Hey there! Let’s talk about something that’s become a huge part of our lives. It’s a relationship that’s equal parts love and hate, full of opportunities but also challenges, especially as an artist. Yep, I’m talking about social media. If you’re anything like me, it’s probably a daily dance between feeling inspired to share your work and wishing you could just focus on creating art without the distraction. Either way, I think it’s worth chatting about the pros and cons of being an artist in the digital age.
The Love Affair with Social Media
For many of us, social media has opened doors we didn’t even know existed. Before platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, getting our art out into the world relied on galleries, art fairs, or, if we were lucky, word of mouth. That was it. Now? The world is our stage. You can be sitting in your cozy studio in a small town (which I'm currently doing) and someone halfway across the globe can stumble upon your work. How cool is that?
Take Instagram, for example. When I first started sharing my art there, I was blown away by the responses. People from different countries were liking and commenting on my work. It felt like a whole new world opened up to me. That’s the beauty of social media—it breaks down barriers and lets you find your audience wherever they are.
There’s something magical about the connections you can build through social media. Your followers aren’t just numbers—they’re real people who care about your art. I’ve learned so much from the little community I’ve built on Instagram. From feedback on new designs to heartfelt messages of support, they’re like a virtual cheerleading squad. And honestly, it keeps me going on those days when imposter syndrome tries to creep in.
Social media also gives you the power to turn those connections into tangible results. Features like Instagram Shopping and TikTok’s "Shop Now" button mean you can sell your work directly to your followers. No more waiting for someone to stumble across your booth at a craft fair or hoping a gallery notices you. You’re in control. And trust me, the first time someone buys your work because they found you on Instagram, it feels incredible.
The Reality Check
Okay, as dreamy as all of that sounds, we’ve got to talk about the flip side of this digital coin. Social media isn’t all sunshine and rainbows—it comes with its fair share of challenges. First up? The pressure. You know what I’m talking about. The never-ending push to create content, post every day, and stay relevant. It’s exhausting. And the thing is, as artists, our time and energy are finite. Every minute spent curating an Instagram post or answering comments is a minute we’re not spending in our creative zone. It’s a delicate balancing act, and sometimes it feels like the scales tip in the wrong direction.
Then there’s the sneaky beast known as comparison. Social media can be a great source of inspiration, but it can also mess with your head. We all know that scrolling through your feed and seeing other artists seemingly “killing it” can make you feel like you’re not measuring up. But here’s the thing—I remind myself (and I’m reminding you now, too): everyone’s on their own path. Your art, your growth, and your successes are uniquely yours. And if someone or something on your feed triggers that icky feeling of self-doubt, it’s totally okay to unfollow and create a space online that inspires, not drains, you.
Oh, and can we take a moment to talk about algorithms? They’re frustrating, to say the least. You pour hours into creating a beautiful post, hit publish, and… crickets. The algorithm decides who sees your content, and sometimes it feels entirely out of your control. It’s easy to feel discouraged when your work doesn’t get the traction you hoped for. But here’s my advice—keep showing up. Social media is a long game, and consistency pays off (even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment).
One more thing—and it’s an important one—protecting your work. When you share your art online, there’s always a risk of someone stealing it or using it without credit. It’s a harsh reality, but there are ways to safeguard your creations. Simple steps like watermarking your images or sharing lower-resolution files can make a big difference. And if you’re really serious, copyrighting your work is worth looking into.
The Final Verdict
Here’s the truth, my friends. Social media is both a blessing and a challenge. It connects us with a world of opportunities—exposure, community, sales, learning—but it also demands our time, creativity, and mental energy. It’s not perfect, but for me, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. It’s why I’m here, sharing my art and this conversation with you in the first place.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this: use social media in a way that feels authentic and sustainable for you. Set boundaries, focus on quality over quantity, and don’t forget to take breaks when you need them. At the end of the day, your art—and your well-being—comes first.
Now, go forth and share your beautiful creations with the world. And when social media starts feeling like too much, remember—you’re not alone in this. We’re all figuring it out, one post at a time.
Until next time, take care and stay inspired!