You say you love building a story and editing your videos, and I just want to say from an audience perspective: we can tell. There is an attention to detail and structure in your videos that makes it clear that they're a craft in and of themselves.
Re: the section on social media weirdness; not enough people talk about how social media isn't just designed to be addictive for the 'consumer' but for the 'creator' too. I'm so glad you addressed that stuff and I hope a lot of new cosplayers/creators see this and are reminded to check in with themselves when they start to feel that pressure.
Yeah man, this whole "let's do 19 jobs" thing seems really overwhelming... and as a viewer, I'm really impressed with all your stuff: the scripts, the sewing, the spark ✨️ May you have an excellent new year 💜
the almost expectation that artsy people turn their passions or hobbies into businesses is so real and so felt -- i love your longform vids, they always feel so thoughtfully put together and they're edited so well. looking forward to what 2025 brings for you & to seeing what you create in the future ~~
When recommending your channel to friends, I most often describe you as a 'video essayist who crafts'. Soooo cool to hear more of your thoughts on this career journey!
thank you for being so transparent about your experience, I used to run commissions out of my art instagram and the pressure to convert every part of my life into content made me quit social media entirely. it feels good to hear I'm not the only one who feels that pressure
Well said. Similarly quit my creative instagram entirely despite years of building a dedicated following after seeing one tweet that hit me like a lightning bolt: “I’m not sure artists are meant to produce and distribute creative content twice a week to optimize audience growth and retention. This isn’t how making good art works. It’s how a media business works.”
As a graphic designer who’s been forced to be a social media manager and is now trying to make my own business and considering going into cosplay content creation, thank you for this video. It’s a long, hard road to be an artist under American capitalism but to know that my potential future peers are going through or have gone through the same thing makes me feel a little less alone.
As someone just starting their own small business (also sewing related), I really resonate with your sentiment around short-form content being pushed for small businesses. Luckily my services are really local, so I can rely on word of mouth to bring in clients, but it can be really hard to think of other ways of marketing outside of social media when it's so in your face. Also, the way you craft videos brings me so much joy in so many ways. I always learn something, reflect on something, and can feel the care you have for your videos and your audience as a whole. It's always a highlight of my day whenever you post! (And I am very excited for your star trek era!!!)
My only regret, Lizard, is that I only really started following you at the end of 2023/beginning of 2024. All of your content is oh so very much right up my alley, and as I consider starting my own cosplay journey soon (TM), I've appreciated just learning more about the space and how it's shifted and changed over the course of internet culture and overall culture's weirdly changing times. And it's interesting (thought unfortunately not necessarily surprising) to see the "serving the nebulous confusing algorithm overlords sucks" sentiment in yet another sub-culture of the content creation game. I have to say that when you'd initially mentioned this video during the crafting stream(s), I wasn't 100% sold on the whole "professional cosplay isn't a thing," but very quickly into it I realized I had changed my mind some point into agreeing with the "you can monetize aspects of cosplay, but that era of cosplayers making their primary income from _just_ cosplaying" point regarding how it's more of a "being a cosplay content creator" rather than a "professional cosplayer." Am I possibly rambling and/or repeating myself cause I really should get to bed? Maybe! (Also we love a rant about capitalism, am always here for that)
everytime i watch a video of yours, i think about how similar we are and how our thoughts align so closely. except you actually do words good and can put your thoughts into complete sentences. this is a great video, lizard i am gonna think about this one for a while. also handshake emoji flop era also also thanks for putting footage of me back-to-back with gay canon ships in an animated sci fi series, that feels like you're staring into my soul a little bit
You hit the nail right on the head for the reason why I’m hesitant to make content. I would love to advance my art, learn new skills, and share my creations with the world, but I’ve seen how hard people have to work to do that. I’m not sure I’m ready to take that step, but seeing the joy and love put into videos by people like you and Sarah Spaceman make me want to at least try. Thank you so much for everything you do, your videos are awesome🫶🫶
Congrats on continueing the trend of making me cry every video. i think this is number four in row? and i COMPLETELY agree with how awful it is that you have to have a social media presence/some form of video content in order to promote or sell anything that you make.
alas I seem to be out of frame on Yaya's picture of the whole group shot, but I can point out a whole bunch of my friends, and its bringing some tears of joy, because, Yeah! that is cosplay and what its about, we were there having so much fun!
I rarely ever comment on videos, but as someone who just parted from a toxic work environment(not by choice but thats how the cookie crumbles), your words struck a cord. Many people around me have been encouraging i take a leap of faith and try to make cosplay content, and even if it's a slow climb, it might be something worth trying. Your videos have inspired me and motivated me through many years of cosplay work! I can't wait to see what comes next, and I will certainly try to help feed the robot with comments more often 🙏
This video had me choking up at the end, because it made me feel inspired and hopeful. I think that spirit of "I never want the heart of what I love to be monetized because then it's not for everyone, and it stops being the same thing" is so... human. And it's why I think on an individual level, humanity is cool! We are just really neat creatures! And a reminder of that is fantastic energy going into the new year. Especially packaged as a reminder to create... At least, it hit that way with me. And that's a good reminder!
Even before you talked about it, I wanted to point how much I enjoy the way you create a cohesive narrative in each video : it's never just a conversation, or an essay, or a presentation/tutorial of a specific cosplay, its always a whole ass *story* and I think it's really admirable. NB : I feel really sad about your last videos not being as "successful" cuz your essay on the queer coding of team rocket was a brain rewiring experience, and ngl kinda healing as a fellow nb with a pokemon hyperfixation so yeah ty for what you do and the empathy, enthousiasm and skill you do it with :))
Bro I can't tell you how much your content is specifically catering to my brain. Love it ! (Also thank you for being the person who introduced me to The Locked Tumb series ♡)
Even if the videos this year never got their footing with the TH-cam, they have been some of my favorites to date. I put on the video about the Steven Universe story/build every time I'm gluing a million runes on my Billy Maximoff cosplay, and am watching this video as I'm handsewing the skirt of a Fairy!Anna from Frozen build. We've been here alongside you all year, and I can't wait for another year of "working together"
I am so glad I caught this video near premiere. Your video production is part of what keeps me coming back and recommending your content to others. This content is timely and important, thank you.
