Get Smart On Social- Turn This Distraction Into A Way To Build A Fanbase

Sharing’s caring Can artists use social media without the platforms disrupting their work, asks Dom Carter

- Dom Carter

Likes. Retweets. Upvotes. They’ve all become common ways to gauge the popularity of our thoughts, and for those in the creative industries, our work. But are sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram a blessing or a curse for artists?

Just like any innovation, it all depends on how you use them. If you’re monitoring the performance of your latest status before you go to bed, it might be time to reassess your relationship with social media. However, when used right, these platforms can reap amazing rewards.

“I’ve discovered so many new artists who inspire me every day just from their social media posts,” says illustrator and Marvel comic artist Jen Bartel, who also uses social media to get her work in front of potential clients. “Working on comics often means working long hours in isolation, and finding those connections online is such an amazing lifeline for many of us,” she says.

For Art Camp founder Noah Bradley, social media has overtaken traditional routes to exposure.

“I benefited from social media in building a fanbase for my work and connecting with fellow creators,” Noah says. “I think I’d have had a harder time becoming as well known as I am now without it.”

It isn’t all about business, though. For Sydney-based Wonder Woman artist Nicola Scott, living on the other side of the planet to where the rest of the industry is located feels less isolating thanks to social media. “I get far fewer opportunities to meet or catch up with peers, mentors and fans,” Nicola says, “but through Twitter, Instagram and Facebook we can share in each others’ triumphs and slumps, promote and share our work.”

TAKING TIME OUT