The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media for Artists - Draftsmen S2E25

Stan talks with Marshall about social media and how to be successful with it. Publishing quality content is key, but that’s only one of many areas that an artist needs to focus on now if they want to be noticed on a platform. Learn how to build an audience, avoid getting dinged by social media algorithms, and why it’s important not to stress about analytics and nasty comments.
Thanks to Betterhelp for sponsoring today’s Draftsmen episode! Save 10% on your first month with Betterhelp - betterhelp.com/draftsmen
00:00 - Intro
01:17 - How Art and Fear relates
08:16 - Start with Quality, Have an Objective
11:10 - Confusing Your Audience
22:23 - Consistency and Frequency
34:55 - Algorithms
45:30 - Don’t Dwell on the Numbers
53:51 - Don’t Burn Yourself Out
59:46 - Private Accounts
01:04:32 - Collaboration
01:06:57 - Risks
01:09:38 - Dealing with Negative Comments
Show Links (some contain affiliate links):
Art & Fear by David Bayles & Ted Orland - amzn.to/3kYO6EC
Platform by Michael Hyatt - amzn.to/2Sd85mB
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk - amzn.to/2GiasSv
ProkoTV Instagram: / prokotv
Loish: instragram.com/loisvb
Knight Zhang: / arucelli
Cooper 3D scan and print - proko.com/draftsmen-media/coo...
Karl Kopinski: / karlkopinski
Seth Godin - www.sethgodin.com/
“Draftsmen” is available in audio. Subscribe on these platforms to keep up to date:
Spotify: bit.ly/DraftsmenPodSp
Stitcher: bit.ly/2JLMShh
Apple: bit.ly/DraftsmenPodA
Google: bit.ly/DraftsmenPodG
#socialmedia #algorithms #buildinganaudience
FOLLOW PROKO:
Marshall's Art - www.marshallart.com
Email Newsletter- www.proko.com/subscribe
Instagram - / stanprokopenko
Twitter - / stanprokopenko
Facebook - / prokotv
Tumblr - / stanprokopenko
Pinterest - / stanprokopenko
ABOUT DRAFTSMEN
Stan Prokopenko and Marshall Vandruff are art instructors. If you love the arts, particularly the craft of drawing and painting and image-making… and you want to level up your skills or even make a living with your skills, we are here to answer your questions. We’re here to offer you advice, refer you to our resources, share your love of the craft and maybe inspire you! Learn to Draw - www.proko.com Marshall Vandruff - www.marshallart.com. Subscribe to the podcast at bit.ly/DraftsmenPod
CREDITS:
Hosts - Stan Prokopenko (www.stanprokopenko.com), Marshall Vandruff (www.marshallart.com/)
Production Assistance - Alex Otis ( / alexotisillustration , Charlie Nicholson ( / shloogorgh )
Editing - Alex Otis, Charlie Nicholson
Intro Animation - Cody Shank (codyshank.com/)
Intro Jingle - Tommy Rush ( / tommyrush )
Music Used with Permission Intro - The Freak Fandango Orchestra

[@Draftsmen]

What strategy did you take from this podcast that you’re going to act on now? Let me know in the comments!

[@robby7025]

Currently, I'm taking a strategy where I am uploading less than desirable art, whilst improving with every upload. This tracks my progress over time. Its based on the general idea that people enjoy seeing improvements. Before/after videos on KZbin do very good for example. If people see progress of someone else, it makes them motivated to make content too, and follow you, share your art, etc. People have made comments on the quality of my art and how to improve. Its been a goldmine on how much information is freely given on improving. From random strangers too. Meanwhile I am building a following. Although it can be rather stressing to be able to pull of an improvement every upload, I feel that its worth it if I don't give up. at 5:06 it is said in the podcast to upload your best work. If it takes too long however to upload you will lose following. So uploading a content thats not so good once in awhile should be okay.

[@RichardHannay]

I highly agree with “don’t post random stuff” on your artist page... I hate it when other artists do it too. Also make two separate Facebook profiles: one for your personal stuff and one for your art circles.

