A month without social media

on marketing differently in these times

Hello my friends

Welcome to Artist Jetpack ! I have been thinking about ways we can create community and solidarity online for the Ageless Artist who is working continuously to grow and make art .

We are situated worldwide and our commonality is our love and creation of art. My intention always has been to encourage the artist of my vintage-a little younger or older perhaps - to share their stories and challenges as an artist in this place in time. How we navigate these times as an artist is personal -but often requires a shift and perhaps exposure to new opportunities . Lifelong growth is possible and imminent. I will share my stories and welcome yours!

I am checking in with you to report on how I have managed with my withdrawal from social media. It’s only been a month but I can reveal that its been mostly positive with a only a few communication glitches . As an artist I have primarily relied on this manner of reaching out and reporting my news-whether it be an upcoming show or introducing new works . Who I have been reaching lately is anyone’s guess and I had been increasingly doubtful that the usual patrons or followers were receiving these updates on their own feeds.

Here are some of my personal findings :

The positives :

• I’m enjoying reading longer forms of writing with substance and subscribing to writers I enjoy and learn from.

• I’m Feeling less jagged and jittery inside from bombardment of information

• I’m more positive in general about actively choosing my reading choices

• I don’t miss ads and useless promotions,posts aimed at grabbing my attention.

• I’m not being subjected to posts or posters who were not of my choosing -but rather suggested “as of interest to me”

• I have been taking time to pause and think deeply about how I would reach my people

the negatives :

• A lack of regular exposure to the artists I follow and enjoy -particularly the international ones

• Missing messages from friends, family and artists who mostly communicate using these platforms

• I miss posts from my local sketching group on facebook

As you can see the positives outweigh the negatives …So far.

I viewed a video which illustrates the passage of social media over the last 20 years and succinctly reveals why there is less community and connection . Jack is the co-developer of Patreon and his roots have been in music -but his message is for all creatives /artists who have found their online experience of recent less than ideal..

Death of the Follower & the Future of Creativity on the Web with Jack Cont

I have just returned for a most lovely trip overseas to Scotland it was truly out of the norm for me not to post photos from my journey. Yet I still managed to send a few photos via email and messages to friends/family. Who else did I really need to post this personal experience to? I have recognised it all feels a bit empty at times to post something personal or meaningful to a lot of unknown viewers. It has been rarer to receive actual comments on Facebook or Instagram posts.

A harbour view from Cromarty, Scotland

I am thinking that every one of you who reads this post is here because you have intentionally taken a little time in your busy day to read my words. Receiving comments from you feels quite gratifying !

Since I have refrained from social media (Facebook and Instagram):

I have sold two paintings and a couple of art prints from my website. I have completed a painting commission and responded to requests re international orders.

I believe my 24 some years with an online artist presence has helped immensely -but over this time communication has taken many forms -from a personal blog emailed to subscribers , to participation on artist discussion boards , to offering online classes ,to selling my art on Ebay(many years ago), Flickr and Etsy - to must recently leaning more heavily on social media . Changing with the times has helped me flex with my art profession.

If you missed it -I wrote about some of my initial personal changes to creation and marketing in this post June /24

Now down to the what next?

• My current plan remains mostly on the same trajectory (minus juggling social media posts )

• I will continue to make mixed media art as long as it brings me joy

• I plan to be open to new ideas /experiment with media

• I aim to continue with my sketchbook and sketching group for art play

• Finally (of course) write about it here! (and Ageless Artist)

Recently I have made a few more art prints for my shop: heathermurray.net

and try to update it regularly.

Last September 2023 I posted this essay about getting your art online /or participating in live events/shows. Some of what I have to say is still relevant -but so much has changed in my perspective ..

Instagram may still remain a place for me to post images of my art . I wish to be clear about my intentions in using this platform for posting my art only. (It is not easily reachable (ha!) as I have removed it from my phone desktop. Time will tell what I decide -but I will insure its a decision that must work for me without illusion that my art business relies on it.

Facebook is definitely not in the cards for me again . I have only used Twitter minimally over the years , and have no interest now in being a subscriber to X or Tik Tok . Youtube has been fun and relevant as a place for my videos and classes/demos-but I do not post videos enough to be a growing presence there. I have also posted on My Pinterest but again have not been consistent . I now believe that refining one’s online presence poses less confusion to followers. I think whatever you decide will be the place you land and that will be best for you as an artist!

Consolidating (and culling) platforms has offered me some breathing space, balance and time for more art making. I hope also it makes it simpler for others to find me online.

Please do let me know if you have made any changes in your online presence and if it has made a difference in your art practice -and or mental well being