Why I quit Instagram as an artist, Instagram damaged my small business, Quitting Instagram

[@aswithinsowithout]

You are about to get rich. I love you and this is the first time I’m seeing you. My beautiful daughter is 13. She is a amazing artist. You have helped me to be a much better parent to her. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for your generosity 💕 And send my best wishes to your daughter and tell her to never give up being creative 🍄

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

This is the sweetest exchange! ❤

[@a.strongwoman3156]

This has given me such a boost. I hate how instagram is all about numbers. I know artists who are frankly mediocre, but make a fortune from collaborations because of the numbers of followers. They end up getting coverage in magazines etc. because it looks like they are hugely popular when in fact they aren’t. This leads to more and more coverage and the assumption that they are really great at their work. They are at best ‘pretty’ but otherwise repetitive and uninspiring. Feels like the talented artists are overlooked because they simply create beautiful work but don’t have the money or connections to push their work. It’s great for them yes, they’re making lots of money and lets face it, that is what we’d like too but the skilled artists want to be seen for their work, not for their numbers. Finally someone has put into words, something I’ve found hard to articulate. Thanks for this. By the way, first time on you channel and I have to say, wow, your artwork is incredible. Best of luck!

[@pamelaf.2776]

This is exactly how I feel about yelp as well. Been in business for 25 years, I have a small retail boutique that focuses on unique artwork, small batch vendors, nothing massed produced. I don’t have many yelp reviews yet I’m able to keep afloat, own my home, pay for both my children’s colleges with no scholarships or grants, pay my bills on time. I also quit instagram and facebook years ago because of the same reasons you stated. The universe is my algorithm. The real people that come in year after year and support my small business is all I need.

[@yogidevendrabiriyani1777]

Lol ummm i hope so. My husband is 55 and stopped hoping for fame but never expected to get rich lol. That is very rare. He was contacted by the New Yorker when he was young re his paintings but he didn't want the story. He didnt feel ready. He is humble. Ive dated other artists who had spreads in the NY Times or the art magazines. They are still not rich lol

[@Lindzo89]

This is why I'm going back to school and changing careers. I feel like art has become nothing but a popularity contest. It feels like it's more about an artist's personality than their art. You have to make all these reels being interesting, quirky and likable. Promoting yourself is more important than the art you create. I'm really tired of it.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

I understand why you feel like this.

[@bloochoob]

Creative Hive (Mei Pak) on here has lots of marketing ideas that involve being on socials less, look her up, she’s really good

[@CastleMc]

Unfortunately social media has made this true of virtually all professions, even academia, where knowledge and original thought were once valued. Now it is all about who has a bigger media presence + more followers

[@sisisworld]

But where is your real audience? I totally agree with what you said, but once I understand that my audience wasn't on Instagram that changed everything for me and I use Instagram like a normal person would do.

[@OverTheSevenSeas]

What career are you changing to? Genuinely interested. I’m exhausted from trying to be creative in this climate.

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

In a world that's oversaturated - the coolest thing you can do is retain your mystery.

[@serenitynow9980]

I'm so tired of IG and FB, X, tiktok. The whole getting followers to sell anything has diluted our society and makes us seem silly. I wonder if we will ever just dump all this mindless time wasting and it will just be a longer term fad that fades. Lets hope

[@AnnyOKtoday]

I learnt this is 2017. Forever trying to come up with interesting new content all the while the algorithms changing. I decided that it wasn’t for me anymore and I had to live my life, not waste it on these pointless decisions. I quit all social media and I don’t regret it at all.

[@stuart6478]

it's called a Skinner box. look it up. zuck thinks you're a mouse

[@GingerPeacenik]

I got off all of them in 2017, and my mental health is greatly improved for it.

[@GingerPeacenik]

@@AnnyOKtodayFunny, exactly the same for me, starting in 2017 as well! My only regret is that I don't hear from friends anymore since getting off FB, but then, maybe they were never really friends.

[@Shiruvan]

The same to youtube, maybe it started by youtube, 'like comment and subscribe' thing, I hold back on following/subscribing because too many channel subscribed makes me lazy to do natural interest to the things I like; I just jump from recommendation from one after another, as its usually related by similar people naturally jump to another video, sure the algorithm changes the recommendation, but often the rare niche leads to another more of that to be discovered, luckily still that way. Doing this idea since

[@jaymitchell5816]

As a street artist i have always said instagram followers do not buy your work they merely like your work which is a totally different thing, as a business or a creative feeling positive is extremely important and galleries and businesses judging you on your following is very small minded. Thank you for your post Dee greatly appreciated.

[@always_b_natural703]

As an oldster, I find social media very frustrating, shallow, and dehumanizing - for all the reasons you've so eloquently pointed out. As as you point out, you can't delete them either. You're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

[@jesterfeathers]

I’m not even an oldster but I agree 100% with everything you just said. 🤣 I grew up with social media and I’m still exhausted of it ☠️ 💀

[@cozycroods]

I completely agree, I don't enjoy social media cause I'm very shy and introverted... but I love making art, I even have a channel. I try to share my art with the world without being the spotlight, but I feel like it's so hard. Even here on youtube ppl watch artists that show themselves, and their personalities, can talk for hours and hours which I don't know how to 😅 so yeah I'm in a dilemma about my channel...

[@lindahossien9954]

​@@cozycroods same. Forget Instagram, i'm wondering if one can be an artist withouth KZbin and still be able to sell art. Speaking and showing off is not my thing

[@CustomConceptsArt]

amen

[@hopefullytoday]

I agree with you ! I was a photographer and it felt like I could never get a following and like I was being forced to put out content constantly. That's not how creativity works. We aren't machines. God bless you and your business ! ❤️

[@kayco3185]

I don’t understand how business owners or artists on instagram even have time to do anything else but produce and post content. It’s so scary that people are becoming slaves to appease an algorithm. As soon as I started down that slippery slope I stopped posting anything. I wonder how it will evolve from here

[@peterpaulharnisch]

Well said! 🙏

[@veritorossi]

I had a small handmade business and IG burned me out and I quit all of it. I want to have my own business again but the thought of having to have ig and making content all time gives me anxiety. There is so much time in one day to run a small business, make the products and then everything else for IG. You need a team and most of us are just one person doing everything.

[@MonaLisa-xc5dm]

AI will destroy artistic business anyway, but never the personal gain of every artist who wants to express themselves. Art is pure humanity. Commercial art has always been a questionable compromise and, since social media, a slavish, narcissistic attention deficit hell.

[@slvva]

@@kayco3185 Lots of them post the same thing over and over to keep algorithm busy. It's insane sometimes!

[@quickgirl80]

I don’t consider being on IG for 12 yrs & not getting the viral blow up following you were hoping for a flop. Being a real genuine human being is NOT a flop. 💕 I think the fake IG popularity contest IS a flop.

[@EarthKeeperSelinaMu]

Well Spoken

[@MissCaraMint]

I actually became a huge fan of this jewelry designer after randomly stumbling across their shop wandering around in Florence. The jewelry simply spoke for itself. I wish they sold more online, but hey the few small pieces I was able to get are all the more precious to me.

