Why I'm quitting Instagram (Yes, even as an artist)

[@christophsauer2857]

how is your actual state with social medias now two years after posting this video? I would love to hear.

[@LouiseStigell]

I would love to tell you. 😊 I gave IG a brief shot again a few months ago, when I released a new collection. Wanted my feed to be up to date, and wanted to "put the platform to the test, once and for all". Give it a chance to disprove me. So I posted a few times a week, for a few weeks. Did it deliver? Did it move the needle for my business anything at all? Nope. All it gave me was crickets, empty validation in the form of passive likes and bot replies, and major anxiety around my art and my marketing skills. And convinced me, once again, that this platform is dead and never coming back. For me, at least. I can't speak for anyone else. But IG really just feels like once big charade. One big, collective waste of time.

[@endezeichengrimm]

@@LouiseStigellFail!

[@natinatureillustration]

@@LouiseStigell a collective waste of time is a great definition, I wish all people found of long content, authenticity and maybe a little more introvert than extravert would see this video instead of suffering on Instagram!

[@vevepriezviskova6909]

​​@@LouiseStigell hello! Thank you so much for sharing this valuable video! I quit my ig page after only 10 days because of exactly same reasons! I wanted to create an educational page with valuable content for and about autistic people. Help parents understand their children and also for adult autistic people to find info in our native language (Slovak). However, the entire format and the pressure to produce stupid stories just to get some attention felt like selling my soul! I don't want to play the game, either! I'm working on creating an actual old fashioned website now.

[@stephenschildbach940]

To add an over 50 artist perspective. In the 90s I had to send out 1 postcard a month to potential clients and patrons, and advertise in one illustration book over the course of a year. And, that was enough marketing for me to make a full time living as an illustrator and artist. I'd only have to spend $3,000 a year on this marketing (postcards, mailing, and the book) to support my annual salary. This would only take me about 20-40 hours of my time for the whole year! Now, artists are spending this much time in one month on social media, and this time spent on Instagram returns little to no work. I would gladly go back to that old model if it still worked. It was fun mailing postcards, and people would get a little piece of art.

[@LouiseStigell]

Great point! Many of these methods probably still work, and in some cases they might be more effective, since everyone else is busy grinding on Instagram... 😉

[@ponopinto]

I’m seriously considering this method of self marketing. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@deigray9243]

I would love to make a full time career out of doing art

[@JoyceChow]

I love that! Thanks so much for sharing from your perspective!

[@nickyperryman2683]

I think also that it's the personal connection that sells art. I do enjoy the ability to have a digital portfolio on my own website as well as be able to have an email list. That is gold dust. But yeah sometimes the old ways are good - like actually calling people on the phone! ha ha

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Describing an Instagram reel as "a fart in the wind" is the most accurate description of these I've ever heard! This is a really interesting video and I agree with many of the points you have so articulately made.

[@Ximonic]

Unfortunately it doesn't even help when you take a lot of time in making a truly beautiful artpiece. You can publish a masterpiece, which will disappear under all that noise like the whole Sahara into a fart, only because it's not possible to post new works often enough.

[@nilotpalneogy6211]

It takes me 60-70 hours to finish an artwork. And Instagram has attention span down to a few seconds now. Its time to quit. I agree with you, my attention span has decreased. I used to watch movies that were meaningful and had plots and stories. Now, I tend to fast forward things so much. Often sitting at the movie theater I felt the need for a fast forward button. I have a day job, and I feel constantly stressed out. I cant concentrate there as well.

[@thgritic102]

I'm late to the chat, bit THIS! My works on canvases take soooo much time, so recording, editing, & posting it all for it to not be scene irks my soul! I even try to explain this to my social media mentor at the time, & she's like "mmm but I have another artist client who can do it" meanwhile said client works smaller & quicker than what I do 😑

[@JessiTheBestiGaming]

I'm 33, and I used to constantly read books as a kid and teenager. I can't anymore.. I can read maybe a chapter and then I'm bored. Which is so sad, because I love reading. Even creating art now seems harder in relation to attention span. I hate Instagram too, and will only allow myself maybe three minutes a day to check my messages or whatever. It's super impersonal, and I'm not going to jump through freaking hoops to get likes.

[@Telindra]

Hey Nikki, I too used to consume books as a kid and teenager like they were candy. As an adult I've struggled to read books so so much, especially during the last couple of 7-8 years. My attention span is so bad, but not that long ago it was even worse than it is now. Quitting FB (6 months ago) has brought on the biggest change so far for me, I'd recommend staying the hell away from twitter too, and I only use IG now in a way as a photo journal for myself. I rarely even use hashtags. So it's very stripped down usage. No hoops hopping what so ever. Picked up a book I bought 2 years ago last week, and it's actually going decently. I feel like I am having an easier time staying "in the book" and getting captivated by it. I can focus on the story told, instead of having a brain that's totally scattered.

[@JessiTheBestiGaming]

@@Telindra good to hear! Yeah, haven't used Facebook in a few years just due to the fact it's stale and boring. Never been a Twitter user either. Hopefully we get our voracious attention spans back! 💜

[@Telindra]

@@JessiTheBestiGaming Glad you've never been a Twitter user. Be grateful for that! haha. I hope so too. I really miss being able to just lose myself in a book for hours. I have noticed that my ability to sit down and read fluctuates quite violently. Some days it is just pretty much hopeless, and those days I have to force myself. Thinking it's worth it, in order to form a new habit. I keep it to one chapter those days though. Overall however, I also have a lot better days were I even find myself not wanting to put down the book. Time restrictions you know!

