How to market yourself as an artist (WITHOUT Instagram)

[@girlinagale]

As a musician I have lots of artist friends. Trouble is most artists expect you to Like and Share their posts and the deal is they will like and share my posts. The result is the feeling that we're all doing well but it's just an illusion - a bubble of people congratulating each other without actually reaching the real world outside.

[@heart.school]

yes definitely, like for like. But really it's a burnout cycle of eveyrone faking it til they make it and wanting to share / support only in as much as it supports their own brand

[@girlinagale]

@@heart.school Exactly.

[@abraxas1009]

I am an established artist and I'd like to encourage anyone to get out there into the real world. I have never used social media to build my arts career, because I don't like to spend my time there, instead of creating a new piece of art! Get out there, organize an exhibition, on your own or together with other artists. To see a painting or a sculpture in real, is a completely different experience then seeing a pic of it on instagram. Also potential art buyers love to talk to the artist in person!

[@Tiborqiusz]

Unfortunately you can't do that with digital art, which is pretty much what I am interested in.

[@winterArtist]

@@TiborqiuszI’d actually recommend printing your art for yourself at some point. It’s a bit of a magical process really :D

[@Tiborqiusz]

@@winterArtist Yeah, I thought about it actually. Thanks for the input though, much appreciated :)

[@J.k.dDillion]

Please help me grow

[@ЮлияЛях-п1й]

As a beginner artist who hates social media marketing (I find it fake) I was so relieved watching your video. Thank you so much, feels so nice to hear that I’m not alone. This was a huge struggle for even thinking about art career, but now I know it’s real ❤

[@rootsism1]

What kind of art do you make ?

[@samanthagkaplan]

I think also you need to realize it's just about figuring out the right ways to get in front of more of your right ideal clients & collectors. And be where they are hanging out and knowing how to speak to them, so they gravitate towards you and your work. This can be done effectively through social media, and through an email list, but this can also be done offline as well. It's just figuring out what makes the most sense and what path feels the most in alignment with you. :)

[@jcaoart]

I loved these opening lines: "This vid is for people who have the gut instinct that there must be other ways than insta” “This video is for those of us who are boring and sensible and do not want to make a living as influencers making reels.” I appreciate the reminder that email newsletters are an option for me as a visual artist, because I actually already subscribe to a few writers who send me something once in every 3 months and I love their content! Even if I encountered them in one medium, it's lovely hearing about what they’re up to, whether it’s a new book or podcast or q&a sessions. I also think the IRL thing and building quality relationships is so true-when I was muraling outdoors in public I met SO many more people than when I was working inside.

[@LouiseStigell]

I know, right! It's such a calming way to stay updated with people. Once every 3 months is a bit on the sparse side. 😂 I'm aiming for at least every other week right now, but to be honest, I had my list for many months without sending anything at first, because I was nervous as hell! It can feel awkward in the beginning, but once you've gotten started, it feels great. Oh, painting murals must be so much fun... 😊

[@vuyissecretgarden]

Once every three months sounds like a dream... I enjoyed this video and this comment and I'm so glad to meet you sensible folks over here ♡

[@oceanwomanart]

Yesss i just thought yesterday ..it's just me who see all the instagram machine as sooo fake..?? I get a rebel when i just think about that i have to get a slave of an KI-sistem👹🙈 Thank you for this video and to all the other sensible souls on here♡♡♡ We can or we MUST follow our heart to not get lost in all this unnatural sistem and create a new vibe🙏💗 🪶

[@BobMinelli]

2yrs later and I'm just now seeing this. Beautiful. ✌️👊

[@giannabella9183]

One thing about Instagram is surface pattern designers often have their designs stolen and sold elsewhere particularly in countries where they don't respect our copyright laws but it could be from anywhere. You put your heart and soul into designing hoping to make a few dollars here and there and somebody else rips it off and start selling it it's frustrating to say the least. Thank you for the video

[@K_kreates]

Thanks for your honesty, I’m so sick of the gurus that say it’s easy to make a million dollars on the internet with your art.