[@snaphaan5049]

The reason why it's a popularity contest is because art has become valueless. It's time we leave creativity to AI and let humans rather focus on their relationships with one another. That is and always has been central to human existence and the reason the world is falling apart.

[@Sheppykins00]

I feel so sorry that you have had this experience, it must be very frustrating and depressing. I used to work as a social media manager and it is a full time job understanding what works or doesn't at any given time - for example, how many and what type of hashtags are getting the best results. It is now very difficult to get followers or improve visibility organically - of course they want you to spend money on ad campaigns, which in fairness can be done fairly reasonably but is an expense nonetheless. On the up side, be assured that if Instagram detects bought followers they impose penalties which can include the account being deleted. Good luck with your business - your designs are lovely

[@Jupiteria_]

​@@snaphaan5049I get what you're saying. I do think real art is important but the way the world is now, lot of people are so lonely and disconnected so obviously they need connection and maybe they are more interested in the person behind the art than the art it's self.

[@tnclinton5]

I quit insta in 2021 cuz I noticed everything you are saying. I think one of the worst things that has happened to the art space is artists being referred to as “content creators” and art being called “content”. Artists need their own app/website. Hopefully one day this situation will improve.

[@laurenkwarren]

I agree. I got off in 2021 as an artist for the same reasons, and just as a person because the same concepts are true socially. It degrades real relationship and interaction, just as it degrades artistic expression and creativity. I also had major concerns about their privacy policies and censorship. So it was a whole package for me.

[@MsPoliteRants]

There is an art alternative to Instagram but I can’t even remember its name that’s how underused it is

[@cyyrious]

IG was originally created for art and photos then people started hijacking it with stupid stuff… now it’s really stupid I left in 2012… I started using in 2010 as a form of photography but it became pretentious

[@Ty-1452]

Even if someone creates a different app/website for just artists, how long do you think it will take before it becomes like Instagram ?! Instagram is just a reflection of who we are, a symptom of a deep, underlying problem.

[@LindyLime]

​@@sanxxxx I really miss the old DeviantArt. It was ugly but it brought artists together.

[@BelleAim]

Insta may have ignored you… but KZbin didn’t! Got this recommended to me and as a “hidden” artist, I appreciate your genuine approach and it gives me hope. I have three years worth of art I’ve been creating for my small patreon, and I’m not sure what to do next to level up. But at least now I know not to go the instagram route! Thanks so much 😊 You seem so kind! New subscriber 🎉

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you 💕 I'm so pleased you found me! Well done to you for all your work on Patreon, that's a huge achievement and one you should be very proud of 😊

[@Jalleur14325]

Yes Instagram is incredibly hard to build a following on. I posted regularly a niche thing (recycled art) for 6 months and found I had barely any followers. I will still add the odd thing but not looking at it as a way to grow.

[@Rick_Cleland]

@@Jalleur14325 Unless you buy fake followers and bots, but that just means that you'll get lots of likes but no comments.

[@momodoro7163]

Happened the same to me as well! Got this recommended in my feed, I agree with you so much! Thank you "the Butterfly and Toadstool" for making this, I'm a small business owner and I feel just like you.

[@suekeith]

This beautiful video of yours showed up in my suggested feed watch and I’m so glad! You are so sweet! I teach Bible prophecy, which social media platforms despise more than art 😂 but even though YT is also a rigged platform, I feel I have slightly more control than when I used Insta. Your work is outstanding and I truly hope you become wildly successful and enjoy the journey, regardless of your career path. Blessings to you.

[@Coolaxe760]

I noticed my art is appreciated much more in the wild, meaning in person experiences than on social media. We are so over consumed with information that it's easy to just scroll past a piece of art someone has worked hard on. I get a feeling of satisfaction seeing someones face light up in person when they see my creations.. :)

[@AnxiousBaits]

*600

[@simplicitygirl2]

Horrifying! That they turned you down because of a low number of followers. Unbelievably stupid! Your artwork is AMAZING! WOW! Instagram truly has turned into the seventh circle of hell. It's very frustrating. I wish there was a good alternative. Good luck with everything 🍀

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you 💕

[@stevekidd34]

@@thebutterflytoadstoolapologies for the potentially dumb question but I’ve been trying to figure out how uninstalling IG wouldn’t still prevent you getting work. Let’s assume your follower count drops slightly over time whilst it’s dormant, why would a company looking at the account be more inclined to hire you? Genuinely interested as I’ve already deleted over a thousand followers which were ghosts or simply not accounts I saw would be relevant in following me. That resulted in a slight increase in likes but at best still 1/10 of what I’d previously get. I’ve also been doing what you’ve done as a “digital detox” for the whole of February for a few years now. I was told I’d kill my channel if I wasn’t weekly posting. That’s proven to be nonsense, it literally makes no difference to the stats. Tempted to try out a bi-weekly or even monthly post schedule now, and set a 20 min time limit - per month rather than per day!!

[@mariec5716]

If it does not do anythimg for business give it up the instagram. Focus on what your passionate about. Social media is a dieing race, it is in business to make them money? Not you or me or anyone else...remembeer this and you shoyld be able to succeed greatly. All prosperity to you and your art businessed...cheers...

[@persephonemoon]

As a small business owner and artist (not visual arts though) your experience mirrors mine almost exactly. I mean...exactly. And we're far from alone. I too left IG a few months, and will never go back. You're right - it's incredibly freeing! I know others who are leaving as well. It's become a complete circus. I've attracted more clients and interest in my work away from that platform than I ever had over there. I also feel my creativity and nervous system reset for the better. We're fed a lot of myths about needing IG to thrive. But the reality is bots, feeling depleted as an artist, and people addicted to scrolling/consuming without thinking, and less support for our work. I wish you the very best, and thankyou for chatting about your experience.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

We are definitely not alone. Thank you so much for watching and best wishes for you going forward too 💕

[@LearningWithMsAly]

If you don't mind me asking, what platforms do you use?

[@grittykitty50]

persephonemoon, I like what you said about letting your nervous system and creativity get a reset.

[@lelalu101]

I've made a similar choice. I only post where I will be vending at next and that's if I remember to more than a few days before an event. My customers look for my brand and get excited when we show up in a new unexpected place. I wish I had the energy to maintain an instagram account and create curated aesthetic photos of steps of my process. Instead I pour that energy into creating new things for them and taking the time to get to know people in person. I wish you both the best as the year comes to a close!

[@AnxiousBaits]

They manipulate the algorithm and the way users see our posts with zero explanation or recourse. What they did to my account was nothing less than harassment.

[@BrianFields]

Those companies that want you to already have a huge IG following are just lazy, wanting their partners to bring customers to THEM. It's the same in the music field. You're better off without them.

[@AuroraDeLirio]

Same with contests. They get free art and free exposure. They give one person a prize that is a tiny fraction of what all that exposure would have costed them if they had ran a marketing campaign and paid hundreds of artists for a comission, and still have the audacity to reserve the rights to use all the other art that was submitted. Let them pay for their own marketing and comissions. Artists were told social media would make our work more profittable than ever but I wonder if that is true if we take into account the huge amount of free art we put out just to "build an audience".

