'Not Your Type' is a mysterious yet incredibly talented Animator and Digital Content Creator who took YouTube by storm. In just a year, he's created fascinating animations that grabbed the attention of 4.9 million subscribers and garnered a whopping 10 million views. Standing out with high-quality animation and a great understanding of what teens love, his storytime animations hit a special emotional note. Endorsem*nts from big names like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, along with praise from popular YouTubers like Ashish Chanchlani, highlight his significant impact.
In an exclusive conversation, 'Not Your Type' opens up about his inspirations, the choice to remain anonymous, and much more!
What inspired you to start creating content on YouTube, and why did you choose to stay anonymous?
Just like any typical Indian teenager, I was dealing with the usual pressures – studies, career choices, and, of course, the constant peer pressure. Amidst all this, my fascination leaned heavily towards the captivating world of animation. I found myself immersed in animation shows from around the globe, analyzing their unique styles, storylines, and humor.
The American animation style left a lasting impact on me, and I envisioned infusing it with an Indian touch, blending it with my humor rooted in everyday experiences. Opting to remain anonymous was a deliberate choice on my part. I wanted the focus to be on my creativity and distinctive style rather than my identity. This way, I aimed to make my voice more recognizable than my face, carving out a space for my unique perspective in the vast world of animation.
How did you manage to gain such a large following and millions of views within just a year? Are there any particular strategies that worked well?
When I first stepped into content creation on YouTube, my initial goal was simple: to share my personal experiences through storytelling, enhanced by animation. Drawing inspiration from Indian content creators like Carryminati, Ashish Chanchlani, and Bhuvan Bam, I witnessed how they shaped the landscape of Indian YouTube content, and that fueled my desire to contribute in a similar vein.
Admittedly, my approach lacked a strategic foundation in the beginning. It was more about exploring the uncharted territories of the creative world. I played around with different writing styles and experimented with various animation techniques. The character you now know as 'Not Your Type' emerged from a collaborative effort with my younger brother. Our creative process unfolded gradually, visible in the evolving nature of my videos from the outset to the present.
How do you stay connected with the interests of teenagers, and how does this connection shape your content?
You know, I'm right on the brink of adulthood, just navigating that post-teenage phase. What's interesting is that when you look at the lives of most teenagers in India, we're all sailing in similar boats and facing comparable challenges. It's surprising how our lives unfold in almost parallel ways. Whenever I share my school stories with buddies from different parts of India, it's like this instant connection— they nod along and go, "Yeah, been there, done that!" It's this universal thread of experiences that ties us together. So, when I create animated content, I draw from these shared moments, the stuff that resonates with every teenager out there. It's like turning bits of my school and teenage life into animated stories that keep my peers hooked.
What impacted your decision to start your animation studio in Kolkata, and what creative vision guides the projects your team works on?
I've spent the majority of my life away from the hustle of metro cities, in a quiet place that allows me to channel my focus into creating something new consistently. When the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone and working with a team, seeking growth and learning in my field, crossed my mind, I considered options like Delhi and Mumbai.
However, what I truly sought was a creative team with genuine individuals who shared a passion for pushing the boundaries of content creation in unique ways. It led me to Kolkata, where I connected with people possessing unique minds and ideas but all headed in the same direction as me. This collaboration not only provided me with the opportunity to learn from their diverse perspectives but also allowed us to thrive as a cohesive team.
How do you maintain authenticity in a competitive YouTube environment where personal branding is emphasized?
Maintaining authenticity is a delicate balance; attempting to uphold it too forcefully can paradoxically undermine the very authenticity you seek. The essence of relatability and a distinctive style in portraying everyday stories hinges on embracing and sharing your unfiltered, authentic self. The goal is to genuinely be yourself, allowing your raw and authentic version to shine through.
What approach do you take to create emotionally resonant storytime animated videos?
My approach may come across as simple when it comes to understanding human nature. Having lived through those experiences, I am now presenting them with the same emotions I felt during each moment. It's akin to reliving those experiences, sharing them as you would with friends or loved ones, but with an extra dash of creativity and animation. So, bon appétit to my audience!
Balancing anonymity and the expectations of the online community can be challenging. How do you manage this delicate balance?
I share this one with my audience, having crafted content anonymously over the past few years. Despite their anticipation for me to step forward, they've admirably respected my privacy, displaying loyalty by showering love on my content. During periods of hiatus, whether due to project timelines or personal reasons, the consistent outpouring of love from my audience remains unchanged each time I present them with new content.
Starting an animation studio with talents from Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon is a big step. How does collaboration within the team contribute to pushing the boundaries of animation?
I see this as a tremendous learning opportunity, collaborating with individuals who have inspired me. Every day, I absorb something new, whether it's their writing style or animation techniques. Their unique ideas consistently contribute to enhancing my content, and I find myself on a daily journey of acquiring fresh knowledge while working alongside them. Collectively, our goal is to redefine the face of animation in India and elevate its recognition on a broader scale.
As you become a significant figure in the world of YouTube and animation, what impact do you hope to have on the broader landscape?
The concept of animation in India wasn't particularly widespread until recent years. Thanks to platforms like YouTube, the younger generation is becoming more aware of diverse styles and representations of the Indian community in animation on creative platforms. Many peers are finding inspiration from animated content creators, prompting them to venture into creating their compelling content, often starting with platforms like YouTube.
If my content serves as an inspiration or has a positive impact on emerging talents, I am eager to contribute to taking the creative industry to new heights. The goal is to carve out a unique space for Indian creators in the global arena of animation.
Your message to creators who look up to you and want to explore animation?
I'd suggest exploring and discovering your style in animation. Invest time in upgrading your storytelling skills to develop a distinctive approach. Keep an open mind to various animation styles worldwide. Once you've explored, pick the one that resonates with your personality the most, and begin expressing yourself through this unique form of art.
