MANSFIELD, Ohio — When you’re liked on Youtube, the ladder to success becomes a quick climb. In a span of three short months, local couple Dalton Joyce and Emily Kuc became Youtube celebrities, or Youtubers. Their web identity? Jaltoid.
In October 2012 Joyce and Kuc decided to combine their talents and love for animation into a powerful cocktail that never promised success. But around Christmas in the same year they started seeing the fruits of their labor. And just six months later, in March 2013, Joyce realized this could be a viable career option.
“We kind of fell into this,” said Joyce. “When we first started I expected maybe we’ll have 10,000 subscribers by then.”
By early 2014 Jaltoid had 300,000 subscribers. Subscriptions to a Youtuber’s channel is like a pay-raise, an affirmation from your employer that you’re doing something right. The higher the number of subscribers, the more popularity you’ve gained.
Youtube recognizes success. That’s why the couple have their Youtube plaque hanging on the wall of their bedroom-studio. It’s commonly called the Youtube Play Button. The plaque recognized Jaltoid for gaining over 100,000 subscribers; they will get another one if they reach 1 million.
And to add on to their accolades, Comedy Central bought one of Joyce’s animations recently for a Trip Tank animation montage. Jaltoid even has its own shirt line with Spread Shirt.
Joyce’s interest in animation started when he was in elementary school. He started using an animation program on his computer and pushing them online. Kuc’s interests lie in drawing more than animation.
The couple’s love story began when they met each other through an online art sharing website in 2010. They eventually met each other in person and learned they shared a mutual affection for drawing and goofing around on a video camera.
Kuc moved in to Joyce’s mother’s house three years ago, around the time they decided to give the Jaltoid Youtube channel a try. They have been making animations in their bedroom-studio for Jaltoid ever since.
And their plans for the future? They don’t really know; they are focused on the short-term goals for now.
“I just want to be more successful at what we’re doing. I’m focused on what our short-term goals are right now,” said Joyce.
But they can’t help but dream.
“I’m really excited for when we go to conventions and sit on, like panels and people actually go there to see us. And then we end up with merchandise, which is things we are doing now. Just, you know, being recognized by people,” said Kuc.
The couple will attend the Indy PopCon in Indianapolis, Indiana from June 26 to 28.
Joyce said he would love to live in California. The couple have friends out there who are animation enthusiasts and producers. But Joyce said the cost of living is too high for them currently. For now, they will continue to make more animations.
