Do Artists Need Social Media to Be Successful? » Artist Who Quit Instagram + It Changed Everything
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2020
- As an artist who quit Instagram a few months ago, I'm really enjoying my post-Instagram life, feeling like I'm no longer screaming into the void and Instagram's confusing algorithm but I'm starting to wonder: do artists need social media to be successful? Can an artist be recognized and hired for their art without relying on Instagram and other social media platforms? Can we as artists and creators achieve success without the constant spray of our work on social media? Let's get a little philosophical about it here and talk about the benefits of leaving social media and quitting Instagram as an artist, and how that's impacted my work. I'd love to hear from you and your relationship with socials: are you an artist that relies on Instagram to get work, do you want to quit posting too? What are your thoughts?
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I quit social media a month ago.. something about the algorithms that left a bad taste in my mouth. I hated feeling like the better I get, the more hoops I have to go through (let’s not talk about paid ads) Yes I do get lonely at times, but the gap is filled with my faith and studying god’s word. I do believe artist can be successful without social media.. and happy I’m not alone 💪🏾
Aye wassup my brother in Christ
Deleted mine for the same reason, sows too many bad seeds and encourages me to make art that is glorifying sin
you're on social media right now - you didn't quit. :)
Definitely not I’m just now realizing I don’t need it. I’ve grown there by being social with people I probably wouldn’t talk to on the regular most Important it’s barely shown in my streams and fan based growth. So it’s just draining doing all that for platforms that don’t pay you for your content.
I’ve used the time I DONT spend there on learning new skills to make me a better creator and family time. That’s all I need. Just post your content straight to UA-cam
#Bandz🦅
I felt a lot peaceful and confident after taking a break from instagramm:>
Perfectly said, as an artist myself (illustrator), the only reason I'm on Instagram is obviously for my art, but at this point I don't see the reason for it anymore, because of the algorithm changing I'm hardly reaching a audience, not to mention trash gets promoted. 😒
The one thing that I'm truly excited about is creating an online shop. But I whole heartedly agree with you.
Same here. I really wana quit Insta and open my online shop.
Though i hav invested alot to gain followers.. but at the end of the day i gained no profit or benefit at all!!
I AGREE.
I left instagram about a month ago and it felt so freeing! I also had an art account and what really freaked me out is the fact that sometimes while I was drawing or painting, I started having thoughts for instagrams DURING the creation process. So I completely relate to the nuance you made between being an artist ans a content creator !!
I did't even believe I would find someone who would do a video about that but here u are ahha
That's conforting.
Go on !!
It’s gotten to the point that I feel like I’m only making art for Instagram. I don’t do a drawing without thinking ‘this will go on Instagram’. I know I’m addicted to my phone but I never do anything to stop myself because it usually doesn’t last ;-;
Oh I tooootally relate. Because I dod grt my first sales thru insta it felt like thats the way to go. But its exhausting and not really what I want to do. I'm going to try selling at fares this summer and giving out my numbeer and email more
I came across this video because i'm seriously considering quitting instagram. I've been on instagram since the beginning and have probably wasted hundreds if not thousands of hours scrolling and checking what other people are up to. Because I am an aspiring tattoo artist and recently started an art / tattoo page where I post my work, I am on the fence about quitting instagram because I know it is a platform that many artists use to promote themselves and gain visibility. However, even if i've gone through my followers and only follow genuine people who I am interested in, I still can't help but find that this social media platform is toxic for me and a waste of time (I also hate how many ads there are now). It's also changed the way in which I do art; instead of just creating for myself, I am constantly thinking about what other people want to see and how I can grow my platform. It puts this awful pressure on myself to get a piece of art done daily (which just isn't realistic) so I can post it up and keep people interested in my page. I'm looking into maybe creating a website or finding an alternative to instagram where artists can have more of a community that is free of all the superficiality that instagram creates.
Yeah, highly agree, I also have been on the fence about it as an emerging visual artist, and feel that the negatives out way the positives so much more. I really agree with everything you said here. That an alternative website might be a good place. Somewhere where you don't have to be so distracted by so many other visuals, ads, etc. and just focus on the art content itself.
There's no point to Instaspam if you're a working artist these days. The platform is geared to short videos, not still images of art. The only people there who rack up views without posting 20-second clips are celebrities & hot girls who post a lot of near-naked pics of themselves. Even then, Instagram is saturated with them now & butt shots just don't rack up hundreds of thousands of 'likes' the way they used to.
Below another video, someone commented that as a tool for artistic exposure, Instagram was pretty much useless by 2015. These days the only way you'll profit from it, as an artist, is if you already have a huge audience _before_ you open an account.
your time is better off spent building a personal website and human to human connections
Definitely build a professional website as it’ll serve you MUCH better for future work. What I’m starting to do with instagram is use it more like an online process book where I’ll post sketched stuff and sometimes full work, but I’m not trying to do IG full time with reels, daily posting, and trying to spend 5+ hrs a day figuring out how to work the algorithm in my favor. I think that way is more beneficial for artists who don’t already have a huge following. We’re already well past the point where you can grow a great following just posting once or twice a week. Now I can seeThe algorithm nowadays with instagram as another Pinterest
Scrolling what others did sometimes can a waste of time unless you find somebody that sinc with you/ business idea you both can do together. I made my account over 1 yr ago n have connected with like minded others
No social media worked for me. I spend the extra time organically growing and cultivating a brand.