[@The-Finisher]

Yeah OMG being in earshot of advertising demons discussing IG follower counts in planning meeting 🤮 Also I’ve had my creative work co-opted and stolen and sold by a talentless fk photographer who completely rebranded his business off my creativity whilst also being undercut and smited by him in a very small pool industry. Humans can be wicked evil and cruel.

[@grittykitty50]

@@The-Finisher Sorry to hear that. But this is one of the reasons I resist putting my product online. I know China is out there stealing American designs.

[@woodificould]

Movies too. Now they choose ppl that already have a huge following because they know even if the movie flops, the "star's" popularity will fill seats. This approach is downgrading everything it touches and it's sad

[@roxannesteed4675]

As an artist this REALLY resonated with me!! I have spent so much frustrating time on Instagram….(I think I did way better in the DECADES prior to that platform ever coming into existence!! You’ve helped me see that I’m just spinning my wheels…wasting time and energy!! Thanks for being brave enough to share this here with us!!

[@sunflowersandlight]

IG isn't the same since FB took over. It's getting worse as time passes. You are absolutely correct about the fact that it's not a reflection of you or your work. 😊

[@GratiaCountryman]

Before Facebook took it over, Instagram was the happy place in social media. Now, they can be downright depressing.

[@BellaBankes]

I agree. My follower count dropped and then sits around the same number and has for the last 4 years.

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

Instagram was started by Facebook no ? It was always a $hit show

[@GratiaCountryman]

@@MyLifeInTheDesert No, it wasn’t started by Facebook. It was an independent social media platform that Facebook bought in a hostile takeover when it became a threat to Facebook’s dominance. It was originally a much better platform that people would go when they wanted to flee from Facebook.

[@intheshadow1200]

Meta_lika took over had ruined the​ platform ....of it's original identity and values.....for users from all over the world😮 @@GratiaCountryman

[@hannahahern9402]

This has confirmed so much of my discomfort with Insta. It truly squelches my creativity. Thank you for this video!!

[@NancyRoleReversal]

Omg what you said is sooo true. I've lost all of my confidence about my art because I keep comparing myself to others and watching their perfect content and thinking how much I suck...

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Oh I totally get this. the comparison trap is the worst. Don't let it keep you down 💕

[@MickSupper]

I resale and it frustrates me that I have just as good or better inventory than other stores, but I have a hard time getting people to see my inventory on IG. I do way better posing on FB Marketplace and FB groups.

[@nancyloomis3046]

Oh my...I have a very modest following on IG, but I just don't care anymore. Don't ever let a social media platform define your self-worth. I'm sure you and your work are so much better than any numbers produced by obeying an algorithm. I plan to build my art business with a Shopify site and use promos as I want, need and can afford to...the way I decide to and not an algorithm! 😉

[@risivenkian]

Just because you don't fit a "standard ", it doesn't mean you suck. Keep creating and look ahead. Compare yourself to others when you want to learn, not when you evaluate your work 🤗

[@reginaf.2719]

I'm in the process of starting my own online business. My 16 year old told me not to bother with Instagram because it such a cesspool.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Sadly, I absolutely agree! Best of luck with your new venture 💕

[@BexEtcArt]

16 year olds favour TikTok cos it’s what they grew up with but it will produce the same feelings as the lady in this video talks about… let’s not forget that

[@vjhreeves]

​@@BexEtcArtEXACTLY.

[@GingerPeacenik]

All such platforms have become cesspools, sadly.

[@HelmetVanga]

All these platforms will pass like AOL, CompuServe, Netscape, Napster, Lycos, Audacity, it is just matter of time.

[@digitalfineart8356]

I tried the Instagram/Facebook thing and realized pretty quickly into it that it was stealing the vitality from my creative soul and, for me, had nothing to do with why I make art. As artists we are already fighting against so many elements. Do we create for the market or create what inspires us? Should we make a living wage at our trade or does the public deserve our services for free? And there’s more… It is unthinkable that you are not being considered for your tangible artistic abilities and being judged from a fickle here today gone tomorrow whole lot of hoop jumping. Thanks for being brave enough to speak out.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you for understanding 💕

[@digitalfineart8356]

@@thebutterflytoadstool I was just thinking. Requiring you to have a substantial IG following means while they will pay you for your art design for their products, they expect you to dump hours of time and energy into the social media thing. Time they don’t pay for but get the perks of your followers maybe buying their product. Free marketing for them?

[@aquarius2284]

@digitalfineart8356, I wish more people understood art cannot be free. Too few value art and artists, most are only consuming art for their own pleasure or in the business of making a profit off of creators without paying for their services. With the appearance of AI art, the art industry has been cheapened even further…seems like everywhere you look there are people looking to get freebies and companies stealing original art.

[@elliottjamesleon4838]

I blame us - society - for much of this, more than I blame our overlords or the owners of huge companies. And that's because platforms like IG may have initially been based on the concept of creativity and lending a helping hand to unknown creatives, but they have been overtaken by groupthinkers, scarily many of whom have large followings of their own. Art and groupthink should not go together yet that's what's happening. It's like trying to put a square into a circle.

[@mistress0sinister]

❤ Thank you for talking about this. As an artist that's trying to start her own following and is chronically ill its so scary and sad sometimes because I see all these polished pieces of content turned out constantly and I'm so confused on how anyone keeps up. And promotes and makes videos and always has something to post every single day and sometimes multiple times a day. Art creation can be fast and it can take forever and I miss... a world where small artists could grow and enjoy each other. I have to work so hard to find other artists who dont have massive followings and it's sad. I wish more people would honestly admit how much social media is pushing us beyond human speeds and punishing anyone who cant keep up and how that effects creativity and process!

[@427skies]

I agree with this. I haven't had an art page/small business on Instagram for long but it is ver difficult

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

This is such an important comment, thank you for sharing this. I totally agree. Best wishes for everything you do 💕

[@mercurialfox]

I'm similar, an artist with chronic illness just trying to get by but I just don't have the physical health to do what instagram demands for even a tiny following..Its really depressing. Totally agree with you.

[@pthaloblue100]

Another artist here who was just wondering yesterday how any one person makes all that content!?! My husband reminded me that a lot of these people have support teams or only focus on that one thing day and night, they have no time or room in their lives for anything else. This artificial demand to produce, produce, produce is ultimately a destructive trend.

[@Pulapaws]

Agreed some with KZbin it hard to just find new people and new videos. I wish they have a tab which was like old KZbin or at least let people again link videos to other people videos making it easier to find new faces.

[@ARTyHaG]

Thank you …. I’ve experienced exactly the same disappointment on Instagram as an artist - because my work isn’t a niche as I do watercolours, acrylic, painting, oil, painting, et cetera et cetera. The algorithm hates me 😂 I’ve written this comment because it takes guts I think to put yourself out there and say what you actually think - so well done you!!!

