We were lucky to catch up with Semmy Michial recently and have shared our conversation below.

Semmy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success is an intricate tapestry woven with threads of resilience, creativity, and the courage to face internal struggles. In the multifaceted landscape of design, gaming, and social media management, the journey isn’t solely about conquering external challenges; it’s about the continuous exploration of self. Success is not a destination; it’s a dynamic odyssey where each challenge, personal or professional, becomes a vibrant hue in the grand tapestry of life.

There’s a profound connection between the fears we harbor within ourselves and the barriers we encounter in life. Being a black woman in the gaming industry and a multidisciplinary designer, I have faced many obstacles feeling stuck or doubtful within myself. When I show up, I don’t just use every project as a canvas for creative expression; I often find it to be a battleground where I confront self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

Yet, in the dimly lit corridors of self-doubt, I found the flicker of resilience. The breakthroughs in the gaming industry, marked by a growing recognition of diverse voices and stories, mirrored my journey of breaking through self-imposed limitations. As a social media manager, my role extends beyond storytelling – it’s about fostering and nurturing unique communities for each title we handle. The industry, once dominated by a narrow narrative, is evolving. Games are now becoming a canvas for diverse stories, where characters reflect the rich tapestry of the human experience. As I continued to learn within this industry, my biggest inspiration has been witnessing creatives who share my experiences reach their highest potential with unapologetic authenticity. Their achievements drive me to consistently open doors for others, creating opportunities for diverse voices and talents to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.

So remember, success is not just about pixels, engagement metrics, or professional accolades. It’s about embracing profound moments of self-discovery and triumphing over fear. It takes skill, creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. The most profound breakthroughs often occur not in the external challenges we conquer, but in the internal battles we face with courage and creativity. So keep going, and always strive to be your most authentic self. Continue to show up for yourself; you never know if your story might ignite a light in others.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Greetings! I’m Semmy, and I’m thrilled to take you on a captivating journey through the twists and turns of my unexpected yet enriching career path. Imagine a diverse background in content creation, ranging from weaving tales on Tumblr blogs to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of streaming. Now, buckle up as we delve into the fascinating realm of my journey, culminating in the dream job I never thought possible – a thrilling adventure within the gaming industry.

During my college years, I explored a variety of majors from biochemistry to computer science. However, the turning point emerged when I discovered my true passion in the Technical Communications department at The University of North Texas. A degree in Technical Writing became the catalyst for blending my interests in coding, design, and content management, propelling me into a world where dreams come true.

Dreaming of a career in UX design and research, life decided to throw a curveball my way. Armed with problem-solving skills from the tech world, I unexpectedly found myself in the dynamic realm of social media within the gaming universe. I discovered my knack for community building and leaving a mark through storytelling, and content optimization. It’s like life had its plan, nudging me towards crafting connections and making an impact that goes beyond the screen.

Fast forward to post-graduation in 2020, navigating the uncertainties of a pandemic-hit job market. Taking a chance with streaming became a surprising detour, building a creative community that eventually paved my way into the gaming industry. In 2021, I felt a little lost in the streaming space. I enjoyed building a community and being able to talk about my favorite interests like anime and pop culture, but I still felt like I wasn’t living to my full potential. I decided to take a breather from streaming and dive into the full-time job hunt. Little did I know that this hiatus would lead me to a remarkable chapter. In February 2022, I landed a role at Gearbox Entertainment, marking the beginning of my odyssey as a Social Media Manager

In my role, I strive to create a sense of exclusivity and excitement around our upcoming titles. I craft captivating narratives that tease upcoming features, character reveals, and gameplay mechanics. Collaborating closely with our development teams, I ensure that every piece of content is authentic and aligns with the game’s vision. My daily routine revolved around crafting compelling social calendars, featuring highly anticipated titles such as Risk of Rain 2, Godfall, Blanc, and Homeworld 3. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of supporting approximately 12 titles, each one adding a vibrant hue to my creative canvas.

Beyond planning social event campaigns, I also managed the day-to-day social media presence of Gearbox. This involves creating engaging content, responding to community feedback, and fostering a positive online environment. I believe that social media has the power to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. Through my work, I aim to cultivate a thriving community of gamers who share a passion for our games.

When it comes to my methodologies for handling clients or titles on social media, I draw inspiration from research practices I acquired during my formative years in user experience (UX) design. Analyzing posting times became a strategic tool, allowing me to reach our target audience at the most opportune moments. However, being a social media manager isn’t solely about numbers; it’s about forging genuine connections with our community. I believe that authentic engagement is the key to building lasting relationships with our followers.