Your genuine passion and excitement for long form content shows in your work! The cohesive threads of your videos and the unique angles you explore are so refreshing. Your long form videos are god-tier. We need this representation and these discussions in our online spaces- THANK YOU 💜
dude, it’s so clear how much you love writing the voiceovers for your videos. you can hear the passion in your voice, and it’s probably one of the reasons i love watching them. keep up the good work
I completely get the need to work with the algorithm, and I hope you can find a way to do it without sacrificing what makes doing this sustainable to you. But I also just wanted to say that I LOVE your long form content. I love that when I sit down with one of your videos, not only do I get to see some cool crafting and possibly learn some techniques, I know I'm going to come away with something to think about. You have such an interesting perspective and so many ideas and you convey them all so well and so thoughtfully and thought-provokingly. It's a genuine joy to watch. So thank you, for taking a chance on those longer videos even if they don't always do as well, or if you find going forward you have to change them up a bit, or whatever. Thank you for sharing part of yourself and your worldview with us along with your art. And for helping people like me learn more about themselves along the way.
Im so glad you make these videos, came to this one so fast. I watch whenever I sew and the lavender witch project helped push me through my first con crunch, knowing while i wouldnt finish my full version for it, but just a wearable 1.0 wear. I'll probably finish a dress to skirt edit to this one :]
THIS is why I never miss one of your videos regardless of the subject. Your dedication to every aspect of content creation and cosplay is so inspiring! Coming from someone whose cosplay garments brought them to the realm of theatre costuming, the way you talk about cosplay at its core just warms my heart. Thank you Lizard!
I hate commenting because I am built like a small dog with an anxiety disorder BUT I love your work so much. Your videos are beautiful and insightful, and I really appreciate them. I hope the new year is kind to you, and to anyone reading this also. Y'all take care!
I discovered your content recently and every time I watch a video from you I can immediately tell how much time, passion, research, etc went into making these. Nothing ever feels like you’re just yapping into a camera. When you speak it’s well thought out and has a purpose. You’re teaching us, showing us, explaining to us in a way we can really absorb and take with us.
26:37 lizzard your d20 nerd is showing😂 okay but to be serious, I have watched your content for I think 2 years now and the stuff you have been able to make has been so cool and had a huge impact on me getting into cosplay, sewing more, and trying to teach myself new skills. IDK if it makes a difference but whenever I have recommended your channel to other folks I have always referred to you and many others like sarah spaceman as Makers. It always felt weird to just say "hey this person does cosplay" when its also sewing, tailoring, pattern making, foam smithing, painting, wigs, makeup, videography, editing, scriptwriting, prop making, teaching, sound design, and most importantly the ruler of the blessed seam
I remember watching that stream from Fawnina and appreciating how raw they were with their audience. It was heartbreaking to hear how much they were going through behind the scenes, especially when they had been such a core part of the cosplay content I consumed at the time. I'd at the time idolised the thought of being a "pro cosplayer" and was completely looking at the potential of it with rose tinted glasses and not the actual reality of what that could mean. I love your long form content and how you approach each topic. This video is so interesting - I really like your frank, realistic, and informative approach. I really enjoyed that you centred your journey and genuinely can't wait to see what the future holds. To add to the thought of "we are all just cosplayers" a very good friend of mine will often throw around "we are just a bunch of nerds in wigs" when anyone in the group is getting too much in their own heads. 😆 Thank you for another awesome video Lizard ❤️
This was such a great way to explain content creation and how it fits into what many people call "pro cosplay". A very realistic look at monetizing cosplay related content on TH-cam too and I appreciate that.
Thank you for being so transparent about what content creation entails. I've been considering making and posting videos again but the social media management aspect really puts me off. My mental health is so much better without social media.
New Lizard video to end the year? Hell yeah. I'm in. Love your little Deep Space Nine guy you were making at the end - super cute! Thanks for highlighting the hard work that goes into your job; it's so often overlooked how much love and effort goes into content like yours. Happy New year, Lizard boi
Your video production is SUCH good quality, it gives me a cool goal to aspire to when I get started on making actual art videos. Thank you for putting yourself out there and making these to both teach and inspire. Your work is one of the reasons I want to get serious about what I do.
A lot of my favorite TH-camrs have been posting in this theme lately. It’s harder than what we all thought. On another note; where did you get those sticky notes?
I appreciate that this video can be applied to other creative pursuits. I've come to make peace with the fact there is a part of my art that I am overly protective of because of the joy it brings me. The instant I try to monetize it, it makes me feel guilty. I'm glad that you have found other ways to support your passion and hope to do the same with myself!
I happened to hit the like button right as the lighting changed to something brighter in one of your shots and for a second it felt like I made your video happier to exist :P
Being self-employed is a terrifying feat. It's never just one job, its dozens. My family owned an art gallery for a few years, and it's so hard to express to people that no, it's not just renting a building and hanging art. It's also networking with artists, musicians, and gtaphic designers. It's event planning and social media management. It's cleaning and taxes and insurance and so, so much more. If you're lucky you'll enjoy most of it, but there's always parts you won't, and dealing with those can be remarkably difficult. I'm pretty sure i had a point to this comment but I've lost it at this point. Thank you for your wonderful video and I'm grateful that you shared your story with us- I look forward to whatever the new year brings!
I like your cosplays but I LOVE your videos. I love the deep dives into nerd culture and the changes it's seen (old lady here). I love watching these with my preteen kids and having big conversations with them.
thank you for this video! as someone who loves sewing and is constantly being told to make it into my career (which I dont want), it was really valuable to hear this from you
So happy you sent that email cause now we have you making these crazy good videos! I wish it would give you more coin, you so deserve it! When I think about some of the sh*t my kids watch, that take zero skills, though lately I've been insisting that they only watch something that actually takes work.