[@adamparker3616]

Another good episode. Though, I think that alot of the advice given assumes that the artist has a presence or following to begin with. Stan mentions "small" accounts with "only" a couple thousand followers, but that advice may not be applicable to people with less than a hundred followers! As a member of that double-digit club, and since I have not much of a community to begin with, I'll be looking to interact in other art communities in hopes of drawing attention to my account. Not through asinine ways like spamming comments, but through constructive ways like participating in art challenges (Inktober, Brushtober, etc.), contributing to popular hashtags/trends (The I-pose, Sailor Moon redraws) and participating in Draw This in Your Style challenges. These are ways that even an account with zero followers can "collaborate" with larger creators AND their peers with smaller accounts as well.

[@theleechqueen]

As for things to put into practice. I think I would have to make a gallery first! I've mainly done commission pictures for my friends but I wanted to make a gallery with my own type of content too. I'll revise this video after I've gotten to work on it. Thanks for releasing this content, it's very helpful.

[@wakegary]

definitely not buy followers

[@Azuniite]

"Stop trying to convince everyone that you suck, focus on the positives". That's what I'm going to implement.

[@rachaelstohr7658]

Same!

[@Adriiell]

>crops entire image except eyes

[@NevetsTSmith]

One thing that bothers me as someone still learning and struggling to become "good" at art is artists who are better than me calling something that they're doing at a level well beyond my own "garbage". It's something that I hope to never do if I ever become professional.

[@allaganqueen]

Or saying “just did this quick sketch nbd” and it’s a masterpiece. I hate stuff like that.

[@jibbarich]

protect Marshall Vandruff at all cost

[@jukeboxlia]

YES❤

[@thanatos454]

"Don't make your imposter syndrome your brand" That one will stick with me.

[@neirinluthe6383]

Proko: “don’t make you’re account private” *laughs but also double checks just in case*

[@BigDomski]

59:03 THIS struck a cord with me... I've been constantly pointing out mistakes in my work lately, and you've just made me realise how utterly stupid that is. I still see my mistakes without putting it into words on a post, so why do I constantly feel the need to do it for other people? From now on I am stopping this BS, it serves nobody and it actually does me a disservice. Thank you guys for your honest conversations once again, this is the greatest podcast to listen to as an aspiring artist.

[@MarkWhippy]

46:00 there's also fake followers who go around following others on the chance they will follow them back, and then they unfollow them after a few days. A lot of them are fake accounts too. So that could also explain you losing that many every week.

[@canobenitez]

what if the people who follow them back actually are potential followers ? (If I make comics and I follow people who likes comics, for exaample)

[@dedrox3d491]

Ya that happens

[@johnprice866]

Those are the WORST! I've had plenty of artists who follow me, and then like clockwork, 2-3 days, they unfollow you after you've followed them. It's annoying, the follow/unfollow asshats.

[@nicholasjagger6557]

Gerontocracy is the word Marhall, but in cliassical Greek society, the old farts were known as presbyters

[@jguzmanspades]

As an digital artist who has been going on for years without much activity on social media. I really take many of these topics to heart. Thanks for the wonderful advice.

[@MiaAraujo]

This was one of the best lessons in social media that I've ever heard. I especially loved how Stan has an intention each time he opens up social media. That just might be the cure to doomscrolling.

[@delaArcalaHrz]

Three tools that will make social media for artists much smoother: > Buffer (for composing and scheduling uploads) > Evernote (for tracking and organizing your most profitable ideas). > Pomodoro Tracker (ideal for maximizing time and measure progress). All of them have free versions. Using any of the three will get you incredible results. Mastering all three will allow you to give a rhythm to your content production, while turning you into a professional, deadline-commited, competitive artist.

[@scenepunk09]

Are these apps?

[@SmashSquatch30]

@@delaArcalaHrz Nice suggestions. I would add Notion as another option/ alternative

[@logantj8020]

i should be doing school work but i'll excuse this, draftsmen podcast is a priority in life also, ik you jokingly said marshall would make an instagram in the last episode, but i was rlly hoping he would. i want to show my appreciation for his art & wisdom

[@Dbzlatino27]

That would be nice , i havent see almost any art of marshall besides of somes drawings of horses which looks really awesome

[@luciamartinkova8428]

Pol Opinl.

