A life without (so much) social media
How else can you spend your precious time?
Hello to all Jetpackers! As promised I am still offering free content to all -with the caveat that there will be more regular targeted content and opportunities for paid subscribers in the “club”
As always my focus is on you as working/making creatives of 50 plus years who are continuing to practise your art and are seeking motivation and community here. Some of you are engaged in your art as a profession -others for self growth and joy.
Regarding my social media detox (of sorts!)
more time for art play!
Back in mid October 2024 I posted about withdrawing from social media -and outlined some of my observations from this experience. It’s been almost 4 months now and I thought it might be ample time to reflect !
Taking stock of how I am managing both emotionally and mentally away from regular social media postings and scrolling has been interesting . I am posting a little on Instagram -only personal art news -and checking messages from friends- yet limiting time spent there. I am not feeling compelled to post and post on ether platform . (My local urban sketch group is on Facebook but otherwise I have no reason to post or spend time there. )Both sites have not been cancelled but rather relegated to my app library on my phone and not as easily accessible. Now I am being cautious with notes on Substack-as although content is richer-I can get swept in quite easily to the scroll.
I am definitely writing more frequently here -but to me this is a creative endeavour and more of a labour of love then what passive time on my phone offers me.
It’s been a ride..Truly I have appreciated the exposure and opportunity to reach my friends and patrons with my art via both Facebook and Instagram over the years but it had recently been feeling rather hollow -and my ability to target “my people” has been taken away (algorithms etc). I no longer wish to do somersaults with intense posting just to boost “numbers”
(As far as my online sales have gone-Well ..most of all my art sales were impacted by a Canada postal strike which lasted through the later part of Autumn and into the Christmas season. I’m guessing most of us Canadians in small business ventures were greatly affected by the job action- yet I was supportive of their cause! ) We are back in business again yea!
Generally I feel better and appreciate time away from sitting and being a receptacle for a whole lot of advertising/posts I did not ask for. I have also veered away from diving into the news with intensity (even alternative sources ). If there is something specific to look up then I will -but with intention of focusing briefly during my morning coffee. There is also the radio and word of mouth from others so..
Living in real time has its rewards. !
where to find offline inspiration by artist
La Scarlatte
An interesting , informative post for creatives to be thinking and making beyond what we focus on here on our screens ..
Another link that you might find interesting is this one by
Seth Werkheiser
you need a website not another social media account to manage
I am discovering that if I read a few of my favourite newsletters in the morning along with my email, news and first coffee I feel I have absorbed enough to start my day. I am feeling less frazzled rather than being pummelled with online information, images , news, unsolicited content . Checking the phone constantly can become a habit so easily! So much information that I never asked for!
It also helps when I put the phone aside and out of reach.
My pulling back has offered me a peaceful option and feel that at times we all have to distance ourselves from the constant barrage of information overload. Over exposure to world hardships and seemingly insurmountable political turmoil can be hard on the psyche too . I want to stay in the know-but with less persistent, graphic online exposure .
I enjoy my in person time with other artists in our local sketch group -and I am loving meeting with our jetclub members in a live capacity on Zoom!
a few concertina pieces reflecting impressions of “my world” for our jetpack club project
it’s also
A peaceful morning spent drawing with our local urban sketchers group
In short , don’t we all wish for a little more time to make art and do what we love?
How are you tending to your precious time ? Have you made a personal intention to pull back from your phone and or social media time ?
So you have decided to pull back from posting your art on social media .
What can you do instead to grow your business usingin person and online resources ?
Connect with other people in places where art happens.. art galleries , art classes, museums, community events. art markets and sales. It is crucial to continue and expand upon connecting in person!
Offer a newsletter or blog at least once monthly to keep your people informed of your life as a working artist.
Use Substack to generate subscribers ..As an artist you can also post photos of your art or videos of your process! It’s an opportunity to offer insight into your practise -a view or two into your studio life..
manage your own web presence-stay up to date and be consistently regular.
Most of all keep the people who truly love your art up to date with your artist life !
Connect with and continue to learn from other artists!
…Make more Art!
Chunk it down ! You can do a little of your marketing
whenever your energy permits!
* * As I have touched upon above I have made quite a turnabout in my use of social media to drive my sales or to summon up interest in my work. Instagram and facebook have changed -and we can no longer connect with our audience in the same way. Our followers are being curated by the algorithm -and although its great to see likes or hearts from people it does not often translate into anything more. I think we are all past the point of being concerned about gathering up numbers of followers -after all they are just numbers aren’t they?
Cheers, Heather
For those of you who are jet club(paid) members and interested in meeting together to focus on the marketing of your work..
News for paid subscribers!
I have decided I will offer some tips and generate discussion on the business of art using this newsletter as a launching place . Please explore the archives of Artist Jetpack for interviews with other working artists as well as a few newsletters that were devoted specifically to the business side of our art making.
I have realized that it is difficult to offer a social art community merged with a business art community as one meetup Zoom group - so therefore will be launching a separate meet time for those focused on keeping current with the marketing aspect of our work.
I am going to trial this -and you can offer feedback whether this is of interest and or doable ! -
We will meet for the first time on Zoom February 16th 3-4:30 ish ET All (paid) members of Jetpack Club are welcome!- The focus will be on art business )
A few thoughts to ponder ahead of this meeting will be:
How you want your art business to move forward?
So far..Whats working /whats not.
How do you determine if your art is of interest to others?
Are you interested in more live experiences(ie galleries/shows)
-or marketing online
who are your current/prospective patrons ?
do you have a web presence already?
I will be posting the link for club members later this week ! Hope to see you there!
Always look forward to your writing! 🫶🏾