Interneting: The DIY Way – Meshkiey

The internet is a bustling digital city, filled with individuals with distinctive personalities and unique experiences. Interneting: The DIY Way is an interview series where we speak to some of our social media favorites on how they relate to the internet and what it means to them and their work.

In our first episode, we chat with Meshkiey, a content creator, strategist and writer, as he takes us through his journey in the digital world, and the experiences that have shaped him.

Could you share your journey of how you began utilizing the internet as a creative platform?

I began my journey as a humorist and storyteller, always ready to regale my friends with exaggerated tales that added spice to their everyday experiences. From embellishing the events of the day to infusing wit into the mundane, I found joy in entertaining others. While platforms like Facebook existed, it wasn’t until the emergence of Instagram in 2013 that I saw the potential to amplify my creative voice. Since 2016/2017, I’ve been actively creating content, starting with skits on Instagram and gradually expanding my presence to platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and beyond. It’s been a journey fueled by passion and a desire to connect with audiences through laughter and relatable experiences.

What’s your most viral moment as a creative?

My most viral moment as a creative came recently. It’s actually the highest level of engagement I’ve experienced thus far. One particular video garnered over 2.1 million views on Facebook and an impressive 1.9 million views on TikTok. On Instagram, I reached a peak of about 700k engagement.

What are some common misconceptions about being a creative on the internet, and how do you address them?

One common misconception about being a creative on the internet is the assumption that it’s a full-time gig for everyone. While some creators indeed make a living solely from their online content, many of us juggle multiple responsibilities. Contrary to popular belief, creating content isn’t always our sole source of income. Balancing online engagements with real-life obligations can be quite challenging. It’s important for audiences to understand that behind the screens, we have diverse lives and commitments beyond just creating content.

How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on social media platforms?

Initially, negative feedback used to sting, and I’d often feel the urge to respond. With time, I’ve come to realize that criticism is inevitable, and not everyone will resonate with my content. Instead of engaging with negativity, I choose to focus on constructive feedback and use it as an opportunity for growth. Sometimes, the best response is no response at all.

How do you manage burnout as a creative?

Fortunately, burnout isn’t something I encounter frequently as a creative. Creating content brings me immense joy and serves as my escape during leisure time. When I do feel overwhelmed or tired, I find solace in the creative process itself. Whether it’s immersing myself in hours of video editing or indulging in a binge-watching session of my favorite series, I allow myself the space to recharge and rediscover inspiration.

What’s the weirdest or funniest comment or DM you’ve ever received on social media about your work?

One particularly weird comment was when someone accused me of promoting nudity and sexual content in my videos. This was completely off-base and contrary to the values I uphold in my content. I took the opportunity to clarify my intentions and reassure my audience that such themes have no place in my creative endeavors.

Can you share a funny story from your journey as a creative that still makes you laugh today?

One funny story from my journey as a creative was when I had the opportunity to meet Josh 2 Funny in person. His on-screen persona is hilarious, and I was curious to see if he was just as entertaining off-camera. To my delight, he exceeded all expectations, having the same humor and energy in real life. It was a surreal experience to meet someone even funnier than myself, and it still brings a smile to my face to this day. Another funny story involved a collaboration with a fellow creator who downplayed my creativity by posting a collaborative video alone. I asked for the video to post on my page myself and he sent a very low quality video. People were commenting that I wrapped him in the wordplay and he deleted the video. He saw that he had a lot of his fans who liked my wordplay more. He never followed me back on social media.

Nominate two people you’d love to see answer these questions 🙂

I’d love to see Jay_onair and Switope answer these questions.