Whether she’s sharing her stunning creations or fun DIY projects, Christine My Linh’s YouTube channel is a treasure trove of inspiration. Learn more about what sparked her passion for storytelling and how she utilizes Musicbed to elevate her content.
Musicbed: What sparked your passion for storytelling?
Christine My Linh: My family and I didn’t have much money when I was growing up, so we were always careful with our spending. However, when my parents discovered the free library in Philadelphia, they were overjoyed to have access to books and computers to help them learn English as immigrants. They took my siblings and me there often, and the library became my second home. It was where my imagination flourished and grew alongside me. Each book I read transported me to new worlds and adventures, stirring up many emotions. I laughed, cried, and felt so much more. My imagination expanded, and I relied on it to help me navigate through loneliness, fear, and other emotions. Storytelling was such a powerful tool that I knew I wanted to keep with me. It proved that I was not the only one with these emotions and helped me feel less alone.
What keeps you motivated and creatively inspired?
Growing up, I used to feel like I was different from my peers. I struggled to understand concepts others seemed to grasp quickly and found it hard to communicate what I had learned. As a result, I often kept to myself and didn’t connect much with my classmates.
Looking back on my experiences, I realize nothing was inherently wrong with me. I simply preferred different learning styles, such as visual and experiential learning, over the traditional reading and memorization methods taught in school. I thrived when I could use my hands and imagination freely. Today, I use my experiences to inspire others who may feel the same way I did as a child.
I create relatable stories that tackle big mental health concepts. Although I’m only partially where I hoped to be, I’ve learned valuable skills, such as self-confidence and self-worth, that I wish I had learned earlier.
How important is music in your work?
As an artist who uses illustration to tell stories about a timid brown bunny and her friend the polar bear, you wouldn’t think that music plays much of a part as my main medium is illustration. But the way I think of music is another layer of evoking feeling; drawing in one more sense to help complete the story. Editing videos, even illustration time-lapses without music becomes a little hollow and one-dimensional. But having a simple instrumental track in the background creates a more inviting atmosphere and depth to the overall illustration. Having Musicbed as a tool has greatly enhanced my work and I’m excited to continue growing with Musicbed as I begin to learn animation and add movement in my illustrations.
What advice would you give other filmmakers/creators who are just starting their careers?
When I started posting my art on YouTube, I was very authentic. I didn’t focus on watch time or metrics. I also focused on the intention behind what I was creating—the reason I wanted to share instead of following trends and gaining traction. As I started to grow my audience and get paid for creating, I lost myself in the business of creativity. And I’ve spent the last few years getting back to the simplicity of it all when I first started.
For those who have just started or have been creative for a while, it really doesn’t matter where you are in your journey; I would suggest that you stay focused on creating the magic you want to see in the world, not what you think others want to see. Because more likely than not, people are waiting for you to share something that confirms they are not alone.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a creative?
I used to believe that creativity was a skill I had developed through years of practice. I thought that I had learned to be creative because it was necessary for my career. However, as I continue to develop my creative abilities, I realize that creativity is a gift and a luxury.
For years, I took it for granted, using it only to make money and create products, content, ideas, stories, and illustrations. But I found that the more I used my creativity for monetary gain, the less creative I felt. Through various iterations of my work, I discovered that there were two challenges that I needed to overcome—embracing imperfection and allowing my creativity to flow freely.
It was challenging to accept imperfections in my work, but I learned that imperfections are opportunities for growth and a natural part of life. If creativity and art were perfect, there would be no room for growth or change.
I used to blame my creativity for not being productive or sufficient, and these were the times when I felt the least creative and uninspired. Only when I stepped back and allowed some distance between myself and my creative work did I find my inspiration and creativity again. It’s challenging to let go of control, but it’s a practice that allows us to embrace the unknown.
How do you search for music on Musicbed? What are some tips that you’d give other filmmakers to search on Musicbed?
When I create a video, I edit it roughly to get an idea of the feeling I want to convey or the story I like to tell. Once I have this in mind, I search for music on Musicbed. I can search for music based on mood or genre and sometimes look for a specific instrument. The key is to make sure that the music, editing, story, and overall intention all work together to create a sense of harmony. Always start with a clear purpose and use music and visuals to support your key message which is more important than any single element.
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Explore a curated playlist of Christine’s favorite music to use in her videos—all available to license exclusively on Musicbed.