[@TracyAnneWilkinson]

I love watching you guys! My biggest take away from this topic is when Stan talked about not getting hung up on the fact that some people unfollow you. It is easy to feel deflated when this happens. I feel much more at ease about this now, so thank you Stan.

[@d.rrel_]

the segment on not burning out is so crucial. stay frequent but healthy! don't feel bad reeling back the frequency from time to time your posts really become your portfolio as well

[@CarolynsArtAdventures]

I mostly started my KZbin channel and my Instagram because 1. it looked like fun and 2. it was a way to try to push myself to keep making art. So I wasn't really trying to grow it. I've been vaguely thinking about pursuing it more seriously, but I work full time so that's not really going to be easy. But this was really interesting and informative. I really liked the idea of not worrying about people unfollowing or not choosing to follow because they're just not interested in what I do. That's a really healthy way of looking at it.

[@RICE-lq1zc]

Already heard the podcast! I learned that I will have to edit my traditional drawing photos better before uploading. I have neglected my upload quality for too long and I thought editing them was not being honest.

[@NATA5II]

Remember art is one of the most superficial crafts you can do. Always make sure your shit looks the best it can, get good lighting and a good camera. and remember a camera won't ever match how it looks in real life but it can get close.

[@wakegary]

@@NATA5II polish that shit up!

[@tommasodiraimondo6721]

This is the best Podcast I have ever heard till now. Thank you Stan, thank you Marshall.

[@yohenson]

I have to say I am REALLY liking the lighting and camera of this podcast, it makes me wanna draw their faces. the colors, the shading the contrast. so appealing. not joking.

[@deerbard]

Very interesting episode. Big thanks for it. My question and feedback: 1. Many artists focus on variety, not on mastering one topic or style. Is it better still to make your online presence look like you only focus on one thing (eg. pencil drawing, human anatomy, robots, watercolor landscape etc), separate different aspects of your creativity into another accounts (more time needed to manage them all) or keep advertising yourself as an artist of many skills? (I've had commissions coming from diversity aspect) What is your feeling about this, gentlemen? 2. Not everyone enjoys family photos in artists' galleries. For me they're annoying and I skip them as fast as I can. I feel bad for looking at your private life while you don't even know me in person. Also I feel bad cause I take it as you making a marketing tool out of your family members. This is nothing personal and by no means I'm telling you what to do, just explaining something you might have missed. Cheers!

[@cynthiahickson9594]

As usual just love the podcasts I love hearing from both Stan and Marshal...please keep these going..I’ve done art many years and have learned so much through artists like yourselves..thank you for all you do!

[@juandougnac8826]

I think this podcast should become a marshallocracy!

[@kupkadavid9351]

I'm going to use social media with a goal in mind! That was actually freaking mind blowing to me. You know, not using for sake of habit, use it because of a purpose, be it entertainment or professional.

[@AmandaLeeJones]

Solid advice! The one that hit home for me was when you said to prioritize quality over quantity. I've had a few successful artists encourage me to post everything I create, even the stuff I knew wasn't my best work. But I felt that was not wise and didn't take their advice, and it's nice to hear someone else back that up. However, I have had a lot of engagement in some of my process or progress posts on IG. But I go back and archive those after a couple of weeks for the same reasons you stated.

[@victoriaculbertson8266]

Just started planning on adding more regular postings on LinkedIn instead of only Facebook just this past week. You helped confirm this is a good way to go. Thank you, I learn so much from the Draftsman!

[@ArchiduquesaMA]

47:35 I expected to get social media advice and ended up getting relationship advice. Good content

[@oscargomez5573]

About a month late to comment on this, but what a great episode! Thanks for this advice!

[@izeg690]

Really love Marshall and Stan's banter!

[@rubidotrinh549]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Stan and Marshall! Well, with all of the information gathered, now I gotta re-focus on committing to making it happen which is the hard work. From this podcast, I learnt that "Algorithm" is the new god that needs to be included in Neil Gaiman's pantheon. And I definitely agree with the minimal viable audience strategy of Seth Godin! Thank you again!

[@inkfree8297]

I love this podcast. Lots to learn from and having a good laugh while learning. The private account part got a chuckle or two out of me.