[@scarlettfionareed]

Haven't finished watching this yet but I came here at 13 minutes to say that I am enjoying it and you, and that I felt exactly the same way my entire life. I'm an introvert, I don't enjoy crowds, I just prefer to be at home making my art. However, this year I've changed a lot. I decided it was no longer healthy for me and as an older woman I need other women to talk to. I joined the local art league and made instant friendships and connections with people whose energy matched mine. That's key, if you're spending time with people who are on the same frequency, they don't drain you, they inspire and energize and make you feel more alive. I can't wait to watch your other videos! Thank you.

[@horamigaun]

In the past, Instagram provided users the ability to easily view the latest posts. However, the current algorithm seems more focused on promoting popular and meme-like content, rather than catering to individual user preferences and delivering a smooth browsing experience.

[@Sirenia0]

Haven’t finished watching yet, but before I forget: yes please, do some videos about creating a mailing list! I don’t know where to start 😅

[@TmHudsonArt]

Same lol....

[@LouiseStigell]

Haha, I've got you covered! 🖤

[@lifeexpanded]

I was going to say the same thing. I'd love to hear more tips about email lists. I finally started one, but I realized my newsletter even went to my OWN junk mail box, so not sure anyone even saw it.

[@samanthagkaplan]

@@lifeexpanded It sounds like you need to master your own email algorithm. What email service provider do you use?

[@maahuz]

Your video opened my eyes. I'm still very young, I haven't even finished school yet, but I always thought that the only way to make a living as an artist was becoming famous on social media as soon as possible. That was making me feel really anxious and overwhelmed since I don't really like posting on Instagram, but now I see that I shouldn't be worrying that much about it at all Thank you 💕

[@marie1538]

I published 20 meditations on KZbin, and things were going slow but quite well. After the 20 meditations, KZbin decided to put advertisements in the middle of my meditations. What sense does this make!? I had no control over it, as I was not a KZbin partner then. I did not have enough watch time nor subscribers for this. I was shocked and after this happened to me, and I got very cautious with social media. Just imagine they close down your account after you put in many many years of hard work, and you rely on it, because it generates business for you. I think this can really ruin you, not only money wise, but also psychologically. I too am still trying out how to best use social media for me, for my personality. I don’t think I will ever become a big influencer and I don’t want to, for the very reasons that you quoted in this video. I am currently building my own website. It is quite an effort, but nothing is easy in life and at least it is mine. I will take the decisions what will be published on it. It is mine and I think this is the best thing about it! I love your video. Thank you very much for it.❤😊

[@rafriedman]

The fruitful things have always been for me making live connections- doing the art outside, presentations and talking to people.

[@peteburkeet]

This is literally the sanest most concise and sense making statement about this topic ever. As someone absorbing the toxicity of nft twitter for the past year and a half I feel saner having watched this. Thank you.

[@tcartist_studio]

IG is terrible, they copy your idea and engagement etc. Website is best. Email is top niche, but no these days, ppl are selfish. We need Artist to stand up and fight for rights on Social media to stop influencers educating etc even they majority cut the details, they should be stopped, because ruined our business our lifetime and studied art's we need to be appreciate for our talents not everyone can be talented. Great video

[@blackg31]

you have inspired me to try and sell my art, i too have joined and quit Instagram multiple times i can relate to you so much thank you!

[@zoewong5126]

I’m a shy introvert too. I have the same thinking like hiding myself at home. I used to create videos on KZbin every week. My problem wasn’t facing the camera (I found it better than facing real people lol), instead it was pushing myself to publish regularly so that my channel could better match the algorithm’s taste. This have burned me out and I no longer want to be in that life again. Totally agreed that being a social media content creator is exhausting and has to commit to a certain schedule, which I hate. Glad to get your video recommended by KZbin algorithm lol. Thanks for making this video and giving these advices! It helps a lot for me.

[@neilmutch70]

How refreshing... I agree, so much more can be achieved with personal interaction. I do hope it becomes fashionable again!

[@jarosbodytko6462]

Definitely have to watch this. I want to quit with social media so bad, because I’m just sick of being confronted with the worst of humanity on a daily basis (open any comment section and you know what I mean, nothing but hateful apes constantly throwing crap at each other). So, yeah, I feel like this video will be very helpful.

