One may think that making a 15-30 sec video is something anyone can do, but it takes effort and creativity to weave a story that can entertain an audience within the time limit. That’s exactly something our this month’s feature has consistently done.
Popularly known as ‘Being Suku’, artist and digital content creator Sakshi Keswani began her journey as a creator during the pandemic and recently reached the 1 million mark on Instagram. Her posts have often been high on the internet’s viral metre and that’s because the one thing she is truly passionate about is entertaining her audience!
Sakshi enjoys sketching and has a dedicated art account called ‘Colour In My Blood’ which she calls her first baby. She truly lives by the quote ‘Do your future self a favour, work hard today’. And as all can see, her hard work bore fruit, a sweet one indeed.
In an exclusive conversation with FACE, the creator talks about social media being a full-time job, the story behind ‘Being Suku’, her go-to influencers, and much more…
⁃ Social media, or rather content creation has seen a sudden rise in the past decade, and as glamorous as it looks on the outside, it isn’t any less demanding than a full-time desk job, if not more. Tell us a bit more about coming to terms with the world of social media and carving a niche for yourself.
Of course, it isn’t less demanding as compared to a full-time desk job. In fact, I’d say that it’s a lot more demanding because you’re your own boss and your mind will work 24×7 not just 9 to 5; you have to continuously think about ‘what next?’, ‘how to be relevant?’, or ‘what is the next thing which you can do to make it viral?’. So, yeah, it is a full-time job. Also, social media has actually been a blessing for me. It has given me everything that I wished for and what I desired for, but of course, it has negative impacts as well. Talking about carving a niche for myself, I think the more you work on your content, the more you explore, the more you work hard and the more you see what others are doing, it will be easier for you to create a niche for yourself, a place that you can call your own. Jab tak aap karoge nahi, aapko pata nahi chalega aapke liye kya work kar raha hai. So, just explore and do whatever you like. Aapko apne aap hi pata chal jaayega ki aapki audience ko kya pasand aayega. Practice really does make a man perfect. The more you hustle, the more you’ll grow.
⁃ I can not help but ask you about your channel’s name “Being Suku”. What’s the story behind that?
It’s a very funny story. First, my channel’s name was ‘Bablu Bhaiya’, which was the first character that I played. Later I thought “Nahi yaar yeh nahi chalega. Poore time sab log mujhe Bablu Bhaiya bulaayenge.” (chuckles) So, my friend suggested ki why not ‘Suku being Suku’? Like, you’re being yourself. So, I ended up making it shorter to ‘Being Suku’ which fit perfectly because every piece of content I put up is a part of me and my personality.
⁃ Your art page ‘Colour in my Blood’ is extremely close to your heart, and you also have the name tattooed on your hand, which goes on to say how special it is for you. How do you balance meeting the different demands of both these professions and at the same time, stay true to your craft?
Like content creation is my passion, art is my love. ‘Colour in my Blood’ is my first baby. When I became a full-time content creator it was extremely difficult to manage working on my art as well, something I struggle with even today. But, one day I hope to overcome my shortcomings, grow Being Suku and create more art, one day I hope to turn it into a brand of my own.
⁃ With Instagram changing its algorithm every few weeks, it’s difficult to maintain consistency when it comes to your audience. So, does it bother you when your content doesn’t get the reach you think it deserves?
I think with time, you need to develop a thick skin. Chalega toh theek, nahi chalega toh koi baat nahi. You need to give your hundred percent or two hundred percent and that’s what works for me. Give your best and see what will work for you, but if it still doesn’t work, it’s completely fine; some other content will work. You just have to keep working hard and things will fall into place on their own. You will get all that you deserve.
⁃ What would you say is the #1 key to success in your industry?
Consistency, along with working hard and working smart. I think these three elements can help you win.
⁃ For the world, you’re a digital creator, i.e., someone they look up to. But who are your go-to influencers/creators?
Honestly, I get inspired by everybody who’s hustling and trying to make it big here. It may be a small creator or a big creator, doesn’t matter. I just get inspired by their journey and seeing what they’re doing to sustain in the industry. With the influx of a lot of content that is created everyday, all I look for is people’s unique and individual take on the same idea.
⁃ Lastly, what are a few things that you wish you had known when you initially started creating content?
When I initially started making videos, I used to send my video links on WhatsApp and used to tell my family and friends to watch my video and please like, share and subscribe, which I know now that it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to plead anyone to watch your videos. Agar aapka content accha hoga toh woh log kya poori duniya aapka content dekhegi. 10-12 views will hardly make a difference. You just have to be focused and keep working hard and I know I’m repeating myself here, but that’s the truth. And when your time comes, nobody can take it away from you.
