wow'd like "wow there's really people out there that like me and my work? that's cool!".
I wish I had a more complicated way of saying it, but thank you! It really helps cheer me up when I'm feeling down!
I still read all the comments and try to reply when I can. I also read chat as much as I can when streaming.
I have more cool and fun things I want to do! And maybe one day finally finish making Stream Avatars! I consider that one of my bigger goals.
Thanks again for the support!
I kinda have this thing where I'll get really emotional. Then I'll write a post and think "yep! this looks good! this is totally me! post!".
A few months later I look back at it and cringe. And think "agh what was I thinking?! this is too much! I don't get it anymore! delete!".
This is a continual process.
When I was younger I liked venting very frequently and sharing that, but getting older I prefer keeping that separate. Unless I have something I think could fit with a topic.
The 1st video I did talking about depression is probably one of the most raw things I've ever made. Straight from the heart stuff.
But I prefer it being an occasional thing rather than the main topic. I prefer using the more general label of "mental health".
Another reason is as my audience changes sizes there will be things I feel less comfortable doing. I think that's part of the process.
It's one thing to put your heart out to 100 people, and another to do it to 1,000 or 10,000 or more.
But I've always been a pretty emotional person, even if I don't always know how to express it, so I want some of that to continue being part of my creations.
I think what I've been gradually realizing is I need to focus more on finding my own voice. My own style of doing things.
I'm having trouble describing it right now, but trying to regain that sense of internal focus.
So much online focuses on the external, because that can be put on a spreadsheet. That can be sold to customers and marketers.
But not all kinds of growth can fit on a spreadsheet. And while those can be pretty to look at, sometimes you need to look inside.
Because inside growth is important too! Creators often rely on their inner world to come up with ideas and create things that resonate!
This will become even more important as content is flooded with formal but bloated content. We need more stuff with heart.
So I want to continue improving my people skills, my creative skills, and rediscover what's on the inside.
Thanks for reading!
If you'd like to reply to this I have a comment box and a contact email.
If you'd like to support what I do, I have a Ko-fi.