You're right, the one thing that frustrates me the most about Instagram is deciding how much effort I should put into making something because I'm always thinking about how long it was since I last posted instead of thinking about how the piece will turn out lol
I actually think quitting social media is the next wave. So many artists are pounded with "you need social media marketing". I think that forcing yourself to fit into the algorithm actually can dull your creativity not just as an artist but as a person! Small things like connecting with people in person are overlooked. Instagram is definitely a great tool but at what cost? Facebook (Meta) owns Instagram and there's so much evidence that this company makes large profits at the cost of our mental health.
I really believe quitting social media is a step to unlocking new creativity and reminding yourself of your purpose in this world. And will help you start thinking about others more genuinely. Thanks for this video Sophia!
I'm an artist and just followed my heart and got rid of social media whilst mid EP promoting hahaha. I feel pressured to share my work like a content creator & media personality. Fuck that. I feel better now. I care about the art. If I want it to get heard / seen then I will find other ways to do that for now. I'm not playing this dumbass instagram game any more. Did you know it actually changes the neurological pathways in your brain? Its not good for your mental health. Go be free. It makes you feel dependent on it but it's a false sense of community. No one on it really gives a fuck about your art (not in a mean way, but everyone is just bombarded with content 24/7). I'm sure there are other platforms more catered towards artists we can explore!
I did the exact same and agree with your point. It's impossible to be just a musician these days for example, you're supposed to post every single aspect of your life and become a media personality / content creator just in order to "keep up". No matter how much you create it isn't enough for the vacuum space of social media. It's poisonous and takes the artists attention away from the work that is actually important. The real artists out there are the ones motivated by their muse and not by external forces or pressures.
thank you. this was what I was feeling but you said it. I deleted my Instagram 5 minutes ago because I'm done. it's emotionally exhausting to try to gain followers and like you said become a personality. it sucks the joy out of making music. which is the only thing I want to do. if I commit to growing a fanbase on there it will just escalate and be worse. better to leave sooner and not lie to yourself. thank you
Very good video. I think people are realizing more and more that social media makes them depressed. I feel so much better without it. Thanks for thinking differently!
This has honestly inspired me to delete mine for good (for the third and last time hopefully). Instead I am just going to build a website (now that I know how). I wanted to make Instagram to connect with other artists but the content the algorithm shares is too toxic for my mental health.
To the point about the acquaintance friendships and stories, I found I never interacted with those people outside of Instagram stories. Those people wouldn't necessarily invite me to events with them. The people I text are the ones that make the effort to stay in touch and that is what I value in a relationship.
By making a website it will encourage me to create content without the hassle of wanting the attention that comes with it. The people that want to see my art and offer commissions are people I know in real life.
Main reason to get rid of it is the doom scrolling. I think crossing the lines of social interaction with producing art as a marketable resource or a hobby really blurs lines at this point.
I'm so glad I came across this video today. I can relate to so many things that you have mentioned including secretly admiring friends who are totally unbothered about not having to deal with social media everyday. As an artist I have been serving Instagram for like so many years and haven't acheived much through it despite of taking several courses, and making reels and posts, and adding stories multiple times a day. My mental health is deteriorating day by day. I think I'll quit Ig and Fb any day now. I recently started my You tube channel and having good response so far. Let's hope for the best ! Thank you for motivation!
This is 100% on point with my feelings about IG lately. I would go on hiatuses, limit my time, but still felt like I needed to be on there & posting frequently to be seen as an artist. It's funny/sad that I would be genuinely proud of my new work, post it, & then feel down if it didn't get the attention I thought it would, & of course it's incredibly fleeting like you said. Always felt pressure to post something even greater the next time & post often to keep up. But all that just led me to being less creative, less productive, checking recent post interactions while working on other projects, & killing my mental health.
It's an incredibly addictive platform to me, & since I've been off of it most of Dec, & now with 15 min daily check ins, it still feels unfulfilling. I'm working on my own YT more now too. I like making & watching videos like yours & hearing people's thoughts, being tuned in & taking the time rather than jumping to the next thing every 2 seconds. Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year!
I came to the same conclusion, after being over a year on insta, it drained me a lot rather than it helped me growing as an artist. I enjoy the video 💕
I have an Instagram for now but I deleted it off my phone and iPad and only allow myself to get on it using a computer. Ideketed my FB account. I also used to be a reader and have noticed since social media came to “life” ( I’m in my 40s) that my depression and anxiety has increased and my ability to concentrate (reading, needle arts,etc) has decreased. I don’t want that anymore. Nor do I want to live my life via a little box. Life is so much more! Also, social wise I find interactions very superficial and people don’t really want to connect outside of Instagram. So I’ll leave it behind for the most part.
