We were lucky to catch up with Aiden Faherty recently and have shared our conversation below.
Aiden , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
My name is Aiden Faherty, and I’m a 23-year-old New York-based digital artist and owner of the social media brand @coolacloy.
My journey began with my passion for science and technology and my love for philosophy and universal consciousness. It all started with creating TikToks by outsourcing clips, cutting them up, and creating different stories, which I would then post on TikTok. I mainly used the voices of Alan Watts, Michio Kaku, and Joe Rogan, which many people enjoyed listening to. Eventually, I transitioned into editing my own videos in After Effects and creating original content.
In this TikTok video, I captured the serene beauty of Central Park in New York City. To enhance the relaxing ambiance, I chose calming instrumental music to accompany the video.
@coolacloy Just as we forget our dreams in the rational world, we also forget our lives in the dream world. As we sleep in the dream world, we wake up in the physical world. #centralpark #digitalart #dreamart #spaceart #foryoupage
In terms of the process of going from idea to execution, it was a gradual transition. I started by experimenting with different ideas and techniques, such as outsourcing clips and using different voices. Once I found something that worked and resonated with my audience, I gradually transitioned into creating original content. This involved learning new skills, such as video editing, and experimenting with different formats and styles until I found my own unique voice and aesthetic.
My content creation journey involved a lot of experimentation, learning, and persistence. It wasn’t always easy, but by staying true to my interests and passions, I was able to create the “Coolacloy” brand that reflects my unique vision and voice.
Aiden , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a digital artist and content creator, I am the founder and creative mind behind the social media brand @coolacloy with nearly 1 million followers across the platforms TikTok, Youtube and Instagram. My goal is to continuously challenge the limits of digital art and demonstrate the transformative power of technology in artistic expression.
https://www.tiktok.com/@coolacloy?lang=en
The origin of brand “Coolacloy” stems from a lively region in Galway (Ireland) where my grandfather was born, making it a meaningful family connection. It also embodies the spirit of creativity, community, and passion that I strive to convey in my work.
My journey into the digital art world began with my love for philosophy, and passion for science and technology, which led me to pursue a degree in Computer Information Systems. Through exploring various software and tools, I discovered my talent and love for 3D design, animation, and video editing.
When I first started creating video content, I used outsourced audio clips and an app on my phone to clip videos together. One of my first videos from 2020 showcases this style:
@coolacloy Time, am I right… Check out the beat in the bottom right💯 #foryoupage #fyp #foryou #alanwatts #universe #reality #time #science #neildegrasstyson
Since then, I have continued to explore new techniques and tools to create high-quality content and engage with my followers. I moved on to using Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro, which I learned how to use through YouTube videos while studying for my Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems at James Madison University.
These software programs opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me in terms of creating high-quality video content with advanced techniques and effects:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNpcRD_FlcQ/
Initially, I used a regular business laptop to edit videos, but I eventually purchased an editing laptop for better performance. I also learned how to use Blender, a free 3D software, by watching YouTube videos and reading different documents.
Recently, I started using Unreal Engine 5, a gaming software that is now being used for cinematography in movies and TV shows, such as The New Mandalorian. I chose to focus on this software because it is new and user-friendly, making it easier to use than other software. All my learning was self-taught using the internet, and I wanted to be ahead of the game in learning how to use Unreal Engine 5.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrLuk6mPMo2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
What sets me apart from others is my ability to combine technical skills with creativity and imagination. I strive to create content that is not only visually stunning but also thought-provoking and inspiring. As a result, I have been fortunate enough to work with various clients in industries ranging from music to advertising.
For one campaign, I collaborated with Patrick Cornett, a talented DJ and MMA fighter, to create a compelling video that received 9.7 million views on a single post. This experience demonstrates my ability to deliver engaging content that resonates with viewers and gains impressive engagement.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVIq4bigWns/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CXO_J54j_DB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
I am most proud of the community that I have built around my brand @coolacloy on TikTok, Instagram and Youtube. The support and enthusiasm of my followers drive me to create and innovate continuously.
I want potential brands, clients and my followers to know that my work is not just about making videos or animations but also about creating meaningful and inspiring content that connects with people on a deeper level.
My dedication and hard work paid off, and I am now proud to have nearly 1 million followers who enjoy my videos and animations. My work is a blend of 3D design, animation, and video editing that showcases my love for science, philosophy, and technology.
@coolacloy The endless cycles #alanwatts #alanwattsphilosophy #unrealengine5 #unrealengine #foryoupage
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Looking back on my creative journey, I wish I had known earlier what to choose from the vast array of resources available on the internet.
I believe that the internet is the biggest resource available to creatives, offering a wealth of free videos and tutorials that can help one get accustomed to the software and overcome various creative challenges.
By doing research and tackling problems independently, one can learn how to overcome obstacles and develop new skills. I have found that free resources such as YouTube videos and beginner courses have been immensely helpful in my own creative journey.
In addition, I recognize the importance of education, as it helped me to develop important skills in coding and other areas relevant to creative fields. With so much online information, it can be overwhelming, but I have learned to narrow my focus and seek out the best resources for my needs.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
When I started building my audience on social media, I focused on creating high-quality content that I enjoyed making and thought others would enjoy as well. I consistently posted my work on TikTok, using relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
I also stay engaged with other creators in my niche by collaborating with them whenever possible or supporting them with comments. It’s a great feeling when top artists like American rapper MadeinTYO appreciate my work, as he did comment in this video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CV5jjyKFwLx/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Another important aspect of building my audience was finding my niche through my passions, such as philosophy and universal consciousness, and incorporating these into my content.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to be consistent with their posting schedule and be authentic and take the time to respond to comments and messages to build a sense of community around the content
As a creator, I am exploring different ways to monetize. For example, I have a merch collection that reflects the @coolacloy brand; this is a way to earn extra income while also creating a sense of community around the brand. You can shop my merch collection at https://www.coolacloy.com/shop-1.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coolacloy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolacloy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiden-faherty/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/coolacloy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoz4KXudcESNvEI7SbMF5iA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@coolacloy?lang=en