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you 💕 Keep doing what you're doing, it sounds amazing and truly creative! 😊

[@katie_a1075]

As an artist who has changed mediums and styles multiple times on my instagram I can confirm that it definitely hinders your growth. You are not encouraged to be a human going on a creative journey and finding your style, you are expected to show up with a specific niche and stick to it until you die or have a huge enough following that you could take the hit. It’s not realistic for me and it would absolutely kill my creativity.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

💕

[@butchjohnson9736]

That's true. Today a Picasso or Miles Davis wouldn't be successful because they didn't just stick to what works but reinvented themselves all the time. I was away from Social Media for two years and when I got back to check (I'm off again), I was sad to see that in these 2 yrs most of the accounts I followed produced the exact same content. That is terrible!

[@risivenkian]

I hear you! Artists need their freedom. They're should not be machines that churn out the exact type of art over time. Art creation in itself is a journey.

[@SkiraReed]

Oh my God. I needed to hear that today because I'm going through the same emotional process every day! I just started to offer my art commissions and patch designs, and I was off social media for all those years. I didn't even understand what reels are. Now I put out artwork that is such a huge step forward from just a few years ago and social media just..... ignores it. I could feel depression and inferiority complex come running at me today, I was laying on the couch and questioning my whole existence because I KNOW my stuff doesn't suck, but it gets no exposure. I don't want to change my art for more clicks, I don't want to sell my soul. Your video helps me to understand, I don't have to be on social media. I'll keep my accounts for now, but I will not put my heart in there anymore, in expectation of a reward. I catch myself thinking back to the days before social media. I wish the world could go back to those days....

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

It's great if you use it to show yourself your progress. But I absolutely understand how it can make you feel. Use the energy you gain from stepping back to move forward with another avenue. Best wishes to you going forward 💕

[@Cheesyenchilady]

Instagram was actually an AWESOME app before it became a place for business first. I would post a pic of my cat doing something funny. Post a pic of a light pole at night. Post a pic of my friend walking down the street. Nothing was curated, it was just little snippets here and there. For no other purpose than to just mark a memory and share it with some friends. And yes, I’d edit the photos with some filters, but it wasn’t like I was staging photos lol. I guess all of the spontaneity is gone and that’s what is missing today. I loved IG… and I was really sad when it really began to change, and I deleted it all. I have one now that I have posted like 4 pieces of art to. Seems I’ve even lost my way! 😂 anyway. Yeah, Instagram used to be cool.

[@RaiAnnaArtist]

I am so traumatized using Insta... Thank you, for sharing that. Instead of pushing yourself to be in line with the algorithm gods, it is much better to concentrate on your actually art work. ❤

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

💕

[@PrincessAcacia]

It is not even “social” media any more. It is just ego media.

[@Smieska_13]

Those companies are pure trash if they judge you on follower count. This is so validating haha i simply can't stand instagram or twitter, i hate that your livelihood is at the mercy of an algorithm and people think they can 'work the algorithm' thinking they're smarter than the average user, its really gross. Good on you. Thank you for making this video and addressing this issue. ❤

[@risivenkian]

Twitter is gone, it's "X" now... *sigh* 😢 they killed the 🐦

[@Debbzvanventure]

I feel the same way about Facebook. I don't see people's posts because they are buried in ads.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

💕

[@jip8793]

Social media is insanely time-consuming and the algorithm is indeed so bad. I started my art account back in 2017 before IG was took over by Facebook/Meta and I remember how easy it was to gain followers quickly. There were several rules to follow, many of which you have mentioned in the video. I think what got me the most following and enabled me selling my art was to buy post entries by feature accounts and doing regular giveways. I never bought followers though. I was so happy that it was only a hobby for me back then, so I could quit any time when I got burned out by a constant dread of loosing the attention. Also it got super annoying once I figured how much of my art got stolen/reposted without my permission, because I forgot to put a watermark on every post... I totally understand your decision.

[@peacockandfig]

A watermark wouldn't have stopped anything, so don't beat yourself up. There are so many apps that can remove a watermakr in seconds, and I've had friends who had their work stolen and reproduced WITH the watermark still on it. Totally insane. So yeah, a watermark is a nice to have for identification later by "real" people or customers, but it does zero to stop theft. Nothing you can do to stop that other than stop making art which usually isn't an option.

[@AuroraDeLirio]

I left an account with 6k followers I took about 3 years to gain, because I felt creatively trapped. I noticed my best work did not perform well because of the themes. I never equated likes to quality, I never felt the amount of likes meant my art was bad - it only angered me that I knew I "had" to draw super specific stuff for followers. I even made tests and they worked well. Simple drawings of pretty girls, comics and sketches would get a lot of likes and followers, but my more complex illustrations, architecture drawings, personal art and darker themes would even scare away followers (althought they ironically made for a well rounded portfolio that has landed me well paid corporate gigs). I tried opening a second account to drop all that more complex art, but then I realized I could not "feed" both accounts enough for the algorithm to favor me. I closed the "Pretty girls" account for my own mental health. I had grown over that style and content but I had kept drawing it for the sake of growing my account, and I grew exhausted of it.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Yes I have seen this too. "On trend" styles are favoured only for the short period they are popular then the next fade takes over. It doesn't seem to support the work of consistent art or certain styles. Glad you chose to do what you like best and please yourself over an algorithm. Best of luck to you 💕

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

Oh I'm glad you dropped the pretty girls theme. There is so much of that stuff out there probably for the exact reasons you felt compelled to create it. I guess all these "likes" just reflect the shallowness of the general public, which shouldn't be surprising. All the same, I wish I was better at drawing like that for purely commercial motivations....

[@changchesserly7591]

5:39 Great video and well said. My bestie has a service related business and quit insta and toned way down on FB as she finally realized that the platforms don’t bring her new clients… word of mouth does. So she is now focusing on building real relationships face to face and has been thriving. 💕

[@modo_hodge1004]

I totally understand where your coming from. My 16 y/o daughter makes edits on TikTok and puts a huge amount of time, effort & skill into what she does. She has a tiny following, and the response that she gets has crushed her. It’s so sad that effort & skill are not seen & it’s more down to likability and numbers. Sadly that’s where we are now, but it’s so damaging (especially to the younger generation). Thank you for making the video. It must have been hard to highlight this point.

[@taniasue]

This is exactly how I feel. If I were to talk about it amongst other artist I’m basically shunned. I feel pressured to keep an Instagram account as like you’ve said, markets, galleries etc ask for my handles and follower counts BEFORE even asking me if I have a website or portfolio. I paint, sculpt, and make vegan soap/body products. I’m one person, with 2 hands, and only 24 hours in a day, have a family, chronic illnesses, I’m the artist for all of my projects/pieces. Yet I’m expected to make this content, make it magazine quality , and oh and a reel everyday, figure out the trends, hashtags or none. I’m so burnt out. I do very well at markets, but have a low follower account or likes and it gets depressing. My skills are not what even gets praise, it’s all the rest. I’ll stop rambling lol just phew, thank you for this video. It’s nice to not feel alone or like it’s just bc I’m failing. ♥️

[@roweme]

Thank you so much for this. I have been turned down on some of my creative mental health resources by publishers who "loved my concept but only work with creators who have 5000+ followers on social media". I don't use any social media platforms because they're really bad for my (and many others'!) mental health, so essentially I'm being told 'compromise your mental health to sell your mental health products', simply because of a number as you say 😢

[@elainelouve]

That's horrible! Also, do they actually care if the customers are going to buy? Or is it really so that most people want popular pieces?

