The Downsides of Going Viral

In today’s digital age, going viral can seem like the holy grail of success. After all, who wouldn’t want millions of eyes on their content, instant fame, and a flood of new opportunities? But while going viral can catapult your work into the spotlight, it also comes with its fair share of challenges—many of which are often overlooked in the excitement.

As someone who’s been in the world of content creation for over a decade, and with experience in video, photography, and social media for brands big and small, I’ve seen the benefits and the pitfalls of viral fame up close. Here’s what most people don’t tell you about the downsides of going viral.

1. You Lose Control Over Your Narrative

Once your content goes viral, it’s no longer just yours. People will interpret, remix, and share your work in ways you may never have anticipated. The context of your original message can easily be lost, distorted, or taken out of proportion. What started as a creative project or heartfelt message can snowball into something completely different—and not always in a good way.

This loss of control can be especially tough if your content becomes a meme or part of a larger internet trend. While it’s fun to see your work everywhere, you may find yourself cringing at how it’s being used or the unintended interpretations it generates.

2. The Pressure to Top Yourself (Not Like That)

Viral success is often fleeting. One of the biggest challenges creators face after going viral is the pressure to keep the momentum going. The audience’s expectations skyrocket, and there’s an unspoken demand to outdo your last viral hit. The fear of fading into obscurity after that initial spike can lead to creative burnout, as you find yourself constantly chasing the next big thing.

The truth is, virality isn’t a guarantee of long-term success. Building a sustainable career as a creator takes consistent effort over time, not just one viral moment. And when the spotlight dims, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost your edge or that your work isn’t good enough.

3. An Influx of Unwanted Attention

While it’s great to gain new followers and engagement, not all attention is positive. Going viral opens the floodgates for criticism, trolling, and online hate. The larger your audience, the more likely you are to attract negative comments, unsolicited advice, and even harassment. The internet can be ruthless, and not everyone is there to support your work.

For many creators, the mental toll of dealing with online negativity can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to develop a thick skin and put boundaries in place, but that’s easier said than done when the criticism becomes personal. Going viral often means being exposed to people who aren’t your target audience, and their reactions may not be as forgiving or supportive.

4. It Can Stifle Your Creativity

Going viral can pigeonhole you into a specific niche or style, limiting your creative freedom. If a certain type of content goes viral, there’s an expectation that you’ll keep producing more of the same. But as a creator, you may want to explore different ideas, experiment with new formats, or shift your focus altogether.

This can lead to an internal conflict—do you stick with what made you viral or branch out and risk losing that newfound audience? The pressure to maintain a certain image or cater to what’s popular can drain your creativity and make your work feel less authentic.

5. It’s Not Always Sustainable

Virality is often a stroke of luck—right place, right time, right content. It’s not a business model or a reliable strategy for growth. While going viral can lead to short-term success, it doesn’t necessarily translate into long-term financial or professional stability. Monetising viral content can be tricky, and unless you’ve planned ahead, the attention you receive may not lead to tangible opportunities or income.

For businesses or creators looking to build sustainable brands, focusing on consistent, quality content and nurturing a loyal audience is far more valuable in the long run than chasing viral fame.

6. It Can Impact Your Mental Health

The combination of increased scrutiny, pressure to perform, and the constant influx of feedback can take a toll on your mental health. Many creators feel overwhelmed, anxious, and burnt out after experiencing viral success. The highs of going viral are often followed by lows as the reality of maintaining that level of attention sets in.

It’s important to prioritise self-care and set boundaries when navigating the world of content creation. Going viral can feel like a whirlwind, but it’s essential to remember that your well-being comes first.

7. It Can Affect Relationships

When you go viral, the attention isn’t just on you—it can spill over to your personal life. Friends, family, and even business contacts may be affected by your sudden surge in visibility. The demands on your time and the new pressures you face can strain relationships, especially if your support system doesn’t fully understand the world of content creation.

Managing the balance between your online persona and real life can be tricky, and some relationships may be tested as you adjust to this new level of attention.

Conclusion: The Reality of Virality

Going viral is a dream for many creators, but it’s not without its downsides. The loss of control, pressure to perform, and potential negative attention can all weigh heavily on your creative journey. While the benefits of viral success can be incredible, it’s important to approach it with caution and realistic expectations.

Nobody Left to Blame: A Project About Confronting Yourself

As a photographer and visual storyteller, my work is often an extension of my personal experiences, emotions, and the complex layers of human connection. My latest project, 'Nobody Left to Blame,' is no exception – it’s a deeply personal exploration of self-reflection, communication, and the realisation that, sometimes, the hardest person to confront is ourselves.

The Concept Behind 'Nobody Left to Blame'

This project began as a simple idea but has since evolved into something much bigger. Over the years, I’ve come to recognise how a lack of self-awareness and poor communication can lead to isolation, pushing away the very people we hold dear. 'Nobody Left to Blame' is my visual representation of this journey – an honest look at what happens when the walls we’ve built become impenetrable, leaving us alone in a space we created for ourselves.

The project is structured around roughly 82 distinct chapters or photos, each with its own story and meaning. Every image represents a unique aspect of this emotional landscape – whether it’s self-withdrawal, the breakdown of relationships, or the bitter realisation that, at times, we have no one left to blame but ourselves.