[@peterokoth8726]

I've really enjoyed this. Thank you guys

[@dominicbeaudoin2762]

Stan & Marshall, I found this episode very helpful, thanks!

[@Nathammer]

this podcast is son USEFUL for me you have no idea! Thank you soo soo much!

[@KenSTACKS]

I think one scary thing about consistency and quality is trying not to fall into the churning mode and some people do have a hard time experimenting because it makes them feel guilty because they are going out of their norm

[@queenblackdiva]

I really liked this one! Thx stan and marshall! Now i always make sure to post quality content and don't point out my mistakes xD, i will also eventually archive all of my old drawings!

[@karen.olivos]

I have not watched the episode yet, but i just wanna say I needed this so bad today!! i've been having a hard time with social media, sometimes i just want to delete all my accounts a live a free social media life lol the algorithm sucks! thank you for this ep!!

[@DennisCNolasco]

You guys are the highlights of my week!

[@JohnDoe-bm5lp]

Speaking of getting on someone's case, when is the Marshall perspective course going to ready? The chalkboard one is great but I'm sure with the technology proko's courses employ there will be a vast improvement!

[@penpencil2322]

Amazing advices, thank you so much Stan

[@TaniaRouserArt]

I only listen podcast so yes, the whole logic of narrowing down makes huge sense

[@constanzaweiss5846]

That was really interesting! Especially what you said about quality!

[@arthurhenriquecm]

I reaaaally need to post good work and with frequency. Thanks for the tip about archiving posts, I'm really changing my portfolio and need better stuff to show. Awesome podcast as always :)

[@ArtistWizardry]

Great talk. Very informative and helpful. Quality, quality, quality.

[@Surgehero5136]

Very very good episode as always guys👍

[@storyboarderau]

Consistency and frequency. Thanks for this video, amazing!

[@ApacheJay156]

Yes, "steroid growth" is something I saw a lot of my peers doing on DA. I always thought spamming llamas was stupid and cheating. Why would you even want a follower who just came for the llama? Get followers for good art. I'm happy to know that all my followers genuinely followed because they like my art.

[@PascalHeinzelmann]

I have to work on focusing the topic more. Even though I am not all over the place, I still feel, that I try to pack too much into an episode. So I will try to clarify the topic even more! Thank you both for this very interesting podcast.

[@labelleartindia9746]

Thank you so much for all these information you shared. It is a big struggle for me to survive with no followers growing. But now I know what I have to do. I will quality work more, and wont be disappointed with less followers. Thank you.

[@olhafilatova6288]

​@​ - Don’t Dwell on the Numbers. I'm guilty of unsubscribing from your channels. But it has nothing to do with you or the quality of your videos. Usually, I do unsubscribe when I see that I've stopped doing anything related to the channel's topic and I have a hard time finding anything on my subscribed list. What got me to draw again was some five or so simple warm-up exercises like lines, circles, etc. So I do unsubscribe when I think that I have quit but I return when I realize that I had just stopped for a while and ready to go on and learn more. Keep going. You are creating awesome content.

[@BKMakes]

Made my checklist! thanks guys

[@FJRamosArt]

This was a great episode. Never apologize or make excuses for your work.

[@ulises453]

Thank you guys veeeeery much.

[@DuckinMyHat]

Writing this before I watch it, but this came at the perfect time. I've started to get frustrated at how slow my instagram account is growing, I have half as many followers as posts, and I'm sure this will help! thanks!

[@yerduf]

Man!! A lot of valuable stuff here!!! I'm taking notes 😮

[@MoMastafa]

Awesome content Proko. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@CreativeGirlofColor]

Great episode guys 😃💖💖💖

[@leontermolen2356]

Love the podcast! :)

[@Pralexart]

I'll be doing quality one quantity. at least after inktober but I want. to be able to grow and you both are so inspirational.

[@julian.brzozowski]

Quick note on consistency and renewal: I recently stopped following a lot of people that were obviously working social media on their current ground rules (much of which are exposed here), because every single day they would post so much stuff that seemed exactly the same, that it grew very tiresome. Proko's channel, on the other hand, has got my attention much more since the latest additions - new people to the videos, Draftsmen podcast etc. -, because it feels like a healthy grow of your community reach. I've come across many talented artists and thinkers, such as Steven Zapata, because of Proko's curatorship. So I just wanted to add that while this might hurt a machine addicted to addictions, it does feel warm and nice on a human level.

