Is Instagram still worth it for artists?
As an artist, trying to figure out social media with it’s ever evolving algorithms can sometimes become a bit too much. I’ll gain followers just to lose them the very next week. I don’t get it. It makes you wonder if it’s really necessary for your art career, especially when you’ve got your hands full with work, life, and, of course, creating the art. In this blog post, I’ll share my take on why social media can be useful for creatives, but by no means the only thing to move the needle forward on getting out there in the great big world.
An Artist’s Verdict
But first things first—do you absolutely need social media as an artist? My answer is a big ol’ Nope! Surprisingly, some pretty successful artists aren’t even on social platforms. But that doesn’t mean you should completely ignore it and hope it goes away like a bad rash. (PSST, you should get a cream for that.)
The truth is, it depends on your goals as an artist. Social media can be a handy way to connect with your fans especially if you’re an introvert, build your brand, and show that you’re a real person doing real art. Ahem… AI-generated art…cough* cough.*. But the ever-evolving landscape of Instagram, from the TikTok-ification of it’s platform to perpetual algorithm tweaks, has many artists wonder why they should stay on the platform. The latest changes on the platform make it harder and harder for users to gain exposure without dumbing down their art (Oh, I said it!) or making themselves a spectacle. Sorry but I’m not going to sex-ify my Instagram or dance for your pleasure 🤨.
In recent months, a noticeable trend has emerged within my Instagram art community – a large number of artists are distancing themselves from Instagram. Just look at these numbers on a blog post I wrote about the idea of MATRONAGE and empowering woman artists in a male dominated world!? Same post. Same caption. Did I offend someone? Wait, I don’t actually care. You tell me by reading the post below.
Personally, I’ve posted what I wanted and never really went for the trends so I’ve never really blown up. The majority of my art finds homes on Facebook (yup, that old dinosaur) where I have genuine interactions with people. Not to mention that the majority of users on Facebook are of my age group – Gen X and older. We generally can afford luxury items because we are likely more settled financially and are poised for the great wealth transfer which I write about in the blog post seen above. Consequently, the fate of Instagram as a platform for artists doesn’t hold much weight for me but here’s my not so informed take.
Why Are Artists Leaving Instagram?
Based on my experience and the collective grumblings of fellow artists, here’s the lowdown on why artists are waving goodbye to Instagram.
My personal ire goes to the TikTok-ification of Instagram. The value of art is to be pondered not just a fleeting 3 seconds of mindless entertainment and sexy 20 somethings.
- Instagram Wants Your Soul (and Time):
- Algorithm changes demand daily posts and increased screen time.
- Your art’s fate is intertwined with your online presence – the more, the better.
- How do you balance your art vs. Instagram time? It’s a conundrum.
- Chronological Feed RIP:
- Instagram bid adieu to the chronological feed, mirroring Facebook’s move.
- Your posts are now at the mercy of the algorithm, not the order you post them.
- Your art might not reach all your followers.
- The Pressure to Keep Up:
- New features like Stories, Reels, IG TV are Instagram’s latest darlings.
- Not using them? Say hello to reduced visibility.
- It’s a race to stay relevant – snooze, and you lose.
- Ads Everywhere:
- Instagram’s all about the moolah, favoring paid ads over organic posts.
- Your organic reach? Limited. They want you to pay for visibility.
- Flooded with ‘Boost Your Post’ invitations? You’re not alone.
Is Instagram Still Relevant For Artists?
Despite the gripes, artists are still on Instagram. Why? The platform has an art-loving audience – galleries, buyers, collectors, you name it. But here’s the catch – those art posts are fleeting, living a 24 hour life on Stories and a few days on a regular post. That’s even if they are seen at all. Blink, and it’s gone.
Is Instagram dead for artists?
The jury’s still out, but the signs point to a changing landscape. The golden days may be a distant memory, where you post and your friends and customers actually see it but the art world, resilient and adaptive, finds new avenues. It’s the internet after all, and it’s big. It offers many, many avenues for an artist to grow their careers. I did advertise all the events held at Cherry Bomb Studio through social channels but it was not my only form. I also used word of mouth, email lists and networking with other artists.
Succeeding as an Artist Without Social Media
The social media artist dilemma will be something artists and business owners of any kind will have to work with for the rest of our careers, urging all businesses to rethink their role in a digital age. Instagram’s not the only brush in the artists toolkit; the internet’s one possibility that holds an infinite array of opportunities (10 ways to make money online here) but don’t forget the human element of art. ABOVE IS AN IMAGE OF ME AND FELLOW ARTIST BRETT DESROSIERS BEING INTERVIEWED AT OUR LOCAL CABLE NETWORK.
Get your nose out of your phone and go live, that’s where the life part of living resides.
Artists Success Strategies Off Social Media:
- Emphasize Quality over Quantity: Rather than feeling like you need to be posting daily, take a break to really work on creating a limited number of high-quality pieces to showcase your talent. Remember why you do art in the first place.
- Engage in Real-world Networking: Attend galleries, art fairs, or local events to establish meaningful in-person connections, potentially leading to business opportunities and collaborations. If there are none in your area then host your own. It doesn’t have to be in a gallery, it could be in your house.
- Community Involvement: Join local artist groups, volunteer at museums, or participate in community projects to broaden your audience and build connections.
- Collaborate with Peers: Collaborations with fellow artists offer learning opportunities, creative synergy, and increased exposure without the need for social media.
- Local Art Sales: Focus on selling your art locally through events, markets, or local shops, fostering relationships within your community.
- Get online on your own website: You own your domain, what you don’t own is Facebook or Instagram. A personal website gives artists control over their brand and content, offering a professional space for showcasing your work. Unlike social media, it provides autonomy, a lasting digital presence, and direct engagement with the audience. With features like e-commerce, blogs and email list building, a website when used properly is limitless.
- Art Competitions & Galleries: By showcasing your art in competitions, Art galleries, and online gallery platforms, you allow professionals to handle the marketing, exposing your work to a curated audience. Galleries provide physical exposure, competitions offer recognition, and online platforms connect artists globally. These channels allow artists to focus on their craft, letting their work speak and establish a presence in the art world.
- Speak about your art: Speaking directly to people in person about your art, whether at events, exhibitions, or gatherings, creates genuine connections. People buy from people they know, like and trust. They buy from other humans!!! This human interaction builds a more profound appreciation for your work, establishing a personal connection that goes beyond the overly curated, filtered and fake digital world.
BONUS: Show your work to the world on your social pages regardless of who does or doesn’t see it. Likes and comments are not a reflection of you or your art.
What’s your take on Instagram for artists? Drop a comment or comment on my socials. let’s unravel the evolving saga of art on social media!
