Akeem Lawanson
My role at RedEye: Online Producer
And these days, I’m … either creating intricate drawings on Snapchat or prepping for a video production for my YouTube channel. I’m a constant creative in all facets of my life.
Listening to: I’m obsessed with Rhett and Link’s “Ear Biscuits” podcast and recommend it to anyone that is curious about working in new media (specifically YouTube) and how those that are currently making a living from it got their start in the medium.
Drinking: I have been on a barleywine kick, currently enjoying Lagunita’s GnarlyWine. They’re my favorite brewery.
Craving: I don’t always have cravings, but when I do it’s pizza and craft beer from Piece in Wicker Park. I could honestly eat there every week.
Last flick I’ve caught: “Creep” with Mark Duplass. It starts off weird and comedic, then takes a pretty dark turn – my favorite kind of movie!
Watching on TV/Netflix:
I’ve been watching “Power” on Starz. Really love gritty crime dramas.
Reading:
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“William Shakespeare’s The Phantom Menace.” One of the best mash ups I’ve had the pleasure to read this year! If you’re a fan of the Bard or the Force you’ll really enjoy it.
Checking out this app: YouTube Studio is an amazing on-the-go app for content creators to stay involved in their online community, as well as view the analytics of each of their videos. I received push notifications, which allows me to quickly respond to comments and maintain viewer engagement.
Trying this new thing: I’m experimenting with more sketch comedy on my YouTube channel. The vlog format is great, but I come from an improv background and I’ve been wanting to explore that more and hopefully my online audience will be receptive to it.
Thinking a lot about:
What is it that I will create that’ll leave a large impact on the online community? I think most creative types have that thought.
Obsessed with this social media platform:
Snapchat. It’s the most raw and unfiltered you can get, next to Vine. Snapchat is a place where you’re able to be authentic and unedited, be it a brand or a personal account. For someone who enjoys to draw, it also allows you to fully explore your creativity through intricate drawings. It’s so much fun allowing my imagination to run wild, taking advantage of the capabilities of the mobile app platform.
Loving this gadget:
My Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to create half of the Snapchat “snapsterpieces” that have graced our reader’s mobile devices.
Hanging out here when I’m not at RedEye: www.geekheavy.com – that’s my digital candy shop filled with sweet pieces of edible me!