What Is It About your Favorite Creators?
Dissecting what draws you in
I was up late last night with a tiny thought swarming my mind. I scrolled past one of my favorite TikTokers and I was stung: what was it that I experienced upon encountering her content? What is it about her that I’m drawn to?! This question was flying around in my mind until I fell asleep and then buzzed me awake this morning, and wouldn’t leave until I dissected it.
It’s probably because I’ve been trying to drum up people I admire this week for a values journaling prompt, and I don’t know why this is so embarrassing, but admitting who you admire feels so vulnerable. Ugh… anyway. I really like Sammi Jefcoate. Her multimillion-follower TikToks begin with a CLAP and a command: It’s Thursday - Let’s get dressed.
I started trying to figure out what it was about her that I liked (and disliked), and after doing a little exercise I created, it feels better. I started writing the names of all my favorite creators on TikTok. I was just being instinctual - NO JUDGEMENT. Then I started dissecting what they do, and exactly how they do it: the precise words they use, how many cuts they use in their videos, topics they discuss. I was so utterly confused… Designer brands, Makeup, Food, and Plants? What the fuck? Where are the philosophers?! The scientists? The thinkers! And I realized… oh shit. It’s not about what they’re talking about. It’s how they make me feel.
Ok, yeah, DUH. But for a hard-headed science-minded bitch like myself, I tend to avoid feelings when I’m analyzing things. And that’s exactly why I don’t vibe with most science communicators, philosophers, thinkers, etc. They’re dry as fuck. For some reason, I’m cool with a nice semi-dry book on physics or neuroscience, but when I dig into quick content, I want something more satisfying. So, I aspire to be what I want to see in the world.
Turns out, Sami and my favorite creators all INSPIRE me to do what I love to do: think out loud with all of you. If you’re a creative of any sort, I created this exercise that might help you discover your voice, what you love, and the kinds of things you want to see in the world… which is the topic of tomorrow’s newsletter, and something I’ll be getting deeper into with some of you. Hope this inspires you to think about it.
I liked the question, how do you see yourself in them. There are so many creators out there whom I resonate with. Instead of analysing like you, I made a spectrum of who resonates more with me along with various parameters. Like ideation, storytelling, practical advice, etc. I have been working on that visual from a long time, each time it expands and contracts accordingly but this sheet is worth the time.
You know I love a good writing / thought exercise. Think you've locked onto something really useful and potentially insightful with this one. I'll let you know how it goes.