Art
Social media can be a great tool for artists, but it also has its downsides. The temptation to compare yourself to others and feel overwhelmed by other people’s success can be overwhelming if you’re not careful. Here are some ways to combat these feelings:
Introduction
Social media can be a great tool for artists, but it also has its downsides. The temptation to compare yourself to others and feel overwhelmed by other people’s success can be overwhelming if you’re not careful. Here are some ways to combat these feelings:
Recognize your stress.
You are stressed.
You probably didn’t even realize it, but you’ve been feeling some kind of way for a while now. You’re tired and overwhelmed by everything in your life that needs to get done, and it’s making you feel like an artist again–or maybe even less than an artist because you can’t seem to get anything done right now.
This is normal! Everyone feels this way sometimes (except maybe those who have no cares or responsibilities). The key is recognizing what’s causing the stress so that we can take steps towards getting rid of it and feeling better again!
Don’t compare yourself to others.
You will never be able to make something better than your favorite artist. You will never be able to outdo someone who has been doing it longer and better than you. The only thing that matters is that you keep trying, and if it’s not working, try something else!
Don’t compare yourself to others’ work or even your past self. Just focus on making art that means something to YOU!
Set limits for yourself in terms of time and content.
It’s easy to get sucked into the black hole that is social media, so make sure that you’re setting appropriate limits for how long you spend on it every day. If necessary, set a timer on your phone to remind yourself when it’s time to get off the app and do something else! Set limits for yourself in terms of time and content.
Be mindful of how many posts/accounts are being followed by those around us, especially if we’re spending too much time looking at our phones throughout the day or night (or both). For example: I’ve noticed that there are certain times where I’m more likely to check my phone than others–like after dinner or before bedtime–and this makes me wonder why exactly? Is there something about these times specifically that makes me feel compelled towards checking out Instagram again? Am I looking forward to seeing what everyone else has been up to lately by doing so? Or am I simply bored with nothing else better going on? If so then perhaps now would be a good chance for some self-reflection about why exactly this happens so often among ourselves.
Step away from the screen when you need to.
The best way to not feel overwhelmed as an artist is to take breaks when you need them. Don’t let social media take over your life and make you feel bad about yourself, because in the end, it’s just pixels on a screen.
Take a break and come back during a fresh session.
Take a break from social media for a few hours or even days. You can take as much time off as you need, but make sure that when you come back to your feed, it’s with a renewed sense of purpose and energy. This will help prevent burnout by giving yourself time away from all the noise–and hopefully give yourself some distance from feeling overwhelmed by all the creative output on social media platforms!
Remember, social media is fun, but don’t let it get to your head.
Art, Artist Marketing, TikTok
Introduction
Tiktok is a great platform to show off your work! It’s got the perfect combination of millions of active users and high-quality content. If you’re an artist, post a few videos on Tiktok to build your audience and gain exposure. Here are some ideas for artists on Tiktok:
Behind the scenes
You can give us a glimpse of your life behind the scenes.
We want to see more than just your art, but also the process that went into making it. Show us what you do behind the scenes, and we’ll be impressed.
Perhaps you’ve got an interesting workspace that helps inspire your work, or maybe you like to show off some of your tools for creating art in progress—it doesn’t matter if it’s messy or organized if it’s functional for you! Your process might include anything from putting together new materials (like wood) to writing down ideas and building out from there.
Materials
This is an obvious one, but worth mentioning. If you’re an artist, or even just someone who enjoys creating things, show your audience what materials you use to create your art! It’s almost like the ultimate realism in a sense—showing people how their favorite artists go about their craft can be so satisfying and educational for them. For example, if I had been able to see how Michelangelo used his tools while painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, I might have been more interested in becoming a sculptor myself (instead of becoming a marketer). Plus, it gives viewers something to look forward to seeing as they scroll through their feed—and it may even spark some creativity within themselves!
The process
Show the steps of your process from start to finish. For example, if you draw a landscape, show the outline and then color in the details. If you’re an abstract painter, show how you start with a color and then add more shapes to make it interesting. You may choose to show what materials you use for your art (e.g., pencils or paint).
Display the final product. This is where people can see what they’ll get when they buy a piece of your art! Make sure it’s something that looks good as a poster or wall hanging so that people feel like they actually want to hang it up somewhere in their house or office space.
Time lapses
Time lapses are visual representations of how long it takes to complete a task. For example, you can use a time-lapse video to show the transformation of your workspace over the course of a week.
When you’re starting out, it is best to use a simple camera and tripod. If you want more control over the quality of your time-lapse, you can use an app like Hyperlapse or Framelapse to record your creative process and then speed up the footage in post-editing. These apps have built-in stabilization features so that even if there’s some shaking while taking pictures, they will still be smooth and high-quality when played back at normal speed.
Time lapses can be used in different ways. You can show how your drawing changes with every stroke of a pencil or pen, or you could show what happens when you’re painting one part of a canvas after another.