I loooooove this video! I have to say, you are one of my favorite cosplayers and I look up to you a lot. Construction and craftsmanship is what I focus on with my own cosplays, and I always love your cosplays and videos. I find it intimidating when cosplayers are showing a new cosplay every week, but your slow builds and construction videos and always a highlight! It gives me in hope in being able to find my expensive hobby (as you mentioned in the video)
I absolutely love your attention to detail in all aspects of your career and crafting. I look forward to watching every long form video and really feeling like you’re sharing more than the act of cosplay with each story, thank you for always being an honest and thoughtful creator ❤
gah this really resonated with me!!!! if i could, i would turn all the social platforms into less greedy algorithmic nonsense!! ive been loving about bluesky specifically brings to the table, it reminded me that social media can be... fun! it dosent have to be for likes or gaining statistics, its just really fun to post and show off things you made, whether its for you or others! a virtul hub to hangout and see things you enjoy- but marketing indeed has ruined alot of 'social' aspects of social media. which is why im glad that you post anyway :] id be lost without seeing all the wonderful videos youve posted, they are SUCH a delight! even if the algorithms dont see them as ''''''hits''''' as a creative myself, its my lifeblood seeing such lovely art (esp your works!) that inspires me endlessly! lets all try to remember that numbers on the internet dont define us, ur cool as a cucumber leigh, dont u forget it! 👊🏻💕
I have really fallen in love with your channel, the amazing editing, script writing, storytelling, sewing and projecting, good vibes and of course Star Trek, there's nothing not to love here. Thank you for all of your hard work, it is very much appreciated. Please please please keep the Star Trek coming, it makes my whole week to see little DS9 moments in the background or the Federation logo
I am one of the stragglers who didn't know about Sarah Spaceman, so thank you! 😊 And thank you also for your thoughtfulness. I am currently between jobs and I think this is legitimately going to help me as I consider how I want to move forward.
I did not expect this video to make me cry... THANK YOU for this video! THANK YOU for being so real! THANK YOU for saying the things people NEED and DESERVE to hear and know! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!! ✨💜💖💜✨
In recognition that we live in a machine, i will voice my appreciation for your mindful writing and great work as you create things and weave stories. Thank you for sharing your world
A lot of folks burn bridges. A lot of us USAF Targeteers drop spans and crater abutments, ensuring we can't go back nor can anybody else be able to cross.
33:50 made me cry! I love throwing on your video essays while I'm multitasking. High rewatchability! Your scripts are both easy listening and thought provoking.
I really appreciate how honest you are with people in your videos, and I really enjoy the philosophy you present in your videos. Also, the purple lighting really is a beautiful choice!
Videos like this and cosplayers like you are the reason I started cosplaying a couple months ago. Your videos are works of art, and I always get excited when I see that you’ve posted. Thank you for the video!
I didn't even know tiktok had achievements - that's how bad I am at it. 😅 But I'm glad you mentioned how much constructing your video narratives means to you, because they're some of the absolute best on youtube - such that I know I can watch a video on a topic that has affected me personally (working in content creation) and still trust that I can come out of the video feeling hopeful. The unending march of capitalism is brutal, but we are all just here making our silly little comfort things that make us happy - and that is heartwarming. 💖
I don't have the words for how well your videos scratch my brain in the best way but I really do hope that you know that your videos are just magnificent and hold my attention in a way where I cannot have them as background noise when I work because I will just watch you instead of doing spreadsheets and stuff
It’s so strange that your videos aren’t doing well cause I absolutely love them and every time you post a new long video my TH-cam suggests it to me and I watch it. I really want to do cosplays but I don’t really have the time, materials or a place (other than Halloween which I’m starting to get “too old for”) to wear my cosplays yet, but hopefully I can start doing some when I’m an adult!
It is obvious how much care you put into your work. Your storytelling and editing are masterful and always a pleasure to watch. I hope the algorithm blesses you soon, you deserve wider viewership!
there is genuinely just something about your videos that hit the spot just right every time. i sti down, press play, and don't look up again until the video is over. i don't know what it is about it, there's just something about the way you almost tell a story in each video that captures me so deeply each and every single time. i appreciate your work so much and i'm excited to see what you come up with in the new year!
I love how thoughtful you are in your commentary on the video. I always feel like I’ve learned a little more and become a little better after watching :) you’re a gem! Thank you for what you do
AMAZING VIDEO. It really hit close to home . It feels good to know there’s others that feel the same way , and are going through the same motions 💖💖💖 sending all the love !
I know your long form videos didn't find the audience you wanted in 2024 but it found me when I was struggling with burnout. Between you and some amazing panels with evielle and sarcasm hime at cosplay America, my love of cosplay was completely revitalized. So thank you for your videos and all your amazing work and your love of narrative structure and cosplay making videos. Also my daughter is sitting next to me begging me to tell you you're her favorite.
I keep coming back to your videos, they really are some of the most fun and thoughtful crafting videos I've ever found. Your passion for both the craft, and the topic you structure your narrative, around comes through in every moment and they are a joy to watch. Fingers crossed for a good 2025
Always ALWAYS love your videos and how freaking thoughtful they are. As a artist still trying to figure out how the hell marketing works this video really feels like a friend sitting you down and telling you exactly how things feel and what can happen. Beautifully comforting
I thoroughly enjoy your longform videos, they are always so insightful, well thought out, and I always learn something from them. I've thought of changing careers out of IT several times, but anything else I would want to do ends up in this space you're talking about. To make money its not about being a professional maker, its about being an influencer. And at least to me, being an influencer/content creator sounds exhausting. I'm glad there are people out here doing it thought, because I love watching people like you and Ginny. So thank you and please keep doing what you're doing!
You said you're in your star trek era and in the most honest and heartfelt way possible: welcome! I love seeing new people fall in love with these old sci-fi shows, ds9 especially.
Another banger video!!! I love hearing your thoughts and how well worded and researched you present them, and centering the video on your own experience was a great choice 👌 love love love the emphasis on retaining the fun and magic of cosplay, it's so important!
