I spent two days in the Louvre. On my way home, I flew from Paris to JFK, New York. My husband and I were stopped, detained, and 2 guys from the US border protection services asked us to open our phones and give those to them. They said that if the phone is open, it would be quick and I’d get it back in a couple of hours. They also gave us a paper with a local phone to call about our phones. Mind you, it’s been a week of not receiving the phones back. The suggested number to call doesn’t work (no one answers it). I’ve been a US citizen for over 15 years and immigrated to the States over 26 years ago. I’m an artist, writer and educator who was stopped and detained. We pay all taxes and contribute to this economy and society in every way we can. None of the reasons listed in the paper applied to us besides the ‘random search’ one. Obviously, it’s not random.
If you’re about to travel abroad, please know that you have a legal right not to give them passwords or codes but you have to give up the device at their request.
This statue of liberty is located near Strasbourg in France. It’s a representation of freedom and democracy for most Americans. Unfortunately, it’s a complete illusion. If you’re a dreamer, understand that this level of targeting civil liberties is getting one step closer to the tyranny of Stalin’s repressions. British people get arrested and jailed for speaking the truth. This erosion of freedom and democracy is real under constant surveillance of this state. Every day a small part of freedom is taken away with a new law you have no idea exists.
Summary of Key Rights as a US citizen generated by ChatGPT:
You cannot be denied entry as a U.S. citizen.
CBP can conduct routine searches without suspicion, but advanced or intrusive searches may require reasonable suspicion.
You are not required to provide passwords for electronic devices, though refusal may result in prolonged detention of the device.
You do not have the right to an attorney during routine questioning or searches.
You can refuse to answer non-identity related questions, but this may result in delays or further inspection.
Although border searches do involve reduced protections, CBP must still act within the scope of the law, and unreasonable or abusive actions can be challenged in court. If you feel your rights have been violated, you may wish to consult a civil rights attorney or file a complaint with DHS.
Delve into the creative world where floral design meets fine art! Discover how local florists find inspiration in timeless masterpieces, translating their beauty into exquisite flower arrangements.
Artistic Blooms: How Local Florists Draw Inspiration from Masterpieces
Floristry stands at the crossroads of art and nature, where creativity meets the delicate beauty of flowers. Local florists are not just purveyors of blooms; they are artists who leverage their craft to transform floral arrangements into stunning visual masterpieces. One overlooked aspect of their artistry is the inspiration they glean from renowned artworks. This article delves into how local florists by state draw on artistic masterpieces to enhance their floral designs.
The Influence of Art on Floral Arrangements
Photo: Daniela-e-photography
Florists often find themselves inspired by the colors, forms, and themes inherent in famous artworks. By studying these masterpieces, they can curate arrangements that embody the essence of the original pieces while also standing firmly on their own as works of art. Here are two key ways that local florists use art for inspiration:
Ingres, Princesse de Broglie, 1853, the Met
Composition and Color Palettes
Complementary Colors. Much like an artist chooses a palette to convey emotion, florists select flowers that resonate with each other’s hues. For example, the vibrant reds and greens seen in Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” can translate into a floral arrangement that evokes similar joy and warmth.
Mood and Tone. Just as certain artworks evoke specific feelings, florists use sophisticated color schemes to influence the mood of their arrangements. A serene, pastel palette inspired by Claude Monet’s landscapes brings a sense of calm, making it perfect for tranquil settings.
Organic Shapes. Many famous paintings, particularly those from the Impressionist period, focus on organic shapes and forms found in nature. Florists replicate these organic lines in their arrangements, creating a sense of flow and movement reminiscent of artworks by artists like Renoir.
Symmetry and Balance. Artists often strive for harmony through symmetry or deliberate asymmetry. Florists employ these techniques, achieving visual balance by strategically placing different flower types and sizes, inspired by the compositional styles of great artist masters.
Themes and Symbolism
Art often carries deep themes and symbols, which florists can integrate into their designs to convey messages beyond mere aesthetics. Here are two ways in which themes from art impact floral design:
Historical Context. Florists may draw on the cultural significance of certain pieces of art. For example, arrangements reminiscent of Frida Kahlo’s vibrant self-portraits can incorporate tropical flowers that reflect her Mexican heritage, creating a narrative through floral artistry.
