The Jakey Interview: Creating Content For Crypto Users
The Jakey Interview: Creating Content For Crypto Users
Jakey tells us about his journey from 9-5 jobs to becoming a full time content creator, lessons learned about the business of being an artist and what his web3 experience has taught him.
Jake Hillhouse (aka Jakey) is a content creator on the Mad Lads Roster. He has released three MAD MOVIES which have a combined 700,000 views on Twitter.
His first YouTube video was uploaded more than a decade ago (view it below) and he was featured in a Paramount documentary called “Anything For Fame” earlier this year.
Join us for an inside look at a web3 content creation.
How long were you making content before you saw your first dollar?
Jakey: I have been making content for well over 10 years now, and I don’t think I ever saw my real first form of profit until about 3 years ago.
Any money I would make from my 9-5 would be directly invested into my content.
How long did it take until you were able to create content full time?
Jakey: I went full time content creator at the beginning of COVID, there is actually a funny story behind how that came about, but it all happened naturally. I quit my warehouse job and drove from Toronto to LA.
The week I got there, COVID hit full force, I was forced to come back home.
I had no other choice but to go hard on creating, so that’s what I did. Been full time since then.
What was *the moment* when you knew content was your future?
Jakey: I deep down knew the moment I started skateboarding, filming and skateboarding just went together like bread and butter. The process, the editing, the final product, I fell in love with it right away
What is the biggest difference in planning content for web2 vs web3?
Jakey: I think the biggest difference is trying to adapt to entertain both web2 and web3. You need a piece of content that isn’t watered down and is entertaining to someone in web2 who has zero-knowledge on the crypto and NFT space.
But then you also have to add a lil’ sauce and hints of web3 gimmicks in there for it to fit in web3 as well. So planning those out beforehand is the biggest difference
How do creators stand out in web3?
Jakey: Creators need to break that bubble, once you get your start, you need to establish what niche you want your content to fit.
Is it informative content?
Okay, then you need to make sure the language, the process of what you’re showing is like you’re showing it to someone for the first time.
Because at the end of the day the goal is to break out of this bubble. In order for more people to watch our content on web3, we need new people to enter web3.
Take into consideration this may be someone's first time watching you, so try your best to treat it that way. You will stand out.
What do you creators should be doing more of in web3?
Jakey: Do what you want, create what you want. I see it too often, creators start creating and instantly get obsessed with what they "think" people want.
Its so easy to lose touch and love with creating when your not creating what you want from the jump.
Pivoting and understanding what your audience likes more of down the road is crucial, but doing what you want at the start is key.
Do you have any advice about navigating the business world of creating content?
Jakey: To be honest, I’m still learning that as I go as well. I think having the right team or even just the right people around you/in your corner is key.
Know your worth, always look over contracts, have like minded others read them for confirmation.
A lot of companies and businesses will try their best to squeeze you for more providing than what you're getting in return.
Have you made any mistakes from a business perspective that other creators should avoid?
Jakey: Yes tons, I let multiple big businesses and creators take advantage of me just because they had bigger numbers and I thought they had my best interest.
Trust is not giving, it's earned, no matter how big, rich or famous the person may be.