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

Kaitlyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I remember growing up and witnessing the rise of the internet. I was fascinated by seemingly normal people being able to express themselves through a creative outlet. I was probably around 9 years old when YouTube was gaining popularity in the early 2010s. Achieving internet stardom captivated me, people were so creative! As I got older, I realized how much personality, artistry, and passion fueled these creators. I looked up to their ability to be so candid and relatable. Like, “Hey! I can also get in front of a camera and be entertaining!” From that moment on, I knew I wanted to dedicate my time to exploring all creative paths. I also grew up loving music! Singing and playing guitar naturally led me toward content creation. Whether it’s making videos, cosplays, doing photoshoots, livestreaming, editing, or creating short form content. I’ve truly loved all of that since an early age.

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.

My name is Kaitlyn, and I’m a 21-year-old aspiring content creator with a passion for pursuing many creative paths. The ones I’ve enjoyed the most have been the ones I have put my all into. Whenever something inspires me, my passion ignites me to focus on that creative work.

Right now, I’m making big strides in content creation while focusing on my Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Animation. I’ve been creating videos online for years, starting on YouTube with topics ranging from gaming to video essays. However, much of my social media success has come from TikTok, a platform I’ve actively used since 2019! It was through TikTok where I discovered different avenues of of short-form content. I’ve had a blast making comedy videos and cosplaying characters from all types of media.

Since 2021, I’ve also been streaming and creating gaming highlight videos, which I share on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Some of my proudest moments in content creation is seeing videos I’ve put a lot of effort into go viral. Whether I’m riding a trend or showcasing my artistic expression, having my personality shine through my work is incredibly validating.

Growing up in online spaces that nurtured my creativity, along with a family that always supported my dreams, gave me the confidence to pursue my artistry. In 2023, I graduated from community college with an associate’s degree in art studies and transferred into a highly competitive BFA program, where I was accepted! Now, I’m studying advanced 3D Animation.

Through my education, I’ve gained valuable knowledge in digital content creation that I can apply to both my personal projects and the art industry. My passion for creativity is evident in every project I take on, and I’m fully dedicated to making a career in this field.

How did you build your audience on social media?

The audience I’ve built on social media has grown organically over many years. I started by creating YouTube videos in 2017 related to gaming, video essays, and commentary. Then, I started actively using TikTok in 2019. I found success through cosplays, posting my Twitch livestream highlights, and relatable content, but that is just my niche on TikTok! Recently I hit 24,500 followers on the app by staying consistent. Lately, I’ve made it a point to share my content across multiple platforms. Honestly, from looking at my own stats, I’ve noticed that each app has its own algorithm, and the same video can perform better on different platforms.

I think the best way to build an audience is to stay on top of the constantly changing social media landscape. For example, short-form content has exploded in the past few years. If you put your time and creativity into a platform that’s growing with so many people and communities, that’s the best way to get noticed and build your community. There are so many creators with unique talents and stories that connect with different audiences. My best advice for anyone looking to build their social media presence is to stay dedicated, keep a positive attitude, believe in yourself, and always be authentic!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative artist is the outcome of a project. I love finishing projects, whether it’s related to my 3D animation work or content creation. It’s always incredibly satisfying to look back on all the work I’ve put into my art. Watching everything come together in the end to transform into a cohesive piece feels so rewarding.

Of course, the process can involve countless revisions, tedious editing, and going back and forth with clients and peers to nail down the creative vision. These steps are necessary to turn something from polished to perfect. I love the sense of pride I feel for the work I create and the time I invest in it. Sharing it with the world is always exciting, and when it does well in the algorithm? That’s just an added bonus. :)

One of my biggest projects recently was with a non-profit foundation. I created a 3-minute animated video, which I fully edited myself, incorporating footage I captured and a voiceover I recorded. This was my first professional project with a client, and it felt incredible to see it all come together. In the end, we were all thrilled with the final result.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castabelle/
• Twitter: https://x.com/castabelle_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@castabelle
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@castabelle

Image Credits

Pandora Kerma