Re: Why Don’t You Have More Followers?
Sometimes when I post a new cosplay or makeup look, I’m met with comments like “Wow! This is insane! Why don’t you have more followers?!” I understand they always mean well, but it does sting a little because I wish I had an answer.
Why don’t I have a bigger following? I don’t know what to tell you. I know it’s harder for unambiguously Black creators to be seen, especially when they aren’t pandering and lack major connections. I also know the nature is social media is often unpredictable, and sometimes it’s more about luck and connections and timing than talent or creativity or anything else. It could be any combination of factors, really. Despite this, I still really enjoy cosplaying. I enjoy creating things and sharing. I’ve been doing it for years, and even though I still have hopes of turning my creative passions into a career, today is one of those days where I feel discouraged. I know it isn’t a lack of talent. I know that I have had to work on consistency, and I have.
I’m not bitter or angry. I just wish I was someone who was seen and supported and promoted by sites like Kotaku or Buzzfeed or IGN. Any influential entity that could completely change the trajectory of my current path. I would love to be reached out to by more of my favorite brands for collaborations and paid opportunities. I acknowledge that I have had some success and small victories, and I am thankful for all of them.
Still, I do wish I could have some big, sensational moment that would put my art and creations before the people I want to reach in a massive way. It’s not wrong to want to be seen, so I figured maybe I should just share how I’m feeling right now. I still have hope that one day I can make a living doing what I actually love and am good at. Until that time comes, I’ll keep grinding away and doing what makes me happy.
~DeLa Doll
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DeLa Doll is a culture writer, cosplayer, and artist based in Florida. She has been writing professionally since 2016, with some of her work being featured on sites like HuffPo and /Film. She is an advocate for meaningful diversity and representation in media, a gamer, a mom, and an avid user of DIY hair dye.