Your workspace
Take a look at your workspace. Are you feeling inspired? Do you recognize the materials lying around?
If so, then this is an obvious choice for TikTok. Why not show off the tools of your trade? Whether it’s wood, clay or paint—the process behind those materials can be just as interesting as what they create. We love seeing how artists work their magic and how different ideas come together to make something beautiful and unique.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new platform to share your visual art, Tiktok has a lot of potential. It’s easy to use and has a large audience full of people who are interested in seeing what goes on behind the scenes. You can use it to post behind-the-scenes videos or even highlight your process as an artist!
Art, Artist Marketing
Being an artist with a digital portfolio is a challenge as you face the question-how to market your art on social media?. Market where? And for whom? There is no one answer about marketing on social media. However, there are some steps you can take to make it easier for yourself, and it will be rewarding when people start engaging with your work.
Start with a small, specific audience.
Once you have established your brand, it’s time to get the word out about your digital art on social media. While there are many ways to market your work, one of the most effective is through Instagram.
With over 800 million monthly users, Instagram has quickly become one of the most popular forms of social media platforms—and for good reason: it allows artists to showcase their work in a fun and engaging way that draws attention from potential buyers.
While starting small and targeting a specific audience may seem like an obvious step in marketing your digital art online, it’s important not to overlook those who don’t know about you yet. As with any advertising campaign, consistency is key when trying to reach new audiences through social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok—which means posting regularly so that people will come back often enough (and eventually start following)
Choose the right social platforms.
When it comes to social media, the first thing you need to decide is where your target audience hangs out. If they’re mostly on Facebook, you may want to focus there. If they’re more active on Instagram or TikTok, those are also good options.
There’s no right answer here; it depends entirely on your target audience and what kind of art you produce. For example, if your work involves video game development and animation (a field that’s booming), then Instagram and TikTok might be better bets than Facebook or Twitter because those platforms offer a more visual experience—and the audiences who use them don’t necessarily have time for lengthy posts or articles about gaming trends.
Experiment with different kinds of content.
Don’t limit yourself to posting your own art. If you want to grow your following and become an influencer, consider re-posting other people’s work. This helps ensure that the content on your page is diverse and engaging, and it allows you to connect with a wider audience.
You can also experiment with different types of content beyond just artwork: videos are especially helpful since they allow viewers to see how artists work in their studios or living spaces, which can be useful for understanding their creative process in more depth. Make sure the video is clear and easy-to-follow; don’t worry about making it perfect—just get something out there so people can see what kind of stuff you make!
Use hashtags that match your goals.
When hashtags are used properly, they can be incredibly powerful for your brand. They allow you to reach a larger audience and engage with other audiences who share similar interests. However, when hashtags are misused or applied incorrectly, they can make your post feel irrelevant and lose its intended audience.
To avoid this issue, make sure that you’re using hashtags that match your goals as an artist. For example, if you’re trying to reach potential buyers interested in buying art like yours or just looking for something new to purchase online (like on Etsy), using tags such as “art,” “painting,” or “paintings” may be more effective than including tags like “#newartist” or “#firsttimepainter.”
Collaborate with other artists and companies.
One way to get noticed is to collaborate with other artists and companies. Collaborations can be a win-win situation for both parties involved, as it allows you to gain exposure from a larger platform while also showcasing your work in an exciting way.
To find potential collaborators, try Googling around for art contests or marketing campaigns that could benefit from your style of art. Once you’ve found some opportunities, reach out to the organizers directly and ask if they have any openings available.
Be patient! Digital art takes time!
While social media is a great way to connect with your audience and build up a fan base, it takes time.
If you’re just starting out, don’t get discouraged if your numbers aren’t as high as you’d like them to be. It will take time for people to find and follow you on social media; sometimes it can take years!
Instead of focusing too much on the numbers, focus on making art that makes your heart sing. If you find yourself getting frustrated with low views or unfollows, remember: patience is key!
Art, Artist of the Week, Social Media
By marrying movement and performance with photography, E.S. celebrates and explores dance in Canada through all its forms and people. With a particular passion for intimate performance photography, she brings viewers into the experience through the portrayal of dance and all its range of emotions.
We sat down with E.S. to discuss her passion in the world of photography, and how she incorporates social media into her personal branding strategies. See the full interview below!
1. How Did You Get Into Photography?
I’ve had a camera in my hand since the age of 13. My Dad was an enthusiast and imparted his love onto me. I barely remember a time where I haven’t always had a camera by my side.
2. In 3 Words Or Less, How Do Your Friends Describe Your Personality?
Creative, Adventurous, Curious.
3. What Inspires You About Working With Dancers?
I love dancers’ willingness to make mistakes. They are so used to pushing their bodies and art to the line of being uncomfortable. It’s always a joy to witness the process of finding where those boundaries are.
