On Tuesday of last week, after I arrived home from school, I casually glanced at my webstats to find thousands of hits from BlenderNation. Excitedly, I checked my favorite Blender site to find my podcasted self staring back at me in a featured article.

This was the first time I was in such a bright limelight, and it felt great. I got plenty of emails, subscriptions, advice, and helpful criticism. As I predicted, my podcasts are becoming more popular then my movies themselves. People like to have a story told to them, and I think that the podcasts actually do a better job then many of my films (so far, of course).

The spotlight also allows me to better understand my audience. I know what you’re saying. You’re saying, “how traditional media of you, Ian! This is the internet; just focus on making what you like, and people will come”. Without a real organic community around the studio yet, I feel it’s best not to try and limit myself to a tutorial podcast or episodes of “where is Ian today?”, though some consistency is desirable, if only to define yourself.

Perhaps the iPod-tested halo effect will dive more visitors to the movies themselves. But for now, I am content with the podcasts holding their own.

In other news, Eros is close. As I type, three machines are rendering a total of fifteen reflective balls flowing in beautiful juggling patterns. What I’ve rendered and edited, I’m proud of; what I’m animating, I’m excited about. Peace.