Instagram is tough; the algorithm struggle, the toxic addiction, and the impact on mental health and more. Though, I worry I need Instagram and all the social medias for my art business goals. I don't know. I just started my UA-cam channel today to try to find a new avenue for getting my artwork out there and possibly helping fellow artists as well. Also your videos are snazzy. :)
I know the feeling, it's definitely conflicting emotions with Instagram as an artist because it feels like you *have* to be on there to see success but I like to think that it's not the only way to grow your art in the world. Congrats on starting your UA-cam channel! How exciting!
I agree with all of the criticisms you have made regarding instagram. For artists that spend a lot of time creating their work, it can feel especially discouraging. You may have taken a month to finish a painting, for example, and have it looked at for only a few seconds at best. Then there's the annoying likes number sitting there like a cheap price tag underneath your work. You can't help but compare it to other price tags as you scroll through because the app is designed to make you do this. It is made to make you feel inadequate so you keep creating more and more to appease the algorithm and look at their ads as you do all this - for free!.
The other thing that I haven't seen in the comments is how we as users start to lean on social media viewing as a way to check in with our friends and colleagues. Now that galleries, art events and stores have opened up again, we can focus our energies more on in-person events to help strengthen that connection with other artists and art patrons.
I have the exact same relationship with Instagram as you and I can't even begin to explain how much better I feel ever since I got rid of it
You’re so well spoken, especially regarding this topic. You said everything that I contemplate in my mind and it’s honestly a bummer how for the viral-ness of content, algorithm is shifted that way. It’s not like artists haven’t gotten viral, but it’s not as effective as anything else. The hard work put in doesn’t correlate with the value it gives us back. It’s my 3rd break of the year. Honestly at a point, I might quit. It’s just that all my bread earning is from Instagram because I find clients there and vice versa
Two years after you posted this video, here I am considering deleting my art instagram page (that I have put way too much effort into with not a lot of results). I 100% resonate with your thoughts about how the constant changing of the algorithm feels like I’m morphing my art into something that’s not inherently me. I see jokes from other artists about creating posts to feed the capitalistic algorithm machine and it just feels gross. A lot of the content now uses the same trending audio, the same structure of videos, etc. and just feels uncreative. I really appreciate your thoughts on this and so glad to know I’m not alone!
@@doraluna6665 ahhh I loved deviant art! It’s still a thing! Not as popular but it seems like people still use it. I was thinking of trying UA-cam because it seems a little slower and more methodical?
The worst things for us designers/artists is we really don’t have freedom to be authentic. We have to copy trends, use trending audios and with let’s say 5k real followers you reach 300 people. Is that normal? And not to mention you put hundreds of hours of learning SMM, marketing in general etc. So I just left. Cause it is so bad for my mental health and my creativity. Used to bring me customers but 2 years ago (organically). Now I only chat with some design students. Meh.
Yes I am struggling with this as an artist. I like your pony about the fleeting quality of work placed on Instagram - I’m thinking of prioritizing posting on my blog instead. I find that I don’t do both- I’ve focused on Instagram for years and ignored my blog. But a blog is peaceful, focused and personal. Thanks- enjoyed this video.
Yes Kristin!! I love the focus on the blog. I especially like the concept of blogs as being your own personal space carved out on the internet, free from algorithms 💕 Somewhere to truly share your work in an unbiased way.
Sophia Mitropoulos well stated! I’m going to write that down so I can reflect on it! Thank you 💕
@@kristinjennifer5852 where can I find your blog, Kristin?
@@kalirally kristinboldizar.blogspot.com/?m=1
I’m still posting mainly illustrated poems on my Instagram stories- they are in my highlights there. But working to wean off Instagram and blog instead- goal for the new year! I still find motivation to post poems on Instagram- must be an ingrained habit now! Thanks for your interest 💕
'I want to be an artist, not a content creator' - really resonated with me. I deleted tiktok this week as I initially joined it a couple of years ago when lockdown happened and then thought i'd get my art on there (did a few vids), but the app itself was SO addictive I had to get rid of it. It's been a few days now and I do still find myself wanting to look, but honestly, it has already freed up a lot of time.
Regarding art and instagram - i don't think i'd get rid of it entirely, but I will only post when I think I have something I want to post, not plan posts or post every day like I used to. I can't get any traction there even with regular posting (although I know artists who are succeeding!) and I just would rather concentrate on my membership and blog and making my books. I think as I don't do client work anymore I worry about 'how are people going to find me' but hopefully they will somehow! I think I enjoy twitter more for reaching people and I seem to get much more traction there (and don't have to worry about 'content' especially not video!). Thank you for the video as it has helped make it easier for me to slow down a bit! There are already too many things to do when running one's own business, even before having to think about posting content! I also want to make more youtube videos in future once I've finished my next book!
this resonates with me so much - I've been struggling with IG for a while now & have been feeling like it's time to leave. I'm glad it's not just me xx
So glad I'm not the only artist who quitting Instagram these days since it's so aggravating to use anymore I mean you post your work and bearly anyone sees it so definitely not worth my time anymore.
