We recently connected with James Galey and have shared our conversation below.

James, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning what I do was definitely through trial and error. I have always been interested in video production and all of the processes involved in it but never thought about actually getting started primarily due to the high costs of learning through colleges and the costs of equipment needed. I started small and kept working towards smaller more achievable goals. I had my fair share of failures at first. It was as stressful as you might think but I tried to press forward with the help of my then Wife.

Knowing what I know now I would have leaned more on professionals I knew at the time than I did for their perspective. I’m very grateful for the insight that I was given though and continue to get as it only helps me to improve the end product I deliver to my supporters, fans, and those who donate towards my fundraising efforts.

To me, the skills I found most essential were patience, a slight technological background in computer tech, and a creative outlook on even the smallest detail. All that plus an open mind. Everything you need can be found online from people that have started this journey and want to help others get started. You just have to be willing to read, listen, and learn.

While this may not apply to everyone…the biggest obstacle has been finance. Most of the equipment I need to do what I do is not cheap. On the flip-side being limited in that area has forced me to be creative to achieve my goals. Everything else has been available for me and I’m forever grateful for that.

James, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is James Galey and to most online and on my Twitch.tv channel I go by the handle, Urquanmaster. What led me into my business/craft was simply being a fan of the video game and entertainment industry as a whole and wanting to create a way to support those in need using that industry.

While I don’t always have clients in the traditional sense I do have fans or followers and subscribers that expect a certain level of product from the money they either give to the stream directly or money that they donate to help kids in need through Extra Life, the charity I support. The few clients I have are for artwork that I produce for them under an agreed amount. Standard commission rules/expectations.

I use my online stream to not only provide entertainment and fundraising opportunities but also to promote my artwork “services” and merchandise. I’ve been able to creatively tackle problem and issues by using the old skill of clear communication to anyone I help directly. I believe it’s a skill that carries me through a lot of situations that may be more difficult for others. I still am no expert though and am constantly learning better ways to get clients what they want.

The thing I am most proud about my brand is that together with my fans and subscribers we have successfully raised over $6,000.00 dollars (about to be $7,000.00) for kids in need right here in San Antonio and even Austin. 100% of the proceeds have gone to the Dell Ascension Hospital for Kids in Austin and most recently the San Antonio Children’s Hospital. I take great joy and pride in being able to say that I’ve done this through artwork, comedic efforts, stunts, and entertainment with video games being the main feature. It’s important to me that people have a positive view of the video game industry and the good it can do since it’s consonantly under attack from political pundits looking for a scapegoat in which to blame for their own policy failures.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

You know…this actually comes down to a TikTok (yes…a TikTok!) I just saw recently and an amazing young woman that had one piece of wisdom to share with the young man in the video. That advice is what I can share with you that basically sums up my journey as a creative, what I’ve struggled with to improve, how any non-creative might be able to apply this to their own lives, and be less judgemental about people artistic expression.

Are you ready? Here we go…

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

That’s it. A resounding piece of wisdom. As a creative type I am constantly criticizing my own artwork. As the creator…I’m allowed to do that. What I’ve stopped doing is criticizing my work based on the quality of others. My artwork is mine. I no longer want to compare it to others as a gauge of the quality of my artwork. It is what it is.

Equally, I think it is important for non-creatives to realize that they should either like or dislike creative works for their content and nothing beyond that. Don’t dislike it just because of another piece of art that is better. If you dislike it then try to find reasoning within yourself as to why you don’t like that particular piece of art. In doing so, you may learn more about yourself and therefore find more joy for yourself.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My entire fundraising journey, honestly. Fundraising is not for the weak…I’ll just say that. It is very important to have those that are willing to do it. It can be very difficult to set a goal and believe in how needed that money is for the children and find yourself behind your goal and not knowing quite how to get past that wall. What you must do to accelerate forward. That…that takes resilience. Continuing to try and find new and creative ways to move closer to your goal. Even if those fail…not quitting and trying again.

While I’m not the best at what I do I continue to try to improve each and every year with the goal of helping more kids get the help they need. I feel like I’ve been knocked down multiple times but I keep getting back up.

Contact Info:

• Website: twitch.tv/analogarhythm
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tapanalogarhythm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/analogarhythmproject
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/analogarhythm42
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/UrquanMaster042
• Other: Email – [email protected] Merch – https://the-analogarhythm-project.creator-spring.com/