In 2014, Q Park traded his investment banking career for a dream of entertaining millions. A decade later, with 37 million TikTok followers and an empire spanning multiple social platforms, that leap of faith, it seems, has more than paid off.

Trading Banking for Entertainment

Q Park found success in investment banking but carried a lifelong passion for entertainment. “I’ve always had the desire to perform and entertain ever since I was little,” he shares. “I came from a pretty sort of traditional [background]… My mother majored in and got her PhD in drama. Not your typical Korean mother, but she raised me very strictly.”

While achieving the role of vice president in investment banking, Q Park continued creating videos and demo tapes, following his creative instincts. “I continued to climb up the ladder on Wall Street and eventually became an investment banking VP. But at a certain point I started realizing that I wasn’t happy with what I was doing,” Q Park explains. “If I was going to succeed in investment banking or any other career path, I felt I needed to have a love or passion for it.”

Building a Social Media Presence

Q Park began creating content on Vine in the early 2010s when social media careers were emerging. “My first vine was just with me and my girlfriend, and I was just kind of playing around, shooting whatever came to my mind on my couch,” he recounts. 

His spontaneous approach yielded results, though. “I became one of the largest Viners in 2013/14. I got up to about 4 million followers on Vine before it shut down… Many people actually still recognize me from Vine, which is crazy because that was like 10 years ago.”

Following Vine’s closure, Q Park expanded his presence across various platforms. “Every platform has a different culture and vibe,” he notes. “All the Viners were scrambling… it’s not easy to just tell your followers, ‘Hey, follow me on this platform.’ That never works. You always have to build up your following organically on that platform. 

He initially focused on Facebook, amassing over 20 million followers, before expanding to YouTube in 2017. “Things skyrocketed for me once I joined YouTube and found my content style and route to like a million followers within a few months.”

Developing a Unique Content Style

Q Park creates diverse content, from comedy skits to signature public performances. “I have multiple content styles that I enjoy doing. Many people know me for singing and dancing in public. But, I started off doing comedy skits, where I grew my following on Facebook. I also did man-on-the-street interview stuff before it got even [popular].”

The creator explains that he didn’t want to get “too pigeonholed” into one content style. His approach developed through continuous testing, incorporating successful elements from various videos into his distinctive style. “Back on Vine, I was playing around with stuff and constantly experimenting, which is important [to do] as a social media creator. The style I have now is taking elements of different videos that worked and frankensteining them together.”

A crucial element of his success? “I think it’s important not to take myself too seriously,” Q Park shares. “If you’re not enjoying yourself, people can see it, and sometimes it looks like you’re trying too hard to do something. People are pretty good at being able to read between the lines.”

Adapting to Platform Changes

Having witnessed Vine’s unexpected end, Q Park approaches platform uncertainty with strategic insight. 

Regarding potential TikTok restrictions, he offers perspective from experience: “I feel like many people aren’t taking it seriously because there was the threat of it shutting down before. I remember these influencers posting videos pleading for TikTok not to get shut down. And it didn’t. So I think many people feel this ‘boy who cried wolf’ type of thing this time around.”

Q Park’s experience with Vine’s closure informs his cautious approach: “Having seen a platform I 100% relied upon at the time shutting down like that, I know that’s 100% a possibility. And I don’t discount that it’s real.” Despite his 37 million TikTok followers, he maintains perspective: “Life will go on, and new opportunities will arise. As long as you stay curious and keep trying things, you’ll find a voice somewhere else.”

The former banker’s strategy involves maintaining active engagement across multiple platforms. “I think it’s important always to keep your other platforms alive,” he advises. “Even if you’re not growing as you used to on [a certain] platform. Things are constantly changing; platforms come and go. TikTok might be gone this weekend; who knows?” 

He stresses the value of flexibility: “As platforms are changing their algorithms or testing out new features, opportunities arise on those platforms, especially when they’re testing these new features out. When you have those opportunities, you should take advantage of them.”

Managing the Business Side

Q Park’s investment banking background influences his content creation approach. “As a banker, I reviewed many legal contracts or agreements. So I have a comfort level when I read agreements or things like that, which younger creators doing this straight out of high school maybe don’t have,” he notes. 

This experience shapes his content strategy: “I think it’s a balance. You want to make content that resonates with you, but you can’t ignore the numbers or trends. And so I think it’s important to be able to take an analytical look at things.”

His initial brand collaboration experiences highlight industry growth. “I remember when I got my first brand deal, I was in shock… But nowadays, creators are really getting paid.” His partnerships now include major brands like Pepsi, HP, and Kia, noting improved brand understanding: “I remember that there was a larger learning curve for brands early on during the Vine days. But I think nowadays, people and many brands get it.”

Musical Aspirations and Creative Exploration

Q Park continues exploring new creative directions. A passionate musician, he released his first single during COVID-19 and has new music planned. “I love reggaeton… I’m planning on releasing several other Latin singles this year,” he reveals.

He remains committed to creative exploration. “I’m also excited about experimenting with new styles that I’m not necessarily comfortable with right now,” he says. “That’s a big part of who I am. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.”

Guidance for New Creators

Q Park encourages emerging creators to embrace their distinctive qualities. “Look at what makes you unique; even reflect on conversations and interactions with your family and friends. What do they find unique about you? You should double down on that, even if it’s something embarrassing. Dig deep into those things,” he suggests. “It sounds so cliche, but be your authentic self. That involves all your flaws, all your weird personality traits… That’s where the good stuff is.”

“Don’t let the fear of other people’s judgment prevent you from trying things and enjoying life. Life is so short… be a good person, try to do good in the world, but don’t let the fear of judgment prevent you from making yourself happy and those around you happy.”