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Natalie designs graphics for livestreamers

Natalie designs graphics for livestreamers

Her interest in computer games has been with her since childhood and she dreamed of working in the computer games industry from an early age. After completing her studies at Umeå University in Digital Media Production and several setbacks in her job search, she took matters into her own hands and started her own company. Now she runs Dekko Lab whose business idea is to design graphics for livestreamers.

The livestreaming industry has seen a huge boom in recent years, not least with the advent of pandemic 2020. Dekko Lab is primarily targeting livestreamers in gaming, where the biggest platform on the market is Twitch. But how big is the demand for graphics, what kind of graphics are in demand and how are they used?

There is a huge demand for graphics for people who are into live streaming. I mainly work on designing graphics for user profiles, overlays and emotes," says Natalie, founder of Dekko Lab.

What are User Profiles, Overlays and Emotes?

User profiles: On Twitch, each user has their own profile where there is room to customize the content; there is the possibility to add graphical elements in the form of a header/banner and panels.

Overlays: Overlays are simply the graphics that appear live on the broadcast.

If I were to explain "Overlays" to my parents, you might imagine that when you watch the news on TV, the name of the news anchor usually pops up in a little box in the left corner - it's kind of the same thing!

Emotes: Emotes are Twitch-specific "emoticons" - or simply emojis - that can be used in the chat available during the live broadcast. Emotes are also a way for streamers to reinforce their brand, as not only is there a set of ready-made emotes from Twitch, but virtually all streamers get a chance to upload their own emotes; which can be used not only in the channel-specific chat - but on the whole of Twitch!

What do you think is important for streamers when it comes to creating a nice/professional profile when live streaming? 

For me, the most important thing is to have a consistent graphic profile. This can be as simple as a definite colour palette, coherent shapes or a recurring pattern. Having a concrete theme gives the impression that you have put some thought behind your profile - which in turn makes it feel more professional!

What is your own interest in gaming and streaming?

I've always liked games and growing up I thought of games as a form of escapism (reality excursion). Only in recent years did I get in touch with livestreaming and in 2020 I became more involved in this, both by streaming myself, but also by being involved in other people's streams and communities. What I like most about Twitch is the social part, being able to chat and interact with others with similar interests, even if it's mainly about parasocial relationships.

Natalie has always enjoyed games. The picture was taken in 2002 when Natalie was 4 years old, showing her playing games on the family's desktop computer.

When did your interest in graphic design start?

Growing up, I dreamed of working in the computer games industry and became interested in web coding and blog design. This interest continued and in high school I studied Aesthetics and Media with a focus on Graphic Design and then I continued my studies at Umeå University and the Digital Media Production programme.

You have recently started the company Dekko Lab. What made you dare to start your own company?

After university, I applied for many jobs in communications & media agencies, but the only answer I got was "come back when you have more experience", so I took matters into my own hands and started my own company.

Fact box

Name: Natalie Esseen

Company: Deko Lab

Best thing about running your own business? To work on something that I am really interested in and passionate about!

Least best with running your own business? I find it very difficult to be strict with routines at the beginning, especially since I work from home.

Favourite game? It comes and goes, but one of my favourites will always be Pokémon Mystery Dungeon - Explorers of Time, which is the first and only game so far that has made me so invested in the story that I started crying.

Hidden talent? I don't think I have any hidden talent. I asked my older sister, who said I should say I'm "really good" at playing the violin.

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