[@tishag-b244]

Go back to community. Pitch to schools, colleges and companies.

[@roweme]

@@elainelouve I guess it might be because it saves them the marketing time and costs because if you've a lot of followers you're marketing yourself? 🤔 But it's an approach that overlooks the other half of the audience who don't want to live their lives through social media

[@roweme]

@@tishag-b244 Thanks, this is a good suggestion 😊

[@BS-detector]

I stopped using social media during the pandemic and the only thing I do online now is mostly vent on the yt comments. lol As an artist, I'm reluctant to post my work online because of AI and theft of big companies. I totally understand and get where you're coming from...and I 100% agree with what you're saying and doing. Keep up the great work. It might be harder to reach people in person, but as long as it's humans buying your work and not whatever's behind the tech, you're on the right path. When AI figures out how to reverse its process and turn life & economy over to the artisans, the world will truly become a better place. Good luck! 💜

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Absolutely agree 💕

[@danag812]

I agree with you. AI is a certain danger for creatives and the more work you have online. The easier it is for people to steal it and now the AI can steal it too.

[@aquarius2284]

Never post your art in HD, lower the resolution enough that nobody can use it for commercial purposes. You also have watermarks.

[@zobobeebo8011]

​@@aquarius2284that doesn't seem to stop them. An artist I saw on insta had her work ripped off exactly by Temu and she even pointed out the erased watermark!!😢 either that or others repeat your work, it's exhausting and makes you feel like why bother which is so sad....

[@OpeningsOpenings]

The AI theft is why I really wish at least one part of the pandemic stayed with us - NFT’s. I know people glommed onto it as a fad and a fast way to make money on the next gimmick… If people weren’t driven by greed but rather by integrity - they would have recognized concept of NFT’s for validating an original artwork by an artist was such a great benefit. It could have helped in terms of AI theft if we all subscribed to using NFT’s with good intention. The problem however isn’t the technology - it’s the people who use it.

[@robertdufour2456]

Wow! I have been struggling with placing my work on Instagram. I cannot commit myself to another demanding deadline and create new work. When I use Instagram I am bombarded with stuff I have no interest in seeing. I am sorry to hear your story but it confirms what I have been feeling. Finally, your work is outstanding! Congratulations on your success!

[@olgaprokopenko5975]

This is the first time I’ve seen you and your account and I feel pretty much the same. Reading all the comments below I feel like this is a problem being a “content “ not an artist. We create to express ourselves through the art. If I do have a good idea I don’t speak about it not because I am afraid of being copied or judged but because I will loose my energy by expressing my idea through the words and not the art. If to judge me for my Instagram presence it will make me vulnerable. You are amazing artist, keep going strong your way!

[@freewoman4434]

That's absolutely shocking to hear these companies want designers with massive Insta followings - and I thought I'd heard it all! Your work's lovely, by the way.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you 💕

[@bluester7177]

It isn't really shocking, sadly, it's a somewhat more secure investment when someone already has an audience, they assume it will reach more eyeballs and engaged eyeballs who care about the content creator, therefore, more sales, it isn't always true but...

[@ninakrzyzanskinaturfotografie]

KZbin just suggested your video to me and I'm happy about it. I completely agree with you and you really speak to my heart! I joined IG in 2015 and at first it was pretty cool. There was a time when I was totally frustrated and it felt like fighting a machine. My photos didn't get much attention. The algorithm has changed so many times, and since reels are valued more than images... the list goes on. Yes, of course it's free when we use IG, but as a 52-year-old woman I can say: my time is much more valuable than some of my pictures on a social media site. Your artwork is beautiful, I just looked at it in your shop! I wish you all the best and God bless you! Now you have a new subscriber! Greetings from Austria

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

You are so right. Real life and time is much more important 💕

[@WhimsicalSketching]

I am just starting out. I am keeping my day job -- but yeah instagram can be really a time waster and I think I use it more like something for me to see how my art has improved and I have made a small community of like minded illustrators as the illustrating community can be pretty lonely so it was good to join something but it wasn't just instagram, I joined sketch clubs too to help me keep a community. It is frustrating as I have imposter syndrome so I need to figure out the best way to start my business and start small. Thanks for sharing, I find this vlog so helpful.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Yes I totally get that. I did like it as a place for keeping track of my art and for connecting with others too. But the downsides for me outweighed keeping it at all 💕

[@laurenkwarren]

Your artwork is so lovely! I also got off of Instagram as an artist and Etsy shop owner. It was killing my creativity and causing me pressure and stress instead of the joy of creating. God bless you and your beautiful artwork.

[@kare7563]

It's incredibly daunting and discouraging when you hyper-focus on the low engagement of your posts knowing that popularity is social media's value system. This definitely affects my confidence. Comforting and reassuring to see this is a bit of a universal experience. Wishing everyone much success and happiness. Creativity is freedom so it sucks when the world makes it feel like a prison.

[@paigepooler9036]

A couple years back, I had a publisher ask for me to fill out a questionnaire as part of my artist bio---the questions were about my social media and how many followers I had, etc. It made me so sad. They'd hired me to do this work which was great yet I felt like I was already failing the gig because I wasn't "cool" with some huge following. I really hesitated filling out that form. SO, I hear ya. I'm still conflicted over social media and have really slowed my presence over the last couple years. Thanks for sharing your story! ( *p.s. I'm working on building a licensing portfolio too!)

[@SisterSherryDoingStuff]

I've been a self supporting artist since 2000. In 2012 - I joined Instagram with a few images of my artwork - and personal images I felt like sharing. I don't have a big following - maybe 1400+ and I RARELY sell artwork via the platform. But I still enjoy posting there. I do miss the days when Instagram was simply cool images. No reels, no stories, etc. I don't view IG as a platform that has damaged my business, as I already know I don't garner much business there. I also haven't reached new people in ages. Stick with KZbin. BTW - I'm new here - love your style of vlogging and you pass along valuable information. I binged watched a lot of your vlogs yesterday. I'm interested in creating mugs.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Totally agree, this is like me. I've never used any Instagram "strategies" or planned my life around posting, I just like to share images. Thank you so much for watching, I'm so glad you're finding my videos helpful ☺️

[@Marybarfield64]

This is it. It is all about intent, expectations, and your reactions. Instagram didn’t do this, choosing to spend effort on Instagram, and expecting a certain response did. Judging a company for including Instagram in their marketing plan is as bad as being judged by them. It just isn’t a fit. I applaud the choice to leave Instagram because someone isn’t getting what they want out of it, but I disagree that Instagram is to blame. Plenty of people use it as a tool without becoming obsessed with their data. It isn’t easy for an artist to get their work in front of a lot of eyes, and expecting social media to take the place of the hustle rarely works.

