Do You Really Need Social Media As An Artist?
Do you really need social media as an artist? It's a question that often comes up for many creators - especially those just starting out. When you're juggling work, life and creating your art, it can be difficult to decide where to invest your time (and energy). In this blog post, I'm going to share my experience on why I think social media is a great tool for creatives, but it might not be necessary to make your career successful.
Before we get down the rabbit hole, here is the short answer:
The short answer is no. You don't need social media as an artist. In fact, some of the most successful artists out there don't even have social media accounts. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be on social media.
The truth is that there is no universal answer, but there is an answer perfect for your situation! Depending on what your goals as a creative are, social media can be a great way to connect with your fans and build your brand. Plus, having an online presence will also give you the advantage of showing up as a human being, which with the current climate of AI-generated art, is more important than ever.
Likewise, if you prefer to be your own boss and take full control of your creative career instead of working as an in-office artist, you might need to at least dip your toes in the social media waters.
Now that that’s out of the way, we can discuss both the pros and cons of being on social media as an artist, how to be successful without it, and help you decide whether or not you want to take the plunge. Let’s get started!
WHAT IS SOCIAL MEDIA, AND HOW CAN IT BE USED BY ARTISTS
For us artists, social media is crucial for promoting our work, connecting with potential collaborators and fans, and staying updated on current industry trends. But not all of us love the process of posting and interacting on social media platforms. We can feel overwhelmed with the constant pressure of keeping up with our posts and always looking presentable and happy. Especially when art already takes up so much of our time and energy to make.
I personally struggled with overcoming the fear of posting my art online at first, and after having a health scare, I had to take a step back and re-assess my social media strategy so that it wouldn’t take such a huge chunk of my time and energy.
So, I stopped thinking of it as an extra chore and instead found ways to make the experience more enjoyable. What worked for me was to broaden my perspective - when we hear the word social media, we tend to think about big platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, but I like to think of social media as ANY online platform where users can create and share content, interact with others, and access news and information. This approach opens up a ton of new possibilities for what kind of content you can create and where to post it, such as forums-style platforms like DeviantArt and Reddit, Discord groups, or even blogging.
From my experience, I believe these "alternative" platforms can give you better results and offer a more intimate way to connect with your audience, something that larger social media sites don't always provide. So, if you don't enjoy creating content for big platforms such as Instagram, many other options are available that match your creative style and fit into your own life and schedule - you just have to find the right one.
THE PROS OF USING SOCIAL MEDIA AS AN ARTIST
Let's face it most artists have something to share with the world. Whether you're a musician, painter, surface pattern designer, or sculptor, social media is a great and free way to share your work with a global audience. With over 4.70 billion active social media users worldwide, the potential reach of your work is virtually limitless. Gone are the days when artists relied on expensive marketing campaigns or gallery representation to get people to see their work. Nowadays, social media is free and allows you to bypass these traditional channels and reach your audience directly.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Another great thing about social media is that it levels the playing field for artists. No matter your budget or location, you can have a presence on social media and build a following for your work. All you need is a phone or laptop and an internet connection. This democratization of the art world has led to the rise of many successful independent artists from all walks of life. And the best part is that anyone can get started - all it takes is some dedication, a clear vision for your art business, and consistency.
YOUR PEOPLE ARE ONLINE TOO
Additionally, social media is a great way to connect and build meaningful relationships with other artists and potential collaborators. Platforms like Twitter and Discord offer great opportunities to network with other creatives in your field. You can also use social media to connect with art buyers and collectors who might be interested in purchasing your work.
THE ALGORITHM - YEP, YOU READ THAT RIGHT.
Love it or hate it, ultimately, it is the algorithm's job to put the right content in front of people who want to see it and resonate with your artwork or message. Imagine it as having a personal assistant whose only job is to make sure your art is in front of the right eyeballs. Which means that, thanks to the power of algorithms, if you create high-quality content consistently, there's a good chance it will be seen by a larger targeted audience, which could lead to new opportunities for your career and more art sales.
IT BUILDS YOUR PERSONAL BRAND
Another huge benefit of using social media as an artist is that it allows you to build your personal brand. In today's digital age, personal branding is essential for any creative looking to build a successful career.
By sharing your work on social media, you can control how the world perceives you and your work. You can use social media to share your story, connect with your target market and audience on a personal level, and position yourself as an authority in your field.
IT FUTURE-PROOFS YOUR ART CAREER AGAINST AI
In the age of ever-evolving technology, it's more important than ever for artists to future-proof their art business by utilizing social media. With the rise of AI, many jobs that once required human interaction are now being performed by robots or algorithms. Until recently, we thought art was one field that would resist automation. However, that is no longer the case with the advent of AI-created art. In order to stay ahead of the curve, it's important for you to use social media to showcase your personality, process and overall human-ness. By doing so, you can create a meaningful connection with your audience that can't be replicated by a machine.
PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE THEY KNOW, LIKE, AND TRUST
If you want to sell your art online, you must show up and build a rapport with potential buyers. At the end of the day, people want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. Having a strong social media presence is a great way for artists to build genuine relationships with their audience. Being online gives you the ability to show the world who you are as a person, not just an artist. You can also help others by sharing your story, knowledge and values - when your audience feels like you have got their backs, they'll be more likely to support your art career in return.
THE CONS OF USING SOCIAL MEDIA AS AN ARTIST
There's no doubt that social media has its fair share of advantages for artists. However, there are also some potential downsides that you should be aware of before diving headfirst into the world of online promotion. You might already have encountered some of these challenges yourself, but here's a rundown of the most common cons of using social media as an artist.
SOCIAL MEDIA IS A TIME SUCK
The first con is that social media can be a huge time suck. If you're not careful, you can easily find yourself spending hours upon hours working on a single post which the algorithm will toss into the void after only a couple of hours. This can lead to feelings of frustration and discouragement, which can turn into creative block and imposter syndrome.
The solution to this problem is to be strategic about your social media use. Build the habit of setting a timer each week to work on creating one high-quality evergreen post per week. Evergreen content such as blog posts, YouTube videos, or Pinterest pins are great examples of content that you can create once and will continue to bring in now followers and sales long after you hit publish. This strategy will help prevent you from getting burnt out and ensure that you're creating content your audience will see.
THE COMPARISON GAME
Another downside of social media is that it can be a breeding ground for comparison. When you're constantly bombarded with images of other artists' perfectly curated feeds, it's easy to compare your work to the seemingly perfect lives and careers of others. It's important to remember that what you see on social media is often only a highlight reel and that people only share the best parts of their lives. Don't compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else's red carpet.
YOU'RE ONE IN A MILLION
As an artist, it's easy to feel like you're just one in a million, competing against a never-ending sea of talent. And while it's true that the art world can be competitive, it's important to remember that you are one in a million - in the best way possible. Your unique perspective and voice are what sets you apart from everyone else. So, don't let comparison or competition get in the way of you sharing your work with the world.
YOU ARE AT THE MERCY OF THE ALGORITHM
Another downside of using social media as an artist is that you are completely at the mercy of the algorithm. The algorithms used by social media platforms determine what content is shown to which users, and there is often little transparency about how these algorithms work. This can be frustrating for artists who feel like their work is not being seen by as many people as it should be.
And social media algorithms can frequently change, meaning that what works one day may not work the next. This can be particularly frustrating for artists who have built a following on a particular platform only to see their reach, followers and engagement decrease due to algorithm changes.
THE QUALITY OF YOUR ART MIGHT SUFFER
Another aspect of being a slave to the algorithms is that they dictate how much output you have to produce as an artist in order to stay relevant and visible. This can lead to pressure to constantly create new content, which can be overwhelming and may ultimately affect the quality of your art. It's important to remember that it's okay to take breaks and focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity of content you produce.
Also, the pressure to constantly create and share new content can lead to a fear of experimentation or trying new things. You may feel like you have to stick to a certain style or subject matter in order to appeal to a broader audience and maintain your social media presence instead of focusing on finding a profitable art niche you love. This can be stifling for your creativity and may ultimately lead to burnout.
It's important to remember that as an artist, your work should come first. Don't let the pressures of social media dictate the direction of your art. It's okay to take breaks and experiment with new ideas, even if it means that your social media presence may suffer temporarily. In the end, the most important thing is to stay true to your artistic vision and create work that is authentic and meaningful to you.
HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL ARTIST WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA
While social media can be a valuable tool for promoting your art and connecting with others in the industry, it's not the only way to succeed as an artist. Many successful artists have no social media presence at all, and they have found other ways to showcase their work and build successful careers. If you prefer to avoid social media or are simply looking for alternative ways to promote your art, here are a few strategies you might consider:
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
One key to being a successful artist without social media is to focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity of content you produce. It's okay to take breaks and focus on creating a small number of high-quality pieces rather than constantly churning out new work. This will not only allow you to put your best foot forward and showcase your talent, but it will also help you avoid burnout.
GO OUT INTO THE REAL WORLD
Another way to succeed as an artist without social media is to get out into the real world and connect with people in person. This might mean exhibiting your work in galleries, participating in art fairs, or maybe even setting up a booth at local events. These in-person connections can be more meaningful and rewarding than virtual ones, and they can also lead to new business opportunities and collaborations.
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Another key to success as an artist without social media is to get involved in your local art community. This might mean joining an artist group, volunteering at a local museum or gallery, or participating in community art projects. Being an active member of your community can help you build connections and showcase your work to a wider audience.
COLLABORATE WITH OTHER ARTISTS
Collaborating with other artists can also be a great way to build your career without social media. This can be a great way to learn from others, create new work, and reach a wider audience. Collaborations can take many forms, from working on joint projects to sharing resources and knowledge.
