Raven Griim is a cosplayer, content creator, and social media powerhouse, with millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram. I talked to her about cosplay, horror movies, anime, body modification and much more.

• Tattoo Talk: Raven shares her experiences with tattoo laser removal and why she chose to cover up some of her ink. How painful is tattoo removal?

• Permanent Fangs: We talked about body modification and her decision to have a dentist give her permanent vampire fangs

• Cosplay Life: How she became a full-time cosplayer, the joys of embodying her favorite characters, and why she stays true to her love for anime.

• Horror Movie Magic: Naturally, I wanted to talk about our favorite horror movies!

• Halloween Vibes Year-Round: As two people who live and breathe Halloween all year, we chat about how we celebrate the season (or don’t!) and what it means to truly embrace the spooky in everyday life.

Raven on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravengriim

Raven on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravengriim

On this episode of Creative Culture, I chatted with Kevin Perjurer, the creator of Defunctland. If you're a fan of meticulously researched and utterly fascinating documentaries about bygone theme parks and themed entertainment, you'll love this episode. It was interesting to talk to him about being a full-time documentarian, and crafting stories that captivate millions of viewers.

What is the current state of documentaries and why is there such an explosion of them everywhere? Are they getting better or just changing? Kevin and I also talked about the blurred lines between traditional media and YouTube, and what it means to be a creator in today's digital age. Plus, we discuss the nuances of balancing entertainment with historical accuracy, and how Kevin navigates the ever-evolving landscape of content creation.

We also explore some of Kevin's most intriguing projects, including his exploration of the mysterious origins of the Disney Channel theme jingle, Kid Cities, and behind the scenes of the American Idol theme park experience.

Check out Defunctland on YouTube.

Watch this episode on YouTube

In this episode of Creative Culture I had a wide-ranging conversation with TikTok creator Dandy Demon. We talked about her experience creating content for TikTok and her approach to OnlyFans where she creates “nightmare thirst traps”. We also talked about her stalker and how important it is for her to maintain a positive online environment for her viewers.

Important Dandy highlights:

• How Dandy managed to infiltrate an e-girl cult
• Her obsession with learning the German language
• The fun of hiding people on YouTube
• How her cat, Bagel, receives positive affirmations
• The possibility of buying a pink Hello Kitty Glock to defend herself from a stalker

Dandy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dandydemon

Dandy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaxDives

Is creativity the same as curiosity?

In this episode of Creative Culture, I'm joined by Danie Berger, from @DIYDanie. We talked a lot about how social media is fundamentally changing art and creativity. It's no longer enough JUST to make art...you have to show the process. And then make that process crazy enough that people will watch. We talked about dealing with creative funks, and finding joy in authentic expression.

Main Takeaways:

Creative Funks and Burnout: The difference between creative funks and burnout.

Authenticity in Art: Danie shares her views on what it means to be authentic in the digital age, emphasizing the value of showing the unpolished, messy side of creativity. She believes authenticity is about being true to oneself and not just presenting a polished version for social media.

Personal Passion: Is it possible to stay passionate about something that you turn into a career?

The Role of Social Media: Social media has changed the way art is fundamentally created, making it more accessible but also more challenging to maintain integrity of creative work.

Personal Projects and Authenticity: We both share our experiences with personal projects that we don't necessarily share with a wide audience. These projects help us stay grounded and remind us of the joy of creating for the sake of creation, not just for content.

Visit Danie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIYDanie

In this episode of Creative Culture, I talked to Chris Burton of Half-Asleep Chris, known for his charming and delightful videos featuring his stop-motion animation, Lego and his pets. We discuss Chris's journey to 3.2 million subscribers, his creative process, the challenges of producing high-quality content, and the unique appeal of his videos.

Some of the fun-filled things we chatted about:

🚀 A project Chris is working on to send a Lego roller coaster into space using a high-altitude balloon. The challenges of making a reliable roller coaster for this venture add a layer of excitement and creativity to the endeavor.

