Joden Clash: From Animation to Content Creation and 880K Followers
Joden Clash shares how his early beginnings in animation led him to work with some of the biggest content creators on TikTok, and how he used that experience to generate a massive following of his own…
Creator Brand: Joden Clash
TikTok: 688K followers, 5 million likes
Instagram: 28.4K followers, 113 posts
YouTube: 1.6K subscribers, 315K views
Facebook: 162K followers
Full time creator: Yes!
Hey Joden! Who are you and what is your creator brand?
Hey everyone! My name's Joden, like Jordan but without the 'r'. I am a creator based in the UK and create and manage content for my brand, Joden Clash, across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
When it comes to what I do, I tend to focus on top five entertainment content, largely because it's what's working at the moment. It's my agenda to stick with what works, yet I’m always looking for interesting new ideas that people would enjoy watching.
I'm just an ordinary guy who enjoys sharing the things I'm interested in, coupled with a knack for creating engaging content. I do this with an aim to maximize viewer engagement, get those comments and shares, and most importantly, entertain my audience. That's essentially my brand's core value - pure entertainment. Apart from this, I have a soft spot for upcoming creators and I try to lend a helping hand whenever I can.
As of now, I feel like I'm in the early stages of this journey, but I've had some success with over 640,000 followers on TikTok, 150,000 on Facebook and over 21,000 on Instagram. Still working on Instagram though - it's a slow platform that likes to gate keep followers. Overall, I strive to keep improving and creating better, more engaging content. That's me and my brand at a very high level - entertainment for the masses.
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How did you come up with your creator & content idea?
My content creation journey starts really young. I remember being nine years old, knee-deep in clay, with dreams of being an animator. Then, Adobe Flash came along and opened up a whole new world for me. At that age I had very few close friends, not for any particular reason, but because I had very little interest in other people. I think that's something a lot of people worry about: the amount of friends they have, but I never found this to be upsetting because I was always just doing whatever was most interesting to me, which was anything creative and challenging.
Of course, as my teen years hit, this became an insecurity that I tried to fix by being rebellious. Academics took a backseat, and I immersed myself in music. I thought it'd get me a girlfriend, but turns out, you need a little bit more than just a guitar.
I then decided to pursue film and television studies in university and spent half of it partying. I did, however, enjoy making a fun ‘mockumentary’ for a project. That made me realize that I missed playing around with Adobe Premiere Pro and other software.
Post graduation, I tried my hand at filmmaking, but it was too expensive. So, I went back to my first love - animation. From there, it led me to explore the world of TikTok. I showcased my skills on there, making a few high-quality TikToks that eventually caught the eye of a man who now has over 1.5 million social media followers across all platforms, and at that time needed someone to run his TikTok account.
“When you’re on the verge of being fired because your stuff doesn’t get views, that’s when you learn how important it is to make people care about what you create.”
I landed the job and, despite a shaky start, figured it out and started gaining millions of views for his account and hundreds of thousands of followers. That's when it dawned on me - I could make content for myself. I started with business-related content and an agency, but realized it wasn’t the path for me. So, I decided to experiment, to tackle topics with the potential to go viral, without putting myself in any creative box.
With that in mind, I found I could finally focus and create content that enjoyed myself and content that I had been procrastinating making for so long. I made content with a fresh perspective, and to my surprise, it started to gather traction under Joden Clash.
There was a lot of trial and error at the beginning. I have found myself asking, "What do people want?", "Would a piece about Elon Musk or a trending celebrity be the ticket?". I believe when starting out, it's essential to use such questions as a guide, as it helps in learning to intuitively feel what works or not over time.
The major breakthrough for me was when I realized that my interests could be a goldmine. You see, I tend to get easily bored and distracted. So, I switched my focus from "what people find interesting?" to "what do I find interesting?". And then, if while researching a topic, I don't get distracted or bored and I'm actually intrigued by the details, I know it's a viable topic to me.
Not that I'm always right though. Not everything that catches my interest catches other people's too. So to balance that out, I usually run these ideas by my girlfriend, peers or anyone whose opinion I trust.
To sum it up, when coming up with content ideas, I focus on what piques my interest, and secondly, I trust my gut feel. These have proven to be a successful combination for me.
What is your content creation process?
My content creation process comes down to batching tasks and organizing my ideas. I use the notes app on my iPhone to jot down any ideas that come to me. Then, when I have time during the week, I pull out these notes and start to develop them further.
This involves doing initial research and seeing whether I have something meaningful to say about the topic. I then compile these ideas into a word document, and gradually turn them into scripts for my content.
Once I have around ten scripts ready, I schedule a shoot day, usually on a Saturday or a Sunday morning. I go in with all my equipment, set up the lights and camera and start filming. Importantly, I don't use a teleprompter. I believe it sounds more natural if I memorize a few lines and then say them like I'm talking to someone, instead of reading out loud.
After the shoot, I move on to editing the footage throughout the week. Once everything is done, I start the process all over again.