SELL YOUR ART LOCALLY
Finally, don't forget the power of local sales. While social media can be a great way to reach a global audience, selling your art locally can be just as rewarding. This might mean setting up a booth at a local fair or market, selling your work at a local shop or gallery, or even offering commissioned pieces to local collectors. By focusing on your local community, you can build relationships and a loyal customer base that will support your art career.
WORKING AS AN IN-STUDIO ARTIST FOR COMPANIES
If you love the idea of being an artist but prefer the stability and support of working in a studio, there are still options available to you. Many artists have no social media presence at all but are very well known in the industry and have no problem landing what to many people would be dream jobs. However, you may have to be willing to relocate in order to find these opportunities.
As an in-studio artist for a company, social media can still be a valuable tool for building your personal brand and connecting with potential clients, friends and collaborators. However, it's important to remember that your social media and website presence should align with the values and goals of the company you work for. Be sure to follow any guidelines or policies the company has in place for social media use, and be mindful of how your online presence might reflect on the company.
THE BOTTOM LINE: SHOULD YOU BE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AS AN ARTIST?
There is no easy answer to this question. It really depends on your goals. Some artists find social media to be a valuable tool for promoting their work and connecting with their audience, while others prefer to focus on more traditional methods of marketing and networking.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to find what works best for you and your art. If social media feels like a chore or hindrance to your creativity, it might be worth considering alternative methods of marketing and promoting your work. On the other hand, if you enjoy using social media and find it helpful for reaching your audience and building your brand, then by all means, go for it!
It's also important to remember that social media is just one aspect of being an artist. There are countless other ways to share your work with the world and build a successful career.
Whether you choose to use social media or not, the most important thing is to stay true to your artistic vision and work consistently towards your goals. With dedication and consistency, you can succeed as an artist no matter what medium or path you choose.
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FAQ:
Q: Do I have to be on social media as an artist?
A: No, you do not have to be on social media as an artist. Some of the most successful artists do not have social media accounts. However, social media can be a helpful tool for promoting your work and connecting with your audience, so it's worth considering if you feel it would be beneficial to your career.
Q: Is social media the only way to succeed as an artist?
A: No, there are many other ways to succeed as an artist besides social media. Some artists find success through working for companies, exhibiting their work in galleries, participating in art fairs, using traditional marketing techniques, or selling their work locally. It's important to find what works best for you and your art.
Q: Can I be successful as an artist without social media if I'm an in-studio artist for a company?
A: Yes, it is possible to be successful as an artist without social media, even if you work as an in-studio artist for a company. While social media can be a helpful tool for building your personal brand and connecting with potential clients, it's important to remember to follow any guidelines or policies that the company has in place for social media use. Focus on building a strong working relationship with the company and communicating effectively, and you can succeed as an in-studio artist while still maintaining your creative vision.
Q: What are the benefits of using social media as an artist?
A: There are several benefits to using social media as an artist. It can help you promote your work to a global audience, connect with potential collaborators, friends and fans, and stay updated on industry trends. Social media also allows you to bypass traditional channels and reach your audience directly, which can be particularly useful for independent artists.
Q: Are there any risks associated with using social media for artists?
A: There are a few risks associated with using social media as an artist. One risk is that you are at the mercy of the algorithms used by social media platforms, which can determine what content is shown to which users. This can be frustrating if you feel like your work is not being seen by as many people as it should be. Additionally, social media algorithms can change frequently, which can affect the reach and engagement of your content. There is also the risk of negative feedback or criticism from online trolls, which can be damaging to your mental health. It's important to be mindful of these risks and find ways to protect your mental health while using social media.
Q. How can I use social media to promote my art?
A: There are many ways to use social media to promote your art. Some strategies you can try include:
Posting updates and images of your work on your social media accounts.
Using hashtags relevant to your art and industry to reach a wider audience.
Interacting with other artists and industry professionals on social media to build relationships and collaborate.
Participating in social media challenges or events related to your art.
Utilizing paid promotions or sponsored posts to reach a larger audience.
Q: Are there other methods of promoting my artwork besides social networks?
A: Yes, there are many other methods of promoting your artwork besides social media. Some options you might consider to sell art on include:
Exhibiting your work in galleries or art fairs.
Selling your work locally, through a physical storefront or online marketplace.
Participating in community art projects or events.
Offering commissioned pieces to collectors or art buyers.
Creating a website or blog to showcase your work and share updates with your audience.
Q: How do I stay true to my artistic vision while using social media?
A: To stay true to your artistic vision while using social media, it's important to be authentic and genuine in your online presence. Don't try to fit into a certain mould or follow trends just to gain followers. Instead, focus on creating content that reflects your values and artistic vision. It's also important to be mindful of the types of projects or collaborations you take on and make sure they align with your artistic goals. Finally, don't be afraid to take breaks from social media if you start to feel burnt out or like it's impacting your creativity negatively