[@melissaoleary8196]

I am so very grateful I came across this video and your channel. I am currently in the midst of starting an art business as an introvert and an HSP with anxiety issues. The last 8 weeks I have forced myself into the real world and gone to art markets. It has been scary and exhausting and wonderful. Your advice really resonates with me and I'm so relieved because I've now decided not to start an Instagram account. Thank you for saying it's okay to have a website and an email list and be boring. Because that's who I am and I was about to make a mistake and try to be someone I'm not. Much gratitude!

[@crismay1981]

I just subscribed cause see myself in you... I'm as well an introvert and sensible person who is struggling with social media. Thank you!❤

[@ismetavresk1986]

Yes , please make a video about email strategy!?

[@Sirenia0]

I very much agree with all you’ve been saying. What I’ve noticed is that (in my opinion) some types of art perform better on Instagram than others. Since Instagram is very much focused on faces I feel like artists that draw people and characters have an easier time getting an audience. However, there’s been an influx of artists since the iPad got so popular for drawing, so again I feel like it’s getting harder for them as well to spark people’s interest, since it’s not as special as it used to be. It’s a weird love hate relationship with Instagram and social media. On the one hand becoming an artist is way easier than it used to, but at the same time it poses so many challenges that can harm people’s mental health (defining one’s worth through likes etc.). What I’m trying to remind myself is that in the end what’s most important is that I invest most of my time getting better and improving and not being a slave to the algorithm. So even if Instagram is being taken down tomorrow, what remains are my skills and if they are convincing enough I will find work elsewhere. Unless the internet goes down forever.. then I’m screwed as a digital artist ^^ Also, often the people who commission you are the ones that are actively looking for artists and not just consuming social media mindlessly. So even if your audience is small, if your art has great quality you will be found by the right people eventually 🙂

[@LouiseStigell]

Yes, I totally agree. On Instagram, people generally follow you for your art and not as much for you as a person/artist. And so it becomes a race to the top and more and more is needed to catch people's interest. Not to mention more of the same, since they follow you for your art. There's not much room to grow and experiment. And like you say, things get old quick. 😅 You're so right about it being both easier and harder. The mental struggle is real. And having too many options is a challenge too. How do we know which road to take? So easy to get lost in all of the strategies and platforms. But yes: skills are skills, and building your skills is never a waste of time. A talented artist can always go out and find work, instead of waiting for work to come to them. 😊

[@samanthagkaplan]

I agree. But it's also knowing who your true ideal clients & collectors are, understanding the message that truly speaks to them, and knowing how to consistently get in front of them, whether that's online or offline. :)

[@NabichtStudios]

I am just starting out selling my watercolors. This video is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for being candid and reminding me that art is about building relationships. Wonderful video, thank you.

[@sionilopez]

I saved this video long ago and just right now is the perfect moment so I'm watching it and it feels soooo relatable and like a fresh breath. I'm in a block deciding where I want to lead my artist career and this is just what I need. Thank you for your words and how you put it. And yes, we need more real life things "Let's do boring and sensitive stuff"!!

[@emanjewels7588]

As a artist painter & designer. your advice is Great. No instergram is ok. I am doing business last 20years without instergram its Great.

[@dantarradellas7351]

We’ll said ! Artists are human !

[@kristenpesut]

Thank you!!! I’m finding myself becoming more introverted as I get older and social media has become a hellscape. I think another good tip is to reach out to local businesses (coffee shops, cafes, small boutiques) to see if they will display your art!

[@playlandmusic]

Really helpful video, thank you for this step back to look at marketing from a more fundamental approach like an email list. I just started working on mine and it's boosted sales a ton, great to hear you having that same advice!

[@trahapace150]

I loved this...im an artist but also work a full time job so when i see art instagram tips saying you need to post 3-5 times a day plus reels...im like i dont have time for all that.