I'm watching this 3 years after you created it! So intriguing how in the video you were talking about the extended shelf life of UA-cam videos. I love this POV and I'm always tempted to go off grid fully as an author.
You took the words right out of my mouth 👌 i first quitted for like a week or two, then a month, and now i don't want to deal with social medias at all lol
I kept telling myself it would be good to spread out my work out there, that it might caught the attention of potential clients.. but the algorithm is so bad even my closest friends sometimes didn't even see my post!
And you're right about barely getting any comissioned works from instagram. After realizing that i stopped lying to myself and just drop off the things that doesn't spark joy anymore. I might try to move into more portfolio-based stuff like artsation or a personal art blog tho. I'm glad i found your video and this is so validating that you're not alone in this 🙌
Well said. I’m definitely limiting my time on there. I feel overwhelmed when I scroll the app. Too much input leading to too little actual output on my part. UA-cam and long form content is more my thing I find.
So relatable. Couldn't agree more. To heck with the whole fb operation. It's terrible.
ok my fav thing you mentioned was talking about reading v. insta. I love reading and I use insta still. I think you can have have both if you read first. Or have a time and a place to read? It's more about the place but that's just me. I know if i'm about to read that i'm probably gonna have to be alone. Think, react, and generally feel inspired. I never specially dedicate time to insta. It just happens like everything else on my phone, in the little cracks of the day, procrastinating working out or making dinner or running an errand. If i'm about to write, or do anything creative, I reallyyyy try not to get on it. In my own experience i've found that nothing kills inspiration faster than instagram. I've never magically gotten a good idea while scrolling insta. I actually feel like when i use it my brain is turned off, like mindless reality tv.
Last weekend i had a "why the fuck am i on this app" moment. so this vid is actually super timely to me ! And i deleted it. not forever, just a week. I was tired of the scroll. and i wasn't comparing my pictures to others but my life to others, like this fomo from people that i wouldn't even be seeing normally. I would leave the app feeling annoyed. Wondering if (even tho there's a gd pandemic) i should be doing things and posting about it? I have insta back now, but i usually just end up muting anything that bothers me lol. I too haven't had notifications on since i got it. that shit was too much
My goal for a while (and maybe the whole time I've had it) is to not take it seriously. And i get that that's hard, and nearly impossible when instagram is your business. But as far as having a personal account I think looking at it like that is the only way I can still stand it. Sry i just wrote a book AND didn't really talk about the relationship insta has to artists (bc i dont know), but these are my ~general~ insta thoughts ok byeeeeee
"I've never magically gotten a good idea while scrolling insta"!!! I feel like that's so true and it definitely is like mindless tv feels. And the concept of reading first is good to apply for anything (especially netflix for me rn) I'm gonna try that.
Also not taking it too seriously is a good tip, I never had a good time trying to strike that balance, I feel like I was always really hyper aware of my audience being people I know and I could never really ~let go~ and the longer I stayed on the farther I got away from enjoying it yknow
Looking through the comments, I’ve been thinking about deleting instagram. I’ve never liked it as an art platform persay, it really does take a toll on your mind and health. I love that I’m not the only one that feels this way, the only reason I’m on instagram it to post art that’s all :/
I've put up with instagram discouraging nature for a while now and I would like to be less dependent on it. I'm trying to find other platforms to focus on, but I still haven't found the one. I don't like TikTok bcz I don't make attention seeking art. instagram started very nicely and it was ruined eventually by facebook. I see myself leaving it soon, but at the moment I will still post in with minimal engagement for the sake of the few ppl there who actually care about my art journey
Instagram was so result-oriented for me, it’s nice to see that other artists share the same sentiment.
I’m an artist and I’ve been using social media since I was very young. I made the decision this year to finally quit. I realize that instead of following my true artistic visions in their rawest form, whether or not they’d do well on my socials and stuff like how fast could I finish was seeping into my work flow. Over time I started to dislike my work and. Now I realize it’s because I was centering it all to social media. I’m already feeling mentally much better about my art!
Nice to see someone taking a step back and reflecting on all that agitation.
Yes! I’m about to ditch it, maybe check in once a week. I’m sick of chasing the algorithm. It’s gotten so bad and if I have to spend money I’d rather it be in a way that drives people to my site and email.
Yooo I remember you from snatch magazine! I remember thinking it was so cool that we were weightlifters/designers named Sophia lol. Crazy full circle moment seeing you on my feed, I deleted my social media as well and switched to a flip phone, and I’m determined to find a way to make a living as an artist without needing social media. I love to see that you’re doing something similar as well, I’m so glad I found you so I can follow along on your journey!