[@alexiparis3244]

@@JessiTheBestiGaming I used to be able to draw for hours now I can barely put a line on paper due to lack of creativity, hopefully I can get my skills back

[@JessiTheBestiGaming]

@@alexiparis3244 aw man!! Maybe start small? Draw a little chibi or a small character

[@KJensenStudio]

'A race to the bottom' perfectly describes not only Instagram, but the last three years of the World. ❤️

[@louise_rose]

I tried to set up an IG profile the other day, but got kicked out within an hour by a bit algorithm of theirs for "suspicious activity on your profile". I had done nothing fishy whatsoever, but the reason, I think, was that Insta themselves had messed up with the six-digit "e-mail verification code" that's always sent during the registration process. When I submitted the code, I got the reply "Unable to process the code - please try again later", this happened twice (with different codes) but then I logged on anyway with my username and chosen password and did get in, so the error msg must have been a fluke. Half an hour later though, the account jammed and I was faced with an "expelled" notice. I'll spare you the details of how impossible they are if you try to lodge a complaint (hint: you're sent through an endless series of muddy photo captchas to try to determine that you're not a bot) , but IG does seem to be a very buggy platform and I'm sure it also generates a lot of spam to people's phones and PC's, so I'm just not playing their game...

[@MarginallyAna]

For a while, Instagram was really fun for me. I think it changed when the platform started truly shifting from a place where people would share a bit of their lives and a bit of their hobbies and art... into a business and influencer playing field. Now, I'm seriously thinking of quitting as well, for the 3rd time in as many years. The worst of it all, for me, is how it gets you hooked on the instant gratification of having engagement, and how crappy you feel after it's taken away! I don't want to feel like that anymore, and I'm not sure if it's possible to continue using it without having those feelings. Anyway, thank you for your wonderful video - it's really given me a lot to think about - and as an millennial introvert into slow living, low consumerism, mental health and who misses LiveJournal and the sense of community you got in older blogging platforms, I'm 100% into bringing back the RSS feed!

[@rayne6737]

I stopped posting artwork years ago and I don't post on Instagram. I have specific people I follow and I go directly to them to see what they are up to. They are all artists and I can see their newest work this way without the bs. I don't have FB, Tic Tok,Twitter or any other social media. Social media is mostly trash and I only go look at Instagram to see the artists I like about every two months or so. I don't have any use for it otherwise.

[@Valandor_Celestial_Warlock]

I'm 56 years old. Social media is a very new thing for me and my generation. For the vast majority of our lives, we didn't have anything like this and neither did we suspect that we would ever have to be subjected to such a thing. It's been foisted upon us and I think that it's something that we should reject out-of-hand as we have seen how it has horribly adversely affected younger people (and the entire species in general). I have a 16 year old son who is absolutely addicted to social media, hopelessly so. He would react violently if I even suggested taking his phone away from him even for a few minutes. Did I allow this to happen? No. Some things, believe it or not, even as a diligent and loving parent, are out of my control. I feel bad for him because he'll never know life without it as I have. I hate Instagram. It is the epitome of egoism and vanity. Facebook is boring, stupid, and filled with ads and malicious cowards who feel empowered to bully and berate total strangers at their whim. TikTok only proves that any idiot with a cellphone can prove that they're an idiot to the entire planet in 30 seconds or less. Social media is a time-killer, which is probably the most salient point. When you're on SM, you are literally throwing your precious time away. Addiction is an illness, like a mental illness. If we thought the world was crazy before the 21st century, guess what: Here we are now and, with the state of current events, I don't think there's any doubt now. The world is an insane asylum and the inmates are running it.

[@oldbrasso808]

You brought a kid into a "crazy" world? Another inmate into the overpopulated asylum? It's now your duty to do everything you can to fix the planet, which I expect you do. Otherwise you would be a hypocrite and a windbag, right?

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you for this comment, it resonated so much with me. You're a voice of reason. 😊 I'm so grateful to have grown up during a time where the internet and social media didn't exist. I don't even want to imagine how it would have impacted my mental health to go through middle and high school while being on all of these platforms. I try to leave room for nuance in the way I talk about these platforms, because of course I know it's not -all- bad for -all- people. But I also can't help but smile at the way you describe them. It's how I often feel too. 😂

[@katec9893]

I love how brutally honest you've been here summing these platforms up. You're 100% right. The reason we all feel discomfort is most people are too afraid or brainwashed to be honest about how awful these platforms are. I like KZbin as I have learnt a lot from it but my experience of Facebook, Instagram and tiktok are exactly as you've described. My description of twitter is that it's like being in a room where everyone is shouting trying to sound whitty, and nobody is listening. It's totally obnoxious. The censorship on the platforms is also shocking where only one viewpoint is allowed about multiple different topics.

[@playalot86]

Man, I wish the best for your son. 😮 I enjoyed reading your comment!

[@soylentlolmilk]

i think giving kids access to phones/internet was the worst thing that could happen to the new generations, hands down. parents are still in charge and don't have to allow it, but i know the pressure from all the other friends/parents is rough. it's weird seeing my 12 year old niece with a giant iphone in the back pocket of her jeans...like, why? we go over to their house to visit for big occasions and the kids are sitting with us in the living room...starting at their screens. it's disgusting.

[@jazzy8391]

Don't think just because you are older this is happening to you, I'm 23 and I hate what media have become. Especially as an artist, this is extremely exhausting to me. I wish Instagram didn't become this way.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I totally agree with you! As an artist, it feels like Instagram is sucking me dry. I spend WAY too much time on there and it's driving me crazy. Every time I create content for IG, I just feel overwhelmed and like its a constant grind/burden. I'm exhausted by it and I'm trying to find as much evidence as possible to get out of that grind. It seriously doesn't feel worth it. Thank you for creating this video! It helps to know I'm not the only one, and I think I'm going to spend less time creating content over there... I enjoy spending time creating art and KZbin videos way more.

