Thoughts on Social Media-ish

When looking at successful social media accounts of other creatives, it seems these artists have found their sweet spot. Their accounts are well curated, and consistent. They focus on one form of art; illustrations, or jewelry, or sculpture, or… etc. Even the coloring from one shared photo to another helps to express their brand - their vibe (my sister excels in this). It seems like there is a shared language of these accounts that you have to spend significant time learning, while keeping up with the trends (Tik Toc or not?). I feel like there is a good chance that people will say that my accounts are “not awful,” but in honesty, I do not believe that, nor see it, and regardless, I find the requirement to do so to be stifling.

On Instagram, you can easily find “rules" on how to have a successful online presence as an artist, like having the right sort of resume when applying to certain industries. They have said creative accounts must be all that I have mentioned above, rarely show the artist's face (unless it is covered in paint/charcoal, etc.), and must have some sort of art-related post daily. 

It might be just me who struggles with this, but I know that cannot be true. I think most would call me a “try hard.” I do try hard! I want to be successful, I want to be seen as a hard worker, but these rules and expectations are not something I have been able to follow. It's not for a lack of trying, but more so, the responsibilities of life and varying creative interests seem to be my main hurdle. My failure to do so, has made me feel like a failure in my business, knowing that if I could just focus and remain consistent a high-level of success could be possible. 

This post is not meant to sound like I am complaining (though it probably has that tone). I love the accounts that I am referring to, many of them whisk me away into some pleasant mood or fantasy world. I wish I could find the same “sweet spot,” but, as with anything, one must pursue life for themselves. My business is actually pretty successful with the dedication I have managed. In fact, during these sensitive years, where I have needed to take several breaks for my mental health, my art still finds a way to support itself. My illustrations are still speaking to people, and I feel really lucky and privileged to know this and to give them something beautiful and happy (which is always the goal). 

There is so much that I like to do, and in this world it seems like everything I create has to fit into some unspoken branding and be marketable. On the most basic level, I love all the colors of the rainbow! How do I choose a small handful to represent who I am, or who I am trying to be? Additionally, if I consider another creative endeavor, do I have to set up a new instagram or Etsy page, with new branding? I end up spending more time thinking about the overwhelming notion of these questions, than actually enjoying myself my experiencing another creative outlet.

At minimum, this mindset of “branding perfection” has stopped me from enjoying new things and passively expanding my creative boundaries. Who knows what embroidery may teach me that I could apply to my illustrations. Not to mention the life skills of patience required for both embroidery and the threading of fringe earrings. Sewing, modeling with clay, writing, painting models, painting with acrylics (and likely more that I am forgetting about) are crafts that I've dabbled in over the last few years (if not my entire life). I love all of them! They all provide a specific joy, and challenge that feeds my soul. They are all important - as is any future creative outlet that I may uncover in the future.

To summarize… I know that I must give myself permission to not meet the branding expectations, or even come close to following “the rules.” I will still feel that pull to do so (especially before posting this), but in this case, doing something creative for the sake of enjoying that space is critically more important than how it will reflect on social media.

I am far from perfect, but I am truly a creative, even if my branding doesn't align.

And that's okay.