Amazing video. You hit the nail on the head at least seven times here, especially with ‘if I’m off camera, if I’m not working, I can feel myself being guilty about not working’ (paraphrasing because I’m tired). I love the end monologue about calling yourself a content creator instead of a pro cosplayer because you want to protect cosplay. Yes!! I actually have never cosplayed and have been to a tiny con one time but as an artist I have made so many choices to keep my art fun for myself. I’m not doing commissions, I’m not subjecting myself to critique unless I ask, no way in hell I’m going to art school, etc. art is my hobby. Art is special to me. I’m not letting it become my career because, as a wise person once said, the fastest way to hate what you love is to do it for money. (Or maybe it’s if you do what you love you’ll soon do what you hate but if you love what you do then you.. can be happy? I do not know I think I actually butchered the quotes.) I can tell that you love making videos because they are all really good. also! If anyone reading this hasn’t seen lizard’s most recent videos go give them a watch, they’re bangers!
I love seeing insight into your process. I've realized most of the crafting videos I watch I don't always even pay attention to the final reveals, since I put them on in the background, and because of that, the way you craft your videos and narration are really just peak for me.
been here a long time, and as always, I'm so grateful to get to see the things you make - both the cosplays themselves, and the art you make with your videos. your eye and perspective is so crisp and refreshing and thought-provoking and sentimental. love everything you do
some stuff I love about your videos (outside the actual content itself) are the little video game sounds, like when you curse, and the text box transitions between sections. it's one of those things that seems small but it really stood out to me, it's so fun
i absolutely love your ideas on what cosplay is. my first con i cosplayed otis from the videogame owlboy. nobody knew who i was but i was so stupid happy to have made my own cardboard gauntlets and walk around with my friends. thank you
this video was so refreshing!! watched til the end!! new sub!! i am only in the past year putting myself out there a little more in the con community and branching out trying to make content even though i’ve been going to conventions for over 10 years it’s like you said sometimes you meet someone at a con and they haven’t logged in on social media in a year lol they’re just in it for the craft and it’s such a different game but social media has brought community to be more tangible?? i’m excited to venture into it more
Came to your channel for the sewing (I'm not particularly interested in cosplay *gasp* don't hate me), stayed because of your sublime story telling and videography skills. Looking forward to every video
I feel like you're experimenting and learning and i hope you'll be able to keep doing it because i really enjoy your work I feel extremely lucky to be able to keep my hobbies as hobbies and have a separate job i enjoy
This video came at the right time for me to have some things to really think about... I just quit my job of 6 years that became toxic very recently for strictly capitalistic reasons (they want someone they can pay less than me), and while I didn't do it to become a content creator and I do plan on looking for another job, I've been agonizing over ways to get good at different art forms so I can maybe one day escape and support myself... I don't really have a point here just that I am definitely empathizing with a lot of what you've said in this video! "every moment I rest is a moment I don't produce value" this exact principle has been the source of my anxiety lately thank you for this video!
I am always so committed when I see a video you’ve posted, whether it’s my main focus or a podcast while I craft or fall asleep. Because the way your videos are formatted is so beautiful and compelling and emotionally invoking.
Your discussion about cosplay and capitalism so resonated with me. I'm in the beginning of my journey as a "content creator" as an illustrator and I'm not leaving my day job as an educator, so this video is exactly what I needed today.
Genuinely amazing stuff, alot of what you're saying is what im trying to figure out for myself, just trying to create and not get caught up in guilt or external pressure, and figuring out how to monitize to make a living wage or if thats even something im okay with doing Love your storytelling Lizard!
Ginny recommended this video, and I found it fascinating. I really understand how coming to terms with the parts of the job that suck first is important to your well-being. And I really liked learning from you about how the hobby you get to indulge in isn't the job. The job is all the behind the scenes work that makes that hobby sustainable. One can still indulge in their hobby in their free time, at a much slower rate, and make amazing things that equal the things that the full time hobbyists make. Both paths can be "professionals" The only difference being the pace at which you're indulging in the hobby.
I feel like this video found me just in time. Once upon a time I wanted to make drag more than just a hobby, I wanted to really get into a scene and host regular events. Then at the beginning of this year I got dropped from a booking and the scene practically shut down around me. A big ol' crisis of confidence later and I don't know what my dream is anymore. But I know several other self-employed folk who made their passion into a job and looking back, something like what I *thought* I wanted just isn't possible (or sensible!) I agree with your point on the existence of a cosplay "bubble," and I saw the same thing happen with drag. Oversaturation, the environment we live in, cost of living, etc. Sending love from the UK 🧡
I hope in my lifetime to see the shift where art is respected as it deserves to be, and universal wages are finally a thing. A pipe dream most likely, but can only hope.
Leaving a comment to tell you that I know I am just one person, but I watch all your videos! The way you weave together crafting and story telling (like with you Lavender Town Witch) videos is absolutely spell binding. It's such a unique and inspired format!!! It makes me feel like I'm learning while I'm learning
Thanks so much for making these wonderful videos!!! They always feel so comfortable and safe and funny and interesting and amazing and they honestly feel like home. Thank you for being you, your videos always scratch my brain just right :)
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You say you love building a story and editing your videos, and I just want to say from an audience perspective: we can tell. There is an attention to detail and structure in your videos that makes it clear that they're a craft in and of themselves.
1000%
Truly. I personally see his work on cosplay and the corresponding videos it's apart of as a whole cohesive peice of art.
This is facts! You put a massive amount of work into these and it shows!!
Yup!
Re: the section on social media weirdness; not enough people talk about how social media isn't just designed to be addictive for the 'consumer' but for the 'creator' too. I'm so glad you addressed that stuff and I hope a lot of new cosplayers/creators see this and are reminded to check in with themselves when they start to feel that pressure.