[@bria1648]

I needed this video, I've hated instagram for so long, since I started posting on there a year ago, I joined the platform to grow so one day I would be able to do art as a living but honestly, it hasn't gotten me anywhere and I doubt it will, at least in the near future. So yeah, I'm gonna quit, maybe I'll come back someday but especially since my life lately has been incredibly chaotic I need a break.

[@LouiseStigell]

I feel you. I have the same feeling when watching other creators talk about this. A feeling of being less alone. And getting some validation for what we already feel we need to do. I'm glad I could be of some help. 😊🖤

[@deigray9243]

I want to do art as a living …but I don’t know how to start or how to do it in general…I just know I want to do art and get paid enough to take care of myself and one day a family

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Aw, thank you so much for the shoutout! I also identify as a long-form content type of person, it just feels so much more rewarding to post on here rather than on IG. I'm so so glad I was able to resonate with you and that you've started this channel! Your content looks great, and you're really well spoken! Can't wait to see what happens with your channel

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you so much Kelsey. And right back at ya! 😊🖤

[@KY-ls4kp]

IG made me question my art, my time and my effort. I know I am not the best artist out there but my art is my creation and questioning your creation in a negative light is not at all helpful especially to someone who is introverted and inclined to experience mental highs and lows. I don't particularly want to subject myself to more stress, your video is a perfect explanation as to how I am feeling so thank you for this 🌼

[@Artistjohnlaws4173]

Step away from social media for a while,goddamn it and go out there and show people your work;Bury your self in your element and your work. It will give you solace for when you do come back to the shitty Instagram.

[@Kemotherapy360]

8:15 "Fast Food Content" I don't think I've heard a more perfect set of words to describe the media we subject ourselves to on sites like Instagram, TikRok, Facebook, and even here on KZbin.

[@EulogyfortheAngels]

Social media more or less compartmentalizes the fears and frequent mental content of depression (better artists, more active workers, more compassionate people, more charismatic people, people having the times of their lives, etc) into carefully segmented visual information. I think that's the most simplified way I can posit how it affects me.

[@LouiseStigell]

Yeah, it's like an idealized version of everyone's life, with all the everyday crap edited out. And I really don't think we're built to handle the idealized version of millions of lives all over the planet. 🙄

[@heatherhoepsintuitiveart]

I am an artist and I left social media at the end of last year. Instagram was starting to burn me out and make me very unhappy and stressed. It was the best decision to let go and I will not return. In the future I am contemplating going back to blogging...for now I am taking a long break to re-align and refocus for my journey ahead. thank you for this video!

[@gr8northernpike]

I am three weeks away from being 78…and finding your channel has been most fortuitous. Many blessings to you with much appreciation for your efforts, and thank you for your honesty and authenticity

[@gigiartstudiowithartistvir3919]

I feel you on every one of these points. I have well over 1k posts and I have earned about 300.00 from commission work off Instagram and it wasn't even strangers who bought but people I know in real life. So IG is a lousy business option for the artist who is barely able to buy art supplies, and spins their wheels trying to build an organic engaged audience, unless you are already very well known.

[@LouiseStigell]

That's about what I've expected. Good to know I'm not alone. 😊 I sold one painting off of IG once, and it was because of a sponsored post. In the end, it doesn't really matter to me how "big the chance is" of selling art/commissions on IG - it's still a lottery, a gruesome grind and a terrible work environment for an artist. I'd rather make those relationships and sales somewhere else, where I feel better about the whole thing. 99,9% of the sales I've made so far has been within my personal network of family and friends, and I suspect that's the case for most artists.

[@notavictim2007]

“I’m not a short form kind of person.” This was so encouraging to me. Lately I’ve been feeling kind of lost. I have built my life around keeping a job I don’t love but allows me freedom to create. I even decided not to go to college because I knew I wanted to spend as much of my energy being creative as possible and didn’t want the debt. This week i wrote three essays that I’m super proud of but it sometimes feels like they go unnoticed Anyway this really spoke to me. Also, I’m in the process of creating an app which is built around long form conversions. It’s structures conversions like a game. Basically clubhouse meets Wordle. When it’s finished, I’m gonna reach out to you and if you like it, maybe I could sponsor a video! I know your channel isn’t huge but i want to partner with intentional, creative people 😊 Ok that was a lot. 😂

[@freebirdarts]

I resonate with you on that. I live in a relatively wealthy area but I'm barely able to afford paying for bills due to circumstances. I'll be able to pass by with my monthly income so I want to allocate my time in my creative work. I hope your app is going good! I'll love to help with giving input / feedback if you ever need it.

[@BrettWarniers]

I had to "train" myself to make short form content. I love creating huge, super detailed paintings, and it doesn't translate well for Instagram or Facebook. It literally changed the kind of art I make. You've inspired me to put more time into making KZbin videos, I've felt Instagram is dying for a long time, and honestly would probably not use it if my art business didn't depend on it, but the time to transition to other apps is upon us! I do think it's a good portfolio for artists to have, it's a great way at a glance to see what someone's art is. Really grateful others are feeling the same way.

[@LouiseStigell]

Yeah, that's my experience too. I't so hard to disconnect all of the sharing aspects and just make the art I want to make. That goes for KZbin too, but to a lesser extent. At least here, there's more room for variety and depth. 😊

[@oldsoul6696]

Exactly my thoughts. We should have our own websites and email lists. Use instagram as a portfolio only not caring about engagement and pray that that some sensible human buys Instagram. I just deleted my Facebook because they restricted me for posting that was not against their community standards. I often noticed that they were pickicng sides. And I disagree with this. That a social media platform must be neutral. I even say absoloutely quit Meta and it's any apps including whatsapp and instagram. I ll continye my research and hopefully find a way to quit the rest 2 apps too.

