We recently had the chance to connect with Devi Hill and have shared our conversation below.
Devi, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think people have this misconception that content creation and any adjacent occupation isn’t hard work. It seems like people think you just point a camera, hit a button, and that’s all you have to do. But there are many facets of it that most don’t know go into it behind the scenes. There’s a lot to be done when the camera isn’t on.
But before we can address that, even being on camera is still a skillset. Look at news anchors, interviewers, presenters. Being a face is more than just being a face! It takes a certain amount of gusto, a quick wit, and an undeniable presence that some people even have to train for through things like theatre and workshops.
Off camera, there are cinematography skills to consider–cutting the footage and audio mixing for example–and constantly having your fingers on the pulse of what’s trending takes a trained eye and a quick response. Sharp analytical skills are needed to monitor your content and how it’s impacting your audience and beyond, and flexibility is key. There’s relationship building and people skills, as you forge collaborations with not only people, but the companies they represent. There are a lot of hats to wear.
The only reason it can seem easy to some people is because we spend a long time making it look that way!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
You can call me Devi, but online I’m known as Syd, which is short for my handle, Obsydianyte! Broadly speaking, I’m a content creator, but within that scope, I manage livestreams, make videos, and represent developer studios and their video games through brand ambassadorship.
I often incorporate my other hobbies into my streams as well, such as singing and cosplaying (which is to dress up like a character from media such as video games, shows, or comics), and I’ve been known to emcee a video game tournament or two!
I strive to use my platform to elevate BIPOC and LGBTQ voices, and pride myself on cultivating a safe space for people to be comfortable in their skin and share in their experiences.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I don’t think the world ever told me who I had to be, and I don’t think I would listen to it even if it did! My motto is: “be unapologetically yourself, for that’s all the world would ask in kind,” and I’ve always lived by that creed. I very often get told that I always show up authentically and unwaveringly, which is something that makes me happy because I hope to inspire others to do the same. Dimming your light as to make others comfortable only ends up hurting yourself in the end, so shine bright.
It’s cheesy to say, but I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum, because I believe your vibe attracts your tribe. Those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter! It can be easier said than done for some people, but to them I encourage you to just take little steps at a time. After all, small steps forward are still steps forward.
I feel like I’m just speaking in idioms now–however true they might be–so I hope that answers your question properly!
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss when things were simple. It’s difficult to explain the difference between “simple” and “easy,” but I’ll try my best:
I miss when “the internet” was a place in my house. A specific room that I could go to with a computer desk where I could sit down, log on, and explore websites that were actual websites, with forums, resources, and proper discussion, maybe even a handful of fun in-browser games! It was simple.
Nowadays the internet is virtually everywhere–in my pocket, in the dentist’s office, in my fridge?! It’s quite a lot, and heavily oversaturated with noise anymore. Sites now are just landing pages that take you to other places which then inundate you with impertinent nonsense. Even though digitizing everything into QR codes and biometrics makes access easy and convenient, there’s always a convoluted process behind it: accept the code, accept the 2-step verification, log into the website, confirm your email, navigate the menu, et cetera. The internet now is easy, but not simple.
Does that make sense?
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say so, yes. I mean of course I don’t share every facet of my life with the general public, but everything the public does see is one-hundred percent the real me.
Have you ever been disappointed when you meet your favorite celebrity or author after you’ve built this image of them in your head based on what you’ve seen and read, only for their true selves to be the complete opposite? I never want that to happen. I don’t see the point in pretending to be someone you aren’t, because first of all, it sounds like a lot of work and I don’t have the time or patience to juggle all that.
But secondly, masks are painful. To you, because you strain yourself wearing it, and to those around you, when it shatters and suddenly those who thought you knew you turn out not to know you at all. It’s alienating in every respect. Just be yourself, I promise it’s a lot easier than you think. But I won’t go so far as to say it isn’t painful, too, sometimes.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I don’t think people understand that we have all the time in the world as much as we have none at all.
People tend to avoid things they’d like to do in the name of what they view to be self-improvement, such as learning a new language, practicing a new skill, maybe even a health journey of some kind, but the real kicker is: the time will pass anyway, whether you do it or don’t. So why not do?
Because, not to get too grim, but at the same time that you have all the time to do that, you could be gone in the blink of an eye. So why not do?
No time spent enjoying yourself is time wasted, so make the most with what you’ve got, if you can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.twitch.tv/obsydianyte
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/obsydianyte
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@obsydianyte
