Art school plus conversation starter: is it possible to become a successful artist without social media?

Author: Kolja Hohberg

As the world of visual art continues to evolve, social media has become an increasingly important tool for visual artists. This is due to the fact that social media provides a platform for artists to showcase their work to a wider audience, while also fostering connections with other creatives and potential buyers. However, the importance of social media for visual artists is often overstated. While it can be an invaluable tool for increasing visibility and getting your artwork out there, it should not be relied upon as the sole means of promoting an artist’s work. 

For starters, a visual artist’s success on social media is dependent on a number of factors, such as the artist’s ability to produce content that resonates with their target audience and the quality of the visuals that are used to promote the work. This means that for many artists, it can be difficult to make the most of social media if they do not have the resources or the expertise to create well-crafted posts. 

Additionally, while social media is a great tool for connecting with potential buyers, it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for traditional sales channels. Many buyers are still more likely to purchase artwork through galleries and exhibitions, rather than directly through social media platforms. 

Finally, it is important to remember that social media can be a huge time commitment. Artists need to be active on social media in order to maintain their presence, which can take up a significant amount of time that could be better spent creating artwork. 

In conclusion, social media is certainly a valuable tool, but it is important to remember that it should not be the sole focus of a visual artist’s promotional efforts. While it can be a great platform for gaining visibility and connecting with potential buyers, it is also important to remember that traditional sales channels are still the most reliable way for an artist to make a sale. Additionally, it is important to remember that social media can take up a significant amount of time, so it is important to find a balance between creating artwork and promoting it on social media. 

At what point does maintaining your social media presence have a negative effect on your ability to create art? Do you find yourself remodelling art so it performs better with your audience? Are you still an artist or are you slowly turning into a content creator? Starting a conversation has always been the first step to finding answers to these questions.