It’s a real phenomenon for me as an artist to come across a person that does not actively use Instagram. In more ways than one, social media is how artists gets there name out there to be “discovered.” It’s a great and easy tool to be social within a community without have to leave the comfort of your home. But that’s not really socializing, is it? You don’t get to hear a voice, see facial expressions, and there is always the chance of your message being misinterpreted. It’s a lot more difficult to have strong connections in any other way but in person. Not that it’s impossible, just harder.
I think in a big way, Instagram is making us lazy. Maybe not in artwork, but definitely in building connections. It’s easy to not go out to art festivals, galleries, or museums. Why would you go out if you had access to it all right from your phone? But the matter of the fact is that people want to get to know others in ways that aren’t digital. They want a human connection, not one with a screen. In large, that is why if you want a job, you’ll have to be interviewed first. People want to know what your response is going to be — especially when you haven’t had time to groom your answers. Instagram might make it easier to get exposure, but I think it is going to make it harder for people to get jobs.
I don’t know that there is life after Instagram. This isn’t to say that Instagram will always be around. I’m sure a new platform will rise and others will fall. That’s just how business works. But after a certain point, it become more or less all the same. It is already engrained in our society that this is how we are social. As far as sharing artwork goes in the long term, I think it’s just going to be an ebbe and flow between people wanting to see a website or see it in person.
But I do have some advice for younger artists, that are diving into this ever changing world.
Don’t be focused on the numbers.
Being an artist is not a numbers game. It does not matter what your follower count is or how many likes a post gets. Every post would get a different response depending on what page it is posted to. Don’t give number too much credit.
Create work that is true to you and that you care about.
If you make work just to be on trend or just to have something to post on time, your viewers will be able to tell. It shows when you make work that you are invested in. That is the best way to set yourself apart from the crowd.
Don’t call everyone a hater.
There is a difference between hate and criticism. If someone tells you that a photograph is a out of focus or that a pot you made is really lumpy, they’re pointing out ways that you could improve. Granted, there are good and bad ways to give criticism, but it isn’t all hate. If someone goes to the lengths of commenting on your post, that is a sign of caring.
Be vocal.
How is anyone supposed to notice you if you don’t say anything? Or worse, you don’t have anything to say. I’ve gotten to work with the most amazing group of people before just for asking questions. I got to interact with one of my favorite painters just because I tagged her in a post. Let people know when you have something to say. Most are willing to listen.
5. Be thankful for the opportunities that you get, but give opportunities too.
It can be awesome when you get your first legit gig, but don’t forget about the other people around you who are just as deserving. For weddings, I’m always going to ask if I can have a second photographer even though that means my pay gets cut in half. I stay name dropping when employers ask if I know any awesome people. Make sure to give as much as you get.