Yeah man, this whole "let's do 19 jobs" thing seems really overwhelming... and as a viewer, I'm really impressed with all your stuff: the scripts, the sewing, the spark ✨️ May you have an excellent new year 💜
the almost expectation that artsy people turn their passions or hobbies into businesses is so real and so felt -- i love your longform vids, they always feel so thoughtfully put together and they're edited so well. looking forward to what 2025 brings for you & to seeing what you create in the future ~~
When recommending your channel to friends, I most often describe you as a 'video essayist who crafts'. Soooo cool to hear more of your thoughts on this career journey!
thank you for being so transparent about your experience, I used to run commissions out of my art instagram and the pressure to convert every part of my life into content made me quit social media entirely. it feels good to hear I'm not the only one who feels that pressure
Well said. Similarly quit my creative instagram entirely despite years of building a dedicated following after seeing one tweet that hit me like a lightning bolt: “I’m not sure artists are meant to produce and distribute creative content twice a week to optimize audience growth and retention. This isn’t how making good art works. It’s how a media business works.”
As a graphic designer who’s been forced to be a social media manager and is now trying to make my own business and considering going into cosplay content creation, thank you for this video. It’s a long, hard road to be an artist under American capitalism but to know that my potential future peers are going through or have gone through the same thing makes me feel a little less alone.
As someone just starting their own small business (also sewing related), I really resonate with your sentiment around short-form content being pushed for small businesses. Luckily my services are really local, so I can rely on word of mouth to bring in clients, but it can be really hard to think of other ways of marketing outside of social media when it's so in your face.
Also, the way you craft videos brings me so much joy in so many ways. I always learn something, reflect on something, and can feel the care you have for your videos and your audience as a whole. It's always a highlight of my day whenever you post! (And I am very excited for your star trek era!!!)
My only regret, Lizard, is that I only really started following you at the end of 2023/beginning of 2024. All of your content is oh so very much right up my alley, and as I consider starting my own cosplay journey soon (TM), I've appreciated just learning more about the space and how it's shifted and changed over the course of internet culture and overall culture's weirdly changing times.
And it's interesting (thought unfortunately not necessarily surprising) to see the "serving the nebulous confusing algorithm overlords sucks" sentiment in yet another sub-culture of the content creation game. I have to say that when you'd initially mentioned this video during the crafting stream(s), I wasn't 100% sold on the whole "professional cosplay isn't a thing," but very quickly into it I realized I had changed my mind some point into agreeing with the "you can monetize aspects of cosplay, but that era of cosplayers making their primary income from _just_ cosplaying" point regarding how it's more of a "being a cosplay content creator" rather than a "professional cosplayer." Am I possibly rambling and/or repeating myself cause I really should get to bed? Maybe!
(Also we love a rant about capitalism, am always here for that)
everytime i watch a video of yours, i think about how similar we are and how our thoughts align so closely. except you actually do words good and can put your thoughts into complete sentences. this is a great video, lizard i am gonna think about this one for a while.
also handshake emoji flop era
also also thanks for putting footage of me back-to-back with gay canon ships in an animated sci fi series, that feels like you're staring into my soul a little bit
You hit the nail right on the head for the reason why I’m hesitant to make content. I would love to advance my art, learn new skills, and share my creations with the world, but I’ve seen how hard people have to work to do that. I’m not sure I’m ready to take that step, but seeing the joy and love put into videos by people like you and Sarah Spaceman make me want to at least try. Thank you so much for everything you do, your videos are awesome🫶🫶
Congrats on continueing the trend of making me cry every video. i think this is number four in row? and i COMPLETELY agree with how awful it is that you have to have a social media presence/some form of video content in order to promote or sell anything that you make.
same here 😅 it’s been misty to outright tears with everything since the Her Universe video, talk about excellent storytelling
alas I seem to be out of frame on Yaya's picture of the whole group shot, but I can point out a whole bunch of my friends, and its bringing some tears of joy, because, Yeah! that is cosplay and what its about, we were there having so much fun!
I rarely ever comment on videos, but as someone who just parted from a toxic work environment(not by choice but thats how the cookie crumbles), your words struck a cord. Many people around me have been encouraging i take a leap of faith and try to make cosplay content, and even if it's a slow climb, it might be something worth trying. Your videos have inspired me and motivated me through many years of cosplay work! I can't wait to see what comes next, and I will certainly try to help feed the robot with comments more often 🙏
This video had me choking up at the end, because it made me feel inspired and hopeful. I think that spirit of "I never want the heart of what I love to be monetized because then it's not for everyone, and it stops being the same thing" is so... human. And it's why I think on an individual level, humanity is cool! We are just really neat creatures! And a reminder of that is fantastic energy going into the new year. Especially packaged as a reminder to create... At least, it hit that way with me. And that's a good reminder!
Even before you talked about it, I wanted to point how much I enjoy the way you create a cohesive narrative in each video : it's never just a conversation, or an essay, or a presentation/tutorial of a specific cosplay, its always a whole ass *story* and I think it's really admirable.
NB : I feel really sad about your last videos not being as "successful" cuz your essay on the queer coding of team rocket was a brain rewiring experience, and ngl kinda healing as a fellow nb with a pokemon hyperfixation so yeah ty for what you do and the empathy, enthousiasm and skill you do it with :))
Bro I can't tell you how much your content is specifically catering to my brain. Love it ! (Also thank you for being the person who introduced me to The Locked Tumb series ♡)
Even if the videos this year never got their footing with the TH-cam, they have been some of my favorites to date. I put on the video about the Steven Universe story/build every time I'm gluing a million runes on my Billy Maximoff cosplay, and am watching this video as I'm handsewing the skirt of a Fairy!Anna from Frozen build. We've been here alongside you all year, and I can't wait for another year of "working together"
I am so glad I caught this video near premiere. Your video production is part of what keeps me coming back and recommending your content to others. This content is timely and important, thank you.
Your genuine passion and excitement for long form content shows in your work! The cohesive threads of your videos and the unique angles you explore are so refreshing. Your long form videos are god-tier. We need this representation and these discussions in our online spaces- THANK YOU 💜
dude, it’s so clear how much you love writing the voiceovers for your videos. you can hear the passion in your voice, and it’s probably one of the reasons i love watching them. keep up the good work
I completely get the need to work with the algorithm, and I hope you can find a way to do it without sacrificing what makes doing this sustainable to you. But I also just wanted to say that I LOVE your long form content. I love that when I sit down with one of your videos, not only do I get to see some cool crafting and possibly learn some techniques, I know I'm going to come away with something to think about. You have such an interesting perspective and so many ideas and you convey them all so well and so thoughtfully and thought-provokingly. It's a genuine joy to watch.