With that said, I was also caught in the trap of needing instagram for inspiration and getting my stuff out there, but more than anything it was a distraction and it was hard to admit that. But I’ve personally found a lot of joy in finding other ways to share my work. Like talking to people, printing things and sharing them, posters, sending mail. And it’s so much more satisfying because you can hold it in your hand, and that creates a much more meaningful connection with people you share it with even if it’s not as many people as you would reach on a digital platform. Ultimately if you’re using different tools you get different results, and that makes your work stand out from people who are using the same tools. I’m still learning myself, but I’ve found it to be a really fun hobby and a project in itself to navigate life as an artist without a smartphone/social media, running into problems and finding creative ways to solve them. Not to mention so much more peaceful :)
Instagram destroyed how I felt about what I was drawing. I started to feel like nothing I did was good enough and I became very hard on myself with every piece I created. Everything I did started to become buried in the algorithm and nobody was seeing my work anymore. That, and using hashtags began to feel completely pointless…. Posting eventually felt completely pointless… I was bored with the fact that it was so useless to be there at this point. I recently just deactivated my Instagram and I’m shocked to hear how many people are feeling the same way I am. It’s such a bummer! But no point in hanging around a place that makes you feel like sh**!!
I deleted the app from my phone for now. I felt like I was very close to having a burn out. The biggest realisation was that I was drawing for Instagram and not for myself or because it gave me pleasure. It felt like a full time job with no income. I want to make art as a need for my existence no matter how dramatic that sounds. Not for likes and validation. And somewhere along the way I lost the purpose of why I opened an account for my art in the first place.
Yes, I am an artist and I am becoming disillusioned with the social media hustle. Thank you for perspective which is illuminating my decision process!
It has been already 4 months of detaching from Instagram because I was feeling the exact sickness you are describing in constantly checking the "engagement" but moreover, I was feeling I was making art for Instagram instead as a natural statement of myself if that makes sense. These months have been great, never felt so free and decluttered. The pressure of creating content just to show I'm alive or I'm an artist was gone.
10 min ago I've returned and posted something. I wanted to see how I'd react now to the whole thing with this new insight or mindset. It's tough, I already spent way too much time in thinking how to edit or what to put and encountered myself refreshing 3 times my notifications. I guess I'm not ready, even less than before dropping it.
The thing is right now, I have plans to pursue a bigger work and projects, not only focusing on music and photography but stepping into writing and drawing. I've been thinking -and still- about which platform would suit this approach. How to put every piece of work I'll create in the same platform. A platform where people could easily see my approach and navigate towards everything, and at the same time and I think this is important, being able to interact and connect with them more personally. Social media should be the perfect platforms for that, but how the algorithms work and how the addictiveness can destroy my mental health, I feel I'm not ready at all. Should it be that hard to find a platform that offers me the sharing-interaction aspect without involving the unhealthiness of the current socials? Agh man... this is even sad.
Twitter? maybe UA-cam? I'm not sure if the format offered there will suit my expectations, although I agree a lot on how UA-cam can be different... and a webpage doesn't give me that interaction I'm looking for
if anyone has some suggestions or ideas, I'll be super grateful to hear...
great video Sophia, really useful insights. I wish you and everyone having this struggles a great evening
Wow, thank you for such an insightful response! I agree about feeling free and decluttered from the pressure and distraction. I've definitely been thinking about returning to Instagram lately because it feels like "social proof" that you exist, but I worry I'm still not ready yet either.
I would still highly recommend trying to have your own webpage and focusing on learning how to drive SEO to your site. The great thing about your own site is that YOU own it, there's no algorithm that can take it away from you. Also, Google can be such a powerful resource, there are many other options to get eyes on your work than just social media.
I genuinely love the honesty in this video
This is so good! I personally rely on Instagram for almost all my sales and traffic. But I do feel that I have had to be extremely intentional with how I spend my time there. I too have found myself endlessly scrolling. So, I have had to take frequent breaks or schedule my posts ahead of time to really maintain a healthy balance. I really connect with that concept of becoming a content creator, not just an artist. For me, I think connecting the content creation as an art form in itself, has helped that a bit.
But I also will say that I am working on diversifying my traffic and sales so that in the future I don't have to rely so heavily on a single platform.
Also, idk about others, but it would be amazing if I didn't have to use social media at all. Constantly marketing myself is exhausting and I would love to just be able to create without the pressure. Maybe one day!
I have watched this video so many times over the past 2 months. You really have a way with words and helped me sort out what I couldn't even put into words myself. Thank you
I don't like Insta and Tiktok for the exact reasons you mention. Fully agreed. You have a fantastic screen presence and speak so well.
Your energy is so grounding, sweet, relatable, and lovable. Thank you for making videos for the internet ❤
Grateful for Instagram, had 10k followers on my art account back 2011 & it helped me get through college etc. It was fun back then but as I grew older I quit fully & being in design school I was constantly creating so during my freetime I wanted to do something else. Made a personal acc & it just became a distraction/gave me anxiety so I deactivated it as well. But now I sell stickers on Etsy & hopefully create more :)
I love how you made the point that artist and content creator are two very different things.
This video is so spot on. Everything about it! Thank you for this!
