6 February2020
As one of the most popular current career options, online influencers are something everyone's got an opinion on.
Followers in their thousands want to do what they're doing and buy what they're recommending, young people want to be one and some people are still working out what their purpose are. But what is it actually like to be one?
Hansh, S4C's online platform, can reveal all as they gain exclusive access to Los Angeles based illustrator and influencer Niki Pilkington. Raised in North Wales, Niki's bold and striking art took her from Nefyn to New York.
Now living her best life in LA, her unique and easily identifiable style is so popular that big brands like Nike, Topshop, Facebook and MTV want her to help sell their products.
In Niki Pilkington: Fy mywyd fel dylanwadwr (My life as an influencer), we get an in-depth look at Niki's life in front of the lens as months of footage are cut into a fast-paced short film lasting less than 15 minutes.
The must-see documentary can be watched any time on YouTube at as well as from Hansh's social media accounts.
Niki is quick to emphasise that becoming an influencer wasn't something that happened overnight.
"First and foremost I'm an illustrator. I've worked hard for years to create my own identity and build my brand.
"Being an influencer is an extension of my work, rather than what I am. Reputation is so important, I have had to earn the trust of the big brands so they know they can count on me to show off their work on my page.
"Yes, it's a strange job but I love the freedom of working for myself, no nine 'till five and no commute. But it's hard to switch off as I live and breathe it."
Niki is flying high, a glamorous life in L.A, a large following on Instagram and a successful business.
She is living the influencer dream, but is all as it seems? With so many young people wanting to follow in her footsteps, Niki makes the bold decision to strip away the shiny facade to reveal what it takes to make it online.
Niki is constantly trying to find the right balance to make sure social media doesn't dictate her career.
We see how the demanding nature of being an influencer, the pressure to be perfect and the need to be constantly plugged in effects Niki's mental health.
What's it like to live in fear of a new social media platform overtaking insta, or worse, that it could disappear completely, along with her work?
Not all content works over all platforms, and in a rapidly changing industry Niki knows she needs to adapt and future-proof her business.
"I have suffered from panic attacks and anxiety. At times I get a crushing feeling from looking at my inbox. I realise how lucky I am to be where I am, but there are moments where I feel down.
"At first, I was scared of sharing but then I realised a lot of people felt the same, and we need to share more.
"I first noticed I could influence when people were queuing down the street to see my exhibition in Caernarfon. This inspired me to share some positivity by incorporating positive messages into my work. It's important that I believe my own message if I want others to benefit from it."
As we experience life in the fast lane with Niki, a successful young woman with influence and power, it is clear that her feet remain firmly on the ground.
As Niki's influence grows, she uses it for good not just for profit and uses her own struggles with mental health to help others.
In Niki Pilkington: Fy mywyd fel dylanwadwr (Niki Pilkington: My life as an influencer) we see that in a modern world of fakery and false hopes, there are still inspirational people who prove that hard work and strong values pay off.
