Please introduce yourself, what you do, why you do it, and what you want people to know about you.
Hi! I’m Raven or Ravengriim on socials, I’m a variety and cosplay content creator. I’ve been creating for many years and have always had an interest in anime, tattoos/alternative and gothic style as well as beauty, so I love creating around those subjects and more such as lifestyle!
I’ve always been on social media creating content and such, so I’m grateful to be able to do it full time and keep improving my content as well as connect with my audience over our shared interests.
What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry?
I would say that even though the general advice it to “niche down” in this industry, I like to create based on what I love even if it’s not just one specific niche.
While I do feel my interests have overlapping demographics, occasionally, I love to create based on my true interests. Of course I do participate in trends and love to do that, but what is trendy isn’t my driving force.
Describe THAT moment when you realized you wanted to do what you do now. Who did you tell first? What has it been like since that moment?
Honestly, this dates back to when I was probably 12 or 13 watching YouTube tutorials and making them during what people in the alternative community call the “scene days.” It just refers to a sub-genre of alternative style that was popular at the time.
I was always making content, and in that time, photoshoots and YouTube videos were the meta. I would make makeup tutorials and challenge videos, and I just always had a passion for creating. I wish I didn’t delete all those YouTube videos! It would be hilarious to look back at them.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to face and how did you overcome it?
I think not being able to separate work and home life can be difficult sometimes, I have a hard time relaxing because I always feel like I could be making more content.
As they say “everything is content.” This is so true, which makes living in the moment or going even to dinner difficult as I always feel I should be filming. I haven’t overcome this yet but I’m working on it!
What inspired you to start creating content, and how did you develop your unique aesthetic?
Again, this goes back to the 2000s…I just always had a love for social media. With regard to my aesthetic, I’m pretty sure I came out of the womb with fangs and a vampire cape.
I’ve for sure always loved the darker things and styles but as I got older, after trying so many different sub-styles of gothic and alternative growing up, I eventually found that I love old world, vampire, medieval gothic/Victorian inspired styles the most! This goes beyond clothing of course, I would love to have a Dracula’s castle inspired home one day.
What inspired you to start expressing yourself through tattoos?
I always wanted tattoos but when I was younger, unfortunately I didn’t plan them out and just got what I thought I wanted in random spots. I still love most of them but definitely wish I had waited to plan everything out.
I for sure have many tattoo regrets and pieces I want to redo! My tattoos almost completely consist of horror and anime, so they don’t have deep meanings, I just wear my interests on my sleeves-and everywhere else.
Which tattoo is your favorite?
This is difficult! I love my full back piece, which was done in only seven hours by @Tom_tattoos and @whiteytattoos at the same time. It’s all Spirited Away, my favorite movie! I also love my leg sleeve done by @mrpinksxx which is all anime characters!
With your TikTok videos earning millions of views and likes, how do you come up with ideas for new content, especially for dance trends and character portrayals?
I draw inspiration from many things. Of course trends come from the platforms, but I choose characters to cosplay based on how much I like them! I don’t cosplay characters I know nothing about unless I absolutely have to, which is rare. For makeup videos I just base them on what I like to do, and it’s the same for clothing!
The horror and anime themes are central to your style. What are some of your biggest influences in these genres, and are there any specific characters or stories that are special to you?
Yes, for sure! I wouldn’t say I have a specific influence, but the overall genres in general. My favorite horror genre is paranormal, and that kind of relates to my favorite anime genres, which always have to do with demons.
I do love many different types of each though! I think anime from the early 2000s like Fullmetal Alchemist, Naruto and Inuyasha hold a special place in my heart. With horror it would definitely be the 2010s or earlier, it was incredible time for horror movies!
You have attended several red carpet events. How has your content creation journey opened up opportunities with events or collaborations?
I suppose as I gained an audience, I was able to catch the eye of more platforms and companies who need promotion for their events or products. My first red carpet was with YouTube, and I was definitely nervous.
What advice would you give to aspiring cosplayers and content creators who are trying to build a presence on social media?
As cliche as it sounds, I believe consistency is so key as well as creating what you love, not what others tell you to do. It will show in your content! Of course, I think staying current with the industry and metas at the time helps too. Comparing yourself to others will only be negative!
With cosplay being such a big part of your brand, how do you keep your costumes and looks fresh and exciting for your audience?
I struggle with this! Sometimes I take so many videos in one cosplay that I feel like I’m being repetitive, but I still post them because you never know what will pop off!
I do have a ton of cosplays and am always building my to-do list. I have so many on it right now so I’m sure I’ll be set with ideas for a long time. It just comes down to buying or commissioning the cosplays themselves since I’m not really good at making them, and it would be hard to find the time to be honest.
What has been one of the most memorable or surprising interactions you’ve had with fans, either online or in person?
Any time someone recognizes me it melts my heart, it’s so surreal and I’m grateful! Conventions are extra memorable because the community is just so kind and incredible.
What is one thing your fans would be surprised to learn about you?
This is tough. I feel like I’m a pretty open book, however sometimes I have received comments saying I only like things or dress the way I do because it’s relevant now…which by the way still blows my mind! If someone told me that as a kid, I would never believe them!
I suppose those people would be surprised to know that I’ve always loved the things I portray now and have always been dressing alternatively from a very young age. Even the music I listened to as a kid is making a comeback now, so I suppose it really wasn’t a phase.
How do you see the cosplay and content creation industry evolving, and what role do you hope to play in its future?
I see it becoming more and more popular, which is something I never would have thought would happen growing up since I was always ridiculed for these things. It’s amazing to see the communities growing and to see people being accepted! I hope to grow my role in these communities and work with industry leaders in these spaces.
Can you tell us about any other current projects our readers can look forward to?
I’m currently working on a podcast that is in its beginning stages so keep an eye out for that in the future!
If you had to pick the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could take your career to the next level. Who would those 3 people be?
I’ve never thought about this in that way. Perhaps meeting the CEOs of major companies in my fields such as Crunchyroll or animation studios. Also, meeting any industry leaders at social media platforms would be incredibly helpful.
Direct links/URL to your social media profiles or website:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravengriim/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravengriim
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravengriim
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griimraven
Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/raven.griim