Failing at Instagram: Q&As
Sharing a bingeworthy podcast by artists Phoebe Gander and Julie Battisti called "Fail Like an Artist”. Why am I sharing this podcast? Because Phoebe and Julie are wonderful at bringing your questions into a lovely engaging format, and are great company in the studio. Their episode ‘Failing at Instagram’ is something I think every artist contends with, and this episode answers some great questions from their community. I hope you enjoy!
“You miss all of the shots you don’t take. If you never share [your art] you’ll definitely get no response.”
Phoebe Gander, Fail Like an Artist podcast
Our highlights
Q: How do you reach your ideal audience on Insta?
A: Look at your Instagram caption: Have you phrased it in a way that entices your audience? Share the story behind the work, have it be relatable. Build on creating a connection with your audience. Share your ‘reason why’. People identify with your story. They start to think “this feels like me”, this painting represents who I am, what I would like to say about myself. That creates a connection and the art becomes a symbol of self expression through you. Don’t just say ‘here’s my painting’ and expect them to bond with it. Also, go beyond Instagram - that’s only one channel.
Q: What are your biggest obstacles?
A: Time management, getting started on harder tasks, packing a painting (call a friend while you are doing it!). TIP: Have an accountability buddy and screenshot your to-do list on a Monday so you are more likely to get stuff done. Forming new habits is hard and this helps.
Q: What do you do if you are having a bad month?
A: If you are having a bad month, decide that this month is going to be better. Where you put your attention, that’s where you will thrive. Have a cup of tea, a shower, go for a run (endorphins!), do yoga, dance around the house. Give yourself permission to play. If you don’t change something you’ll keep getting the same results. Try a new material, different tools, brushes, try a long paintbrush. Get a mentor. Success is the moment you feel ready to show your painting - you can’t use the metric of sales to connect to the value of the artwork.
Q: I have anxiety there will be crickets when I put myself out there. How do you get over that?
A: You miss all the shots you don’t take. If you never share it, you’ll definitely get no response. Will this be you at the end of your life: “Im really glad I never shared my art with the world”? No one else will think about it as much as you do, and it only takes one person to buy a painting.
There are loads more great insights in this (and all of) the Fail Like an Artist episodes. I hope you enjoy listening to these lovely ladies as much as I do.
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