So thank you, for taking a chance on those longer videos even if they don't always do as well, or if you find going forward you have to change them up a bit, or whatever. Thank you for sharing part of yourself and your worldview with us along with your art. And for helping people like me learn more about themselves along the way.
Im so glad you make these videos, came to this one so fast. I watch whenever I sew and the lavender witch project helped push me through my first con crunch, knowing while i wouldnt finish my full version for it, but just a wearable 1.0 wear. I'll probably finish a dress to skirt edit to this one :]
THIS is why I never miss one of your videos regardless of the subject. Your dedication to every aspect of content creation and cosplay is so inspiring! Coming from someone whose cosplay garments brought them to the realm of theatre costuming, the way you talk about cosplay at its core just warms my heart. Thank you Lizard!
I hate commenting because I am built like a small dog with an anxiety disorder BUT I love your work so much. Your videos are beautiful and insightful, and I really appreciate them. I hope the new year is kind to you, and to anyone reading this also. Y'all take care!
Thank you for continuing to talk about the REAL background happenings of an artist. It makes me feel so so understood ❤️
I discovered your content recently and every time I watch a video from you I can immediately tell how much time, passion, research, etc went into making these. Nothing ever feels like you’re just yapping into a camera. When you speak it’s well thought out and has a purpose. You’re teaching us, showing us, explaining to us in a way we can really absorb and take with us.
26:37 lizzard your d20 nerd is showing😂
okay but to be serious, I have watched your content for I think 2 years now and the stuff you have been able to make has been so cool and had a huge impact on me getting into cosplay, sewing more, and trying to teach myself new skills. IDK if it makes a difference but whenever I have recommended your channel to other folks I have always referred to you and many others like sarah spaceman as Makers. It always felt weird to just say "hey this person does cosplay" when its also sewing, tailoring, pattern making, foam smithing, painting, wigs, makeup, videography, editing, scriptwriting, prop making, teaching, sound design, and most importantly the ruler of the blessed seam
I remember watching that stream from Fawnina and appreciating how raw they were with their audience. It was heartbreaking to hear how much they were going through behind the scenes, especially when they had been such a core part of the cosplay content I consumed at the time. I'd at the time idolised the thought of being a "pro cosplayer" and was completely looking at the potential of it with rose tinted glasses and not the actual reality of what that could mean.
I love your long form content and how you approach each topic. This video is so interesting - I really like your frank, realistic, and informative approach. I really enjoyed that you centred your journey and genuinely can't wait to see what the future holds. To add to the thought of "we are all just cosplayers" a very good friend of mine will often throw around "we are just a bunch of nerds in wigs" when anyone in the group is getting too much in their own heads. 😆 Thank you for another awesome video Lizard ❤️
I just really love the way you narrate. It's so SO calming and I love putting one of your videos on as background to help focus.
This was such a great way to explain content creation and how it fits into what many people call "pro cosplay". A very realistic look at monetizing cosplay related content on TH-cam too and I appreciate that.
Thank you for being so transparent about what content creation entails. I've been considering making and posting videos again but the social media management aspect really puts me off. My mental health is so much better without social media.
New Lizard video to end the year? Hell yeah. I'm in. Love your little Deep Space Nine guy you were making at the end - super cute! Thanks for highlighting the hard work that goes into your job; it's so often overlooked how much love and effort goes into content like yours. Happy New year, Lizard boi
Your video production is SUCH good quality, it gives me a cool goal to aspire to when I get started on making actual art videos. Thank you for putting yourself out there and making these to both teach and inspire. Your work is one of the reasons I want to get serious about what I do.
Also as an FF8 *AND* FF6 fan, handclasp of solidarity, Soken and Uematsu are my two top artists I've been listening to all year
A lot of my favorite TH-camrs have been posting in this theme lately. It’s harder than what we all thought.
On another note; where did you get those sticky notes?
I think the sticky notes are from Unicorn Eclipse! I have the ones he has but in green
I appreciate that this video can be applied to other creative pursuits. I've come to make peace with the fact there is a part of my art that I am overly protective of because of the joy it brings me. The instant I try to monetize it, it makes me feel guilty. I'm glad that you have found other ways to support your passion and hope to do the same with myself!
I happened to hit the like button right as the lighting changed to something brighter in one of your shots and for a second it felt like I made your video happier to exist :P
Being self-employed is a terrifying feat. It's never just one job, its dozens. My family owned an art gallery for a few years, and it's so hard to express to people that no, it's not just renting a building and hanging art. It's also networking with artists, musicians, and gtaphic designers. It's event planning and social media management. It's cleaning and taxes and insurance and so, so much more. If you're lucky you'll enjoy most of it, but there's always parts you won't, and dealing with those can be remarkably difficult.
I'm pretty sure i had a point to this comment but I've lost it at this point. Thank you for your wonderful video and I'm grateful that you shared your story with us- I look forward to whatever the new year brings!
I like your cosplays but I LOVE your videos. I love the deep dives into nerd culture and the changes it's seen (old lady here). I love watching these with my preteen kids and having big conversations with them.
Not me once again getting teary in a Lizard Leigh video 🥹 incredible as always
thank you for this video! as someone who loves sewing and is constantly being told to make it into my career (which I dont want), it was really valuable to hear this from you
So happy you sent that email cause now we have you making these crazy good videos! I wish it would give you more coin, you so deserve it! When I think about some of the sh*t my kids watch, that take zero skills, though lately I've been insisting that they only watch something that actually takes work.
