Gwen Swinarton

photography by COURTNEY SEVIER @courtney_sevier featuring GWEN SWINARTON @gwengwiz

interview by GISELLE MELENDRES @gisellelisabeth words by GWEN SWINARTON @gwengwiz

Meet Gwen Swinarton: a face you might recognize from her popular ASMR videos on YouTube as Gwen Gwiz, or her lifestyle channel, Gwen Gwiz etc. After starting YouTube over a year ago, Gwen never anticipated that her first ASMR video would accumulate such a widespread viewership. Today, her channel has accumulated millions of views, where subscribers can destress, unwind, and fall asleep to her soothing ASMR content. We had the opportunity to talk to Gwen about her journey on YouTube, her recent appearance in the Netflix documentary “Follow This”, and much more. Read on to learn more about Gwen and the start of her channel:

Hi Gwen! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today for Mad Sounds. To start off, could you tell us what a typical day is like for @ GwenGwiz?

Hey Giselle! Thanks for having me! So on filming days I typically wake up quite early, around 4 or 5AM. Waking up early allows me to film videos when it’s still relatively quiet outside, as no one likes an ASMR video with honking and sirens in the background! I start by having my coffee and a bite to eat (basically always oatmeal) and feed my cat. Then it’s time to start getting ready, doing my hair, makeup, and setting up equipment and then I try to film at least 2 videos! Afterwards, I’ll edit these, go through my emails, prep videos and scripts, and work on other little bits and pieces. Then I like to end my work day by 8PM and read in bed along with cuddles with my kitty. Some days I end work earlier too, around 5PM, to spend time with my boyfriend.

On non filming days, I usually let myself sleep in a bit longer, until around 8AM. I follow pretty much the same routine of eating, and going through emails and other work admin. I’ll prep scripts and photoshoots and edit. Time pretty much flies from there and next thing I know it’s time for bed!

Some days are also dedicated fully to photoshoots. On those days I typically start off by prepping all the garments and packing, and then the afternoon I’ll be off shooting with my photographer.

For those who might not already be familiar with ASMR, could you give our readers a brief description of what ASMR is?

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is basically sounds and visual cues that allow a person to relax and in many cases feel “tingles”. A lot of people turn to ASMR at the end of the day to help

them relax and fall asleep, or at any point in the day just to calm their mind, especially when dealing with anxiety. I personally love watching ASMR whenever I’m feeling particularly stressed or anxious, or when I’m studying/writing as it helps to focus my mind, but everyone is different!

You started your ASMR YouTube channel “GwenGwiz ASMR” over a year ago but have since made hundreds of ASMR videos featuring creative ASMR roleplays, triggers, and more. When did you first become interested in ASMR?

I actually got in to making videos in a rather unpredictable way. At the time I was dating a girl who really liked ASMR and she kind of showed me the whole world of it. Around Christmas time, I made her a little video as a gift and uploaded it to youtube so that she could access it no matter where she was. I had absolutely no intentions of anybody else seeing the video, so I was super shocked when other people commented saying that they liked it and wanted to see more! From there, I thought it would be fun to make more videos and see where it took me. And now here I am!

Although the ASMR community has existed for years, the recent interest in ASMR has reached brand new heights in mainstream media. Why do you think this is?

That’s a really good question, one I have no real idea of the answer. I guess, as with many things, the internet has allowed a vaster and quicker spread of information, so people are just learning and discovering new things now more than ever. As people in mainstream media discover it and see just how popular it is online within the ASMR community, they probably realized it would make for some interesting content. Now with the Netflix documentary, and celebrities trying it out, most people have some idea what ASMR is, which is really cool!

Have you ever experienced backlash for your channel? If so, how have you dealt with criticism?

I’m pretty sure every single one of my videos have negative, mean and rude comments, but I’m so used to it now that it doesn’t phase me at all. I usually just ignore them, or block the user if they’re harassing anyone else in the comments. Beyond that, I’ve gotten criticism from people who don’t understand ASMR and view it as sexual. I’ve done my best to try and explain to these individuals what ASMR actually is, but that’s about all I can really do! In time they’ll learn.

I actually watched the Netflix documentary “Follow This” where you were featured in its first episode and trailer. Were you surprised or excited to be included in this documentary?

I was honestly super surprised! Over a year before the documentary came out, I was approached by a writer at Buzzfeed who said they were working on a video and asked if they could use my footage. I didn’t think too much of it at the time, so I was super shocked when I found out it had been made into a documentary on Netflix! A lot of people in my day to day life have now seen that feature, so it’s been interesting to try and further explain what ASMR is to them, and also been super cool to learn who in my daily life already watch and love ASMR!

Alongside your ASMR YouTube channel, you also attended university, created content for an online blog, and post videos on a second channel, “GwenGwiz etc.” of lifestyle, fashion, beauty, veganism, and more. What are your tips for balancing so many platforms as a creative?

