Going to an art school means that you meet people who are incredibly successful… and they’re only just in college. Jenna Larson is no exception. I had the chance to meet up with her to talk about her YouTube success, as well as some tips-and-tricks for those aspiring to make it big with their interests in the arts.
Q: What made you want to start creating YouTube videos?
A: “I thought that I had something to share with everyone in the world. I had stuff that I wanted to tell people, a message that I wanted to spread. I wanted people to know that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Whether it’s acting, YouTube-ing, film making – whatever you want. My goal is to help people achieve their dreams, I know it sounds cliché, but I want to help my viewers feel more confident in their acting and filmmaking.”
Q: What are your favorite types of videos to make?
A: “I like making videos that give advice.”
Q: When you hit 25k subscribers, what was your reaction? How did you feel?
A: “I tried to picture that many people in a room. When I hit 25k, it was right around the time when I went to VidCon in Los Angeles. There was around 25,000 people who attended the event, and I thought, ‘wow, the amount of people at this entire event is basically the equivalent to the amount of people in the world who want to see my face on the regular’. It’s crazy.”
Q: What has been your favorite YouTube event and why?
A: “Definitely VidCon, I was able to meet so many friends that I have made through YouTube as well as YouTuber’s who I have watched for years. I met them as a fellow creator. I have idolized them forever so it was cool to be in the same creative community as them, rather than just a fangirl.”
Q: For aspiring YouTuber’s, what is your biggest and most valuable tip?
A: “First of all, don’t give up. It takes a really long time to get your fame. It can be difficult to get people to watch your videos. When I first started YouTube, I made videos and no one would watch them and it was frustrating, but I didn’t give up. Success isn’t about how many subscribers you have, so don’t worry about the numbers. The way I look at it is that if one person learns something from my videos that’s all that matters.”
Q: Who is/are your guilty pleasure YouTuber/s to watch?
A: “Joe Santagato. I watch every-single-one of his videos, they’re so funny. Also, JustAMisfitt, he’s very quirky – he’s an up-and-coming YouTuber, but everyone should watch him. Also, Ayydubs, her online dating videos are hilarious. If you haven’t watched them yet, you’re seriously missing out.”
Q: Any closing words?
A: Subscribe, haha! No, but I always recommend to people, ‘Do what you want to do, people gave me crap for making videos in high school, but that didn’t stop me. In arts careers, people always have something to say about what you’re doing – whether negative or positive. But, if you’re happy and excited, don’t give it up. Do what you want to do.”