[@sencrossart]

I totally agree with you! I've been on instagram as an artist since 2016 and I have never made it to even 1000 followers there, and even if my following slowly and only occasionally grows a bit, i get way less engagement these days from the few followers that I do have than i used to when i started. The algorythms have destroyed it like they did facebook before it, and it's really sad. We really shouldn't be judged by any numbers on social media, especially not for getting work. Those that produce quality can't possibly churn out daily posts, reels and stories and should not be penalized for it ... :/

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Absolutely! It's such a shame that so many feel the same about it. It's taken away from the point of social media now I think. Everyone's so worried about their own numbers that they don't actually enjoy the content they consume.

[@andreea_765]

I also have moments when I feel sad because I compare myself with other artists on the platform but the joy I have when I see a beautiful piece of art overwheights that

[@fortissimoX]

I've stumbled accidentaly on this video, as someone who knows nothing about you. As a person in creative business, just a few glimpses of your work gave me more than enough information to know that you are more than good in what you're doing. Unfortunately what's happening with Instagram is more or less what happens with any social media platform with time. As they gain popularity, everything starts to revolve about money and other measurable things (likes, followers, number of videos etc...). We, creative people, must find balance between searching for our audience, and not getting to much involved in race for any of those measurable things because it kills creativity in the long run. I think the main thing for you is not to be too disappointed, keep finding joy in what you're doing, and always keep an open mind for other ways of promotion. I wish you all the best!

[@Megan.eco-Instinct]

Good for you!! And I couldn't agree more. I have a small business with virtually no social media presence and even though it can be tough sometimes --- saying "no, I'm not active on Instagram" in the long run, there have been so many more positives than negatives. I *couldn't imagine* being chained to pumping out content for social media *and* doing the work I love.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Absolutely! 💕

[@adhas]

​@thebutterflytoadstool I absolutely sympathize, but as an artist just starting a new business, how is one to promote themselves and find their audience in the first place? I favor email opt-ins but how do people find us in the first place if not for social media? Paid ads? 😢

[@denisestover2416]

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing this. I was about to start trying to market my art on Instagram and, after watching this, I realized that instagram would probably not be a good fit for me. My art is unusual in a sense that it's silk painting and not the usual things. But, I am a quiet person and I don't do well 'front and center'. I prefer to stay behind the scenes and let my art do the 'talking' or presenting.

[@katharinekearns7495]

I have always struggled with growing my Instagram following and it really takes a toll on my confidence. I really enjoy following other artists. I noticed I miss out on so many posts because of reels. I’m not someone who enjoys seeing myself on camera, much less making reels.

[@LisaSonora]

What a refreshing and brave video! You just showed up in my feed for the first time today and I'm so glad. I love what you said about your business surviving Covid - mine did, too - and helped me celebrate that and the fact that I feel traumatized by IG and FB and feel I "should" be there. Everyone posting in the comments is SO supportive and I also like seeing how they feel the same as you. I really enjoy using KZbin and connecting here. Thank you for this video! 🎉❤

[@gitzah]

I feel you. With the emerging AI tools it’s also challenging to keep art truthful to it’s nature, because the masses don’t care when it’s applied to consumer goods.

[@risivenkian]

AI "art" is scary. It looks good, but it lacks substance. I believe there will be an art revolution which will make art what it used to be, something that happens in smaller circles, for people who truly appreciate. Connoisseurs will seek real art. I don't see a future for human-made art online. It will have to coexist with AI content, flooding the internet, which is difficult, because of stolen content, spam, illegal use etc. AI content will appeal to the "masses"; it's the fast food of art.

[@gitzah]

@@risivenkian Indeed, it is not even second-hand or fake art. It is machine generated from existing ideas, although it could be useful for further inspiration to produce real art. As you rightly say, connoisseurs will still demand real art.

[@WendyJoDavis]

I completely agree with you. Instagram feels like a popularity contest that I will never win or be included in! I use automated posting on my accounts there but do nothing else really! KZbin and Tiktok are where I spend most of my time along with Pinterest. Your art is amazing and That’s all that should matter. Period.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you and I love your attitude about it all 💕

[@patti.j]

Good for you 😊 it’s not about numbers for you. It’s about the quality of your art and growing organically. Wishing you luck in the future.😊👍🏽

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you so much 🍄

[@kerrygearin3910]

This is very important and awful. When I heard buyers would choose what goes on a clothing line based on followers, I was astonished! How foolish! Absolutely ruinous to a brand. Maybe this is why we often see lame prints instead of intriguing creative ones. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m rooting for you to get more of the savvy buyers going forward.

[@YellowMelle]

Yes! I got a response like this from a diamond painting company. I applied because I wanted to try diamond painting, but they didn't have any designs that appealed to me... there was clearly a gap in their product offerings, but no, I suppose they couldn't find any artists with a painterly, nature style that had enough instagram followers. 😅

[@GingerPeacenik]

Indeed. This video explains to me why there are so few authentic and unique original patterns and products out there, and maybe even why the same soul deadening black/ white/ gray interior designs have persisted for so many years. Hardcore Capitalists stealing designs and pumping out products are simply looking at follower numbers, and that's all!

[@thislondonbridges]

thank you for making this and thank you to all the folks who have commented. clearly this is not an isolated experience. I love that I found this today as I have just decided to delete the Instagram app for February as it hasn’t been supportive to my mental well being. let’s keep creating in ways that feel good to us! also your art is so inspiring 🖼️ 🎨

[@BOMBAY_CAT]

Sorry for what you are going through. I am old-school as far as selling my art work. I'm not on any social media platforms. I have a website and I have gotten sales from a regular walk-in galleries. Very simple may not be a good idea for others but it works for me and I hope that by leaving IG you will have peace so you can concentrate on your beautiful designs. Thank you for this video.❤

[@chrisgregore359]

Wow, this is really eye opening ... I had no idea that Instagram did this type of stuff. I'm so sorry. I think you did the right thing. Your art is amazing and the company that turned you down is ridiculous. I hope someday they will see their error. Be proud of your art, it is beautiful and your hard work shows.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you so much 💕

[@terrychancellor4593]

As someone who kicked off her artistic career later in life, I must say I struggle with Instagram anyway. It is not always my first thought to post as I'm working or as soon as I am done, or being involved in other art related activities....I'm busy creating and being inspired. So I find it frustrating. When I first started it was mainly a way to share with family and friends that were interested in my work, but then I started learning that it was something to "drive your career". It wasn't until later that I then heard "Oh, you should be assigning hashtags". I still don't quite understand them other than for searching purposes, so I really don't know what hashtags to link with them. It just all feels like a lot of work for a chance encounter with potential patrons. I feel my time is best spent on my work and my website for now. I can see where Instagram might be good for a second tier to KZbin but I don't know that KZbin is the way I want to go either. Thank you for sharing this, it has given me a lot to think about. Good luck with your business, your designs are fabulous!!

[@pamelafox7677]

Agree completely. I’m an artist who is told constantly to get on Instagram. I don’t want to be on the content creation wheel, I want to be on the art creation wheel.

