We caught up with the brilliant and insightful ALEDream a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi ALEDream, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I decided to shift my focus from pursuing a career in music to creating video game content from the comfort of my own home for several reasons. Firstly, while I have a deep passion for music and enjoy creating melodies that resonate with others, I found myself increasingly drawn to the world of video games. As an avid gamer, I’ve always been fascinated by the immersive experiences and storytelling potential within the medium. The idea of being able to craft my narratives and share them with a global audience sparked a new level of excitement within me.

Secondly, the music industry can be notoriously challenging to break into, with fierce competition and unpredictable opportunities. While I cherish the moments spent composing and performing music, I realized that the path to success in this field often requires relentless networking, extensive touring, and navigating through a complex web of industry politics. The prospect of dedicating countless hours to gigs and promotional efforts, often with uncertain returns, became increasingly daunting.

Lastly, the allure of creating video game content from home offers a sense of creative autonomy and flexibility that aligns more closely with my lifestyle preferences. Working from the comfort of my own space allows me to set my schedule, experiment with different ideas, and refine my skills at my own pace. Additionally, the rise of digital platforms and online communities has democratized the process of content creation, providing opportunities for creators to connect directly with their audience without the need for traditional gatekeepers.

In essence, while music will always hold a special place in my heart, the decision to pivot towards video game content creation represents a natural evolution of my interests and aspirations. By embracing this new path, I hope to channel my creativity into projects that resonate with others while fostering a sense of fulfillment and personal growth along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey there! I’m Andrea, but in the digital realm, I go by ALEDream. Picture this: it’s pronounced like “ahh”, as in open your mouth wide, and then say “lay” like you’re munching on a bag of Lay’s chips – “Ahh Lay Dream”. Quite the mouthful, right? But it’s a name that resonates with me and my journey into the world of video game content creation.

Before diving headfirst into video games, my life took me down various paths. In my earlier years, I dabbled in freelance modeling projects and did some background work in movies and TV shows. These experiences exposed me to the creative industry and taught me the importance of visual storytelling. Music has also been a constant companion since I was five, and I even ventured into releasing some of my tracks in my early twenties.

However, it was around the age of 19 when I stumbled upon a whole new world – the world of video games. It started innocently enough with beta testing small projects, but soon, I found myself enchanted by the intricacies of game design and development. I became fascinated by the process of identifying flaws and refining gameplay mechanics, immersing myself in the behind-the-scenes magic of game creation.

My love for video games knows no bounds, particularly for indie titles. I’ve always had a soft spot for the underdogs, the games that might not have the biggest budgets or the flashiest graphics but possess heart and soul in abundance. That’s why my motto is simple yet powerful: “I play anything, not everything.” It’s a reminder to embrace diversity in gaming and to cherish the unique experiences each game brings to the table.

In my corner of the internet, I’ve cultivated a community known as the Galaxy of Shooting Stars (GOSS). The name serves as a tribute to the individuals who make up this vibrant constellation of gamers. Just like shooting stars, they’re rare and exceptional in their way. Together, we celebrate our shared passion for gaming while recognizing the beauty of our individuality.

As I continue on this journey, I’m fueled by the joy of discovery and the thrill of sharing experiences with like-minded souls. Whether we’re exploring fantastical worlds or unraveling gripping narratives, one thing remains constant – the boundless potential of video games to inspire, connect, and uplift us all.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Sure thing! Building my audience on social media has been quite the journey, filled with ups and downs, experimentation, and learning. One of the most significant factors that contributed to my success was the power of networking. I made sure to connect with fellow creators, engage with their content, and foster genuine relationships within the community. These connections not only provided valuable insights and support but also helped me expand my reach organically.

Another crucial aspect of building my social media presence was establishing a strong brand identity. I took the time to define my niche, voice, and aesthetic, ensuring consistency across all platforms. This helped me stand out in a crowded digital landscape and attract followers who resonated with my content and values.

While observing other influencers and content creators, I learned valuable lessons about storytelling, audience engagement, and content creation techniques. However, it was essential for me to infuse my unique personality and perspective into my content, making it authentic and relatable to my audience.

Research played a pivotal role in my social media journey. I stayed updated on industry trends, algorithm changes, and audience preferences to adapt my strategies accordingly. Attending meetups, conventions, and industry events provided opportunities to network, collaborate, and gain insights from seasoned professionals.

Utilizing hashtags effectively helped amplify the reach of my content and attract new followers interested in similar topics. I strategically researched and used relevant hashtags to increase visibility and engagement across different platforms.

Lastly, LinkedIn emerged as a powerful resource for networking with established individuals in my industry. I leveraged the platform to connect with industry leaders, engage in meaningful discussions, and showcase my expertise. Building a presence on LinkedIn helped me expand my professional network and open doors to exciting opportunities.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple yet powerful: prioritize networking, define your brand, stay authentic, stay informed, and leverage available resources like hashtags and LinkedIn. Building a social media audience takes time, dedication, and patience, but with consistent effort and a strategic approach, you can cultivate a thriving community of engaged followers who share your passion and vision.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is fueled by a specific goal and mission that keeps me driven and focused. My ultimate aim is to reach over 20,000 followers across all my social media platforms and attain Twitch partnership status before the TwitchCon event in September 2024. While being a Twitch affiliate has opened doors to various opportunities and engagements, I believe that becoming a Twitch partner will elevate my presence and credibility within the streaming community.

Achieving a Twitch partnership is not just about gaining a badge or status; it’s about validation and recognition of the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into my craft. With partnership comes a sense of legitimacy and authority that can open doors to even more significant opportunities, such as collaborations, sponsorships, and invitations to showcase my talents at events like TwitchCon.

Becoming a Twitch partner isn’t just about personal success; it’s about inspiring and empowering others in the community. By reaching this milestone, I hope to serve as a beacon of possibility and motivation for aspiring content creators who dream of making their mark in the world of live streaming and online entertainment.

Moreover, being a Twitch partner would enable me to amplify my message and impact a wider audience. It’s about using my platform not only to entertain but also to educate, inspire, and uplift others. Through engaging content, meaningful interactions, and community-building initiatives, I aspire to create a positive and inclusive space where individuals from all walks of life can come together to share in the joy of gaming and creativity.

In essence, my goal of achieving a Twitch partnership before TwitchCon 2024 isn’t just about personal ambition; it’s about realizing my potential, making a meaningful impact, and continuing to grow and evolve as a content creator. It’s a journey fueled by passion, determination, and a deep-seated desire to leave a lasting legacy in the vibrant and ever-evolving world of online entertainment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aledream.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamaledream
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaisaledream/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aledreamgameon
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/aledream
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aledreamgameon https://www.twitch.tv/aledreamgameon