Seasonal References. Just as art reflects the seasons or times of year, florists may create seasonal arrangements that mimic the aesthetics of seasonal art. A winter arrangement may draw inspiration from the crisp, cool colors of a piece by Caspar David Friedrich, featuring whites and icy blues.
Narrative Elements. Floral arrangements may also tell stories, much like a narrative painting. A bouquet inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” may weave in deep blues and yellows, creating a piece that reflects the wonder of the night sky and evokes fascination.
Caspar David Friedrich, the polar sea, oil painting
Local florists are adept at blending the beauty of nature with the depth of artistic expression. Their ability to draw inspiration from masterpieces not only enhances their floral designs but also allows them to create arrangements that resonate on a deeper level with their clients. By embracing color palettes, compositions, cultural narratives, and emotions drawn from art, florists create living works of art that celebrate the best of both worlds—nature and human creativity. Whether for special occasions or everyday enjoyment, these artistic blooms truly have the power to inspire and uplift.
Professionals in the creative sector must adjust to the changing dynamics and prospects of the digital marketplace, where skill in online marketing and sales is becoming crucial. The global online art market was valued at $9.18 billion in 2022, highlighting the significant audience and market potential for digital offerings. If your approach has mainly focused on traditional methods up to this point, like ad placement in art magazines or art contests’ participation, it would be beneficial to delve into the digital domain to greatly increase your exposure and connect with a much wider, varied audience. This transition builds stronger brand, authority, and creates new opportunities for income and creative output.
Utilizing Social Media to Expand Your Audience
Social media platforms, like Instagram and TikTok, have revolutionized how artists connect with potential fans. These platforms not only allow artists to showcase their creativity but also to engage with a broader audience through dynamic and interactive video content. However, the immense volume of content uploaded every minute makes standing out a real challenge, especially with constant algorithmic changes. This is where organic growth strategies become invaluable.
By focusing on authentic engagement—responding to comments, participating in trends, messaging and thanking people, and creating original content—you can build a loyal following. To further enhance your visibility, it’s important to grow your audience with organic TikTok growth tactics by using targeted hashtags and joining platform-specific challenges to capture the attention of those art fans who are most likely to appreciate your work. Some artists choose to accelerate this process by employing professional services that specialize in organic growth, ensuring that their interactions remain genuine and impactful. Spend some time researching such companies, looking into other creatives who used their services to make your judgment about possible collaboration.
Establishing a Professional Online Platform
Building your own website for showcasing your art projects creates a strong, refined presence and establishes a central location for your portfolio. It’s paramount that your website strikes a balance between visual appeal and functional simplicity, enabling visitors to effortlessly browse and complete purchases.
You must adapt your site for easy browsing on mobile devices. For example, if you use WordPress, pick a theme that makes automatic adaptation/ resizing of your website on different screens. Look at websites of your favorite artists to see what’s done well and can be borrowed for your site.
To build authority, use clear, high-quality images, art in interior space, art with collectors and in collections, exhibition reviews, detailed ‘about’ page with highlights of your shows and magazine features, and contact information, like the email you check regularly.
Fostering Community Interaction With Engaging Content
Sustained engagement goes beyond routine art posts. Incorporating interactive features like live broadcasts, question-and-answer sessions, and cooperative projects with other creatives can greatly enhance your connection with your community.
Such activities show your audience that they are appreciated and give them insight into your creative process, which personalizes their experience and helps build a supportive community around your projects. Update your followers, fans and community about your new creative projects, art, upcoming shows to build the brand and create anticipation about your future initiatives.
Harnessing Email Marketing to Maintain Audience Connection
Email marketing remains a vital strategy for keeping in touch with your followers directly. Gathering email addresses through your website, social media or at live events enables you to build a mailing list. This list serves as a channel to distribute news about upcoming releases and special promotions.