[@Metalsmithnna]

Thank you for a thoughtful and honest video. Instagram can beat up my confidence and I refuse to let it judge me anymore. It isn’t a fun experience, and it demands more time than I am willing to commit.

[@campwonderwander]

This is a much appreciated message. Feeling the same about that platform and it's sister. So overwhelming and horrible feeling. I appreciate the tips and that you've kept your account so that no one else can have it. It's nice knowing we aren't alone in this challenge of small business, finding and keeping customers, and managing our lives vs the big corporation along with people who have the time and money to be snazzy with constant posts. I hope someday humanity gets out of it's addictive claws.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

💕

[@stuart6478]

zuck thinks you're a mouse and Instagram is a Skinner box

[@papermeetsmompi]

Posting this must have required a lot of courage. I feel exactly how you feel

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you for your thoughtful post. I'm so sorry you feel the same about Instagram.

[@gardenerinthesand]

Thank you for posting this. I am 64, just started a home organizing business 2 years ago. Aa such I opened an Instagram account. Chasing numbers and taking photos, thinking about content are all soul suckung to me. I too want to put my heart and soul into my service, making my clients happy. I have since ignored my Instagram and paid for a Google ad which is effective. enough, but best of all, I just ignore. Freedom!

[@cyndifalk]

Your video helped clarify why I don't use instagram. I got on there to show off my aquascaping designs, but I was inundated with vulgar content that I had to actively choose to hide. I decided that I will keep my art to myself and, like you, I feel much happier. I've subscribed to your channel because Art is Art and I love it all!!

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you so much, it's so nice to have you here 😊💕

[@mixedmedialife7916]

Well the YT algorithm must be working because I have been thinking (reluctantly) about starting an IG acct and POW here's this video from someone I've never heard of! Thank you for your candid, smart and straightforward talk. You seem like the "real deal," authentic and dedicated. I will check out your other videos now. And thanks for confirming my negative bias😉😅☑️👍🏼💃

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you for your kind words. It seems like more and more people are feeling the same about IG unfortunately. It used to be such a great app, how things have changed. Glad YT showed you my videos! 💕

[@Sketchartofsanchez]

The “I Feel Free” is 100% true! I only view/use instagram now as a drawer/gallery for those who come across my older works. I post the stuff I normally would just save to a folder and forget it. So the “CONSTANT” of trying to post on a regular basis for their Impressions doesn’t weigh over my head anymore. Great video!

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

💕

[@mrsbsantiago]

I feel you. I stopped using Instagram, but my account is still there. I'm not getting productive when I'm on social media.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Yes, I found this too 💕

[@kenswireart88]

Something genuine and of value takes time and sculpting so when people are forced to create content all the time it will create a world where people are fprced to quit what makes them different and settle for what is trending. It has to be easy to pump content constantly so u have many many people doing the exact same thing and if u do differently people cant relate so theres silence.

[@obenohnebohne]

I am not an artist, and I quit IG years ago, since it didn’t gave me anything of worth (private profile). I am glad, I clicked on your video. A very chill editing and many, many good points. Thanks for sharing your story. I wish you all the best for your business.

[@danag812]

Your video popped up in my feed randomly and I'm so glad I watched it. It almost makes me want to cry thinking about your situation and what happened to you. As an artist trying to grow my following on Instagram because that's what we're " supposed to do" I can feel your pain and I share your frustration. Something in my gut tells me this platform is incredibly toxic and not worth the effort. At the moment I will take it as a learning experience and certainly not take lack of followers or likes personally. When I get better at presenting my artwork I will probably switch over to focusing on Pinterest and possibly even creating a KZbin channel. Instagram is sickening and I absolutely loathe it..,.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Definitely don't take it personally, it's the same for so many. Do what's best for you and what makes you happy 💕

[@MrsFayette83]

I am about to start my own art business and I've thought a lot about this. Thank you for sharing your wise thoughts and also showing that you can succeed without Instagram. You got yourself a new subscriber :)

[@hannahcrumley3103]

Thank you for sharing this! My Instagram was hacked- someone literally took over my account, I was blocked from it all the while they wreaked havoc with my content and attacked some of my followers! It took what seems like an age to get it back and corrected but my following dropped. I hardly ever post on there now. My whole reason for starting the account in the first place was for publishing houses to have access as a portfolio of my work to illustrate children’s books. But just like the licensing companies the publishers want artists with a large following. Frustrating!

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you so much for making this point! It's not happened to me but I personally know a few people who's accounts have been hacked. One of my stockists in fact lost her account entirely, one she had had for over 10 years. She lost a huge following, but more annoyingly, Instagram never let her get it back claiming they couldn't prove it was hers, despite the fact that she has a brick and mortar shop with her business! It's terrible but shows that there are so many different reasons why someone could have a low following. This is exactly why it shouldn't be used as judgment. Thanks again for sharing 💕

[@Gustmazz]

Hello, I'm an artist too that has recently left Instagram as well. Absolutely everything you say is true. It's nice to see this from an artist's perspective. Also, your art is marvelous!

[@SmileCentral]

You listed exactly the same reasons I stopped Instagram too. Best of luck to you!! Your art is beautiful!!!

[@isabelledebionne]

Thank you for sharing this. Trying to keep up on Instagram is exhausting and I find myself getting caught up in the numbers, which is so bad for our mental health!

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

💕 100% get this!

[@alichecrochetcreations]

This video resonates so much with me and my small business. Instagram has not provided room for growth. I also barely post there these days. I closed my other accounts

[@mistylangham5498]

As an artist, this is also why I quit Facebook and pinterest. It actually was so distracting and I always had a feeling of dred when I had to deal with it . All I wanted to do was create ,not waste hours of valuable time in front of a computer. Thank you so much for this video ❤.

[@hobocyclist]

You’re a hit on KZbin!

[@4MyThoughts]

I agree that Instagram has lost its way. I'm an amateur photographer and post for that reason. In the last week I commented on a picture, saying I'm too fat to fit there. Instagram warned that my account will be suspended if I continue that language. But after I reported a post showing female genitalia, they said that post was acceptable. Good luck with your business.

[@MagicMissD]

I am so proud of you! It takes such bravery these days to buck the trend, look behind the curtain and tell the truth, and I’m sure many people can relate. And I found you here on KZbin speaking your heart in assistance to others who need this, I would not have found you on Instagram because I am not there for all the reasons you stated. Please know you are helping humanity with this, it’s that important, I celebrate you and your art and wish you much success!

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comment 💕 Best wishes to you too 🍄

[@lullanoona]

I'm so glad I found this video to find out that other artists who feel the same way about Instagram. I quit the app twice, 3-4 years ago and again about 6 months ago. Being on Instagram really made me question my art. Now after some time off I want to try posting on social media again, like on Tiktok and/or KZbin instead.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

It's definitely good to take a break from it. I feel so free and like a huge weight has lifted from me since I stopped using it. I felt so much pressure to constantly try to keep posting then felt guilty if I didn't. Now all that's gone and I can concentrate on actually making art 😊

[@lullanoona]

@@thebutterflytoadstool Yes, the pressure to post constantly and hoping to be catch on by the algorithm was crazy. Which I was never lucky enough to get on, so my feedback became minimal to miniscule. So I decided to stop posting; and just do art for only myself when I want to and feel like it.

