Hey! I’m going to try and start blogging some things here every now and again. This one is mostly a status update, but I’m open to ideas about what else I could write! Let me know if you think of anything.
February Flop
I had a really bad month creatively. I thought that when my overall mood improved after moving back to Washington last year I’d be back to uploading a couple of times a month, but that hasn’t happened yet. Instead, I’ve started a few different video projects and abandoned them all when they were almost ready to post. I really want to deliver the kinds of videos that people are asking for, but they’re all turning out so lifeless because I’m just not feeling inspired.
The latest video that I bailed on was the Seattle GameWorks video that I mentioned in the Quest for the Cosmic Crisp. The footage that we ended up filming wasn’t great visual-quality-wise, but it seemed usable so I went ahead and recorded voice over and edited most of it. I’m sure the video is probably fine, but I was so miserable putting it together that I likely won’t look at it for a while. I just feel like I’m not doing anything new, like I’m just uploading videos to get clicks. It’s not a fun headspace to be in.
So, I hit pause on a couple of videos and I started on something fresh, which leads me to my next topic…
Mystery Tapes gets promoted to FULL SERIES!
In my Treasure Hunt video (which I really would love to do another installment of, by the way), I mentioned wanting to do an entire show where I check out sold-as-blank VHS tapes. Or at least I think I mentioned it? I know I talked about it but I can’t remember if it made the cut.
Anyway, I’ve decided FUCK IT, Mystery Tapes is getting it’s own series. Treasure Hunt is very much styled as a thrift show with a review segment at the end, but this is all about the tapes, baby.
The idea is pretty simple – I’m just watching sold-as-blank tapes and reporting about what’s on them. My plan right now is to keep it simple and cover one tape a video, but I bet that’ll change depending on the kinds of tapes I come across. Exploring these kinds of tapes is just a really fun hobby for me even if I don’t find anything good, so I hope you guys end up feeling the same way!
This first episode is going to feel a little scrapped together, but I’m hoping that by episode 2 I’ll have the vibe of the show solidified a bit more. I only started making this show on Monday and was really hoping to have this done in February, but it’s taking a little longer than expected. I’m really happy with how it looks so far, though, and I think die hard brutalmoose fans are going to enjoy it! Look for that some time this week.
That’s all for now, but I’ll try and write something else soon!
Ian, sorry to hear you’ve been feeling a bit bummed out – winter can do that to you sometimes. I’ve been pushing off a few of my creative projects (mini painting and working on my own comic) as well. Hopefully spring will break the funk! Looking forward, as always, to any new content – glad to hear more Mystery Tapes are on the way!
Loving the idea of updates on the site Ian, Looking forward to new content!
I’m sorry to hear that you’re not liking what you’re making lately. I’m trying to push through this myself with my own creative pursuits. Making Mystery Tapes a series is a great idea! I loved the first video, so I’m looking forward to it! I love these updates on the site. If you wanted to share some things regarding your music, drawings or any shows you’re watching, I’d be interested in reading it.
“like I’m just uploading videos to get clicks. It’s not a fun headspace to be in.” obviously, no one would think so; As a ‘videoartist’ it seems reasonable to have this thoughts, but if you would write/state your concerns in the abandoned videos for example, people will surely undestand your ‘perfectionist’-feelings. People and ‘fans’ will tell you if sth. is terribly bad…unlikely but it would be ‘criticism’ that could help you improve on your ideas maybe. Your thoughts/fears will never match with others and you cant ruin anything with a video/project witch might not be perfect in your pov. I… Read more »
You’ve mentioned Mystery Tapes before- I’m so happy that you’ll be working on something you’ve wanted to do for so long! I hope it helps get those creative juices flowing again. I’m looking forward to the series and new blog updates too.
Glad to hear you’re in a better headspace Ian. Your fans love you for you, so create whatever content you want to create and the passion and fun will show!
Hey Ian, hope you get out of your funk soon! Love your videos. Since you asked for ideas, how about visiting the Coin Game again? I noticed that it’s been a year since your previous video, so maybe a video highlighting what’s been added into the early access game since we last saw it? Just a though. Looking forward to the new series!
Your work means so much to my husband and me. We have really come to appreciate everything you do, and you bring a lot of joy to our lives. I hope you get your groove back soon! We look forward to anything you want to put out there. We just love you! (but like in a platonic fan/ human to human way, not like in a creepy stalker way)
I have desperately been wanting to send you a VHS copy of There goes a Monster Truck but i cant find it. I guess i could link you a video but its not the same. I know it would be perfect for you. It has such a weird vibe that is great to make fun of. I hope you can get out of your funk. It sucks to not feel very creative. Especially when it feels like something is right there in front of you the way it has for me. Anyways, i’ll link the Monster Tuck video in the… Read more »
Bit of an off topic question, but do you have an Old School Runescape account? Would love to add you!
I do, but I haven’t been playing recently haha. Especially not with AC out.
Videos that you can tell the creator enjoyed making are always the most fun to watch, so I think that what ever project you feel inspired to create would be awesome, even if you think we may not like it or it wouldn’t get clicks. Seeing you have fun with your videos is a delight to watch. If you can’t find anything that you are inspired to do, it’s cool. Taking “creative breaks” or just messing around with new ideas can lead to inspiration. Your community is one of the chilliest out there, so we’ve got your back with whatever… Read more »
Hi Ian. Newer fan here. My wife and I have a lot going on recently with are first child being born and the pandemic among other things. So we have recently gone through most of your content and it has been wonderful. Entertaining, nostagically informative, and comforting. we have enjoyed all the “chapters” of the channel. I know I don’t like the thought of any series ending (I need to know what the end of televoid is!) I always welcome something new. Me and the wife love the Mystery Tapes and are glad they are becoming a thing. Side note,… Read more »
Very much enjoy your food videos. You should do one on Potato Candy. Yep. Potato.
it sucks to be unsatisfied with what u make but ur viewers still get a kick out of them, so even when u think u don’t got it, u got it! Don’t sweat it, inspiration always comes when u least expect it. I hope april brings more clarity and fun for u even in isolation. u get many a thumbs up from me even if i only have two. stay safe and healthy and many thanks for making videos, ur content helps me get my mind off things and I really can’t express my gratitude enough
If you keep following your heart, people will keep watching, listening, etc. Sorry that you’re feeling in a bit of a rut. We all have times like that. Take care of yourself and don’t beat yourself up if you need to switch things up or take a break. Idea if you want it – try a new craft (ex. origami, knitting, paper mache) and bring us along for the ride. Just recently found you by the way! You’ve got me hooked.
I like the blog idea! Prefer it over twitter anyway haha. I’d be happy with just some life updates or general thoughts whenever there is something you feel like sharing. Hope things keep looking up for you!
Hi Moose,
I love your videos. The travel blogs were so chill and the vibe was just purrfect. (Lol)
The video tape series is so nostalgic, thank you for your thoughtful and endearing content.
Alex
Hey dude! Just wanted to drop by and tell you how much your vids have meant to me over the past few months. I think that the posts above ^ have done a great job of encapsulating how much we appreciate your content, especially over quarantine, where a lot of us are trying to find something to distract us from mass media, hysteria, and such. It’s so refreshing and encouraging to see a guy who’s not afraid to put himself out there (ps mystery tapes is easily one of my favorite series on yt right now. You struck gold). Thanks… Read more »