[@Illilium]

I accidentally came to Ur page… and You have no idea how much I agree with You💗🌷🕊 I suffer every day on this stupid instagram… I am a designer and photographer and I know how to make content …but!!! I hate this slavery 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ I've been uploading gigabytes of content EVERY DAY for a year now.…and this stupid instagram does not show Me to anyone as if I'm in some kind of shadow block (but, I'm not in the shadow block)… for a year not a single person came to Me on their own!! I have 296 subscribers and these are the people that I found on My own… it's a terrible social network. Every day I walk with the thoughts that during this time I could have made much more progress in My work ( Im a doll maker) instagram takes all My time (which I could spend on creating a new doll)… and today, when I started creating My site I meet Ur video on youtube 💗🕊🌷so thank You many very much))) You are like the voice of My soul 💗💗💗 I wish You inspiration 24/7 and let Ur people always surround You 🌷🕊🌷🕊 p.s. sorry for My Eng and greetings from Ukraine 🇺🇦 thank You so much again and hug tightly 🤗🌷

[@andreeafam87]

Oh, I cannot express enough the joy of finding this video. I am in the beginning stages of my artistic path, but since I started painting and designing, I have found it exhausting to film or photograph what I do so I can later have content for social media. I always felt it was unnatural to do it like this. I am a content consumer, too, but I use social media for entertainment and study, and for stuff that I want to buy, it’s always Google. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I am sending all my good thoughts to you. 💚

[@Theoneandonlycrittur]

This is most enlightening, especially since i’ve fallen prey to account lockouts. The light has finally come on💡Time for a change✌️

[@kwilson5441]

thank you so much i needed this i really do not like social media right now but i was concerned that i would lose any chances of art sales if i quite. but thats not the case.

[@kirstenpennington3485]

Thank you for this! I am definitely feeling the burnout(even 2 years after you made this video). Social media is crazy and I would much rather find a slower, more connected way to contact my customers. Thanks for the encouragement with doing a more personal, meaningful email newsletter. Definitely something I'm going to start working on!

[@paodm6317]

I didn't know I needed this video this much. Thank you 💜

[@isabelledevos5714]

Yes,, email list videos would be really great

[@teosiriosica]

What a refreshing voice. I support your views. Thanks

[@stephaniewozny3852]

Thank you for your videos on leaving and thriving without social media. I've never been good at the social media game, and I've been craving doing the art thing 'old school' for about a year and a half now, so it's so nice to see other like minded artists.

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you. 🖤🙏🏻 I feel the same way. It's hard to find people who offer alternatives to the mainstream (social media) way of doing things, so I'm happy to be able to provide that perspective. 😊

[@stephaniewozny3852]

@@LouiseStigell and I'm glad you are doing that! Its kind of funny that more people don't offer more advice on being an artist offline. Social media is roughly 10-15 years old. Artists had ways of doing their thing before SM, and it was in living memory! So it is a little odd seeing so many people acting as though social media is the only way.

[@LouiseStigell]

Exactly! 😂

[@bg695]

Thank you so much! I hate stoping my creative process to get a clip for a reel. I hate making reels period! I do have a website and tomorrow I’m going to make it a goal to focus more on my website when I’m not designing. What a great message. 💜

[@jillballantyne1870]

you got me at "there has to be a better way" NOW i WILL CONTINUE WATCHING INTENTLY , hoping

[@haleydessauer8515]

I appreciate this video! Decided to quit instagram earlier this week. It has such a negative impact on my life and art…any amount of success I could gain from it (not that I’ve gained ANY from IG in the past couple years) is 100% not worth it if it messes with me mentally/emotionally/spiritually. I guess it is about time for me to put together a website and email list 😉

[@weipingchang7120]

Thank you so much for sharing!! I don’t really enjoy the fact that on any social media, my excitement of creating a new piece of artwork might be ruined by “the number of likes”. Thank you again for reminding me about other options!!!

[@Name-ot3xw]

The problem with social media is that the barrier to entry is to own a cell phone. Bravo if you're one of the 4 people on the planet still using a phone without a camera. People tell you that's the beauty of social media, but it guarantees that your fighting in the most saturated of markets.