[@pjlewisful]

The one thing I will put into practice more: "To thy own self be true"...not re-shaping one's self to other's preferences unless they have a stake in your success.

[@pibyte]

Marshall is a gift to the world

[@amandarodrigues4300]

AMAZING CONTENT, I'M VERY GRATEFUL💖

[@sejalb725]

This was really informative!

[@cynthiahickson9594]

Strategy I’m running with is limit my time, work quick, then do something that takes a while to complete...practice makes perfect!

[@eliasandrinopoulos8746]

Thank you for your great advice! I am a seascape and portraiture artist. After my last commission series, I switched gears these last few weeks and have been working on watercolors (with a charcoal portrait on the easel just to stay limber) 😊 I haven’t posted the watercolors because, well, I gave up social media for Lent, number one, but number two I feel the abrupt turn might confuse my followers. Perhaps I’ll sit on them (metaphorically speaking) and only post the best ones after Easter. Have a great day, God Bless.😊

[@tebtan7998]

22:30: On changing the focus, I came for the tutorials, stayed for the podcast (and tutorials)!

[@egm01egm]

I've listened till 10:10 and immediately closed video. Thanks, Stan.

[@ArningEchanoPH]

47:43 best encouragement ever! :)) I laugh out loud tho cuz that's how I've been living.

[@pawlutsada8935]

I'll follow this rule. Very good advice

[@semys1274]

i love this podcast

[@zationonion]

Great Episode! Consuming is not necessarly bad.. It's about what you consume. (Fast Food or a balanced meal?) The main thing I will focus on, or started while listening, is to make a killer product! 👏

[@reybalderstone]

i freaking love this podcast

[@TaterProduction]

Heck yeah

[@jaylas.9500]

i’m going to be more consistent, since i literally only post once every three months.

[@jaylas.9500]

@@leon-i Nope...😅

[@ricklominguez168]

@@jaylas.9500 Damn

[@rachelrealme3707]

Hey, once every 3 months IS consistent :P

[@franciscaortega3015]

21:00 its true i was kinda confused but it was a good confusion haha because the content is really good so i appreciate that (so if u read this pls keep going :D)

[@chinonsowilfred2663]

This video was really helpful! I'll stop worrying about losing followers and start focusing on posting quality content even if it'll make me post less frequently.

[@elsevillaart]

About negativism, is okay and healthy to read it, just learn to separate work from personal life, they are attacking your work not you, sometimes helping you, sometimes they don't like the taste, but it's not at you as a person, almost like 99% of the time. So give your drawing the best weapons to defend on their own, if they fail...... draw a better one and give it a BAZOOKA. Better works are the only right way. you can learn a lot from critics, especially the ones that repeat, they are into something you can't see yet, but you will eventually.

[@Japeto9]

One thing I struggle a lot with is whether I know my work is good enough to start posting frequently, It seems when I'm in frequency mode, the traction is very little and I fall off the bandwagon. This right now is the biggest struggle in my art life, as its what I want to commit my life to, but feel like I'm in a permanent cul de sac. I'm just coming to the conclusion now that statistically speaking, we cant all really make it on social media, even if you are good. Thanks for the video and hello from Ireland!

[@juveejunko]

I'm not sure if this has been discussed in previous podcasts, but I was wondering if you guys could touch on the topic of doing art work for free. Non-artist acquaintances ask for free work, not realizing that art is a special skill that must be crafted through years of training, and it would be like asking an accountant to do your taxes for free. Also, Stan mentions collaborations in this video. Where is the line between collaborating and giving free work to a stranger? Can you elaborate on the subject of doing art work for free?

[@awetree6765]

How coulda anyone criticize Marshal? He's so lovable.