Sending out regular newsletters helps keep your followers interested and engaged, ensuring they stay updated even if they do not frequent your social media or main site. Tailoring emails to address each recipient by name and writing interesting headlines and newsletters can significantly enhance open rates and strengthen the relationship with your audience. You want to write an email that you wish to read yourself without being spammy. By writing your emails, look for a genuine connection with your audience.
Applying Analytics to Sharpen Your Audience Engagement Strategies
Gaining insights into your audience’s preferences and behaviors through analytics is essential for refining your promotional tactics and crafting content. Social media platforms typically offer foundational analytics that reveal high-performing posts, the composition of your audience, and peak activity times.
By analyzing these patterns, you can segment your audience and design content that appeals to specific groups, enhancing relevance and engagement. For instance, segment artists who are interested in your teaching skills. Have a different segment for art collectors. This strategic use of data helps in customizing your communications to boost interaction and engagement rates.
Collaborating with Other Artists and Influencers
Collaborating with fellow creators and influencers can introduce your projects to a much wider range of audiences and bring new perspectives to your work. Forming alliances with creators who share a portion of your audience yet also reach different groups is beneficial; it presents your projects to individuals who are likely intrigued by your unique style. It should be interesting and relevant to both parties. Establish collaborations with like-minded people where you both can benefit from. Engaging in joint promotional efforts, like combined giveaways or shared events, can extend your influence and attract an even wider array of followers.
Filippo Tincolini, Spaceman seat, Marble sculpture, photo: V. Winters
Conclusion
The digital environment presents unmatched opportunities for those who are prepared to innovate and adopt new methods for displaying their projects. Direct interactions with followers on social media, enhancing your website’s effectiveness, or leveraging data analytics to guide your strategic choices—all these actions open doors to immense potential for those willing to leverage them. As you delve deeper into these digital channels, maintaining consistency and genuine engagement are crucial strategies for success in the constantly changing online world.
From Perseus to Trojan War: 7 strange myths of Mycenae that changed ancient Greece
Mycenae is the ancient archeological site near Mykines in Argolis, Greece. It’s a fascinating place to visit when you learn about its connection to the ancient Greek history. 16th century BC to be exact. It’s a place of one of the oldest known cultures in the world- the Mycenaeans. They wrote in Linear B text, the cyclopes built walls and people worshiped the Earth goddess. Perseus founded Mycenae and Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, set out against Troy in the Trojan War. Go on a journey to discover myths and art of ancient Greece.
These are free opportunities for artists and creatives with zero tolerance for fees. Just like you, I’m fed up with all the fees that organizations charge to support their businesses at artists’ expense. In my opinion, expenses must be covered by the sponsors, not the artists. So, I’ll be adding new, free contests, grants, and opportunities for artists on this page.
A lady reading letters of Heloise and Abelard-1780 by Auguste Bernard d’Agesci, oil painting, Art Institute of Chicago
The Pollock-Krasner Foundation provides financial resources for visual artists to create new work, acquire supplies, rent studio space, prepare for exhibitions, attend a residency and offset living expenses. The Foundation welcomes, throughout the year, applications from visual artists who are painters, sculptors, and artists who work on paper, including printmakers. There are no deadlines. Grants are intended for one year. The Foundation will review expenditures relating to an artist’s professional work and personal expenses and amounts range up to $50,000. The individual circumstances of the artist determine the size of the grant. Professional exhibition history will be taken into consideration. Artists must be actively exhibiting their current work in professional artistic venues, such as gallery and museum spaces. https://pkf.org/apply/
The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program awards rent-free non-living studio space to 17 visual artists for year-long residencies in DUMBO, Brooklyn. https://www.thestudioprogram.com/apply
The art industry has significantly evolved in recent years, particularly with the growth of remote employment options. Artists are free to expand beyond physical venues or traditional studio facilities. Instead, many people are using remote work to launch successful art careers. Whether you work as an illustrator, traditional or digital artist, you may now make a full-time remote living off of your creativity. Here is how.