[@thestellarelite]

I found you when trying to "learn how to instagram for artists" and found a few artists who have left as well as useful tips for those hanging around still. I found it interesting and totally related to everything you guys are saying. I'm terribly impatient and a late bloomer type so when things take centuries with little to no payback I tend to quit. I have two IG accounts (dumb idea) I split my silly fun drawing account away from my professional design one. So trying to grow the fun drawing one to just 100 subs took about 7 months. And it's mostly because I'm part of other communities where we frequently have "show your insta" threads so I can at least count on those as support/forever follows. All this to say I wanted to start a youtube channel since 2016. I have two very crappy process paintings on here that I never deleted out of shame and I'm DEFINITELY going to bite the bullet and just jump on here. At least there's potential here where as IG just feels like I'm throwing my art down the toilet lol. I really needed this video sorry for rambling like you say the isolation is real and I just don't even talk to anyone anymore unless it's in comments or discord 😆. Thank you for this!

[@LouiseStigell]

THANK YOU. 🖤 I feel you, I know the frustration. Growing my (new) art account to 400 subs took over a year. And probably at least 100 of those subs are just thanks to KZbin anyways. 😂 I'm all for allowing things to take time, but there's a limit. And like you say, here on YT it's worth the effort and the things you create have a long life span. 😊

[@capimages]

Same, I have 2 IG accounts, one for fun and one for more serious work. As you said, it's little to no payback, and you post art just for it to disappear into the void.

[@IzakNiemann]

Thank you! I was in the process of starting an Instagram account after being an artist for nearly 20 years. After watching your video and reading the Medium article ... no Instagram for me. I don't have time to waste on nonsense. I'm going to build a website, make videos. That's it. I subscribed to your channel. I appreciate your content.

[@higheraltitudeyoga]

Thanks for being genuine and sharing this approach which is being honest and real. We are all tired of social media and the constant interruption it creates in our lives. I do use social media but very conservatively. I am currently working on my blog and I combine it with KZbin to get my message out. That approach feels really good to me😀 I am glad you showed up on my feed.

[@kerryhartjen8651]

What a refreshing, calm, quiet voice. It's so nice to find this amidst the roaring cacophony of noise on the internet. I'm glad I found you and I'm glad I subscribed.

[@seb_steimel]

I just saw your video on my home page and I am thrilled! When I read more about you on your website, I recognized me directly. If not as a web designer and copywriter but as a burnt out introvert who worked in film and just wants to focus on his own work. I don't think I've ever joined an email list so quickly. Thanks for your videos! They are truly inspiring.

[@pixelpura]

Quite simply: As an artist Instagram just makes me cry. And, your video helped me to see my gut is right. There are other ways. Thank you.

[@bluedenim5979]

Great video. I have a hard time because I hate being social, I also hate video or having to market myself as a "brand". I envy people that can do film because I really have terrible anxiety over it. I really enjoy being by myself a lot. What I do is to just keep a small presence online so it doesn't distract from other things. I use Instagram as a personal photo journal but I try to only post things that inspire me or of a nice memory or event. I use visual boards on Pinterest as well and it can help in a therapeutic way because you can focus on what you like, like a texture or a design and weed out the negative influences. I am a huge fan of vison boards and art therapy. I have abandoned my art accounts because it definitely hindered my creativity and it felt like I was forced to create in a certain way that wasn't me anymore.

[@robinsonkindness4787]

Nice video. If one is a lover of artworks but doesn't have the skill to draw, can he still make profits in the art business?

[@arnoldchukwudi5342]

Yes of course, you can first build up your gallery as a lover of arts.

[@arnoldchukwudi5342]

He has a large community of Art buyers.

[@tradingrush7972]

This is interesting

[@tradingrush7972]

Does he buy all types of paintings and drawings like charcoal paintings?

[@arnoldchukwudi5342]

Once you artwork is great, he will definitely buy from you.

[@bijouxartjewelleryundkunst4429]

15:00 following your video with timestamps...that what you said is 100% correct. Any account like that can go down anytime and all that work and effort results or no results all these months of hard work or years of hard work can all of a sudden be gone. And there is nothing you can do. No appeal. No customer service. No explanation. It could be a bot that did it. It could be someone siding with someone's report or even false report and your account can all of a sudden dispappear.

