Contextual Essay

Where do I even start? This project has been a real pain.

My original idea for this Digital Artefact was to have a motivational YouTube channel, and also make it niche by having merchandise. However the process of making merchandise was a really long one.

During this process of making and remaking, I was also filming for my motivational channel. My plan was to launch the merch first and then post a video. So I had all this content waiting on me to finish the merchandise… a lot of it! So I decided to let go of the merch because it didn’t seem practical at this point.

A couple of days later, I went to edit my content, and my editing software failed to open. I was trying my best to get to work again. The only reasoning that I would come with for it not working was my laptop being infected with a virus or a bug.

Therefore, making my project was particularly hard, when my computer would allow me to open my software.

A couple of days ago, the only option I had was wipe my computer to start, and now it working, in some ways… However, all my previous content is gone.

Finally, some content has been released.

In previous weeks, I have asked my following on instagram about the social utility of a motivational channel. From their responses I was able to understand that most of them do have a motivational channel that they watch. It seems to be universally clear though, that the channels are not as personal as they could be. Instead, people are turning to influencers and everyday YouTubers to find motivational videos — videos that get them motivated to get the thing they are putting off done.

This was the original goal of this channel. While I don’t have much feedback to go off, because of all the trouble I had, I do understand what people need/want to see.

Looking back, I can see that I overcomplicated something that did not need to be that complicated. There is a lot that I could’ve done differently.

I have already received personal feedback on the video I posted, and they seem to have enjoyed this content thus far.