Where do you stream?

My preferred streaming platform is Twitch, a website that is dedicated to live streams. Traditionally a gaming platform, it has recently branched out into hosting: artists, craftsmen, and a variety of other makers. The art community on Twitch is an emerging field and holds great promise to creative types!

In the future I'm also intending on having shorter streams on Instagram, so keep an eye out for that!

https://www.twitch.tv/cheerssteph

How did you get started?

Twitch has been a place I’ve found happiness in for many years before I started streaming myself. I enjoyed watching people play my favorite games for the first time, learning techniques from makeup artists, and relaxing to nomads exploring cities I’ve never been to- all in real time.

I had wanted to stream my work life for a few years before I joined Twitch. In fact, I had done a few casual streams using my phone on Instagram, but the setup felt awkward and I didn't have wifi in the painting studio I was in. After upgrading my computer set up, I officially joined Twitch as an art streamer in January of 2021.

What happens during a stream?

Each stream lasts 2-3 hours on average. I have three cameras set up so that you can see my desk, the studio, and the wall easel at the same time. During the stream I spend most of my time mixing color and painting, all while keeping up a conversation with the viewers in the chat. There are frequent tea breaks, sometimes some tarot card readings, and perhaps a pun or two. In each session I put on jazz music or lo-fi, depending on the mood. It’s a relaxing, and positive atmosphere!

For specialty streams, like the once weekly variety stream or the monthly Art Book Club stream, the format slightly changes but the vibe stays the same.

How do I get notified when you are live?

Follow me on Twitch! You’ll get a notification each time I go live and it supports my channel.

What’s your setup like?

Get all the granular details on my setup here: Brush Work podcast “How To Stream Art On Twitch”

To Twitch (new window)