[@0205666]

I’m actually in the process today of opting out of Facebook. I tried Instagram for about one week and it almost tied me in a pretzel too ! and I had only just started. There’s something extremely unnatural about the whole thing…. i’m old school and I’m going to do what you did and create a website to sell my music and produce vinyl, CDs, merchandise and digital downloads that people can actually own and value. if we don’t take the first steps away from these platforms and continue to endorse those companies at our expense in many ways and primarily for their benefit, no one else will . it just feels right in one’s inner being to do it this way. Thank you for your video. You are amazing. What a lovely soul .. oh and by the way, your art is incredible. If I can afford it one day I will actually buy one of your paintings…..

[@unikreations2258]

Thank you for being so honest about how social media isn’t for everyone. I’ve been struggling to decide whether to get started on it. You’ve helped me decide. Thank you. I feel better about going back to the old school ways of connecting with people and clients, and not feel left out of the current trend.

[@LooseDeuce]

Saw this in my recommended feed so i assumed you were one of the bigger art channels i usually watch. What you said definitely makes sense cuz on insta the focus seem to be more on the content, rather than the creator. the Creator gets lost in the noise and forgotten because the audience is already 5-6 reels deep at that point.

[@LouiseStigell]

I love being mistaken for a bigger art channel. Soooon... 😎 Yup, I agree. There's bad transparency and basically no real compensation and respect for creators. And yet they demand more and more from the creators. And it frustrates me that so many oblige and play their game. We need a collective uprising or something. (Which I guess maybe we have, only a very slow one.) 😊

[@Creative___Flo]

🎯

[@kreepfaktory1133]

Everything that you said, but for me it's about every social media. I said about 7-8 years ago Facebook makes me hate my friends. Social media is a performance and it brings out the worst in everyone. I want social media to be about making connections and supporting others. I also have no attention span anymore.

[@da09queenb09]

This was recommended to me today and I just decided to take a social media break again for the 2nd time this year until the end of the year. I’ve been thinking about deleting social media as I build up my writing and art career for all the reasons you listed. Thanks for the confirmation that I’m going in the right direction.

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you, I'm happy I could give that to you. 🖤😊

[@aleena.janjua]

You nailed every point. I've JUST started noticing that its is reallllyyy hard to get reach or engagement on Instagram now. I don't enjoy making reels at all and I feel pressured to do that in order to reach people who are not even my followers. Thansk for all your insights!

[@0205666]

Right on sister! You’re right on the money as we speak I am preparing to cancel my Facebook account. I tried Instagram for like one week and it almost broke my mind….

[@randomladyaj]

I agree, social media kills you attention span. It's so sad. I miss reading full books. I start reading and then I put the book down and won't return to it after months.

[@ScottHebert604]

yeah dude I quit last year, i didn't make a big deal about it I just closed all my accounts. I didn't think it was going to be permanent but it is. I've sold the most art I've done so far by just being on KZbin, the long form content allows people to fall in love with you more in my opinion.

[@LouiseStigell]

Exactly. Building almost any brand/business nowadays is all about building trust and likeability. Few mediums are better at that than video. Took me 10+ years of being a stubborn writer with too few readers, to admit that. 🙄

[@gigiartstudiowithartistvir3919]

Also, I'm very concerned for the art world which is a whole new subject on it's own.

[@LouiseStigell]

Oh yeah. There's so much to be concerned about in today's world. 🙄 I guess that's why I started painting, originally. To just forget about it for a little while.

[@TheNesbittExperience]

I have the same feelings about the dance world. I actually left teaching dance in a high school because I’d turn around and find the kids videotaping me for Tik Tok. Good art requires being in the “zone,” and this takes focus. Sadly, this generation of children struggle with this due to too much social media.

[@schechter01]

@@TheNesbittExperience Social media is one reason (a major factor but not the only one) why I have no hope for Gen-Z kids. A small percentage of them may grow up to make something of themselves & become productive members of their communities, but most of them are simply lost. They will be Net-addicted zombies (& participants in the endless tribal-political online mudslinging) for the rest of their lives.

[@TimothyDempsey]

Bravo, I deactivated my account last week for the 30-day sabbatical and I am so glad I did. Brilliant video for artists.

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you! 😊🖤

[@JashJhaveri]

💯 also i feel it is rewiring how people make friends and socialize too, and not in a good way

[@commoneuropeanstarling]

I love this post and you seem genuine and down-to-earth and couldn't agree more. I didn't have Instagram for very long. I didn't like it at all. Quit Facebook years ago. Go for alternatives. Or go out find spaces in galleries to sell your pics. Resist the vast majority of social media unless you want brain fog. KZbin is as far as I go. Even then, it has its downsides. Speaking of attention span, I found it hard to watch a feature-length film without stopping or getting sidetracked. One day, I picked a film from my DVD collection, turned off the internet and watched it. That's what I need to do when learning art techniques.

[@sabrinafrank7758]

I started my Instagram page as a beginner artist literally this Monday and Tuesday this video from you popped up. I have not been even doing it for a week but I am constantly checking whether people like my pictures, is anyone following me and so on. Yesterday I wanted to draw and make a first reel out of it but I felt so overwhelmed that I ended up doing nothing. I noticed after not even a week how I am less creative and I don't like it. It should be fun. I feel relieved after watching your video and feel like there is less pressure. I really liked your other video on making a website and I will take it to heart😊

[@marieallen9715]

What particularly resonates with me is this feeling I get as you describe - i feel bad, I feel undermined and pulled to compare myself all the time. I feel done in when 'successful' artists post what they've sold, even when they post ' O just got these back from the framers'. It fuels envy and inadequacy in me and i don't like it at all. Like you I want to come off it and Fb so thanks for all the recommendations, books and vids. I'll listen and read some more.

