How did you get your start in YouTube? What is the meaning behind your production company name: Cool Nerd Productions?
I started when I first moved to California. I was in San Francisco for school and there was big trend going around on YouTube ‘Sh*t People Say’ Type videos. I decided to make a Sh*t People Say On Twitter because the one I saw was pretty bad and I knew I could make a better one. I had a whole list of things to say. I recorded stuff around my house. I thought it was pretty bad because I had no furniture or anything in the house but the video actually did pretty well and ended up getting on WorldStarHipHop.
Cool Nerd Productions is something I came up with. People are quick to judge me. I guess I can be kind of hard to read as well. When people get to know me the most common thing I hear is ‘You’re a big nerd. I would have never guessed’ Now that I have a video game and anime sleeve its less subtle than it was before.
I always try to reference cartoons, anime or video games in my videos. Its nice when the people who are actually into the stuff that I’m into get it and even funnier when people don’t understand the reference.
What made you switch from studying video game animation to business marketing?
I love art. I have been drawing and into anime and animation since I can remember. Here’s a charcoal portrait I did.
The video game industry is very competitive. I wanted to be a video game designer but moving up in that industry can take a long time. The college I was going to was very expensive. All the stuff I learned at the school I felt as if I could have learned on my own through this thing they call the Internet. I mean I taught myself how to do everything else like that such as, video editing and photoshop. I think a career in business marketing I have more potential to grow and more options as a career.
Would you still like to pursue a career in the video gaming industry?
I actually would. A career in marketing could definitely be put to use in the gaming industry and something I would definitely be interested in.
What is the funniest comment you have ever read on social media?
That’s a hard one. I feel like I see something funny everyday, especially on Twitter.
Who is your favorite comedian and why?
Currently, I’m a big fan of Kevin Hart. I love his material and his style of comedy. This man gets judged and criticized everyday and he feeds off that. His wittiness and creativity is something I look up to and hope to be as big as him one day.
What are growth hacks you used early on to build your audience? What is the formula for YouTube success?
I did a lot of research when I started making videos. None of the big YouTube really want to help or just do not have time. So I did research on my own.
Post videos consistently. You do not have to do 10 videos a week but you also don’t want to be posting a video once every 2 months or you’ll never grow. I post a video once a week right now with my schedule and that works for me.
Post your videos on your social networks. Friends and family are more likely to share and like your videos on social media than strangers until you become established.
Make thumbnails for your video. Thumbnails help capture viewers attention. Add annotations in your videos linking to older videos. I would say more but I’m going to make a video about this soon.
What advice do you have for other creators trying to balance school, work, and making videos?
It can be tough trying to balance everything. I work full time and go to school full time. Dropping a video once a week for me is good enough for me. My advice for creator is to make sure you’re focusing on school. When you have free time then make YouTube videos. You’ll stress yourself out if you’re not keeping up with school or work because you’re trying to push out a 5 minute youtube video. Unless YouTube or whatever partner you’re with is paying you hella money keep those grades up, because that’s going to help you reach even more goals later on.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What does success look like?
By that time I want to have my Masters completed. If YouTube goes as well as I hope it does I want to have a career that coincides with it. Success to me is taking care of all my mom’s bills and giving her the life she deserves. Here’s a pic of my mom and I. She just got married this past November. Excuse the fold lines on my vest. Southwest did an awesome job of losing my luggage so I had to wear whatever I could find. LOL
You live in San Diego, how is California life compared to living in Chicago?
Chicago is a great city. Its big and there’s always something to do. I love it. Of course the media shows all the negative stuff about it but its one of best cities I’ve ever lived in and I’m proud to have grown up there, whether it be in the surrounding suburbs or the city itself. And of course the food is A1. San Diego is cool. The weather is always nice and the atmosphere is really chill. It is just not for me, at least not right now. So next week I’m moving closer to LA. There’s more opportunities out there for what I’m trying to do.
What a cool nerd indeed! If anyone can sport rapper-esque confidence while being married to video games, it would be Davon! As you can see, his love for entertainment is stronger than most, dedicating his life (and his skin) to this awesome passion. With his drive and business knowledge, he could be the next nerdy Kevin Hart! So if you want a laugh from an atypical comedic sensation, check Davon out on his side-splitting YouTube channel!
