Please just call me a web artist...
...or why I have mixed (negative-leaning) opinions on the term "content creator" in the Internet world.
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To be honest, I do not care if anyone calls me that one generic term. Though I make content on social media, I feel like there is something off with that arbitrary title.
I believe that being called a "content creator" means putting my creative efforts into the mainstream web just for the clout, money, and sponsorships. While earning some extra income is fine (especially as someone with a flexitime job and some free time to make art), it can be highly challenging due to the uncertain socioeconomic climate. Not to mention the rise of generative AI and the fall of corporate social realms... (Ugh...)
The term "content creator" is so normalized that some people like Ruben and Luke have written against this title. Even Kami mentioned it in her post about treating online stuff (like social media posts, shortform videos, and paid courses) as commodities that are marketable yet disposable.
That is why I prefer being called a web artist rather than a content creator. I have been drawing, writing, blogging, and webweaving for a while. I prefer sharing stories through those hobbies over jestering with nonsense in the mainstream web. Although I have never enrolled in a formal course1 that involves various kinds of media, I have learned about my hobbies through free resources around the Internet world. While I can still monetize my creations in some form (preferably via Ko-fi), I cannot be content just for the money's sake.2 Although I have barely earned any income from my creative endeavors, at least I still have some fun online.
In fact, I almost became a multimedia arts student at a local university. But then, I realized that studying that bachelor's degree was not worth it financially and mentally. Also, I cannot fathom the prevalence of Abode software in the job market. (Yes, that typo is intentional. Just swap "b" and "d" so that you can get the idea.)↩
By the way, I feel more satisfied with someone downloading my stuff for free than giving their entire life savings for my hard work.↩