Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who is Graciano Leirivan?
Graciano Leirivan is a very dreamy and struggling 21-year-old. What moves me the most as a content creator is the fact that I dream so much and want to achieve more and more. I'm a student at the Faculdade Autónoma de Lisboa in the course of Communication Sciences.
When and how did the idea to work with social networks come up? Have I always wanted to be a digital influencer? Have there been any or some digital influences that have awakened your passion for the profession?
The idea of working with digital influence came up in 2016 in a computer class. My colleagues were always commenting about several youtubers that I didn't know about. Because I always heard strange names so often I decided to ask who they were and since then I followed the work of these youtubers. And so a great desire was born to walk the same path as them.
Of course there were youtubers that aroused my passion, I cannot forget the great Felipe Neto who was the first youtuber that I began to follow. He was the main cause of following this platform quite often.
How do the backstage of your work? Basically explain us how you manage your time, the partnership with the brands, how the creative process of the content you produce works, among others.
Lately I confess that it hasn't been that difficult to manage time, as I've made a stop on YouTube and I'm more dedicated to the university and my family. But I'd like to take this opportunity to say that I'll soon start posting more regularly.
As for partners with brands, I've already received several proposals but they were turned down because they were simply not well presented. Being a well organized and perfectionist person (sometimes) I felt in the position to refuse. And here's a tip for anyone who wants to submit a proposal in the future: presentation and clarity of words is everything!
Do you have followers from all over the world or is the community only from Angola?
I don't say from all over the world, but I can say that in all the countries where the Portuguese language is spoken I have people who assist me. Of course, in some with higher percentages than others, I notice a greater concentration clearly in Angola because it is my land.
What is it like to be a digital Angolan influence? Is it recognized in public?
Being a digital influencer in Angola is a very good thing because the public is very warm. I am often approached in public both in Angola and in Portugal which are the places where I have the most audience. It's always great to be recognised by the people who follow my work. I receive hugs, photo requests and thanks even for my existence. It's rewarding, my fans and followers are a maximum!
Tell us a ridiculous story that has happened to you so much in the preparation of your work or in a meeting with a fan.
I'll tell you both, but I have plenty. Once I was recording a very long video, in which I needed a lot of concentration and preparation. After I had said so many things, I went to review the recordings and found nothing, that is, the camera was not filming. I got really weak and upset and went to sleep.
As for meetings with fans, from the many stories that I have I can tell one of the most recent that were 3 or 4 fans that left me in a very strange position sending mouths in relation to the size of my ass and in the end there was even one that went to touch my ass and then ran away. I could even dramatize the scene and talk about harassment but I let it pass and considered the fact that they were extremely drunk.
What are your favourite digital influences these days?
Currently my favourite digital influences are Mirian Alvarenga, Elison Bartolomeu and my good friend Mauro Silva and I say they are my favourites not because of the friendship I have with them but because of their determination and hard work.
As for future work, what can we see this year from you? Any surprises for 2020?
At the moment I can say that I am about to take a huge step in my career, which started with a small idea that was shared with other people and another door opened. I want to say to those who follow my work, that 2020 will be a full year of work and many good things!
