I've always down-played compliments I've received about my art and animation. There are very few animators to my knowledge on Steemit — but I'll be the first to say that in regards to art, I have many equals and many superiors — right here on Steemit!
However, there are MANY very talented animators — and whatever talented people you can imagine — who will soon enough make a beeline away from stingy, controlled social media and toward this platform — world-class talent. I'm hoping that you and I can be prepared for this.
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail
As Steem(it) grows more popular it’s going to become more “crowded” here.
How should that make us react — with fear or confidence? At this point, I'm pretty confident. If Steemit booms in popularity, you and I will be considered relatively early adopters. Not the earliest perhaps, but ahead of the crowd. As
points out, having 1000 SP will make you wealthy when Steem obtains mass-adoption. So in this sense, a crowded Steemit will be a great thing.
Having SP will mean having a louder voice on the platform - or attracting fans through upvoting comments or posts. Despite a crowded platform, you'll get attention, hopefully from your peers with higher SP as well as newcomers.
Also, having some added wealth will allow you to possibly go full-time and really fine-tune your skill sets. This is a huge advantage. Someone with superior talent than you or I, if they can't post daily and they haven't had time to build a following may not be as "threatening" as you may think.
Loyalty as a Foundation to Value
@Stellabelle compares Steemit to a tribal system. Human behavior shows we're most likely to support those we know, like and trust. Take a look at the togetherness that the very early adopters have between each other. Most create good content, but whether it's sub-par, standard or spectacular, people stick with who they know. Interaction brings meaning, value and loyalty - hopefully for the long haul.
While almost everyone can appreciate an awesome post, if you don't know that person in some way, it's going to be harder to be on their radar.
Some of the minnows or dolphins you interact with will one day be "honorary whales" - that is - their upvotes will be much more powerful when Steem hits $50 or $100. Obviously, you shouldn't befriend others because of what they might be able to give you later. That's NOT what I'm saying. However, I believe if you are proven to genuinely care for and support others, you won't be forgotten when they're in a position to give back.
“Family” makes the ordinary into the extraordinary!
The term family is probably thrown around a little too much, but the idea is that having close associations with others will increase your value in their eyes. Let's say you live next to a doctor who just opened up a new practice. But the doctor's cold, uninterested and a bit stuffy. You're not in a rush to congratulate them, right? The same day, your child wins top place in the school science fair. You'd likely react with enthusiastic support.
Compare the two accomplishments — one took over a decade to prepare for — one was a small class project — but knowing someone and being known is a key factor in one's reaction. I'm careful to stress that we should upvote content on its merit, however having interactive ties with others can solidify long-term support.
Build genuine relationships now. Any monetary success stemming (and steeming) from these relationships are only a side-effect.
FIND YOUR TARGET NICHE
I believe the best way to continue to stand out in a crowded platform is to:
- Play on your strengths
- Build on your foundation by giving your focus its own "angle"
- Flaunt your own unique style in the vast ocean of bloggers - be LOUD!
I've said many, many times that my passion here is to create comedic animations. I have the advantage of being a strong generalist in design and animation, as well as being a good enough comedic writer - and voice artist — to make a splash. If you look at some of the comedic rants on youtube with millions of views — well, I'm convinced I can compete with most of them. Not just visually, but voice-wise and content-wise.
Though I can't find the time to animate full videos in the short term, I'm building my reputation as a blockchain wiseguy and putting my own unique spin on topics - usually in the cryptosphere.
No, I don't create realistic portraits or awesome 3d models. But for many years, I've picked up enough talents to be ready to achieve my goals of being a mix between an artist, entertainer and complete blockhead.
Let me know your thoughts!
I'm not sure if it's worth writing my thoughts out. Please let me know if you found this useful or if I should keeping writing — or just shut my face and make more gifs.