[@ArtbyAllisonDakin]

I feel this way about Facebook. I get no reach from my business page, content, or posts - but due to referrals it's still the #1 point of contact from clients and customers. What is your favourite alternative for marketing your work? Love that I found your KZbin today, your art is beautiful and you seem so genuine.

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you. 🙏🖤 I've sold 90% of my original art and prints via irl showings and word of mouth. And for that, Facebook has actually played a small part. Since they at least let us share stuff from private profiles and have it seen by friends and family. It's better than mailing or calling each person separately. 😊

[@madkittyjoey70]

I left Facebook in 2022, but came back in late 2023. After getting nothing but flirty emails and comments from guys I knew nothing about, I left and never looked back.

[@jeadreygoris1198]

Wow, I feel you spoke from me. I feel the same about Instagram and Facebook. Very interesting video. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@kayskaht2052]

I randomly stumbled across your channel while searching on KZbin. And all I can say is I couldn't agree with you more! Thank you so much for your insightful outlook on this situation. I have been struggling so much as an artist. Even being successful in my field, I'm just mentally and emotionally drained having to deal with social media every single day. Thank you so much for making this!

[@JK-xx2hz]

This is so validating! I sometimes feel really alone with this. As most people around me prefer short form content I experience a lot of pressure to be present on those platforms if I don't want to lose connection with people. I know this is not exactly what you spoke about but it's kind of related. Thanks so much for the great video. 😊❤

[@awomanandabear]

100% agree. I share your distrust and lack of respect for Facebook. I have quit posting on IG and FB and I'm getting more deep work done. I feel better, I've revived my curiosity for deeper exploration of various topics, and I'm happier. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this video.

[@siddharthadutta2393]

You've got such a beautiful personality and it's sort of calming to watch you present the case against social media ( especially Facebook/Instagram/Twitter etc. ) in such a humane way: admitting the dilemmas and worries of all of us who've been thinking of quitting it all. I watched your video because I wanted to know about other people's experiences of finally quitting social media, especially Instagram; and it's really worth it! I deleted all social media accounts 6 months ago and have had a really productive and fulfilling time since then, but then, during a long holiday season here last April, I just thought "maybe I should keep an Insta account just to connect with people sometimes, or just to expose myself to things related to my studies and passions. What has happened is I've just wasted weeks of free days doing almost nothing but scrolling aimlessly while I could maybe read two big novels from my bookshelf or do some extra studies. This FOMO is just pure evil. Do I really build deep connections with new people? No. Yes it does expose you to things of your interest but it took me a while to realise that hey, it's all just so shallow, and does little for your growth! We can do all our exploring in the real world far more deeply and meaningfully! Like you I'm also someone who loves to take things long-form and deeply and slowly. Thanks for your brilliant insights. I guess it's just helped me solidify my realisation that I must not let myself be sidetracked by social media again and I better delete that new account before I get into another deluded phase.

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you for those very kind words. 🥲🖤 Happy to hear you've managed to free yourself from all that stress and distraction. I know exactly how easy it is to slide back in, and how disappointing it always is. But maybe it's a bit like with too much sugar for me - I sometimes need to overindulge just to remind myself of why I don't eat candy on a regular basis. 😂 Wish you the best with your new, social media-free life. 🙏🏻

[@siddharthadutta2393]

Some more motivation! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2ekd5KXe9p3btk

[@LouiseStigell]

Just watched that earlier today! 🤗

[@YelidaHierroArt]

Thank you! I'm happy more people are speaking about this, I've felt this way for several years now and I noticed myself taking longer and longer breaks, haven't posted for months now! I'm creating art for myself and documenting my process in my own time because I enjoy it, not because I feel the need to show up on Instagram. I don't think I will quit completely but I'm definitely off the treadmill now and won't be posting things in real time anymore.

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you! And that sounds like a healthy mindset. 😊

[@mangakaar186]

It was great to see I was correct about leaving Instagram 1 year ago. one thing you would notice is the majority of big art influencers got popular before 2017-18. I fail to see any big art influencers who weren't big before, mainly reels these days where you get blown up one day and die out in the next. It's not great if you are learning or are a master. It's for celebrities who already have a big audience. Not a great idea to be serious about Instagram as your major source of exposure and connection. all interactions are so fake and surface level, Most people following you would-be artists who are trying to grow themselves anyways. I love this movement of artists leaving Instagram. In my opinion, youtube is the best platform anyways if you have to focus on making videos. If I have to eat poop at least I would eat the more solid and longer one.

[@LouiseStigell]

You definitely were. 😊 And I totally agree on that observation. I have found extremely few (if any) really big accounts started within the past 1-2 years. They all seem to have been started, and had most of their growth, during the golden age of IG. And I also agree that if IG had any place in someones strategy it would be to interact with an already existing audience. Because it just doesn't work as a growth engine anymore.

[@dansemagia]

I love this. Thank you. I really hope you stick with your decision! I don't spend any time on social media myself, and even with my new coaching business I am not going to use Instagram. Thank you for reminding me why! I would rather listen to the birds outside my window, like the crow that you heard during this video :) To me that's not ADHD, that's being aware of your surroundings.

[@beautiful_and_simple]

You’re so right in many ways…. I used to like instagram to get in touch with some amazing people, find out about the events of my interest, yet lately the amount of ads became overwhelming 😢😢😢. Sometimes I feel like it’s just a crazy making. I believe that such aggressive platforms with so much push sales will try to loose their audience.

[@cat-and-raven]

Thank you for this. I'm thinking about quitting, too. It's so much work with little return, and it bugs me that all the time spent on trying to grow my business could've been spent growing my KZbin channel and my blog.

