We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gemma Bowen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gemma, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
The best way to learn anything is to practice it repeatedly – and don’t be afraid to work from reference. When I first started creating, I was really worried about using references because it felt like I was cheating. But the more creatives and artists I spoke to, the more I realised that it’s a perfectly normal part of the process. Now when building, I’ll use references as inspiration pieces to help me shape something new and add my own signature touches or flair!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started playing The Sims 4 in 2020 during the COVID Lockdown. It was by accident more than anything else that I fell into building for content.
When someone recommended I check out custom content (additional non-game add-ons that you can download and install from other creators) I realised that The Sims 4 engine is actually a very good rendering tool for interior design and architecture.
Once I had the bug, I did an Interior Design Diploma with the National Design Academy to learn some of the basics of how to style interiors. It then became my passion (or obsession) to use the skills I had learnt, plus the beauty of lighting and editing to try to make those creations look as realistic as I could.
I really don’t look at the game as a game. I look at it as a way to express my creativity, and if that gains more followers who enjoy my work in the process that’s great.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
People enjoying my work and telling me that I have inspired them in some way. Or that I’ve tricked them into thinking it’s a real space! It’s the most amazing feeling and really all I ever wanted when I started to build my community.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
My main focus was always Twitter (Or, I guess, X) but it definitely took a long time before I had a following. Instagram is still a slow slog for me.
The best thing you can do is find your skill set or niche and then keep consistent (or get better!) with the quality of your content. The builds I have done over the past three years have changed and my skills have improved, so this helps generate new followers when you are lucky enough to have people share or feature your work.
It also helps if you have the ability to give back to your audience and offer them value. I love giving back when I am able to do so.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ko-fi.com/KawaiiFoxita
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kawaiifoxita
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kawaiifoxita
Image Credits
All photos and content by KawaiiFoxita