4. What Has Been The Most Helpful Social Media Platform In Promoting Your Work?
Facebook for generating new clients locally, Instagram for meeting people around the world and getting inspiration for my next project.
5. What’s The Most Difficult Part Of Promoting Your Work Online?
Standing out from the sea of similar photographers and people wanting instant results/likes.
6. What Advice Would You Give To Other Creative Photographers That Are Getting Started?
Be consistent; be kind; share what you learn. It only elevates the whole artform if we learn from each other.
Below you can find links to E.S.’s personal website along with all of her social handles; give her a follow and maybe spot her snapping photos at nearby dance shows, battles, and performances!
Website: www.escheah.com
Instagram: @escheahphotography
Twitter: @escheahphoto
Facebook: E.S.Cheah Photography
Art, General
This is a big city, and it’s big on art. It isn’t hard to walk down a street without running into some kind of creativity, but choosing where to go next when you’re looking for inspiration in Toronto or new artistic sights to see can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together this short list of 6 must see locations for art in Toronto. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned veteran of the 6ix, this article is bound to give you some ideas to alleviate your creative block.
Located at 231 Queens Quay West at the Harbourfront Centre, The Power Plant has been around since 1987 and is known as Canada’s leading public art gallery for contemporary artwork. They host a variety of programs and events including in depth discussions on exhibitions as well as intimate conversations and dinners with the artists themselves. The Power Plant features some of the finest contemporary art from Canada and around the world, and has made a serious name for itself as a leading international art gallery. Stop by to see their recently opened exhibits “Field of Emotion” by artist Kader Attia and “The Song of the Germans” by Emeka Ogboh.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is another great home for contemporary art in the city that should definitely not be left off an artist’s list. MOCA has featured the artwork of over 1,100 artists, hosted over 200 exhibitions and greeted 40,000 annual visitors. Originally located on Queen West, the Museum has announced a grand reopening in a 55,000 square foot former industrial space located in the Junction Triangle, that will take place on May 26 of this year. They will open their doors to feature a brand new exhibition known as “BELIEVE”, which will take a look into what it means to live in a diverse society. This exhibition will showcase the artwork of 15 different artists and will span across 2 floors of the building. MOCA will also offer a free opening weekend with activities open to the public.
For the more urban artist, Graffiti Alley is obviously a must see in Toronto. With about 1 kilometre worth of artwork spanning through the back alleys of The Fashion District from Spadina to Portland Street, Graffiti Alley offers some incredible street art from a variety of different artists. From individual typographic tagging to full fledged murals covering the sides of entire buildings, there’s definitely something for everyone at this Toronto gem. However, given its illustrious, artistic appeal and the fact that it is completely free of charge to visit, this is one of Toronto’s more popular tourist destinations. So if big crowds aren’t really your cup of tea, try going on a weekday to life hack your way around the sea of tourists that often occupy the area.
It probably goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyways; The AGO is without a doubt one of the most notable and distinguished art galleries in all of North America, and is definitely a reliable source of artistic inspiration in Toronto. The AGO hosts over 90,000 pieces of artwork, with stunning new exhibitions being showcased on a regular basis. From the work of the famous Canadian “Group of Seven” to collections of Indigenous, European, Modern, and African art along with so much more, The AGO boasts one of the biggest varieties of work there is. Current exhibitions include “Édouard Baldus: The Louvre Folios, 1855–1857” and the very interesting “ReBlink” exhibit, which allows visitors to use their smartphones for an augmented reality experience that will put a fun, digital twist on historical works of art!
From January 19 to March 4, the Toronto Light Festival returns to the Distillery District to dazzle and amaze. Featuring work from a variety of local and international artists, the festival showcases incredible light art that emits or manipulates light, colours and shadows in beautiful and expressive ways. With the dark and ominous presence of cold, old winter, this festival aims to make things a little bit brighter and collectively lift the spirits of the city. This year you can plan on seeing some amazing pieces, from a fire breathing dragon to an actual piano that plays light. Oh, and did we mention that it’s also completely free? So stop by while it’s still going on to see some phenomenal work by some amazing artists, and save that extra cash for some food and drinks at the fantastic breweries and restaurants that the Distillery District is known for!
On the forefront of digital technology meeting art is the House of VR, located at 639 Queen Street West. After opening in the summer of last year, this stunning virtual reality location has amazed visitors with its VR experiences, offering everything from gaming & entertainment all the way to meditation! But one of the most interesting aspects of House of VR, is their involvement with the art community. Their VR Art Battle events and Augmented Reality art exhibits offer new ways of seeing artwork and creativity, and artists and amateurs alike can take part in Workshop series where they can fill entire canvases in their own virtual worlds. They even feature new artists’ work out of their storefront, showcasing new forms of digital art and creative expression to the community on a regular basis!
Hopefully this list will keep you busy for a little while and satisfy those creative cravings, but remember: this is just a small look at a wide variety of artistic locations to be found around the city, so get out there and explore!