It was so sudden for me it’s almost funny. I was making an extra effort recently to keep the views as they were before and suddenly I posted a new reel with original artwork, with music and stuff, only got about 100 views abd 15 likes and thought: In done with this. Deactivated it, and now I feel so happy and proud of myself
Oh this is so spot on, I've thought about doing the same with instagram. The whole process you mention also had given me a creative block! I do get business from Instagram, but also Facebook. I'll be keeping it but have stopped the scrolling so much, it seems to suck my creativity instead of adding or inspiring me.
Thank you, great vid. How are you so wise, really verbalised this so well. X
I totally agree! You should check out the app Later for scheduling your Instagram posts if you're interested! I used it for a bit before leaving Instagram and it's nice because you're still able to post without having to log in.
And thank you for the kind words I really appreciate it!
Yes!! I felt the same exact way as you on this topic! You had a lot of great points on this issue. Thanks for sharing.
It's a testament to the truth of what you said about the evergreen content on UA-cam that I'm finding this video 9 MONTHS after you posted it. I've devoted so much time and effort to Instagram over the years and feel like the returns have been diminishing since the platform was bought by Facebook and personalized news feeds came in. It feels like if I don't post for one day I'm punished by the algorithm. Partly bc of your video I've decided to delete my Instagram and switch to UA-cam as my primary platform. Whether or not it'll be better for my exposure and business, I KNOW it will be better for my mental health, and that's reason enough to make the switch. Thanks for the great vid!
Perspective shifting. I appreciate you for that. 💎
Yes, haha 2022. As a dancer I feel this. I'm going to try this for the rest of the year (I PRAY) and if things go well I'll stay away, if not I'll be back.
I'm debating whether to keep login to IG or not. I'm going to keep it since it's more like a personal outline for me. But I do agree with you on the fact that mere seconds are spent looking at an artwork before moving on to the next thing and that's disheartening.
I have gained more followers these last 2 months without posting any art all due to the algorithm, so I honestly don't think posting daily and making shorts really makes much of a difference.
So I honestly don't know what to do about IG, I'm kind of tired of it.
it's insane and exhausting.....especially when your a tiny account and your desperate to grow so you can do art for a living...live your dreams....but your consistently drowned out by people who have already made it....its the same trap that permeates the entire world, everyone wants to be heard....but no one is actually listening...we throw our opinions around believing the illusion that anyone actually gives a shit...it distracts so much that you lose track of who the hell you actually are...you compare to other people and other artists until you can't remember what YOU love to create....i got so caught up creating art i THOUGHT would go well, instead of art I want to create.
I just want to say thank you for this video! Your situation described what I’m going through pretty much exactly. I’m a tap dancer and where I struggle with the idea of getting rid of Instagram most is the amount of connection that I can have within the tap community. Personally I do want to get rid of it but I fear that I’m going to miss something that’s happening. This video definitely helped to provide some new perspective! Thank you so much!! ~Dylan :)
Totally true! I can relate. Decided to quit social media too. Social media can really impact you in a negative way. I'm painting bags and sell it but I need to look for other ways to show others my work. I believe that deleting my social media accounts would be so freeing and uplifting.
Loved the video! Also taking a pause currently from instagram ❤️❤️
I just graduated from college with my bachelors degree in art and delete my Facebook account from January to may and reinstalled it to sell some plants.. I deleted its again and it’s been three weeks... I hate social media besides UA-cam because you can find some interesting knowledge/how tos..
Hey I love this video a lot!! I think all of us struggle with the balance bit and I have massive respect for people who can strike a balance without it taking toll on you. I have been posting on UA-cam since I was 11 as a guitarist and had such beautiful in depth comments whereas on insta as a 20 year old I miss this depth and impact I had when I was younger. Also on a side note, I just finished watching social dilemma I think it’s a must for every artist in the game
So true! It's crazy how different the platforms can be in terms of depth in output AND response. I started watching the Social Dilemma but had to take a break, it was a lot to handle 🥵 I should finish it though.
Sophia Mitropoulos Totally understand haha it is a lot too handle 😩 anyways take care and have a great day! Looking forward to more videos
For me, I’m to a point where I just don’t want to be a slave to the sm crap. Whether it’s painting or my ceramic art, I’m tired of wasting my time and spinning my wheels feeling like I have to compete. I’ve come to realize I’m just not good at marketing myself and I’m tired of beating that dead horse. I’m going to do what makes me happy and whatever happens happens. 🤷🏻♀️
I am seriously considering deleting every social except UA-cam I truly believe this can be possible, especially as an introvert my energy is sucked when I try to stretch it so I think shifting to UA-cam and Patreon would be way more rewarding and long-lasting as you mentioned. Great video! Thanks for sharing!
i feel like to build your art quality you need more INNER time, which i don't think you get with instagram. there is i think a way to have a presence and stay focused on your own ideas. i'm working on that. a ton of videos about making it as an artist, building an organic following and listenership, it's all saying you have to be on every platform all the time staying on peoples minds and connecting with supporters, growing your brand all that. i cannot imagine myself doing that, spending time demanding attention and thinking of things to say and whatnot it's just not natural to me so i have to think of other ways, which i have not yet figured out what to do ... but no i do not want to be hammering away on socials all the time. i do not think that's a good use of your time for your own happiness and all... agree with your assessment. yes i found the video by trying to convince myself i don't need it..