The opportunity to work on such a diverse range of projects has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I am grateful for the trust and support of my colleagues and the freedom to explore my creativity. I am constantly inspired by the passion and dedication of the gaming community, and I am committed to delivering exceptional social media experiences for everyone!

As workdays wound down, I refined my video editing and design techniques. Other days I find myself diving into the world of cooking. This dual pursuit created a harmonious symphony, echoing the beauty of life’s diverse experiences. Now in 2024, I find myself comfortable creating again, diving back into content creation, and sharing my journey of how I got here!

My story, however, is not just about the triumphs and accomplishments; it’s a celebration of the journey itself. It’s a reminder that life’s course is rarely linear, and its unpredictable turns can lead to extraordinary destinations. The road to success is paved with countless challenges, but it’s in these moments of adversity that true growth and resilience are forged. With every obstacle I faced, I found inspiration in unexpected places. The setbacks became stepping stones, and the failures turned into opportunities for learning and improvement. I embraced the unique path I was on, knowing that it was shaping me into the creative I aspired to be.

And so, I invite you to embrace your remarkable journey. Don’t be afraid to take risks and explore uncharted territories. Let your passion guide you, and find inspiration in every twist and turn. It is through these experiences that the magic of life truly unfolds, leading you to unexpected wonders beyond your imagination. Remember, your story is yours alone to write. So, seize every opportunity, celebrate every milestone, and let your creativity shine through.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started exploring the internet at a young age from Myspace to Twitter and eventually landed on curating an Avatar the Last Airbender Blog. Funny that I’m writing this interview on the anniversary of ATLA. When I first started my Tumblr blog, I had 0 expectations of what was to come. I ended up cultivating a community with thousands of people across multiple fandoms. I curated an array of content from my interests to in-depth Photoshop tutorials. Here is my soft spot for coding as I began designing my blog layouts for myself.

As I delved into the world of blogging, I made a conscious decision to embrace authenticity. I shared my genuine interests, experiences, and personality with my online community. This authenticity resonated deeply with my audience, creating a foundation for a meaningful connection. I was a bit sad leaving Tumblr for good until I realized that I could do this all over again when I started streaming on Twitch.

Building a community on social media is not a one-way street. I actively engaged with my followers, responding to comments, asking questions, and fostering a dialogue. This interaction not only strengthened the bond with existing followers but also drew in new ones. It’s through this interaction that a true sense of community is born. As someone with ADHD, I realized that not all social media advice can be applied to everyone. Instead of solely relying on consistency, I ask for folks to redefine
Sustainability.

Sustainability is crucial in the fast-paced world of social media. I established a posting schedule and diligently adhered to it. Instead of feeling pressured to post 4 times a day, I opted for planning around my busy week as a full-time creative. Whether it was daily story updates, weekly highlights, or monthly themes, a consistent yet sustainable presence kept my audience engaged and eager for more. It’s important to find a rhythm that works for you and your audience, avoiding the pressure to post excessively. Rather than flooding my feed with meaningless content, I focused on quality over quantity. I shared content that I genuinely believed in and that reflected my unique style. High-quality, meaningful content stands the test of time and leaves a lasting impression.

Lastly, analytics played a crucial role in my social media strategy. Regularly analyzing data provided valuable insights into what worked and what needed improvement. Understanding audience behavior and preferences allowed me to tailor my content accordingly, creating a virtuous cycle of engagement and growth.

Start small, be patient, and, most importantly, enjoy the process. Authenticity and engagement are the keys to building a genuine connection with your audience. Experiment, learn from analytics, and never lose sight of the fun and creative aspects of creating. This dynamic space offers endless opportunities for self-expression and connection. Embrace the journey and let your unique voice shine through.

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

As a creative, the most rewarding aspect for me is the freedom to express myself authentically. It’s the joy of transforming thoughts, emotions, and visions into tangible creations that resonate with others. The ability to evoke emotions, spark inspiration, and contribute to a shared tapestry of creativity brings immense fulfillment.

Releasing fears across the board, from imposter syndrome to the fear of judgment or the unknown, has been my liberation. Embracing everything that comes my way, including the inevitable burnout, has saved me from the grip of overthinking. It’s a journey of self-discovery where vulnerability becomes strength, and each step forward is a triumph over fear. It’s about realizing that imperfections are part of beauty and that the canvas of creativity is vast and forgiving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://semmymichial.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semmy.mp4/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/semhar-michial/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/semmypls
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Un1OuHGWuijUzB57IRQ3Q