Rae H., who graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a bachelor's degree in visual art with an emphasis in painting in spring 2016, has over 550,000 subscribers for her art channel on YouTube and 77,000 followers for her art page on Instagram.
Her YouTube videos focus on her adventures as an artist, with topics ranging from following a Bob Ross tutorial (which garnered 2 million views) to teaching people how to draw realistic eyes (1.5 million views) to testing 100-year-old art products (2.3 million views).
The Greyhound Grad discusses her impressive online presence and her time as a student at ENMU:
Describe your YouTube channel:
I run a YouTube channel under the name SuperRaeDizzle. I make weekly content based on art, such as challenges, trying out ridiculously overpriced supplies, attempting to use "terrible" art supplies, etc.
It's an outlet for me to be myself and show my work.
What inspired you to start your YouTube channel?
I started my YouTube channel filming on the floor of my West Campus apartment [at ENMU]. I was taking a senior-level art class with Brad Hamann, who inspired us to go out there and show the world what we've got. I knew the easiest way to get the outreach I wanted would be online.
What drives you to create content?
My drive to make content is based on a variety of things: I like to challenge myself, communicate with my subscribers, promote my art, give helpful advice and share things I find interesting.
What is your process for creating a video?
The process for creating a video usually starts when I get inspired by something. After I toy with an idea, I start to film, which, in itself, requires a lot of creative thinking. After all shots and art are made, then begins the editing process. A 10-minute video is usually about 20-plus hours of editing. Next, is the thumbnail creation (the pictures you click onto see the video); that is another four hours usually. Once the video is live, it's one of the most satisfying feelings.
Which video was your favorite to create and why?
I don't have just ONE specific video that I would categorize as my favorite. Each video gives me a new experience and a different audience reaction.
What is the most rewarding part of creating videos? What is the most challenging?
The most rewarding part of being a YouTuber is having so many people support my dreams and me as a person. Getting fan mail from all over the world, reading people's letters who say I've inspired them to make art again and running into fans who have such excitement in their faces is an incredible feeling!
The most challenging aspect is that this career is a highly-competitive field. I need to work on constant self-improvement. Getting a video out once a week for hundreds of thousands of people to see is a little scary and knowing over 40 million people have seen my face can be a little intimidating.
You now have over 550,000 subscribers. What does that mean to you?
It means that I must have done something right! To me, it inspires me to keep on doing what I'm doing. I'm grateful to have such a large community.
How did ENMU prepare you for the work you do on your YouTube channel?
I would not be where I am at today, working my absolute DREAM JOB if it wasn't for ENMU. I learned so many useful skills about the art business, graphic design, art techniques, tips, meeting fellow artists and presenting myself. My teachers gave me the confidence to pursue my goals.
What advice would you give to Greyhounds interested in creating their own YouTube channels?
Just start! I was in your exact same shoes not too long ago. If you have a passion, pursue it! Be consistent.
Why did you choose to attend Eastern?
I chose ENMU initially due to the impressive Art Program that the school had to offer. I searched high and low for colleges that could offer me a hands-on experience for a great price. All of the faculty was very helpful from the second I enrolled, to the second I graduated.
Activities you participated in at ENMU?
While at Eastern, I worked as a resident assistant in Eddy Hall for two years, and I also was a West Campus Director my senior year. Lots of fun memories!
What do you think about your Eastern Experience?
I had a really great experience at ENMU. Everyone was so kind, I met a lot of people and I learned a lot about my future career.
Tell us about your family:
I have an incredibly supportive and loving family, boyfriend (who I met at Eastern) and two wonderful dogs, Izzy and Bowie.
Be sure to check out Rae's YouTube channel and follow her art page on Instagram.