Why I’ve Shown Up on Social Media as an Artist
Putting myself and my artwork out there on social media wasn’t always easy. It can feel vulnerable to share pieces that come from such a personal place. There are plenty of times when a post completely flops or a video takes way longer to create than I anticipated. But showing up consistently has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey as an artist.
Here’s why I’ve chosen to keep showing up:
1. Creating a Community
One of the best parts about social media is connecting with people who truly appreciate art. It’s allowed me to meet other artists, collectors, and art lovers who inspire me daily. Having that kind of community, people who understand the creative process and cheer each other on has been such a gift.
2. Building a Portfolio
Social media has become an evolving portfolio for my work. It’s a place where I can showcase not only finished pieces but also the evolution of my style over time. Keeping up with Instagram has motivated me to stay on top of documenting my work, photographing, sharing, and archiving pieces in a way I may not have otherwise prioritized.
3. Sharing My Process
I love showing the behind-the-scenes moments that happen before a piece is complete. I’ve created many timelapse videos, which are fun to make because I can see the progress of my work, especially when things feel slow in the studio. Sharing those moments gives people a deeper understanding of what goes into my art.
4. Building an Audience and Reaching the World
Social media has allowed my artwork to reach far beyond my local community. I’ve been able to share my pieces with people across the country, and even across the world. I’ve had so many opportunities come up because of the reach my art has had.
5. Increasing Sales
Instagram has become a space where collectors can easily discover my work. Through sharing my art and my process, I’ve been able to connect with people who want to bring those pieces into their homes. Commissions are some of my favorite pieces to make because of how personal they can be, and many of my clients have found me through social media.
6. Finding Inspiration and Learning
Social media is an incredible place to find inspiration. I’m constantly learning from other artists, discovering new techniques, and finding ideas that spark something new in my own practice.
Of course, not every day (or post) goes perfectly. There are moments of frustration, comparison, and self-doubt but I’ve found the most important thing is to keep trying. I’ve also had to monitor my time on social media. It’s easy to get swept up in the virtual world and lose track of time. To help with that, I have a device called a Brick which allows me to lock Instagram after I’ve used it. I try to only unlock my account after a workout as a small reward, then relock it after posting.
Social media has pushed me to grow a little more, learn something new, and connect with people who make this journey even more meaningful.