I'm going to reduce the amount of posts on my Facebook art page. Over the past 2 months I've been increasing the amount of updates to the point where I've been posting every day.
Unfortunately, whilst the number of followers slowly increased, the post reach and conversion rates dropped off steeply in recent weeks. Posting daily was an attempt to feel more productive, and inspire me to create more. If anything; it has left me feeling disaffected and unsettled.
I realise many people have made a huge success from social media, and yet, popular culture and trends don't appeal to me - I simply can't relate to them. I could adapt my style and themes to fit in and be more popular, but I'd rather stay true to myself. I know my work is niche, and sharing it online with hundreds of strangers fills me with doubts and worry. In a stark contrast: when I show people my artwork in real life I feel energised and confident.
Posting art from the comfort of home, and uploading listings to a website required little effort or maintenance. A sign of the modern age - it's laziness; and I expected it to bring success. Whilst I know with time and effort I could gain a much bigger online presence – deep down, it doesn't appeal to me. The internet has a way of making the insignificant seem worthy of our time. I need something tangible - beyond digital gimmicks.
For months now I’ve been stuck in a cycle of spending money on adverts and incessantly checking my social media account throughout the day. All for the cheap thrills of seeing new likes and comments. It feels like an addiction; and it’s an ugly, and debasing feeling.
Next month I'm going to start visiting as many local galleries as possible to get my work recognised and exhibited. Whilst I can be extrovert, I'm predominantly introvert. As such, I want to challenge myself and go beyond my comfort zone. A couple of hours tending to my social media account each week feels lacklustre at best. To succeed in this I have to cast aside doubts and delay. I must invest real time and effort into a more practical approach. I need to redirect my focus away from all the free time I squander being stuck behind a screen.
I want to see new places, meet new people and get my work exhibited in more galleries. To succeed I need people seeing and appreciating what I create – and holding it in their hands. Seeing my work in a photo online is very different to having a framed original in your hand and being able to view it in detail.
I know in my gut that I can make it - if I push hard enough. Whilst anxiety and depression have brought about a lot of doubt and resistance - I'll be damned if I let them continue to hold me back.
Onwards and upwards,
Ed
Unfortunately, whilst the number of followers slowly increased, the post reach and conversion rates dropped off steeply in recent weeks. Posting daily was an attempt to feel more productive, and inspire me to create more. If anything; it has left me feeling disaffected and unsettled.
I realise many people have made a huge success from social media, and yet, popular culture and trends don't appeal to me - I simply can't relate to them. I could adapt my style and themes to fit in and be more popular, but I'd rather stay true to myself. I know my work is niche, and sharing it online with hundreds of strangers fills me with doubts and worry. In a stark contrast: when I show people my artwork in real life I feel energised and confident.
Posting art from the comfort of home, and uploading listings to a website required little effort or maintenance. A sign of the modern age - it's laziness; and I expected it to bring success. Whilst I know with time and effort I could gain a much bigger online presence – deep down, it doesn't appeal to me. The internet has a way of making the insignificant seem worthy of our time. I need something tangible - beyond digital gimmicks.
For months now I’ve been stuck in a cycle of spending money on adverts and incessantly checking my social media account throughout the day. All for the cheap thrills of seeing new likes and comments. It feels like an addiction; and it’s an ugly, and debasing feeling.
Next month I'm going to start visiting as many local galleries as possible to get my work recognised and exhibited. Whilst I can be extrovert, I'm predominantly introvert. As such, I want to challenge myself and go beyond my comfort zone. A couple of hours tending to my social media account each week feels lacklustre at best. To succeed in this I have to cast aside doubts and delay. I must invest real time and effort into a more practical approach. I need to redirect my focus away from all the free time I squander being stuck behind a screen.
I want to see new places, meet new people and get my work exhibited in more galleries. To succeed I need people seeing and appreciating what I create – and holding it in their hands. Seeing my work in a photo online is very different to having a framed original in your hand and being able to view it in detail.
I know in my gut that I can make it - if I push hard enough. Whilst anxiety and depression have brought about a lot of doubt and resistance - I'll be damned if I let them continue to hold me back.
Onwards and upwards,
Ed
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