[@jaymitchell5816]

soothing commentary Louise, there are too many that believe their 90,000 followers on instagram means they are sucessful and others interpret this that they are making a lot of money. Truth is they are not, and most are struggling to make ends meet but would not admit this out in the open, but this is the truth. I welcome your fresh approach and yes i am two years late on your youtube video but better late than never. Success should not always be measured by money or what you own but how happy you are in your life. One Love

[@ThandieDowery]

Opening line...a winner. So candid. Love it!

[@themasterofallages3820]

You are likeable which is good to realise and honest…I am a Creative with music Composition Concept Architectural design..poetry Art etc..your Comments wee taken on as I hate the Social media bit…and the business side…Great to see your realism…Take Care Anthony Brady.

[@carvedearth5676]

Hey there, great video. This really helped. I have never been one for social media, never joined any of it. I'm happy to see I'm not the only one who just doesn't jive with it. I'm freshly graduated from college and trying to make my own as an artist, so It's been a confusing "hit the ground running" time. I appreciate the guide you give on these things. I may be late to the party, but I would love a course on newsletters, I agree that it's a great way to keep in touch with the peeps who are genuine😄

[@mishthemaverick8607]

The best thing about IG was meeting other indie authors, then joining forces with them to sell our books at real-life markets. The key is to use IG, not let it use you. A website and an email list. Yeah. Seems old fashioned, but you helped me see the merit in it.

[@neilfernandes5056]

Apart from how insightful this video is, I also love your calm and poised demeanour. Thank you for taking the time to so this.

[@Frank-ch8px]

I had a spark of insanity…. I loved to paint and draw as a kid, a teen, lost my way in my 20s and 30s…. Now I’m gonna be 42…. I’m a chef…. I don’t want to be cooking in my 50s….. physically and mentally drained. I’m racking my brain on how to start as an artist. How to market….. I already know IG , FB, and TIKTOK, are dead ends because I can’t put a facade on a screen. This is a breath of fresh air

[@jaggonzales4673]

Not as old, but same story here. Loved to write and draw as a kid, but stopped when I got older. After hitting rock bottom I rediscovered my love for writing and am trying to make a living as an artist. Social media has been rough, but this whole channel is great. Best of luck to you and I hope you succeed!

[@2gooddrifters]

What a relief, not just me. I hate Instagram, it gives me stress so I've put it in the bin. Remember, technology should be our servant, not our master.🎉

[@BabyEdgy]

your voice is super soothing. I don't really have a lot to say, as I'm a minor who does art as a hobby rather than a business, but I still deeply value this video.

[@scotthartneyart]

Thanks for this. I am just beginning my art career. After the lockdowns started, I began drawing again which I havent since my teens. I am also a huge introrvert, not liking to be the center of attention. But I have forced myself to go out and draw and it has been huge. I have met more people (on my terms, that whole intorvert thing) 🙂 and generated more interest than any social media platform. Love your channel!

[@daveanderson8776]

I would like to hear more about strategies on emails as I am really bad at checking in on them , I totally get staying home and not wanting to be in large crowds , I love my house and my dog 🐕 and my studio w/ music . Also more on my website would be helpful , thank you for sharing your story 😊

[@danielajohnson177]

I definitely want to know more about email lists. I truly appreciate you mentioning it and I would welcome any other videos on the subject. I heard of Mail Chimp before. Is it easy to use? Thank you and congratulations on your videos, they are calming and informative. ❤

[@andreavolcanvariya9913]

I’m a graphic designer that focuses on editorial design and contemporary art. I’ve never used insta as a portfolio and surprisingly, since I deleted my account, my work opportunities triplicated thanks to my website, networking and word of mouth. I also have the “advantage” that in my country there are not many designers that have the expertise that I do in contemporary art. I’d recommend to find a very specific niche and people will get yo you without you having to put any efforts in social media stuff. Great vid!!!

[@anavictoriaguzman5621]

I don't have instagram, since 2020, I really appreciate this video, thank u.