This is so valuable. Thank you. ❤️
Hi there, I stumbled on your page after searching for reasons to delete IG on youtube and have found all of your content involving starting your own UA-cam channel very helpful and motivating. I went from wanting to delete my IG to actually starting my own youtube channel. Thank you for being you. Your videos are great. :)
Deleting it all in 7 days for the new year! Yes, content just isn't art. I'm looking forward to clearing my mind amd opening up to my core creativity. Also, just a suggestion, you can remove the comments and likes on UA-cam, because that implicitly makes UA-cam social media, too.
Instagram makes me feel so small as an artist. Even though I know I’m not bad and have an alright lil following I still have to fight “fraudy feelings” when I’m in the app because the algorithm has decided that as an artist I should see a huge amount of art in my feed. I love seeing the work of other amazing artists, but not in a stack of advertisements in an endless scroll. Art is meant to be experienced differently. I try to stay relevant on the platform, plus all of my friends are still there, but for the most part I don’t get much out of it and avoid it if I can. It sucks because Instagram used to be my jam. For me, my relationship with Instagram took a downhill turn when the algorithm took over.
I'm here for the rebellion!
This is so apparently thank you for being so honest 🙌
For a while there, I assumed I needed Social media for being a writer, but honestly you don't. Most creators don't need social media, we just need to create things. Plus, my instagram connections were incredibly shallow. Friends I had not spoken to for 6+ years. It was time to move on.
I'm planning on doing a YT channel, but I'll probably keep it to just that. And I only use Facebook for posting/saving photos and cool stuff I've done.
finding this a year later, proving your point.
The recent algorithm change has dramatically impacted artists and I'm strongly considering getting off the platform. I'm still at university and set up my page a few years back, and was getting substantial reach off just posting a few times a week and making really good sales, then it all changed and things have taken a nose dive.
Luckily I'm at university studying fine art and learning how that art world runs outside of the social media world and feeling confident that my more personal work will be gallery worthy by the time I finish my degree.
I am obsessed with my art and even recently I took a big step back from socials and my productivity has skyrocketed, managed to get several essays written, I'm juggling several projects and learning new skills I didn't even dream I would have.
Love it!!!!!!
Very helpful to watch for me right now. I’m debating whether to delete mine but I’m hesitant to start fresh again and lose my connections. Maybe I’ll just go off it a few weeks. Anyway, this was a helpful video. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you for this wonderful video and sincerity, I just dont know how to reach people as an artist, but it does feel like Im just giving away everything for free.
The whole unmentioned requirement of having a social media following to be a successful artist was always daunting. To me it seemed like an impossible work around. I like social media but I’m the biggest procrastinator with getting started professionally. Outside of a few unfinished works that I feel like showing, my social is pretty barren. I get the impression that if I wanted to make social media worth it, I have to become a full time content creator before an artist. I don’t want to be a content creator. I want to make art. All successful artists seem to leave out the little detail of “oh you also have to have at least a 2k following on UA-cam or the gram to get anywhere.” That’s a long process. In the age of messed up algorithms and stiff competition, it’s difficult to adapt. I feel like social media is great for easily creating a portfolio for employers. You show them what you do and how many people like it. That’s about it.
seriously considering quitting Instagram but worry if I need it as an actor. Not sure what to do but the algorithm these days makes me want tear my hair out. Like when did art become content that we consume at a ravenous speed.
I share a lot of the same feelings as you. I have met some good people and exchanged insightful information. I stopped using it for several months but got back for networking, not sure I’d like to build a biz on their at this point. On that note, I visited your website and realize we have something else in common - we are lifters and illustrators :) I’m diggin that poly bag you made for strong strong, was thinking about reaching out to see about licensing some things up that way. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your thoughts sophia, i totally agree with you that the toxicity related to the everchanging algorithm can end up shaping my life, my art, my time, and its just not f@cking worth it in the end. I am creating digital art for a short time and trying to emerge artistically on social media and... yeah... its making me question my existance again, the existance of humanity in this century, it's absolutely philosophical as a dilemma too. It could eventually mean sacrificing everything that makes me original in order to fit the algorithm and maybe gain something close to success or economical stability. I need to find another way, or just simply pay Facebook ads when I get any freaking money, so my visibility doesn't depend on me enslaving myself to upload content everyday.
You're pretty cool. Great insights, couldn't agree more
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this- I came from Holly Exley’s channel. I really feel so much of this! I’m kind of over insta. I’m thinking of starting UA-cam just because at least I could keep a visual rea time diary and if I did have an audience I’d actually be able to engage more fully with anyone who actually cared enough to watch and “follow my journey” (sorry that journey phrase makes me cringe)
I am sorry to hear that, honestly I just do not understand how a social media can be addictive, I do not find any interest on social media, it is just tools for me in order to try and get money from them, there is no other purpose than that, so I feel so sorry for those who are addicted to those useless purposes other than get money from those platforms, or those who uses social media for entertaiment, that is so sad.👍👍
I spend 1 hour a day on social media. That is it. I give myself a schedule and I stick to it. Instagram is a tool to me to just post art and try to be inspired by other artists. I have a small following and that is fine for me. I guess it must be easier for me to look at stuff like as a tool and not be addicted to the algorithm? Not sure but it's easy for me to just shut out the crap and focus on my own work on these platforms. I Also have shut off all notifications to these apps. So I check on this stuff on my own time. Great video. Definitely going to sub to your channel.