[@kimberleeoneal]

So glad I discovered you before I jumped on the Instagram bandwagon. I too am an "elder millennial" and every time I attempt to engage on any social media platform I feel like a space alien visiting earth for the first time. Recently, I got it into my brain that Instagram is where it's at... but I was dreading getting started. Your video was timely.

[@beautyandtheberners]

I completely agree with everything you said! For the time I put in I don’t get any return other than imposter syndrome. And I should be spending that time on my business and not feeling bad about myself. I also find that unless you pay for ads or boosted posts your content doesn’t even get shown to people who follow you. So what’s the point if the people who actually want to see your content aren’t seeing it? Thank you for sharing!

[@cdavies5814]

I agree entirely. Only about 2.5% of your content gets shown to your followers. What's up with that?!! Surely if they're following you they want to see what you post. I asked my sister the other day why she hasn't liked any of my fb art posts as she's on there every day. She replied that she's never been shown a single one of them. She checked her feed and every 3rd post was an ad, and almost nothing from her 'friends' list..

[@lollyxorbell]

Thank you so much for making this. I have been contemplating ghosting my accounts for a while now and putting that time and effort into actually making and selling more. I know it's the right thing to do for my self esteem and stress levels. It's crazy how we can become enslaved to these apps if we are not careful.

[@JohnFinitee]

I've been feeling this for awhile now. I've been trying to grind on ig for like 3 years now and I still can't get to 300 followers 😂 i honestly don't stay on IG at all now other than to post work here and there. Just exhausted with it. I'll give youtube more of a try

[@LouiseStigell]

Wow, we are so many who feel this exact way. It's a little depressing. But it also feels good to not be alone. 🖤 There are alternatives to IG (KZbin is the best one in my opinion), and will likely be more of them soon I hope.

[@snowsjournal]

I'm so glad KZbin recommended your video, because you said exactly what I've been thinking for a while. Especially the need to be "on brand" and have a consistent feed, because otherwise people will unfollow or new people will not follow has been stressing me out. I love using different media and exploring different styles, from illustration to fine art. I was contemplating starting a second IG account for that reason, but that makes Instagram even more tiring and time consuming, without any guarantee that it will work. I started on IG posting a lot of watercolor art too, now want to move on to different things and have no idea how to tackle it without stressing myself out over the lack of engagement or likes 🙈 Thank you for your video!

[@kristinajenko657]

I adore your personality. And checked your website. You're gorgeous artist. I agree so much with you

[@thoughtsofthunder]

Subbed! I can see this video is a couple years old, but I just wanted to mention how refreshing it is to find channels like yours in the sea of overly energetic, noisy content. This was such a relaxing, delightful, well developed chat- it was like I was in the room with you talking with an old friend! Keep up the great work! ◡̈ -Storm

[@m.fernandaolayavargas7446]

I feel so identified with everything you've said!! Thank you to share your voice

[@xylinalopezart]

You took my thoughts and feelings and made a video out of them. WOW. Being on either platform really messes with my mind for the worst. I jump off feeling absolutely deflated emotionally and my body even feels physically horrible. I couldn’t figure out what the heck was going on until one day, I realized that being on those platforms was the culprit. I am yearning to get back to being JUST AN ARTIST. Exhausted from the pressures of being perfect. This video solidified a lot for me, Thank you 🤍

[@breezywindflower]

There will be a difference between making work for a more *retail* market, as opposed to more of a fine art. Unique work. This video is gold. Photo your work. Perfect your bio. Do shows. Gather people and be *brave* , put on a group or solo show. Old school *is* gonna come back ~ regarding the *attn span*. I can not say enough about this video. Self awareness is your superpower, courage, practice practice practice, and *know* that *your work* from *your soul* is what matters. There will be a market for it somewhere. And again. The social media will be gone once web3, crypto & NFT's hit. There is a nugget of gold for you. Massive. Let your gut guide you ~ and just keep going when you fall down. Relish in your successes more than I did. I'm having to start over. It is part of my journey. I am an artist and no one can take that from me. That means *I LIVE AS AN ARTIST*. Philisophically , et cetera. Enjoy life, and don't take it too seriously. If you wanna bank on your art - DO IT. Just stay empowered without being overconfident. Own it. Ok, aunty-me is done lecturing! I have a 'teacher' in me. and .. i want people to be empowered. XO

[@h.sinclair]

thanks for taking the time to do this - it crystallizes so many thoughts we're all having while on instagram, but kind of ignoring and not identifying!

[@kamisart6110]

you said everything I was thinking about, when I started posting on Instagram I thought I'd grow my profile and get a lot of money selling my art, but although I was seeing that my account wasn't growing as I was posting, I chose to ignore and say, "it's just a matter of time". slowly my creativity stopped flowing and I couldn't feel joy in drawing because I put so much pressure on myself to make art as everybody so maybe I'd be noticed. but now I realize that having an art account on IG is just a waste of time and self esteem, so I decided to quit posting there. as you said YT is kinda different, because here we don't compare ourselves as on IG, we don't have that pressure to post 24/7 because a video of 2 years ago still have value and can somehow be easily reached compared to IG. I thinking about creating videos for YT as an alternative to share my art. thank you for the video!

[@tayriobravo6204]

I felt this, I was late to the Instagram game. It took me forever to even get the nerve to post my work. I had a major surge in time and was able to post a bit, but the pressure and the expectations were just too much. I’m a nobody artist , but I rather not end up hating the one thing I love to do the most.

[@LouiseStigell]

That's an important insight. I have to remind myself of that too, constantly. Just because all of these amazing people are around me and I want to be inspired by their stuff doesn't mean that I have any sort of pressure to reach their level. I don't need to. This isn't a zero sum game. There's plenty of enjoyment (and money) in it for the rest of us too. No need to become the best at everything and "rise to the top". But the internet sets these super-high watermarks that we can't help but want to aim for. It's a tricky balancing act.

