Social Media for Artists
Waymouth Street
This view of Waymouth Street in the rain sold about 10 years ago but after that it had many thousands of views on social media and some big sites shared the image. It remains as my most seen painting ever.
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ARTISTS
In the whole history of art there probably hasn’t been a better tool for artists than social media – particularly Facebook and Instagram. Before it all came along an artist was at the complete mercy of galleries and open exhibitions.
If a gallery decided that you were not for them, an artist had little recourse other than organise their own exhibitions and the needful advertising that would have to go with it.
Today however, Instagram in particular is a ready-made platform for art!
Despite all of this however, quite a number of artists refuse to use social media as a means of getting the work seen. It also has to be considered that any art posted on Instagram for instance, has the potential to travel around the world in no time at all. My own experience has been very beneficial in becoming internationally known by galleries and buyers, through the vehicle of social media.
Like anything though, that which is good, always seems to have its downfalls too. Social media is no different. Whilst it is a good avenue of communication it is also an avenue for other things including airing of social grievances, politics and religion, all of which can lead to division.
For an artist who is selling, just like any business, it doesn’t pay to voice opinions on politics or religion or controversial social issues – your following can easily be cut in half!
From the beginning I have made a point of not putting social comment on my art social media platforms. In fact, I have not made it a family thing either or a place where I can share funny cat videos – it all dilutes the gravity of being an artist and living the artists life.
I know some artists that have not been able to silence themselves on social issues, Politics or religion and in so doing have harmed their artists standing.
As for selling art on Facebook or Instagram – if you are not using their advertising services and dare mention that your paintings are for sale, the reach of your posts will plummet very low! In the profile section of these platforms there is room for any links you may want to share, email, website or even a gallery website, it’s always best to use these instead of pushing for sales in a post.
Thanks for reading my post - by Mike Barr
March 2024