Broke my phone 4 days ago, absolute bliss, and then i got a new phone. a list of things I don't like about social media, disturbing content, seeing other people having fun air quotes, your designs being stolen, things you see on Instagram unconsciously effecting your own art style, making artistic decisions to get more likes, spending time curation and contemplating what to post, judging people based on their aperience or the level of work they are posting, all things I've found to be the case with social media as an artist and just a person. I mean the list can go on right? the whole thing of wanting to get more likes and followers so you seem superior to your peirs or old friends etc.
I think removing social media would force you as an artist to take more calculated actions to get your art seen, calling up small galleries or clubs to get your songs played or bars to practice your stand up comedy, its like the Instagram home page is the bea ll end all pinicle of success if your an artist on social media.
How can youtube be a better alternative? ive been contemplating posting more on here because of what you said about it but it seems like its becoming more and more like the rest of the social medias with the whole playing the algorithm and the youtube shorts.
i absolutely found this video because i’m trying to convince myself that artists don’t need social media. i’m looking at starting to sell my art with intent of sustaining myself, and i’m also reaching that point in my life that i fantasize about deleting myself from all social media. like… i just want to achieve both sustaining myself with myself (via my art) and sustaining my life with my actions (via deleting social media)
I quit Instagram, it sucks for artist, ruins the art whenever I post it. Twitter is better, the posts aren’t compressed so much.
Thanks for this video
I’m glad to hear feedback on instagram 👍
Wow, exactly. I used to be addicted to this endless stupidity, because I desperately needed approval from strangers on every social media there was since 2004... I started when I was only 14 years old, posted cute selfies on Hi-5 (a really old social media platform that if you are less than 30 you know nothing about, that was around before MySpace), Getting addicted to having strangers telling me I look beautiful, I exposed my - under 18 years old- self to the eyes of strangers that were much older than me & wanted to chat for their own - not so innocent- reasons! Through HI-5 I even met my first (older) boyfriend & created a toxic relationship for 3 years! This madness started when my mother suddenly passed and as every teen would do, I closed myself into a fantasy world, in order to escape my grief ! I used to stay up until morning, chating on MSN (early 2000s messenger) & go to school sleepless ! Couldn't focus on studying, falling deeper and deeper into this, thinking that it would make the pain go away. But no, living in a lie won't heal you. Now in my 30s, I can say that I fighted my addiction - yes IT IS an addiction, and focused on my art ! I only have an Instagram account that I rarely post anything on. Search for the truth on the things that matter to you... free yourself from this glass world.. it IS a fake... TIME FLIES ...
Thanks, I related to every bit of this video!
I've never been addicted to Instagram and the algorithm punishes me for it by lowering my reach, ergo I'm not inclined to post more work. I hate the idea of drawing so much just to boost 'engagement', on a platform where I've never gotten a single job. Twitter is much better for me, but still has the problem of popular art vs. art I want to make.
Totally agreed! It's still so hard to strike a balance on any platform, I wish there was a better solution.
I agree with everything you said. I'm taking a break now.
I'm leaving social media but I feel the same social media isn't real boredom is good because it makes people do great things
I totally agree with u as an artist!! Im thinking to get rid of it too !!🤔
Though i have invested alot of money, time & efforts to gain more followers but at the end of the day no profit or benefit achieved!! It sucks!!
Having said that im also looking for other good & authentic art platforms where i can display my art & gain profit!!
Such a thoughtful video
great great video. and for socially anxious folks who scroll on instagram is so unhealthy. like it can make someone with social anxiety feel like they're connected to these instagram acquaintences but they're really not. i'm obviously talking about me. I'm glad I know about how these things can take a huge toll on mental health. Also I didn't have instagram for 2 months and I have an account on it now again (i don't even know why i made a new acc) its been 2 days and i feel down. instagram is just not worth it. and also the indie kid era that seems to have taken the people on instagram by a storm. i'm sick of that. Even people on dating apps have the indie kid filter as their main photo. so so not real. instagram is now a place where a lot of people sell cute stuff but its no longer cute when you just keep scrolling and scrolling and come across different things to buy. on dating apps people can be so quick to judge when you say you don't have an ig and then they think you're a weirdo. IMO dating apps have gotten boring too. not worth it.
This spoke to me on too many levels 😂
I agree!
I lost all respect for or desire to use IG when they started pushing short form video (like tiktok) over static image, and my reach tanked. I had 20k+ followers and about 150 people would even see my posts. I am not a video creator. IG Is dead to me, unfortunately.
I feel exactly the same! Like a content creator.