[@warwickdoolan6227]

Well said I totally resonate with everything you said. I'm an empath, spiritual person and find many of these platforms very toxic. So good for you for doing what's right for you.

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you. 🙏😊

[@natinatureillustration]

I wish I discovered your video 2 years ago... just did the same conclusion all by myself, after trying 2 years, sometimes very dedicated, sometimes running away because it was making me feeling so bad...!! I'm definitely out and willing to build a great website, blog and maybe KZbin because long content is so more satisfying, both for the creator and the audience. Thanks for standing out on this topic, I guess it was not mainstream then in 2022

[@meliyensen9110]

I totally agree with everything you said, and makes me have courage to leave shitstagram too, I'm happy to hear other artists on the same path. I hope this cancer media dies soon as other platforms did on the past. Best wishes.

[@sanandiekonte3038]

I found you because of your charcoal birds! I love charcoal... I also earn my living posting social media content but if not for that - I would (and do) selectively use social media. As an artist, I want to share but don't want to spend all of my time creating, curating, and posting on social media. I'd rather spend the time creating, learning, and refining my craft. I am so grateful for all of the fantastic and wonderful teachers such as yourself on KZbin and on other online platforms (Skillshare, Domestika, etc.). Please keep doing what you do best (creating & teaching) for your most appreciative audience on KZbin and on those platforms where your skills will best be shared, supported, and welcomed. Thank you, Louise!

[@mattmorrismedia]

Fabulous video Louise, I aggree on money of these points. Loved the comparrison to fast food.

[@katjastar3621]

This is sooo so true! I feel exactly the same. You're so right. Thank you so much. Subscribed due to your calm and beautiful and honest way. Thanks for great content

[@skysky4385]

I followed you soon. Really I was in diaspora, and I closed my Instagram account, we can find the right life instead of spending it on these programs to really live instead of pretending to live. Your words were really touching and came at the right time

[@aboutmandira]

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for this video. It actually felt like breathing some fresh air online. I felt identified with all of the things you shared, even thought I have NEVER been on Instagram. Just by seeing how it works through my friend's profiles, I always felt so repelled by it. The way people described it and other things I have seen here and there, has always made me feel so anxious. I loved the Junk Food Content term you used, and pointing out those feelings of inferiority and competition Instagram is able to put on us, while KZbin is more about the real persona of the creator and its process. The more I hear of Instagram, the happier I feel that I am not part of it. I don't know what the future generation will bring. Instagram might just be a temporary trend, or the first steps towards something bigger, whatever it is, I am out. And I hope to be able to prove myself that you can survive in this world without an Instagram ID to identify and prove yourself to others.

[@Bridget7521]

I hear you on why IG can be so stressful and aggravating.. it dose mess with your creative flow and can be very distracting. It makes you feel like a small person when you see you start comparing your art to others. It's a rat race and can loose followers and likes. It is very discouraging and time consuming... This thing drains your soul purpose....😐

[@LouiseStigell]

Very well said, and I feel the same way!

[@rionbluestrane-dq8eg]

Run with your gut feeling, and thank you for the warnings. You are intelligent and I like your charcoal art, I'm subscribing for the truthfulness you have shared. I'll use You Tube. All the best Louise ! A pal, Rion

[@scarabocchia]

thank you to put things in prospective... as an artist is sooo difficult some times for me to see things without the "you have to" prisme. And I really not enjoy Instagram! (it's kind of liberating to type it) great video anyway, greetings from Belgium

[@caracolartstudio]

Thank you for this video. I just deactivate my Instagram account yesterday and I feel such a relief. My attention span is really damaged thanks to it, I want to focus on long content as well. ❤

[@kerucreuvitar9495]

I've been looking forward to starting my design career sharing my creations and I have been considering these fast food content platforms but you have truly talked me out of them..... so what I'm going to do is make meaningful in depth content on KZbin that enriches people's lives and to be honest that is actually what I really wanted to do deep down and partially the reason I hadn't started yet was because I deep down didn't want to make 20 second reels to you know dumb down my content for a short attention spans

[@JobimSynthMusic]

nice video. for all the 21 years as an artist I've been advocating the use of a personal custom official website. that's still the best platform for an artist, you can do and present your work in any way you like, add and remove at will. second place for me it's youtube. i've posted short versions of my youtube videos for a little while on instagram, but it felt too much. now instagram is just for the cover artwork, title, hashtags, and link to whatever new thing I have at the moment. aaaand sometimes a little snippet of a work in progress when I need to take a few moments away from whatever i'm doing.

[@LouiseStigell]

It really is so important. 😊 Yeah, that's kind of what I tried in the end too. Just doing the bare minimum. While at the same time worrying whether my bare minimum was even worth it. IG now feel like it's all or nothing.

[@michaelthompson8616]

Just saw your post and wanted to say as a fellow artist, thankyou for taking the time to express a thought.

[@koljak9395]

This was longer than my usual KZbin attention span, but I watched through to the end, well worth the time :) I've recently had some time off instagram, and went back for the few people there who I actually know in real life and a few others. Just posting little sketches and stuff I'm working on. But even that is getting to me. In my daily sketching routine, which I want to be a "safe personal space" for experimentation and exploration, I notice how I'm starting to consider a sketch being "post-worthy", so consequently I don't want to screw it up and I'm becoming more timid going forward. It's all very subtle, in the background, but always there. I'm afraid, even the most low-key instagram usage is still harmful.

[@skylexia7]

YES. I always catch myself thinking "would my followers like this" rather than "do I like this". You couldn't have explained it better!