[@bixusmaleficus]

You are 100% worth more than just a number or algorithm. I admire you for having the courage to stand up for yourself. I hope you'll continue to be a successful artist and a happy person!

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you!

[@Freefolkcreate]

Seeking recognition is a disease to creative people. Stay strong and just make art you love. The world is full of liars who pretend for a living. Just be yourself.

[@XtinePhlair]

💯

[@sargy7070]

I couldn’t agree with you more, totally gave up posting my concept art as the likes eventually dropped off a cliff, so completely stopped.

[@JustOneKnight]

Good for you and well said. If only more people were as pure and honest as you have been I wish you all the best of luck and hang in there. Love your work.💗

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you 💕

[@irenesturk7283]

Good for you, I wholeheartedly agree! It’s no longer about people, quality, service, and hard work. It’s all about appearances. I’m sure you will do just fine and be much happier without Instagram. I’m just starting my interior design service and shop business, and your video really made me rethink what is important in the long run. Thank you for sharing!

[@nancydavidson4899]

What a great channel! So interesting and informative. I really enjoy your art too. I have an instagram account that I don’t post on but just use for inspiration. Actually when I see an artist I like, I look for them on KZbin. As a consumer rather than a producer, KZbin is my favourite as I love longer informative or tutorial content and I love to see and “get a feel” for the personality of the content producer. That’s a big draw for me. I like people! Well done. I’m glad your business is doing well and I can’t believe you were turned down for such a stupid reason. Can’t people make a decision for themselves??! If the designs are good, they’re good, and yours are beautiful. What a crazy world. Thank you for sharing your experiences 🙏

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you 💕 Yes, I find this too. I also find it much easier to share my thoughts, projects and business through videos instead of one-off posts. I'm so pleased you like my channel and thank you also for your lovely comments about my work 💖

[@s_singh_]

I'm a writer and I've had an insta for 7 years now. Tbh it was private for some of it. But as a creative person I've had a variety of interests and I haven't niched down. So I have 200 followers.... And when ever my book should be ready, publishers will ask me the same question. I don't know how to stay authentic and be popular in numbers. It's quite the dilemma. I respect your decision. For similar reasons, leaving LinkedIn did wonders to my mental health.

[@Denetjie]

Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve just graduated with a degree in illustration and am starting my own business, and I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with social media. In the past months I’ve been giving it much thought and monitoring the state of my mental health when using/not using Instagram. I agree with everything you said. It’s just not worth it. I’ll be focusing on blogging, SEO, Pinterest and good old fashioned craft markets etc - somehow I believe that in an era where AI seems to be taking over, I think there might be a shift back to the handmade and the human connection ❤

[@Banayaga]

Omg I totally relate to you! Yes, pleasing your customers is suchhhh a toxic cycle on Instagram. I saw myself doing it and neglecting my own well being for them but it didn't seem worthwhile either. Sure it gets lots of views but that's all it gives you, cuz Instagram doesn't reward views with $$ I am a creator and business owner myself and this video hits home.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

💕

[@Impatiens8]

Good for you! Your work is beautiful and I think this is a wise decision for you (and likely so many others) in so many ways. I'm just starting out as an artist, and I've been feeling weary about Instagram...

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

💕

[@stonecrestquilt]

Also left when I could no longer go there just to unwind and explore without seeing all the political divisiveness. Gross! Politics does not belong in my craft basket where I turn when I need a break from life. Wishing you many blessings and prosperity in the future 💗🍄

[@athenapatacsil1876]

Brilliant video. And exactly why I quit Instagram. I loved your reason for keeping the account open, as I have done similarly. Thank you for sharing!🎉

[@EmmaGonzalez-r9v]

I found this video SO affirming, thank you!

[@quintinandron]

Thank you for speaking up on this topic. Some just don’t get the heart that goes into art. We need more true artists like you who actually care about values as much as their art to continue to speak about these things. It almost feels like nowadays all platforms are rigged and so many talented creatives get their hard earned work and soul ripped off or disregarded all because of numbers and popularity. The world is loosing real artists and the ones taking the spotlight are not genuine 🙏🏼

[@raecampbellsstudio]

I am a YT content creator and use Instagram and I totally agree with you here - it is awful and I am unsure if I want to continue

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

I'm so sorry you feel the same way, but you are definitely not alone 💕

[@kadycrea]

Would you say that KZbin is really different from Instagram then? I'm considering moving to KZbin but I am worried that the dynamic might be similar to instagram :(. I only use the app for my sewing hobby but it's ruining the experience of sharing for me too so thought that KZbin might be a better place to share my makes but not even sure :(

[@raecampbellsstudio]

@@kadycrea it’s certainly a different audience. The potential to reach more people is far greater than Instagram but it depends on your niche etc

[@kadycrea]

@@raecampbellsstudio thanks a lot, this is helpful x

[@peterpaulharnisch]

Thank you for this message. I agree on what your shared. I used to love instagram, where I would get more communication from my posts. Now I get almost nothing…frustrating, and could not figure out what I was doing wrong. My self esteem feels as though it’s dropped, and I spend hours simply gazing upon how others live…or appear to live. Sigh.

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

It's definitely nothing you've done, please don't take it personally and know you are not alone in feeling this way.

[@FyreWolfe-dg1mz]

I agree with you 100% .Thank you for having the guts, courage and integrity to stand up against this social media insanity and shining a light on this subject. It's hurting us artists. I wish there was a movement that artists could join. Much love and respect.

[@cherylperkins3778]

I have been thinking of quitting instagram myself. I have a tiny following and it never grows. I rarely have any reach and feel like I am completely wasting my time. It’s so frustrating. I don’t have time to spend creating the content they want to push. I was posting regularly but it never helped. I think I might just do the same as you. Your art is beautiful btw.

[@DianeC1975]

Well said Dee. I tried Instagram for a couple of days, not to post but to follow my favorite youtubers and I simply didn't get the point of it. So I deleted it. KZbin is a better fit for me for watching and enjoying. Things, I believe, have been escalating in the judgement of others. All this comparing and judging is so hard on everyone's self esteem. People need to think before they comment. Being kind to others is so much better for ones soul then negativity. Seems silly to even say that out loud . But what a strange world we live in these days. Anyways, I love your art. I just received the prints I ordered. And they are framed and up on my bedroom wall. They look so good. ☺️ I think you can just be proud of yourself. Sending you a big hug🤗. And love. 💕

[@thebutterflytoadstool]

Thank you so much Diane, you are always so kind 💕 I completely agree with you about the comparison and judgment that is pushed around these days. I think social media platforms have made it so easy for people to be negative and nasty. It's such a shame as the other side of social media is wonderful - I wouldn't be able to converse with you if we didn't have it. It's these positives that should be focused on, not the negatives 🥰 I'm so pleased you like your art prints, I hope they help bring nature into your home 🍄 Best wishes, Dee xxx