Surrealism and Self-Realisation

The images in 'Nobody Left to Blame' are rooted in surrealism, playing with the idea of emotional abstraction. I want to push the boundaries of reality, using unexpected visuals to evoke the kind of introspection that words can’t always capture. One of the cornerstone photos, 'Hermitude,' plays with the idea of self-imposed solitude. Interestingly, this image takes on new meaning for me as it was originally inspired by a friend I had lost touch with; one that I had hurt, and I thought I’d never hear from again, and thus plunged myself into a quarantine of social interaction. That same friend recently came back into my life, after two years, and it’s been so much more than wonderful, but also has played into acknowledgment of my own personal growth, and capacity to change as a person.

It’s created a poignant juxtaposition between the concept of isolation and reconnection. Life truly imitates art sometimes.

Each chapter in the project will explore different themes – guilt, self-deception, longing, and ultimately, acceptance. It’s a deeply personal journey, but one that I believe resonates with many people who have experienced the strain of relationships frayed by poor communication.

A Journey Through Visual and Emotional Landscapes

This project isn’t just about the images themselves – it’s about the emotional landscapes they represent. Having spent time in places like Cornwall, London, and Seattle, I’ve come to appreciate how location and atmosphere can shape the way we understand emotions. The settings of these photos will reflect the stark contrasts between isolation and connection, using both urban and natural backdrops to highlight the emotional tone of each piece.

The visual style of 'Nobody Left to Blame' also draws from influences I’ve encountered during my travels and collaborations. From the rain-soaked bustling streets of Capitol Hill in Seattle, to the rugged and empty coastlines of Cornwall, each setting adds a layer of depth to the narrative. I aim to create imagery that feels both otherworldly and intimately human – just as emotions can often feel like both.

A Personal Invitation to the Exhibition

When this project comes together in its completion, I envision it as both a photo exhibition and a book. It will not only serve as a personal exploration, and conclusion of my own journey but as an invitation to others to reflect on their relationships, their communication, and the role they play in their own solitude. I’d like to invite both loved ones and those I’ve lost contact with to the exhibition, making the project not just about self-reflection, but about reconciliation, growth, and understanding.

As I’m in the homestretch, and work towards the completion of 'Nobody Left to Blame,' I’m filled with both anticipation and a sense of vulnerability. Putting a project like this into the world isn’t easy, but I believe that through art, we can find connection, even in our most isolated moments.

I look forward to sharing it all with you, when the time comes.

From Passion to Profession: The Story Behind BLUPRINT

When I look back at how it all began, it’s hard to believe how far the journey has taken me. My love for animation first sparked when I was just a child, fascinated by how intricate and imaginative the process could be. This curiosity and admiration for visual storytelling never left me, and during my teenage years, I discovered the world of video editing. That’s when everything clicked—I had found the perfect outlet for my creativity.

Now, over a decade later, I’ve built a career in video editing and content creation, gaining a deep understanding of storytelling and the tools that make it come to life. My journey through the creative industry hasn’t been without its challenges, but every project, every edit, every late-night brainstorm has helped shape who I am today.

Expanding the Skillset: From Video Editing to Photography

While my love for video editing continued to grow, in 2018, I discovered another passion—photography. I found that capturing still images held a unique power of its own, allowing me to frame moments in ways I hadn’t imagined before. I had the privilege of working with incredible creators and artists such as James Marriott, Niki Nihachu, Abstract, Watsky, and Mike Squires, each collaboration pushing my boundaries and expanding my creative reach.

But my journey didn’t stop there. In October 2023, I took a leap and founded my own videography business, BLUPRINT. This step allowed me to bring my vision for creative storytelling to a wider audience and partner with brands that I had long admired. Since its inception, BLUPRINT has worked with industry leaders like Netflix, Havana Club, and a variety of local businesses around Cornwall. These collaborations have been instrumental in shaping the future of my business, solidifying my belief that great storytelling is at the heart of every successful brand.

The BLUPRINT Experience: Creativity Without Borders

Launching BLUPRINT has opened up opportunities beyond anything I could have imagined. It’s taken me to some amazing destinations—Paris, Denver, Seattle, Miami, and beyond. With each project, I’ve had the chance to explore new cultures and environments, all while capturing the stories of incredible brands and events. Whether it’s a bustling cityscape or the charm of Cornwall’s coastline, I’ve come to appreciate how location and culture deeply influence the way we tell stories. Understanding these elements has become a cornerstone of BLUPRINT’s approach to videography and photography.

What Sets BLUPRINT Apart?

At BLUPRINT, we are committed to more than just creating beautiful visuals; we are storytellers at heart. We believe that every brand, event, and moment deserves to be told in a way that captivates its audience. Whether it’s a brewery launching a new craft beer or a venue looking to showcase its unique atmosphere, we tailor each project to reflect the individuality of our clients.

Our expertise spans across a wide range of software, from Adobe Creative Suite and DaVinci Resolve to Cinema 4D and Blender. We also bring a wealth of post-production knowledge to every project, ensuring that every detail is polished and refined. Our collaborative process allows us to work closely with our clients to capture their vision, turning their ideas into reality.

Looking to the Future

As I reflect on the journey so far, I can’t help but be excited about what the future holds. At BLUPRINT, we’re constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and striving to create work that resonates. Whether it’s through the lens of photography or the narrative flow of videography, I’m eager to continue telling the stories that matter—stories that leave an impact.

If you’re a brand, creator, or artist looking for a partner to bring your story to life, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to craft something unforgettable.