Burnout actually led to something beautiful for @MadameBerry. This BroadcastHER Grant winner was feeling exhausted by game development so she pivoted her content towards something else she’s always been passionate about: painting. Now, she mainly streams watercolor painting and art education, but sometimes she relaxes with a game or two, too.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to foster a thriving art community and help struggling creators burn bright without burning out.

How will the BroadcastHER Grant from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals?

The grant is allowing me to create an interactive resource in the form of a workbook to aid struggling creatives and give them tools they can use to maintain their vision long-term.

What does being the recipient of the BroadcastHER Grant mean to you?

Upfront capital is always the most difficult part of starting a new venture, and BroadcastHER allows me to explore my ideas to bring my Creative Productivity Workbook project to its fullest potential.

Women are underrepresented in gaming, broadcasting, and e-sports. What can we do to change this?

Gaming industries have been working to remove barriers to entry and have made great strides on this front, but it’s equally important to improve the culture in gaming so women entering the field aren’t met with hostility once they do break in.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

I’ve burnt out hard and left the game development industry as a result — pivoting later to painting. Not wanting that to happen again, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and reading about burnout and its prevention, and sharing that experience whenever I can so others can hopefully avoid it for themselves.

What advice do you have for women who want to start broadcasting?

If you’re just starting out, you’re in the perfect space to experiment and try new things in order to find your own style. It’s okay to get a little weird. Be shamelessly excited about the things you love!

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I make it a point to complete at least one task per day, even if it’s small and simple. Often, overcoming that inertia is the hardest part — and once I get the ball rolling, it’s natural for me to gain motivation as a result of the psychological boost from completing a task.