[@LouiseStigell]

Haha, that makes me so happy! 😅 And I relate 100% to everything you're saying. When even the sketches have to be post-worthy. Every day is a hunt for pretty images to post, to keep the feed alive. I get exhausted just thinking about it. 🙈

[@katherinelewis7114]

Absolutely! I started thinking about my work through the filter of Instagram content...that's sooo bad and it sucks the life out of creativity. I'll leave mine up too but I'm not going to feel pressured to post there anymore just for the sake of publishing more content : P

[@LouiseStigell]

Such a freeing feeling. 😌

[@Freckles101598]

I needed this after arguing endlessly about how social media shouldn’t make or break a business or career. Specifically for tattooing, I just want to revert to the old ways of self-promoting and consuming art.

[@r_27P]

I have a smile design business and my approach with instagram is to post like once a week to make it look alive, like my business is still in business 😅. Because the truth is potential clients will search you on the platform before googling you. Thank goodness my clients don’t come from instagram but just in case, I need to look well and alive, but I pay absolutely no mind to the algorithm or any of their tactics. On an unrelated note, your voice is so soothing and you used a term that made me feel inspired to practice and that is “slow living” I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. ❤

[@FigsArtsandCrafts]

I appreciate that you put your vulnerability out there. I too have anxiety but you are inspiring. Thank you for that and the information you give.

[@twistedhornstudio4497]

Thank you so much for your video!! I absolutely agree with everything you have said. I, too, am a long form type of person and artist. I am currently looking for those connections, relationships, and real customers. I am drowning in the social media puppet show. I sincerely appreciate being able to get to know you this way. I would say more, but my brain is tired from the daily grind.

[@Meg_Davis]

This is so encouraging. Thank you for sharing. "Reels are like farts on the wind" was my favorite ^_^

[@beautyunveiledstudios]

I looooove your video my friend!!!! I feel the same! Today is my final day on Facebook-- I deleted IG yesterday!!!!!! The freedom I feel is amazing!!!!!!

[@bodawei425]

I like your authenticity in your videos. The 'mainstream' messages in KZbin (and even more so on other platforms) that are all about the so-called 'secrets' how to grow your audience exponentially within two weeks. That's not realistic when you sell art. But it's eye catching. Also, now people just binge-watch video after video without any emotional attachement to the content or the creator. That's not right. It leads nowhere. Love your art BTW.

[@fancyfatale]

Youre my second video ive found about an artist leaving instagram (ive been pondering this for like 2 years!) Its been a steady depressing decline for my community

[@DarlingNickki777]

You need to do what’s best for your own health and I understand what your saying! You are your best boundary setter and knowing what is dragging you down and doing something about it is the best medicine we can give ourselves. Much love and best wishes for your ongoing career and wellbeing! I hope you get your joy back❤

[@bethinspired]

What a breath of fresh air. Thank you!

[@floatwiththesticks]

Describing Instagram reels as a “fart in the wind” is hilariously accurate. Fantastic video 💙

[@haaveri_]

Very smart talk, loved to watch this video :)

[@Sayuui]

Just wanted to let you know that you're a smart and beautiful woman

[@heathmilton7596]

Really appreciate you sharing this Louise. It's allowed me to connect with the part of me that also feels overwhelmed by insta. Just started a substack and really enjoy hearing your insights on your creative process.

[@grandmasmith]

As one who has experienced the withdrawal of social media (it is an addictive substance) I have to say GREAT!!! You are taking care of yourself so you can share your incredible talent in a more meaningful way that many of us appreciate. Thank you.

[@naokosaysuki2648]

this is comforting thank you

[@TheSaltyScientist]

GREAT Video!! I feel many of these things two years later. Your video has touched me and I thank you for speaking on this unspoken topic. ❤

[@BethFrostArt]

this is such a good idea. I always end up comparing myself to other creators which isn't healthy! I've been on instagram for years, posting the same time every day and still get hardly any engagement. I have recently started an email newsletter and youtube channel to build an audience in a different way so hopefully that goes better :)

[@JHAArtStudio]

Perfectly said I moved away from fb and tried Instagram and I very much disliked it. I feel youtube is more of a personal connection to our viewers (friends and family) the art community on youtube is so much closer ❤

[@ellaraystyle]

Such a great video! Thank you for sharing your honest and genuine opinion. Without automation I wouldn't recommend anyone to start any platform because burnout happens to every second person.

[@MichaelsPaintingChannel]

You are not sensitive. You are aware and those platforms have become a nightmare.

[@dwest200]

Thank you for this! One doesn’t necessarily realize this is happening while scrolling IG because in our society, this is entertainment. And entertainment is a huge escape mechanism for humans. It doesn’t matter the platform. T.V., movies, books, magazines, even newspapers. Perhaps what you’re saying is we would be much better served personally, if we utilize our own creativity as entertainment instead. Self-actualized creative entertainment if you will. We can control that, improve it, grow from it and even conquer hardship through it. And we can teach others how to engage in it. Which you already do so well btw. However, just like “talking around the water fountain” with co-workers at the office, humans also have need to share their “self” with others. As you so eloquently state here, for the creator, these social media platforms allow that, but not in a way that is good, useful or even healthy. By design, they are not good for sharing ones self because it takes at least two humans to share. That other human, who doesn’t know you, is simply too busy being entertained to share with you. So, as a result, you become an entertainer on these platforms. Far removed from the afore mentioned benefits of self-actualized creative entertainment. No wonder it feels “something’s wrong with this...” to our inner self. The trick then is, how to share in a healthy, beneficial-for-others kind of way, ones self-actualized creative entertainment way of living. Social media isn’t it. Perhaps books, blogs, teaching and one-on-one Zoom sessions are the only healthy ways to achieve this in modern times. Something to think about. Thanks again for taking about it Louise.👍