E! Magazine E! MAGAZINE MAY ISSUE | Page 17

CREATOR ARTICLE BY - SHOPBARBS

IMVU Creators (also known as developers) are producers of 3d or 2d products which are then published for use in the IMVU Catalog. Creators utilize all forms of inspiration be it fashion, interior design, architecture, nature and just sheer imagination to create visually appealing designs that users are then able to incorporate into their own life as suited to their needs. Regardless of your cultural background there is something present for everyone!

Creators of the IMVU industry face a number of challenges as meshers spit out more products for development creating this fast cycle where items are being published at a faster rate. As a result you are forced to produce a higher quantity of products as your tier level ascends, but you are also quickly introduced to the thieves, the haters, and the supporters. The thieves will take your products--icons and all without even bothering to change product display picture that probably has your name on it. There's actually several Pro-Creators who do this. They make it so hard for reputable creators in the industry who have put in time and effort to build their brand. Then theres the haters--we all know the haters. They never like your pictures, they always have something to negative to say, they will do anything to deter you from growing, they're also probably single with many cats. There's always a hater around! The supporters--the ones who could care less if you were creating items for shop, drawing stick people to sell as edits, or doing absolutely nothing at all they are right there with you every step of the way. Theres always a hater AND there's always a supporter for balance!

Although I do think many of creators are well-praised and supported, we should also extend the same courtesy to upcoming creators who are also trying to leave an impressing mark within our community. As a new creator myself, you constantly struggle with wanting to be yourself and keeping true to that as you create items for your shop. It can be very discouraging to see a lot of the seasoned creators do so well and you just want the same for yourself. It can be very challenging as a whole but I've learned that you just have to do what you like. Not everyone is going to like what you're doing--and thats okay!

Don't get it twisted! IMVU is a wonderful outlet for those among us who have these passions! The creating industry gives us the freedom to be ourselves within our aesthetics, to provide a little piece of a glimpse of who we are as a person and to share that with the next person should they like it. We all come from different areas of the world, we're all culturally different, and we're all able to bring something different to the creating industry--thats the beauty of the IMVU that we live in!

--Barbs