Vancouver content creators find space for creativity as platforms grow

“Do you want to go on an adventure with me? Too bad, you’re coming.”

Those words have, over the past couple of years, become more and more familiar to many TikTok and Instagram users.

Ben Kielesinski is one of the many Vancouver content creators who have found success online. Named a TikTok breakthrough star, he says he kind of fell into the platform more than two years ago.

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Having held various jobs in the past, Kielesinski’s rise on TikTok forged ahead as COVID-19 brought lockdowns and physical distancing.

“I went to school for mineral exploration. I’ve worked up north in jobs, I’ve worked for my dad’s small business, I’ve done all these kind of random jobs trying to find my place, and this is, as of right now, if it’s a wave, I’m just going to ride it. But it’s something that I love to do.”

The Vancouver-based creator, who was featured in TikTok’s yearly roundup in the Big Little Communities category, says he, like many others, was laid off during the pandemic. Many of his posts show him exploring the outdoors, taking viewers on journeys with him through B.C.’s backcountry and shores. He also shares other aspects of his creative life — from woodworking to creating other pieces.

“I think a lot of my stuff is very personal. I’m controlling the narrative, I’m not talking a whole lot about my personal life, but I’m sharing the things typically of what I want to share. A lot of those are outdoor — kind of what my creative ideas,” he explained.

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“It’s nice to know and it’s hard to come to terms with that people are interested in what I’m making or what I’m doing. And it’s nice to be able to share a feeling that I’ve created in a video … but if I make one of those videos — because it is a creative outlet for me, I enjoy being creative — if somebody in the comments is able to go, ‘Wow this made me feel like this,’ without me having to tell people this is how you should feel, I think that’s any creative’s dream.”

Clara Sia also has a non-traditional job, helping content creators make a living off streaming — something she does herself, too.

“Definitely since the pandemic started, there has been this huge need to still connect with people in a safe way, in the comfort of their homes. There’s this uprising of introverts, we’re here,” Sia, who is also a senior influencer strategist with Devolver Digital, said with a chuckle. “There’s a lot of demographics that streaming hits for how it’s safe, comfortable, and accessible.”

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While more and more people find success in content creation, the owner of a recruitment company notes that while social media accounts are easy to start up, making money can be hard.

“I think that’s an area that is really entrepreneurial and creates a low barrier to entry for somebody who’s really driven and motivated,” explained Brent Pollington, owner, Vancouver Express Employment Professionals.

He says there’s a lot of demand for skilled workers in all sectors in Vancouver, but if you don’t have the skills, you have to be willing to learn. And turning to TikTok may not be the answer.

“If you’re a struggling job seeker, you have to own your job search. You have to be introspective. You have to figure out where your weaknesses and your blind spots are,” said Pollington.

Content creation and passion

If you do decide to pursue a career in content creation like Kielesinski and Sia, there’s a bit of encouragement.

“Pick something, define what you are and what content you want to make. Define what you don’t want to make and who you don’t want to speak to. That’s extremely important to try to develop early on,” Sia told CityNews.

Kielesinski has similar advice.

“Find what you’re truly passionate about, that’s what you should be doing. People see through when you’re copying, when you’re mimicking, when you’re just trying to do the exact same thing as people. Inspiration is there, that’s a derivative of art, right?” he added. “Dive into it and don’t feel like you need to be pigeon-hole yourself into being one niche — spread out, do what you love, you don’t have to be the same person for everybody.

“In the end, it’s just passion. People are going to see passion, they like passion. You’re the most interesting thing in the world because you’re the most unique thing in this world right now. Nobody is you, nobody will ever be you. That’s interesting.”

He’s also urging people to be mindful of what they put online, noting there can be real-life consequences for content you share on social media.

“Put things in draft for a minute, don’t just press send,” he advises.