[@merlinporterarts]

Good to hear your reflections on social media and old school networking and IRL art selling. I paint at events so I often see people IRL.. many definitely ask to see my social media too, not that directing them somewhere else wouldn't be good though. Perhaps getting emails is a great plan...I could take a beautiful little sign up book with me and hand them a beautiful pen to write their email in. If you are ever in Oxford UK give me a shout we have a nice community of artists here who do a great mix of online and real life art!

[@artlhomage]

I LOVE THIS! I can't stand instagram! And my art is best viewed in person, so that's my goal

[@bmacdonald5137]

Thanks! This was very useful me as an artist at the cross roads!

[@molfa.soleil72]

Thank you for your video. I really like the vibe of your content is peaceful and helpful.

[@wealthlifejourney]

So inspiring your story. Yes you are hitting the nail on the head about a website is very effective for my artist and photographer sister too.

[@KimVictoria-Artist]

This is SO COOL! I was considering getting on Instagram, and taking a class on how to do it, when I saw this video in the sidebar and I am SO glad I watched. You are so wise for such a young person (I'm 70) - your advice is so sound. I was feeling like I had to force myself to do Instagram because I "should" expand my reach. And I am choosing to NOT go on Instagram because you are a young person who has experienced it and, therefore, understand the platform whereas I do not. You have saved me a massive amount of time and frustration. I am growing my KZbin following well and need to promote my newsletter more again, you are absolutely right about that. and I've had a website for 16 years, so I know what you are talking about. What I am doing now is enough and I just need to keep going and I'll be fine. I am subscribing here and to your newsletter because I am curious to hear more of your wisdom, and I'm going to check out your art as well. (It's funny that now I am seeing lots of posts about not using social media) BTW - I used to be totally shy about being on camera, it was hard, and now I am getting better and better with it (of course, most of my videos don't show my face - ha, ha) What you have to share is valuable. Thank you very much for making these videos! Bless you, Louise!

[@annette_164]

Thanks for this vlog😊 makes so much sense! I found that making reels wasted so much of my time and was negatively impacting my art…I just wasn’t present in creating and to be honest, sucked the joy out of making art in the first place. It’s so great to hear I’m not alone in this!

[@quinciwoodall4044]

Oh, I absolutely love this, every little bit! It was so easy to connect with you and it was so nice to have these great tips in one place! Your vibe is so calm and refreshing and I feel more at peace now about going forward with my tiny but growing business! I have to say that I have a very small following, mostly friends and family, but all of my art sales have been from people who know me and my work, so I found your advice very true. Thanks again!

[@jordanc7103]

Great advice. I really enjoy the meter of how you speak - something about the rhythm is very pleasing

[@Apl840]

Wow! I was thinking of making myself a website for my artworks, i think this is the sign! 😌

[@JosefNogolArt]

Another great video, thank you for making those and please continue making more. As an introvert myself, this approach is much more relatable for me, than the "fast food style" way of social media art and content promotion.

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you! I definitely will. 🥳

[@HangingOutWithNature]

Thank you! I love your calm energy ❤

[@ragdollrose2687]

Social medias fill me with anxiety. But seeing my career stall before it even started also fills me with anxiety. I feel fortunate, however, to have found a day job in cultural mediation in which I interact with other artists of varying experience levels and in which I have to know about my local art scene. It's the approach I'm trying, right now, to just go out and learn about my town's current cultural landscape to try to get in touch with people and slowly work my way into social circles. Not really for business opportunities, but simply as a way to feel less lonely through this whole art career weird process 😅 I think we need to see the people behind the art right now, since everything feels so much like a big virtual machine to make money online. This goes hand in hand with rethinking what success is an artist too, I think 😊

[@monicasdesignprocess]

I genuinely enjoy watching your videos. This was so refreshing to watch.

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you so much. 🖤🙏😊

[@Mxrclxrk]

Madam Louise you're amazing from one artist to another I see you and receive this message. Thank you!

[@LG4Eva]

Haven't come across such honest opinions and suggestions as yours on social media thank you for sharing. Subscribed 😊.

