How would you best describe yourself and your channel?
I'm a music creator: I compose, play and record guitars and keyboards and produce music. On my channel you'll find calm and smooth music for relaxation, for mental work, or as a soundtrack for your day. I combine my music with nature footage from beautiful places around the globe.
What was the (biggest) mistake you made that you’ve learned the most from?
There's no single mistake I can remember that made me change the way I work. But I remember what Tay Zonday once told me about YouTubing that helped me a little: Ignore the trolls! While I have an uber-nice audience and get negative comments very rarely, it still helps to know that you're better of not taking any negative feedback personally.
What do you like best about being a YouTube creator?
I can live the life I always dreamt of: As a music creator, making tunes for others to enjoy.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever received from a viewer?
A piece of meat was interesting - and delicious. Most beautiful: A Martin acoustic guitar from a fan from Connecticut.
Who were the biggest supporters in your corner when you first got started?
My willpower to make this work.
What are your favorite ways to connect with your audience?
I like to read the comments under my videos and answer many. It's a great way to stay in touch with my fans.
What did you have to overcome to get where you are today?
During the first years I had to tell myself again and again that it might take a while before the channel picks up some pace. Finally it worked for me. I'm aware that there's always a bit of luck involved. I'm very thankful that my work payed off at some point and continues to do so.
What’s the technical skill that had the biggest impact on your channel?
My core ability is to create music. I like to think that this is why people come to my channel back again and again. I studied music production on my own for more than 10 years before I started this channel. Creating video felt rather natural.
What are two pieces of equipment you couldn’t live without?
My camera and my laptop.
What are the best ways to meet and network with other creators?
Go to YouTube events.
When did being a creator switch from being a hobby to your full-time passion?
That was when the monthly AdSense payout reached a certain amount. Together with the income from my music sales and streams I was able to do this full-time at some point.
Where do you see YouTube in the next 5 years?
Many people consider YouTube already as the new TV. In five years YouTube channels will replace certain content on TV even more. We will see channels, shows and programs with very high quality standards, production and content-wise.
Where do you continue to get new inspiration?
I listen to other artists' music, I watch other YouTubers' content, I read Fast Company magazine, I go out in the nature, I talk to people. For creators, there's inspiration everywhere.
How have you used YouTube Spaces?
I checked out the Space in Berlin to see what it is about, but never used a Space before. I prefer using my own equipment and spaces.
Which YouTube creator resources have you found most useful? (for example: Creator Academy, YouTube Help, Twitter, etc.)
The YouTube Creator Handbook was my bible at the beginning. The Creator Hub and Help are also great resources. Calls with my partner managers have been also inspiring and helpful.