Shout-out to Jessica, who has been extremely active in many of my streams and comment sections!
I used to refer to my livestreams as "talking into the void". I found them an interesting exercise, but it's incredibly difficult keeping a stream going when nobody seems to be watching. Even beyond knowing that you're reaching somebody and getting direct feedback, having someone in the chat is helpful because it turns your stream from a monologue to a conversation. It is VERY hard talking and drawing at the same time when the conversation is one-sided.
As conceited as this may sound, it's incredibly rewarding when you get a new fan. Friends and family can often be very supportive and wonderful, but you always know in the back of your mind that their support is for you as a person, not you as an artist. Having someone that didn't know you, discovered your work, and decided they liked it enough to follow and support you is validating in a way that cannot be overstated.
So the next time you're lurking on a small livestream, say something in the chat. It doesn't have to be much. You could just greet them, or comment on something they said. That's going to mean the world to the creators putting themselves out there on display.
Rock on, guys, and never stop drawing.
I used to refer to my livestreams as "talking into the void". I found them an interesting exercise, but it's incredibly difficult keeping a stream going when nobody seems to be watching. Even beyond knowing that you're reaching somebody and getting direct feedback, having someone in the chat is helpful because it turns your stream from a monologue to a conversation. It is VERY hard talking and drawing at the same time when the conversation is one-sided.
As conceited as this may sound, it's incredibly rewarding when you get a new fan. Friends and family can often be very supportive and wonderful, but you always know in the back of your mind that their support is for you as a person, not you as an artist. Having someone that didn't know you, discovered your work, and decided they liked it enough to follow and support you is validating in a way that cannot be overstated.
So the next time you're lurking on a small livestream, say something in the chat. It doesn't have to be much. You could just greet them, or comment on something they said. That's going to mean the world to the creators putting themselves out there on display.
Rock on, guys, and never stop drawing.