It's a job that roughly takes up about 25 hours a week of my time. However, I would certainly dedicate more time if I could, because I genuinely enjoy what I do and find it intriguing. It's more than just work for me - it's honestly fun and fulfilling as well.
What is your marketing & promotion strategy? How are you growing your brand?
At the moment, I'm not actively involved in any marketing or promotional activities for my Joden Clash brand.
However, in my previous experience managing accounts, our strategy involved wide-ranging methods to reach our target demographic. For example, we achieved publicity in various media outlets such as the Daily Mail and diverse radio stations.
Our goal was to reach a broader age group since certain platforms like TikTok primarily cater to a younger audience. Moving forward, if time permits, I'd definitely explore newer avenues like podcasts to promote the brand.
But, I understand that one requires a certain level of traction to be featured on such platforms. Currently, given my limited time and the novelty of the brand, the primary focus is content creation for brand promotion.
How do you engage with your audience?
I definitely take pride in engaging with my audience. After posting a video, I usually spend the first 20-30 minutes responding to comments as much as I can. Once the video gains momentum, it becomes challenging to keep up with all the comments, but I try to engage with as much as I can. Receiving a wide range of comments is something I've come to expect given the assortment of topics I cover.
I genuinely try to respond to all the positive comments and DMs because I value them deeply. Occasionally, I host live sessions that last for an hour or two. It's more intimate, with maybe a hundred people in attendance. I think this makes them like the channel more.
It's crucial for me to be as authentic as possible - being real but not rude. I believe in speaking my mind genuinely instead of trying to be too polished.
When it comes to dealing with negative feedback or trolls, I've developed my way of framing it mentally. I remind myself that the comment could be from some random 14-year-old, and this approach somehow makes it less impactful for me. Sure, I sometimes get caught up in it, just like anyone else, but thinking of it this way usually helps defuse the situation.
I also place great importance on maintaining a strong support network, consisting of friends, loved ones and those in my immediate environment. It really helps having that group to lean on, as online criticism doesn’t hold as much weight at that point. However, I understand that this isn't the case for everyone, so it's vital to remember the power of not letting things get too serious.
How have you monetized your business model?
I don’t have a ton of personal experience monetizing my own Joden Clash brand, but let me share a few tactics I learned from creators in the past as well as some strategies I’m currently employing on my own.
Primary revenue streams often come from sponsorships, which bring in the most cash compared to other sources. They are especially rewarding if you're able to align yourself with a suitable niche. For instance, travel content creators manage to secure quite decent sponsorships. These agreements may range from running simple Instagram stories to more comprehensive video campaigns, which require thorough script vetting.
Secondly, we were able to tap into engagement groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. With a sizable account, one can promote other people's accounts or comment on their posts, in return for a fee. It's not commonly spoken about, but it's an effective way to generate income.
“The major breakthrough for me was when I realized that my interests could be a goldmine. So, I switched my focus from ‘what people find interesting?’ to ‘what do I find interesting?”
Thirdly, creators I’ve worked with (and myself) can offer consultancy services. I have two clients currently, and I assist with their content, charging them a monthly fee. This does require that you build significant trust and evidence of past success, but if you can demonstrate your value to a client's content strategy, it can be a reliable revenue source.
Finally, I’ve also ventured into digital products as well. I recently launched a course (Clash Creator Crash Course), which has been well-received so far. Digital products provide a low risk option for my audience while also supporting our channel.
So, those are some of the ways I’ve experienced monetization of creator business models. It's important to note that strategies may vary in terms of upfront work and potential returns, but with dedication and creativity, anything can really happen.
What are your biggest lessons learned & challenges faced?
One of my biggest lessons learned is that in content creation, you've got to be ready to 'kill your babies'. And I don't mean any harm. It's a euphemism to describe situations where you've got to let go of an idea you're emotionally invested in, but it doesn't quite fit your script or doesn't resonate with your audience.
It's not about what I want to say as Joden Clash; it's about what the audience finds interesting. If they're not interested in every two sentences within your content, then you've got to be brutal, and cut it out.
One challenge I often encounter is realizing that unless you're a top-notch influencer, people aren't really there to hear about your life or experiences. They want facts, not opinions. The key is either providing solid evidence to support your content or presenting it in a manner that grabs attention. It took me months to understand this, and I'm still learning to be honest.
I've also learnt that content creation requires a level of ego death. No one really cares about the author unless you've reached a point of fame. You have to check yourself, and ensure your content is all about delivering instant gratification to the audience. I must admit, it's a continuous learning curve.
Also, some of the challenges I've faced often revolve around understanding content. I've realized that sometimes, a video does exceptionally well, and it's like, why? Then you look closer and see that person made like 1,000 similar videos that didn't "hit". These are like your unicorn pieces, right? It's all about checking if their success is truly repeatable.