[@mephisto6250]

hmmm ive only recently started doing what you suggested which is stopping from doing follow for follow, and more on my content than desperately trying to get people to look. aside from that, i like what you said about collaboration, i think i'll try that, ive recently opened a dtiys but barely anyone interacted so i'll try asking a friend to work on an artwork with me

[@beewell1600]

this year i started digital art, i started "leaning" all over again 6 months ago, i started with anatomy from this channel, around 4 months ago i made an instagram acount, i upload from sketches to practice and almost every most bring me 2 3 followers... it is a big deal for me cause im anticocial as a personality... and thanks for this vid, i do feel down cause my posts dont get more than 40 likes

[@jamcrab5925]

Thanks for the podcast guys. Quick question - how'd you guys get the audio sounding so good over skype? Did you guys do a double-ender?

[@animatedmooncloud3181]

Consistency but with quality over quantity. I try to post as many good drawings at once but then I burn out and hibernate for months. 🤦🏻‍♀️ so now I know that I need to pace myself and plan better.

[@ricardosealey2676]

Great job as usual guys...Maybe you can cover Richard Schmidt's Alla Prima 2 sometime

[@lindakopec7036]

Well, the first thing I will put in to practice is leaving a comment -- which is that I wish you would leave a like or dislike or comment for when people do leave a comment -- because I have answered some of your pinned post questions and have no idea if they suit your vision or not. Kinda disconnecting feeling. I know, you are not on here to do what I want. I will be acting on a social strategy that I have not prioritized but procrastinated. Thanks for this podcast.

[@felixpaz2060]

Gotta be honest didn't think Id be into these podcast but I'm enjoying it

[@jevaun-deanlinton3285]

The idea of what do I really want to use social media for is what I want to focus on

[@lancebautista5105]

I’m trying to make an instagram account that aims to interact with budding artists that are also learning the basics and fundamentals on their own, like what I am doing right now. My main goal is to give new artists- myself included- a safe space to interact and discuss about study materials and all those stuff.

[@duzacsp1376]

If you do pls let me know, I'm interested :)

[@didi1406]

Hello! I’ve created a reddit for beginner artists who want to learn and share info and get feedback about drawing fundamentals! I did it because I was tired of seeing other how to draw Reddit’s that just became a place for people to show off their work rather than for beginners who need help. I’d love to follow you and please join r/beginnerartist if your a new artist who wants to learn & share learning resources about the fundamental

[@duzacsp1376]

@@didi1406 What's the name of it? I wanna join

[@JoeySpronck]

@1:00:50 I think its mainly that if a friend sends you an image from a private account, you need to follow the account to see it -> possibly more followers?

[@dennisweber2494]

I couldn't focus on anything but Marshall's reference books...

[@Dinhjason]

Our boy Prokyo.

[@CharlesTryon]

That may be one of the most important thing here -- for negative, hurtful, toxic comments "DON'T RESPOND TO IT." (also the comment on people to listen to -> those who have a stake in your success or failure.)

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

would like an 'update' to this discussion

[@debaffleck443]

1:07:00 don't get trapped, it has addictive aspects 😂...so true

[@curtiswood6705]

I created a page on Facebook to share artwork on instead of sharing through my profile. I ended up making a new FB profile to manage it and deactivated my original profile account. It was the best thing I did on FB. I no longer fall into that feed trap but am also able to share art with fam and friends.

[@theleechqueen]

I do watch both podcasts and tutorials though. They are par and parcel for me, since there is still plenty of relevant knowledge.

[@lunab541]

Right now my standard for posting is art that I finish because finishing something is so rare lol.

[@esersalazar5114]

We need the proko book!!!!!

[@asiascrimea4880]

Thumbnail made me realise how similar Marshall is to Phillipe Pétain

[@ayaskantdas9551]

Please please please 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 do a interview with loish !! I think she's a wonderful artist.her works are magnificent. They have so much flow and colour in them.

[@chayemor]

Yeah, social media is very hard. I still have not figured out Instagram at all. I've used into Facebook Creator Studio to schedule posts for months, at the best time (when there's the most audience logged in based on analytics info), I add hashtags and description, I ask questions, etc, etc. The most engagement I'm getting is a dozen or so likes plus 2 comments from spamming bots. A while ago I realized I was spending too much time focused on trying different aspects and I barely get interactions per picture, instead of doing what I'm supposed to do.... study art xD So now I no longer care much for social media, I use Facebook Creator Studio to queue posts that will last a while and then I forget about it and I can just browse and enjoy my art feed.