I just love the aesthetics here! Like, wizards cave meets magical sewist with a bit of tech sprinkled in for flavour... 👌
I loooooove this video! I have to say, you are one of my favorite cosplayers and I look up to you a lot. Construction and craftsmanship is what I focus on with my own cosplays, and I always love your cosplays and videos. I find it intimidating when cosplayers are showing a new cosplay every week, but your slow builds and construction videos and always a highlight! It gives me in hope in being able to find my expensive hobby (as you mentioned in the video)
I absolutely love your attention to detail in all aspects of your career and crafting. I look forward to watching every long form video and really feeling like you’re sharing more than the act of cosplay with each story, thank you for always being an honest and thoughtful creator ❤
gah this really resonated with me!!!! if i could, i would turn all the social platforms into less greedy algorithmic nonsense!! ive been loving about bluesky specifically brings to the table, it reminded me that social media can be... fun! it dosent have to be for likes or gaining statistics, its just really fun to post and show off things you made, whether its for you or others!
a virtul hub to hangout and see things you enjoy- but marketing indeed has ruined alot of 'social' aspects of social media. which is why im glad that you post anyway :] id be lost without seeing all the wonderful videos youve posted, they are SUCH a delight! even if the algorithms dont see them as ''''''hits''''' as a creative myself, its my lifeblood seeing such lovely art (esp your works!) that inspires me endlessly!
lets all try to remember that numbers on the internet dont define us, ur cool as a cucumber leigh, dont u forget it! 👊🏻💕
I am personally LOVE your videos, I sew while listening to your deep dives, it is nice! thank you for being here!
I have really fallen in love with your channel, the amazing editing, script writing, storytelling, sewing and projecting, good vibes and of course Star Trek, there's nothing not to love here. Thank you for all of your hard work, it is very much appreciated. Please please please keep the Star Trek coming, it makes my whole week to see little DS9 moments in the background or the Federation logo
Once again you are killing it with structuring a video to PERFECTLY illustrate and emphasize the message!
I love your gecko shirt!🦎 I also really appreciate the distinction you make between crafting cosplay and the job.
I am one of the stragglers who didn't know about Sarah Spaceman, so thank you! 😊 And thank you also for your thoughtfulness. I am currently between jobs and I think this is legitimately going to help me as I consider how I want to move forward.
I did not expect this video to make me cry... THANK YOU for this video! THANK YOU for being so real! THANK YOU for saying the things people NEED and DESERVE to hear and know! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!! ✨💜💖💜✨
"No if's, and's, or SWERFS about it!" will be my mantra for 2025
In recognition that we live in a machine, i will voice my appreciation for your mindful writing and great work as you create things and weave stories. Thank you for sharing your world
A lot of folks burn bridges. A lot of us USAF Targeteers drop spans and crater abutments, ensuring we can't go back nor can anybody else be able to cross.
33:50 made me cry!
I love throwing on your video essays while I'm multitasking. High rewatchability! Your scripts are both easy listening and thought provoking.
I really appreciate how honest you are with people in your videos, and I really enjoy the philosophy you present in your videos. Also, the purple lighting really is a beautiful choice!
Videos like this and cosplayers like you are the reason I started cosplaying a couple months ago. Your videos are works of art, and I always get excited when I see that you’ve posted. Thank you for the video!
I didn't even know tiktok had achievements - that's how bad I am at it. 😅 But I'm glad you mentioned how much constructing your video narratives means to you, because they're some of the absolute best on youtube - such that I know I can watch a video on a topic that has affected me personally (working in content creation) and still trust that I can come out of the video feeling hopeful. The unending march of capitalism is brutal, but we are all just here making our silly little comfort things that make us happy - and that is heartwarming. 💖
I don't have the words for how well your videos scratch my brain in the best way but I really do hope that you know that your videos are just magnificent and hold my attention in a way where I cannot have them as background noise when I work because I will just watch you instead of doing spreadsheets and stuff
It’s so strange that your videos aren’t doing well cause I absolutely love them and every time you post a new long video my TH-cam suggests it to me and I watch it. I really want to do cosplays but I don’t really have the time, materials or a place (other than Halloween which I’m starting to get “too old for”) to wear my cosplays yet, but hopefully I can start doing some when I’m an adult!
It is obvious how much care you put into your work. Your storytelling and editing are masterful and always a pleasure to watch. I hope the algorithm blesses you soon, you deserve wider viewership!
there is genuinely just something about your videos that hit the spot just right every time. i sti down, press play, and don't look up again until the video is over. i don't know what it is about it, there's just something about the way you almost tell a story in each video that captures me so deeply each and every single time. i appreciate your work so much and i'm excited to see what you come up with in the new year!
I love how thoughtful you are in your commentary on the video. I always feel like I’ve learned a little more and become a little better after watching :) you’re a gem! Thank you for what you do
AMAZING VIDEO. It really hit close to home . It feels good to know there’s others that feel the same way , and are going through the same motions 💖💖💖 sending all the love !
23:15 Lizard is wearing the nail polish Antifragile from Mooncat
I know your long form videos didn't find the audience you wanted in 2024 but it found me when I was struggling with burnout. Between you and some amazing panels with evielle and sarcasm hime at cosplay America, my love of cosplay was completely revitalized. So thank you for your videos and all your amazing work and your love of narrative structure and cosplay making videos. Also my daughter is sitting next to me begging me to tell you you're her favorite.
Lizard needs the “just a simple tailor” shirt from Voidmerch, given his Bashir/Garrak love
I keep coming back to your videos, they really are some of the most fun and thoughtful crafting videos I've ever found. Your passion for both the craft, and the topic you structure your narrative, around comes through in every moment and they are a joy to watch. Fingers crossed for a good 2025
I was so pleased when they made Garakshir canon. I mean, it was the whole time to Andrew Robinson at least.
Always ALWAYS love your videos and how freaking thoughtful they are. As a artist still trying to figure out how the hell marketing works this video really feels like a friend sitting you down and telling you exactly how things feel and what can happen. Beautifully comforting
I thoroughly enjoy your longform videos, they are always so insightful, well thought out, and I always learn something from them.
I've thought of changing careers out of IT several times, but anything else I would want to do ends up in this space you're talking about. To make money its not about being a professional maker, its about being an influencer. And at least to me, being an influencer/content creator sounds exhausting. I'm glad there are people out here doing it thought, because I love watching people like you and Ginny. So thank you and please keep doing what you're doing!
You said you're in your star trek era and in the most honest and heartfelt way possible: welcome! I love seeing new people fall in love with these old sci-fi shows, ds9 especially.