😸 His "catio" (a cat patio) and how he's turned his home into a playground for his cats. This includes building a treehouse and various platforms, highlighting the fun and quirky side of being a cat owner.

🐸 How Lego designers use frog pieces creatively in sets, such as in bonsai trees and fire stations. Chris even has thousands of Lego frogs in various colors, reflecting his playful approach to building.

⛵ Chris's ambitious project to create a Lego boat ride in his garden, complete with a man-made river and a coherent story, shows his dedication to making immersive and entertaining videos. This project has been in the works since August and promises to be one of his best yet.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leaving a comment!
Chris's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HalfAsleepChris
Support Creative Culture: https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod

Welcome back to Creative Culture! In this episode, I had a fun conversation with Elliot Fullam, a multi-talented artist who began his career at the age of nine. From interviewing rock legends to acting in horror films and crafting his own music, Elliot's journey is as diverse as it is fascinating. We explore the unique blend of horror and metal, discuss the evolution of media production, and share personal stories of meeting icons like James Hetfield. Whether you're a horror fan, a metal enthusiast, or a creative soul, you need to listen to this episode! 😃

Main Topics:

• Elliot Fullam's Early Career: Started interviewing famous musicians at age nine and his growth in the media.
• Connection Between Horror and Metal: Discussing how these two genres intertwine and the communities around them.
• Evolution of Media Production: Insight into how technology has changed the landscape for young artists and filmmakers.
• Elliot's Music and Acting Career: Discussion on his slowcore music style, upcoming tours, and his roles in films like "Terrifier 2".
• Advice and Insights from Celebrities: Lessons learned from various interviews, including coping with nervousness and staying genuine.
• Creative Processes and DIY Culture: How current technology empowers artists to produce and distribute their work independently.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leaving a comment!
Elliott's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@littlepunkpeople
Support Creative Culture: https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod

In this episode of Creative Culture, I talked to mixologist and professional bartender Leandro Di Monriva @TheEducatedBarfly about the art of mixing cocktails and what it takes to be a bartender. We chatted about everything from things that annoy bartenders to the tools of the trade. And if you've been thinking about setting up your own home bar, Leandro shares his tips, including the spirts you'll want to have on hand, the tools you'll need, and the types of glassware. And yes, we learn if James Bond was correct in ordering a martini "shaken, not stirred" or if that's nonsense!

The Educated Barfly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

Support Creative Culture on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod

Has social media fundamentally changed the way we perceive art? Can art me quantified by the number of eyeballs that view it? In this episode of Creative Culture, I talked with CJ the X, @cjthex a creator and philosopher whose work explores the intersection of art and our cultural engagement with social media. CJ's content, ranging from thought-provoking videos to critical essays, offers a fresh perspective on art's subjectivity and the influence of digital platforms on creative expression. We navigated through various topics, including the challenges and triumphs of the creative process, the impact of social media on art, and the essence of making art that resonates both personally and publicly.

Key takeaways from our conversation:

• The "Mr. Beastification" of art

• CJ's approach to content creation emphasizes depth and thoughtfulness, urging creators to prioritize substance over viral appeal.

• The importance of "aesthetic sincerity" in art, where the value of creative work stems from genuine expression rather than strategic analytics.

• The challenge of balancing creative integrity with the pressures of social media metrics and audience expectations.

• The concept of "doing" as the core of artistic identity, underscoring the need for creators to engage actively with their craft.

• Insights into navigating the digital landscape as an artist, including the pitfalls of content commodification and the pursuit of meaningful engagement.

• The potential of social media as a tool for artistic expression, despite its inherent tensions with traditional notions of artistry.

• Reflections on the evolving definition of art in the digital age and the role of creators in shaping cultural conversations.

Watch CJ's videos: https://www.youtube.com/@cjthex

Read CJ's essays: https://cjthex.com/

Support Creative Culture on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod