We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Benjamin Russell-Lynch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Benjamin below.

Benjamin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

If you would’ve told me that I would be earning a full-time living by playing “pretend” while streaming on an application on my phone I probably would’ve looked at you like you had lost your mind. But you would be correct! Much like everyone else I joined tiktok during the pandemic. And surprisingly I gained quite the following as a “hair influencer” on tiktok. The comedy of it all is that I am bald. I have found that people love to feel like they are in on the joke. And losing your hair, which is commonly looked down on, can be funny and playful. But even with having millions of followers I was unable to monetize. Until one day on January 1st 2023 when I decided to go “live” on tiktok. I decided that as a “hair influencer” I would act upset every time someone gifted a hat that would be placed on my head. My viewers thoroughly enjoyed watching me act frustrated. From that point on I created roleplaying live streams on tiktok. I used the tools and gifts on tiktok to play imaginary roleplaying games full of acting, singing, and dancing improvisation. I am proud to say that I was one of the first creators, if not the the first, to do a roleplaying live on tiktok. With the help of my viewers I have been able to create a silly, sassy, and safe environment on tiktok where everyone is welcome to play. Being a “bright little bald spot” in everyones day has been truly rewarding.

Benjamin, 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?

I am a bald “hair influencer” on tiktok. I’ve created roleplaying style lives on tiktok that promote using your imagination!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is when I get a message or comment saying that my lives have helped to cheer up a viewer who has been going through a hard time in their life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Making others laugh and smile has always been a joy of mine. If there was a joke to be made I was definitely going to make it! My mission is to be a “bright little bald spot” in everyones day. To connect one another with creativity and imagination. I truly believe that we need to provide more silly safe spaces online for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.e.n_rl/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@b.e.n_rl3107
• Other: tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@b.e.n_rl