Let me ask you something: Are you making art for yourself, or for Instagram?

In today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of creating just to keep up with the demand for content. Social media has turned into a relentless machine, and if we’re not careful, it can start to take control of our creative process. Before we know it, we’re rushing to finish pieces—not to express ourselves, but to feed the endless cycle of posts, likes, and comments. But is that really why you became an artist?

The Dangers of "Insta Art for the Gram"

I call this phenomenon "Insta art for the Gram." It's when you rush your art, not because you're inspired or have something to say, but because you need something to post. It’s all too common these days, and the result is Instagram being flooded with art that lacks depth, meaning, or thought. A few quick splashes of paint, some trendy colors, and boom! The next piece of Insta art is ready for the world. But does it...

If you've ever heard me say, "Just because you posted it once, it doesn't mean everybody saw it," you know I'm passionate about helping you succeed in the ever-evolving world of social media. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the art of reposting your creations and why it's not just a smart move but a creative powerhouse for your online presence.

The Persistent Problem of Vanishing Posts

Picture this: You've poured your heart and soul into a stunning piece of art. You've carefully crafted the perfect caption, hit that 'Post' button, and waited with bated breath for the likes and comments to flood in. But as time ticks by, your masterpiece gets buried beneath a sea of new content, lost in the algorithm's abyss.

The Algorithmic Challenge

In the age of algorithms, your beautiful creations often struggle to break free from the confines of your existing followers. Social media platforms prioritize fresh content, making it increasingly challenging for your posts to reach a wider...

Do you ever find yourself staring at that "post" button, wondering if there's a digital jury out there meticulously grading your every online move? I've been there too. For the longest time, I would second-guess my social media posts, imagining an invisible critic with a relentless scorecard. It's a common struggle in the art world, the anxiety that comes with sharing our creations with the online universe.

The Illusion of Judgment

But here's the reality check: that imaginary critic with the grading sheet doesn't exist. In truth, most people in your audience have their own lives to lead, and they're not scrutinizing your posts. They're not evaluating your choice of words, the art filters you use, or the precise timing of your updates.

The Stranglehold of Perfection

Yet, this fear of being judged, of failing to meet some arbitrary standard, often leaves us paralyzed. We begin to doubt the worthiness of our creative expressions. It stifles our ability to shine on social media and...

How can I maintain authenticity and meaningful connections on social media in a world that often feels superficial?

Do you ever feel like you're navigating a maze when it comes to promoting your work on social media? Perhaps you've shared the sentiment of a friend who once said, "I know you love it, but social media is not for me." Trust me; you're not alone. Even those of us who seem to thrive in this digital realm have our days of doubt. We wonder, "What is all of this for anyway? It feels superficial." But here's the thing - we keep coming back.

I'm here to share a little secret with you. I've discovered that there's a way to embrace social media without losing our authenticity. It's not about enjoying every moment or anxiously waiting to promote our art. Instead, it's about using this platform as a means to propel our art careers to new heights.

Reframing Our Mindset for Success

Let's talk about how we can reframe our mindset and find the true value in our social media efforts....

 How can I strengthen my presence on Instagram and build a genuine, engaged following without obsessing over follower counts?

Do you ever find yourself anxiously chasing new followers on Instagram, or perhaps you've felt a bit down when your follower count doesn't seem to budge? It happens to the best of us, right? In the quest for new admirers, it's easy to overlook the loyal souls who've been with you from the beginning. But trust me, they're there – cheering you on, one post at a time.

Your 300 Followers: A Room Full of Support

Picture this: you have 300 followers. Seems like a modest number, right? But think about it – that's 300 individuals, real people, gathered in one virtual room just to be part of your creative journey. It's a crowd in itself, isn't it? 

The thing is, the pursuit of those flashy numbers can often overshadow the essence of the artistic community we've built. Those followers of yours, they know you by name, they appreciate your art, and...

How can I effectively promote my art and make sure I'm remembered in a crowded creative space?

When it comes to navigating the realm of art marketing, let's keep things refreshingly simple. Let's break it down together: Marketing's ultimate goal is as clear as daylight – it's all about being seen to be remembered. Yep, you heard that right! If your work isn't grabbing attention, it's bound to fade into the background. And let's be real, we're all after those thoughts – the ones that open doors to opportunities and introduce our art to enthusiastic admirers.

Your Art's 24/7 Presence

Here's an intriguing thought: even while you're catching up on your beauty sleep, your marketing game can be wide awake. How's that possible, you ask? Well, it's about showing up on your audience's radar consistently – through your vibrant social media posts, engaging emails, your cozy online hub, and yes, even in person from time to time.

Here's a nugget of inspiration: each time...

Join host Sergio Gomez in an inspiring conversation with artist Marybeth Rothman on The Artist Next Level Podcast. Discover how Marybeth found her artistic style, conquered fears about marketing and social media, and gain insights into her upcoming solo exhibition. Explore her use of vintage photographs as inspiration for her captivating mixed media artworks. Don't miss this episode packed with artistic wisdom and inspiration from a Smithsonian Institution, National Portrait Gallery, Semifinalist in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2022.

Highlights:

• Uncovering your unique artistic style
• Conquering fear and embracing marketing
• Using vintage photographs as creative inspiration
• Marybeth's upcoming solo exhibition 

Tune in to The Artist Next Level Podcast with Sergio Gomez and special guest Marybeth Rothman for an engaging conversation that will elevate your art career!

Marybeth's website: https://www.marybethrothman.com/