I’ve definitely struggled with trying to balance it all, but it’s something that I really love to do so I’ve always found a way to make it work! When I was still in school I always made sure that getting my assignments done was my number one priority, and social media came second. I’ve always been a very organized person so I would get all my school assignments done in advance, and planned all my social media content so that I had videos ready

to go before I needed them. That way if I was super busy with something unexpected one day, I wouldn’t miss a video upload. I still do that now, and have been pretty rigorous with planning all of my videos. It’s a lot of hard work, hence why I work such long hours. But it’s super rewarding and I absolutely love it.

My biggest tip would therefore be organization. Find a way to plan out your time and videos so that everything is always ready when you need it. Also make sure you give yourself enough down time to relax, otherwise you’re pretty much guaranteed to go a little insane and burn out. I always give myself time to read before bed, along with a couple nights a week that I spend with friends and loved ones, where I pretty much don’t look at my phone or the internet at all. Those little detox nights are crucial to me being productive and happy during the work day.

What’s your favorite part about creating content for your second channel? How does your second channel differ from the way you conceptualize videos for your ASMR channel?

I think my absolute favourite part about my second channel is the freedom of creativity and self expression. I love being able to be my total self on screen, make whatever kind of video I’m in the mood for, and share what I’m loving with my audience. It’s also super fun to read and answer my comments once I post a video. That’s not to say I’m fake in my ASMR videos, but rather than I do need to tone down my personality so that the videos are actually relaxing. A lot of my ASMR videos are also role-plays where I’m acting out a character rather than getting to be myself, however those are in it self is also a lot of fun to do and plan! That’s why I love having both of my youtube channels. Combined I think they’re the perfect outlet to express myself creatively.

Veganism is another topic that you highlight on your second channel. When did you first start going vegan and how has it impacted your life thus far?

So I went vegan a little over 5 years ago, basically right after I graduated from high school. Throughout my 4 years of high school I slowly transitioned to veganism, starting with replacing cows milk for almond, then giving up meat, then fish, and then all eggs and dairy. I think I was too young and uneducated to go vegan over night at the time, I would have had no idea what to eat! By changing slowly, I eventually changed my taste buds and go to recipes, so that going vegan became a super easy switch in the end.

Being vegan has helped me through so many things. For starters, my health and digestion has really improved, and I find it a lot easier to maintain a healthy body weight with minimal effort as well. It’s also helped me to develop a more spiritual connection to animals and nature, and it’s also really freeing to know I’m not harming any animals with the food I eat every day.

Your personal style and fashion videos are some of my favorites. How would you best describe your sense of style? What are some of your favorite clothing stores at the moment?

Honestly my style is all over the place! I feel like in the summer it’s a mix of boho and girly chic, and in the winter a bit more grungy and relaxed. My favourite clothing brands/ stores at the moment are The Reformation, For Love & Lemons, Urban Outfitters, Planet Blue, and Princess Polly!

How did you start to develop a more defined sense of style over the years?

My biggest inspiration is instagram! I follow a lot of amazing bloggers who post some unreal outfits that really push me to be creative and have fun with my clothing. I really like experimenting with new trends and styles, and finding what I feel most comfortable in. Most of the time, my favourite outfits are the ones that are super comfy to wear, but also make me feel pretty and put together! If something is stylish but itchy or awkward to wear, I most likely won’t be wearing it again haha.

For those wanting to start a creative endeavor such as YouTube or blogging, what’s your biggest advice for getting started?

Just do it. Be consistent with posting regularly and above all else, have fun. This is not an easy job at all, and you need to love what you’re making or you’re going to struggle to stick with it.

Be yourself, be honest and genuine with your viewers. If you’re fake, they’ll see right through that.

Be responsible with what kind of content you make. Nowadays, there’s too many creators who focus on drama and dangerous tactics to get views, which I think is really irresponsible and not necessary.

Be clear with yourself from the start how much information you’re willing to share with the internet. Maybe use a different name, or don’t disclose what city you live in, etc. Whatever you feel you need to be safe. It’s always a good rule of thumb to imagine 5 million people are going to be seeing your videos, even if it’s only 5 to start off with.

What’s one thing that your viewers might not already know about you?

I’m sure there’s something, but I’ve no idea what. I’m super open on my channel and I feel like I’ve shared everything there really is to know about me in my videos!

What’s next for GwenGwiz?

Currently prepping for December in which I’ll be posting a video every single day on my ASMR channel! Beyond that I’m just going with the flow for now and hoping for the best. My ultimate goal would be to create my own clothing line, but that’s a few years down the line from now!

What is one quote, mantra, or expression that you live by?

Do whatever makes you happy, as long as it’s not hurting anybody else!

KEEP UP WTIH GWEN: Instagram/Twitter: @gwengwiz / YouTube.com/GwenGwiz YouTube.com/gwengwizetc