Another banger video!!! I love hearing your thoughts and how well worded and researched you present them, and centering the video on your own experience was a great choice 👌 love love love the emphasis on retaining the fun and magic of cosplay, it's so important!
Amazing video. You hit the nail on the head at least seven times here, especially with ‘if I’m off camera, if I’m not working, I can feel myself being guilty about not working’ (paraphrasing because I’m tired). I love the end monologue about calling yourself a content creator instead of a pro cosplayer because you want to protect cosplay. Yes!! I actually have never cosplayed and have been to a tiny con one time but as an artist I have made so many choices to keep my art fun for myself. I’m not doing commissions, I’m not subjecting myself to critique unless I ask, no way in hell I’m going to art school, etc. art is my hobby. Art is special to me. I’m not letting it become my career because, as a wise person once said, the fastest way to hate what you love is to do it for money. (Or maybe it’s if you do what you love you’ll soon do what you hate but if you love what you do then you.. can be happy? I do not know I think I actually butchered the quotes.) I can tell that you love making videos because they are all really good.
also! If anyone reading this hasn’t seen lizard’s most recent videos go give them a watch, they’re bangers!
I love seeing insight into your process. I've realized most of the crafting videos I watch I don't always even pay attention to the final reveals, since I put them on in the background, and because of that, the way you craft your videos and narration are really just peak for me.
been here a long time, and as always, I'm so grateful to get to see the things you make - both the cosplays themselves, and the art you make with your videos. your eye and perspective is so crisp and refreshing and thought-provoking and sentimental. love everything you do
some stuff I love about your videos (outside the actual content itself) are the little video game sounds, like when you curse, and the text box transitions between sections. it's one of those things that seems small but it really stood out to me, it's so fun
i absolutely love your ideas on what cosplay is. my first con i cosplayed otis from the videogame owlboy. nobody knew who i was but i was so stupid happy to have made my own cardboard gauntlets and walk around with my friends. thank you
I would love to say something thoughtful about this really amazing video but I can't believe that this is how I learned garashir is canon
Gotta say I loved the DS9 tidbits in the video! So glad Garashir is canon lol
this video was so refreshing!! watched til the end!! new sub!! i am only in the past year putting myself out there a little more in the con community and branching out trying to make content even though i’ve been going to conventions for over 10 years it’s like you said sometimes you meet someone at a con and they haven’t logged in on social media in a year lol they’re just in it for the craft and it’s such a different game but social media has brought community to be more tangible?? i’m excited to venture into it more
Came to your channel for the sewing (I'm not particularly interested in cosplay *gasp* don't hate me), stayed because of your sublime story telling and videography skills. Looking forward to every video
I feel like you're experimenting and learning and i hope you'll be able to keep doing it because i really enjoy your work
I feel extremely lucky to be able to keep my hobbies as hobbies and have a separate job i enjoy
And your team rocket vid ?? Incredible
Okay, 7 minutes in and I'm already loving the composition of this video. Super excited!
This video came at the right time for me to have some things to really think about... I just quit my job of 6 years that became toxic very recently for strictly capitalistic reasons (they want someone they can pay less than me), and while I didn't do it to become a content creator and I do plan on looking for another job, I've been agonizing over ways to get good at different art forms so I can maybe one day escape and support myself... I don't really have a point here just that I am definitely empathizing with a lot of what you've said in this video!
"every moment I rest is a moment I don't produce value" this exact principle has been the source of my anxiety lately thank you for this video!
~quit your job inspo~ to shepherd us into the new year feels very right, thank you 🙏🏻
I am always so committed when I see a video you’ve posted, whether it’s my main focus or a podcast while I craft or fall asleep. Because the way your videos are formatted is so beautiful and compelling and emotionally invoking.
this video helped me contextualize my feelings about my side hustle/art business passion project
Your discussion about cosplay and capitalism so resonated with me. I'm in the beginning of my journey as a "content creator" as an illustrator and I'm not leaving my day job as an educator, so this video is exactly what I needed today.
Genuinely amazing stuff, alot of what you're saying is what im trying to figure out for myself, just trying to create and not get caught up in guilt or external pressure, and figuring out how to monitize to make a living wage or if thats even something im okay with doing
Love your storytelling Lizard!
Ginny recommended this video, and I found it fascinating. I really understand how coming to terms with the parts of the job that suck first is important to your well-being.
And I really liked learning from you about how the hobby you get to indulge in isn't the job. The job is all the behind the scenes work that makes that hobby sustainable.
One can still indulge in their hobby in their free time, at a much slower rate, and make amazing things that equal the things that the full time hobbyists make. Both paths can be "professionals"
The only difference being the pace at which you're indulging in the hobby.
I'll never get over canon garashir, incredible video essay and the peppered in ds9 love is just the cherry on top for me :")
I'm really liking these personal dives into your experience with cosplay! It's so cool to learn how you have come to be the Lizard we see now :3
I feel like this video found me just in time.
Once upon a time I wanted to make drag more than just a hobby, I wanted to really get into a scene and host regular events.
Then at the beginning of this year I got dropped from a booking and the scene practically shut down around me. A big ol' crisis of confidence later and I don't know what my dream is anymore.
But I know several other self-employed folk who made their passion into a job and looking back, something like what I *thought* I wanted just isn't possible (or sensible!)
I agree with your point on the existence of a cosplay "bubble," and I saw the same thing happen with drag. Oversaturation, the environment we live in, cost of living, etc.
Sending love from the UK 🧡
I hope in my lifetime to see the shift where art is respected as it deserves to be, and universal wages are finally a thing. A pipe dream most likely, but can only hope.
Always enjoy your storytelling Lizard
Leaving a comment to tell you that I know I am just one person, but I watch all your videos! The way you weave together crafting and story telling (like with you Lavender Town Witch) videos is absolutely spell binding. It's such a unique and inspired format!!! It makes me feel like I'm learning while I'm learning
Thanks so much for making these wonderful videos!!! They always feel so comfortable and safe and funny and interesting and amazing and they honestly feel like home. Thank you for being you, your videos always scratch my brain just right :)