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you so much. And welcome. 🙏🖤😊

[@rakutempo]

Thanks so much for this video. It was really encouraging, super balanced, and I appreciated it's simplicity. I've been thinking about starting a blog just to write. You've made me feel much more confident about the idea of doing that x

[@Crazyibbes]

a huge thanks :). very valuable talk, many thanks again for simplicity and value, golden advise and reminder... just let us go away of all that dust!....... all the best

[@Zullala]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm really excited to make an email list now. I never thought of it as a vip club where I can have fun and interact with people who care about my work. The gives me a lot of hope. Plus I'll be running my first booth at a con next year. I'm so nervous but I know this will help get me out there. Even if I don't sell a lot, I know people will want my business cards and sign up for my email. Plus I can talk to people and make real connections. I think I'll make a website too. I've been too nervous to make one because I'm afraid I'll pay a lot of money each month and no one will ever visit it. But I can just try. I hate how ugly my social media looks! It's just a hodgepodge of posts; looks like a dump! It would be really nice to organize my pictures in a aesthetically pleasing way. Plus I could have a blog, portfolio and shop all in one place... Idk I still need to research though. I don't have a lot of money so I'm afraid to take the leap

[@Kalavati.C]

Thank you so much for this video😃 it has helped my frustrations with the algorithm. I love idea of backing things up just in case my account is gone. Subbed.

[@chishasart]

I like how calm you are. thank you

[@boaznyachiro3250]

love your content louise you speak sincerely ,emotional and truth i get connected wit our ideas im damano legend love watching your vidios

[@deniseclarkart]

Hi , I agree with what you say 100% I’ve always felt Instagram is like an empty shell, no soul to it. I’ve been using Facebook, but I’m very aware that my page could be taken down if they felt like it. I do back up my posts. I have a warm feeling towards KZbin because I’ve learned most of what I know art wise from artists on KZbin , so I’m inclined to use KZbin and have my own website. I’d love to hear what you more you have to say so I’ve subscribed , thanks for your video!

[@WisegussIllustration]

These are very good pieces of advise. One question. How so you actually get an email list?

[@Testchannel_3]

Dang. I'm not an artist, nor am I interested in being an artist (yet). But I just subscribed because I like your personality and honesty of information providing.

[@jenniferressmannwriter]

Sadly, I avoid going out to events in the US because of the shootings. It's so bad and we have no protection against getting mowed down. 😥 Thanks for you great content!

[@Finess15]

What a Video...!!! Your voice is so soothing..... I was also trying to grow on Instagram, trying everything that can be done... trending songs, hashtags, video quality, texts in a video and what not... and was so frustrated about what I will do If this will keep going in the same way. Finally After watching this video I'm ready to work in the real world. I am the same person As you mentioned yourself. I want to meet more and more people and make friends but I wasn't doing anything to do it. But now I feel this is the time. Thank you so much for making this video. Much Love.....!!!!!

[@AtelierAA]

Hi love, my name is Andreea. (an aspiring fashion designer); while working on my craft I stumbble across your video. thank you for your input. ps.english is not my first language thank you for you

[@thgritic102]

Thank you for this video! I really needed this because I truly feel like IG isn't for me despite doing all the tricks and flips people try to teach me about (appropriate hashtags, posting during a certain time, etc).

[@bigblue6917]

Thanks, Louise. A great deal of useful information there. Never rely on someone else. Especially when you are not their priority

[@llf1669]

Hi Louise x love this video and your website x can I ask what platform this is I have tried to create one on Wordpress x yours looks so simple and professional did you create it yourself ? Many thanks, x

[@theartistrytwins6050]

Thanks for this video and also I think its very brave what you are doing. Not everyone is a yelled out look at me type of person. Me, I am also a introvert and want to stay save in my room...but life is just in the old school classic outside world. Thank you so much for sharing this

[@abel_9918]

J'aime bien la façon dont tu t'exprimes. Et tu as raison d'anticiper. Artists are loners. They don't think hard about how getting back their power together. So everyone makes it's little soup in his corner. If we were told "you have to join the same art gallery as every other artist, singer, dancer...", we would think it's absurd. Yet we feel forced to do it.