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

Ariel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about one of the craziest things you’ve experienced in your journey so far.

Life has a funny way of surprising you, especially when it comes to the people you meet. I’ve had some unexpected run-ins with some pretty well-known DJs and producers, and those moments are always memorable. For example, I met Flux Pavilion because my girlfriend won a meet-and-greet contest. I even gave him a small gift as a gesture of goodwill.

Another time, I was at a festival walking by the main stage, and I recognized Hol! heading in the opposite direction. He noticed me recognizing him, smiled, and we shared a quick fist bump as we passed. And then there’s Zealer, who I actually met through mutual friends. He’s invited me to a few of his shows, and it’s been awesome seeing him around the EDM scene here in Kansas City.

But one of the most unexpected connections happened during Dancefestopia this year. My group and I were just hanging out when this guy approached us and said, “The vibes here are immaculate.” I don’t remember exactly what I said, but I gave him a dap and a hug, and just like that, a friendship was born. We even bumped into him again later in the festival and shared contact info. These spontaneous moments are always a bit bizarre, but they remind me why I love being part of this community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into content creation because I believe that lifestyle is an art form. It’s all about storytelling and expressing yourself creatively. My journey into the EDM scene and content creation started with that idea, and I’ve made it my passion to show how life’s “side quests” can be just as fulfilling as the main ones.

Side quests can mean different things to different people, but the key is doing something because it brings you joy. Life doesn’t always need a physical reward to feel like you’ve accomplished something. Sometimes, it’s about the impact you make on your own life or in someone else’s. My content revolves around this idea, whether it’s vlogging festival experiences or capturing everyday moments, to remind people that life is fun when you make it fun.

I’m a brand ambassador for festivals like Breakaway Music Festival, where I’ve helped promote the event and create engaging content, and more recently for Elev808 Designs, a clothing brand that makes high-quality jerseys with amazing designs. I’m part of their street team, an opportunity that came about thanks to my “Side Quest Deity” project. Side Quest Deity is the name of my project I’ve been developing on social media. It’s the reason I’ve interacted with so many interesting people. I take pride in the relationships I’ve built and the creative partnerships that have grown from my work in the EDM scene.

What sets me apart is my attention to specific details and my focus on capturing the small, often overlooked moments in life. I consider myself a side quest specialist, and my content encourages people to take a break from the main quest and enjoy the little things—whether that’s exploring a festival or just appreciating a beautiful day. My goal is to show that life doesn’t have to be about chasing the next big goal 24/7; sometimes, the best rewards come from the experiences you weren’t even planning on.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to connect with others through storytelling. I love how my content can resonate with people on a personal level. It’s fulfilling to know that something I create can bring joy, inspiration, or even just a smile to someone’s day.

Another rewarding aspect is the freedom of expression that comes with creativity. I get to explore my thoughts and ideas in unique ways, allowing me to share my perspective and experiences authentically. This freedom also encourages me to continuously learn and grow, both as a creator and as an individual. Each project presents new challenges, and overcoming them helps me develop my skills and refine my voice.

Lastly, the connections I’ve made within the community have been incredibly rewarding. Meeting fellow creatives and sharing our journeys has enriched my experience and provided opportunities for collaboration and growth. Seeing others find joy in the content I create is a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place, making it all worthwhile.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media wasn’t something that happened overnight—it took bravery, authenticity, and a lot of trial and error. I want to be truthful here and say that I don’t have a big audience yet, and I’m not very well known. It all started when I began sharing my everyday side quests, like the time I borrowed a rock and returned it, the times I find bizarre items in weird locations, or discovering interesting places while on a main quest.

Eventually, I transitioned to sharing my adventures in the EDM scene, vlogging about festivals and my “side quest” experiences. I focused on storytelling, making sure each post captured the excitement of the moment and reflected the fun and spontaneity I wanted others to feel.

My best advice for those just starting out is to find your niche. It’s essential to build your content around something you truly love. For me, it’s about side quests—those unexpected moments that bring joy. While I’ve noticed a few other content creators who focus on similar themes, I make sure to put my own twist on it. Being unique in your approach helps you stand out in a crowded space.
Over time, I’ve built a community of followers who appreciate the adventures I share and the message behind them. It takes time, but if you stay true to yourself and keep putting out content that feels genuine, you’ll find your audience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidequestdeity/profilecard/?igsh=NGppazZneGxrajR5
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-gutierrez-morales-722905327?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sidequestdeity?_t=8qF7PANf2xa&_r=1