Another challenge is figuring out why a piece performed well. People might say, "Oh, they're just talking." But, actually, what they first said might be on a hot topic at the moment, or they said something quirky that sparked engagement. So, it's not just as simple as a chat. You've really gotta look under the hood before jumping into the content game.
What technology & tools do you use?
Right now I use an old Lumix Gh5 camera which is amazing for its price. But remember, you don't need high-end gear to start; a good smartphone camera can do the trick.
As for lighting, I use an Amaran 200x, the Aputure Light Dome II, and the Aputure 60d. I also have a cost-effective microphone, the Rode smartLav+.
For post-production, I mostly use Adobe Suite Premiere Pro and Descript for accurate captions. I also regularly use a handful of Chrome extensions like Glasp and Video Speed Controller. But let me tell you, don't get overwhelmed by all this.
If you're just starting, a good light and microphone with a phone camera and free editing software like DaVinci Resolve can also serve you well. Adding equipment should be gradual and based on need, it won't instantly make your content better.
What future plans & goals do you have for your creator brand?
So, what's in store for the Joden Clash brand? Well, firstly, scaling up my content is top of the list. I'm really diving into getting more sales on the digital product, securing sponsorships, and figuring out how it works best for my brand.
The end goal would be to stack up enough funds to expand my team and get more hands on deck to assist me with content. I'd then oversee things, reducing my direct involvement to maybe a day in a week so I can focus on YouTube.
And that’s the thing - I have my sights set on YouTube. I want to venture into long-form content, more on the lines of documentaries. My aim is to create captivating content that digs deep into interesting topics, taking you on a journey with me. I see this as a fresh, modern take on the documentary genre, tailored for the YouTube audience.
And I’m not planning to stop there. I see this as a three-to-four-year journey towards an even bigger goal - making fiction. Feature-length fictional films are on the horizon for me. I truly believe in the potential of the content creator to director pipeline, it's a growing trend, and I want to be part of it. There's solid proof already, just look at the fantastic films by fellow creators, RackaRacka, and the young TikTok filmmaker behind ‘The Backrooms’.
Ultimately, what drives me is the desire to grow, not just as an artist but also as a business owner. I’m not saying one is superior to the other - it's about what fuels your passion. For me, content creation is an engine that can generate enough resources to fund even better art. So that's the plan - evolve, expand and elevate the art. That’s the journey as I see it.
What advice do you have for aspiring content creators?
Focus on what's drawing your interest, not something that supposedly brings guaranteed outcomes. I mean, interesting tasks help you pick up transferable skills. If you're just pushing through stuff that bores you, you'll likely procrastinate and find distractions.
Remember when I was a kid? I was into animation, which led me to master the Adobe Suite by the age of 12. These skills came in super handy later. From ages 15 to 18, I was all about music. Even if folks tell you to give up on something, ignore them. Keep at it, as the skills you're learning now will serve you well in the future.
Here's the key - don't let your current activities define your future. Whether you're into TikToks, music, or even marketing, just keep doing it. All these skills are valuable, and they'll help you in your future endeavors, whether it’s filmmaking or something entirely different. If it's interesting and challenging, that's because you're learning, and that's what matters.
“I’m just an ordinary guy who enjoys sharing the things I’m interested in, coupled with a knack for creating engaging content. I do this with an aim to maximize viewer engagement, get those comments and shares, and most importantly, entertain my audience.”
The second thing is to overcome your inhibitions. Don't shy away because you're worried about having your face all over the Internet. Who cares? Trust me, in ten years, everyone's mums will have their faces plastered on the Internet too. Take that leap. And if your friends laugh at you for trying, you're probably better off without them.
It's all about loving what you do. I mean, I’ve spent a huge chunk of my time on creating content I was passionate about. But guess what, they didn’t always get views. And that's okay, because I liked creating. But when you're on the verge of being fired because your stuff doesn't get views, that's when you learn how important it is to make people care about what you create.
You know, we've all seen plenty of boring stuff out there, but you've got to admit, those creators know how to get eyes on their stuff. So, in a way, it's about marketing, but also about being proud of your output. And yeah, don’t be a perfectionist all the time, because sometimes, it's about learning and growing, not just getting it spot on. So, make stuff you’re proud of, and learn to share it with the world.
As for the future of content creation - it's all going up, up, and up. With all the censorship, like the TikTok ban and Meta's political content rules, I reckon we're gonna see some inventive solutions. People are clever, right? They'll come up with new ways to say what they wanna say.
There's the whole AI thing, too - I think it'll peak at some point. Even if it gets really good, we'll all spot the 'generic' feel and that'll just push us to get more creative. It's like what happened with stock photos and footage. As soon as it all started looking 'stock' or 'corporate', creativity had to take another leap forward. That's just gonna keep on happening.
I mean, sure, there's always gonna be some fear mongering around this stuff but honestly, the industry is booming. We've got billions of people still glued to their TVs, and at some point, they'll switch to our content. That's a big gap in the market ready to be filled. Content creation has nowhere to go but up, no signs of slowing down.
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