Finding Remote Artist Jobs
First, you need to know what you’re good at and what you need to learn or accomplish to reach your artistic goals. Don’t take a random job that sucks your soul out. Your future job must help you build your skills and resume. So search for jobs that excite you! You want to be a great contributor to their business with your expertise and passion. Make a list of jobs you’d enjoy doing, tailor your resume to each specific job offer, and start your search. Fortunately, there are many sites where artists can post their resumes and apply for jobs.
Best Platforms for Remote Artist Jobs
There are websites made especially for artists who want to work remotely. These networks put you in touch with potential clients and present you with projects that fit your expertise. For instance, many remote artist jobs advertisements are available on Jooble.com, including opportunities for graphic designers, digital illustrators, and more. Furthermore, websites like Freelancer, Fiverr, and Upwork are great for finding freelance jobs. You want to build your skills and interests and these “small” jobs could grow into a nice creative career rather quickly.
Photo by Rachael Gorjestani on Unsplash
Creating an Impressive Online Portfolio
A beautiful but functional online portfolio is crucial for attracting prospective customers and employers. Your online portfolio should demonstrate your proficiency in working in a digital setting besides the traditional one.
Key Elements of an Effective Online Portfolio:
People judge us quickly, therefore, it’s essential to make a great impression instantly. Consider using websites such as Behance, Dribble, or your personal website with a portfolio to display your best and coherent work. Ensure it’s visually beautiful, simple to use, and thoroughly explains your job procedure. If you have different volumes of work, categorize them for easy access and presentation. Look at other sites and artists for possible ideas. Understand what makes their portfolio look great to inspire yourself to put your best foot forward with your artwork.
Tips for Your Portfolio:
Curate your best work to reflect your unique style.
Include a short bio and contact information so potential clients can reach you easily.
Update your portfolio regularly with new projects to keep it fresh and relevant.
Please be quick answering your email and phone! No one is going to deal with you, if it takes you a week to reply to a simple email request. Check your spam folder often as many emails go in there and you might miss out on opportunities because of that.
Networking in a Virtual World
It’s crucial to socialize and network with others in your field! Even if you plan working remotely, online communities help you build social standing and friendships. Participate in online forums, social media groups, and virtual exhibitions besides going to in-town gallery openings or art fairs. People work with people and this skill is a must to master in today’s busy world.
Best Platforms for Virtual Networking & how to grow your network
Start with sites like the Reddit art community, Instagram, LinkedIn, DeviantArt and other platforms. On these platforms, you may interact with other artists, present your work, and make connections with possible customers. Instagram benefits visual artists, LinkedIn facilitates business relationships, and Reddit offers insightful user comments. Don’t be annoying, rather make thoughtful comments or messages that can build a future relationship with a key figure of your choice. So engage in dialogue, comment on other people’s work, and offer your perspectives. You may want to publish your art portfolio in free magazines to build authority. You can also take part in online competitions and challenges but refrain from the paid ones as it could be a money-sucking pit. If you just start out, use free calls for art on Submittable platform. Some of them even pay a little bit of money for covers, writing, etc. These are some of art marketing methods for gaining recognition and connecting with other artists or possible customers. Overall, be proactive in your creative career and don’t wait to be discovered. This is one of major mistakes artists make.
Mastering Time Management as a Remote Artist
Finding the right balance between creativity and time management is one of the main issues artists face. Working from home or studio can make you inefficient and sidetracked. Remote artists must create their own methods for maintaining productivity and fostering creative energy. Know yourself and stick to a work schedule you can manage and enjoy. It’s more about building efficiency as opposed to working long hours.
Practical Time Management Tips
Set clear work hours: Create a workday-like plan weekly. Set start and end times to signify “work mode.” to yourself and others. This prevents work from leaking into personal time and promotes work-life balance.
Prioritize tasks: Start your day with the most urgent deadlines or projects. Start with the most complex or urgent tasks. After these high-priority duties, you can focus on personal creativity or smaller jobs. Trello and Asana can organize your workflow and prevent mistakes.
Take regular breaks: Working incessantly might deplete your creativity. Take breaks by briefly walking, working out, or leaving your desk to rejuvenate your mind.
Create a dedicated workspace: A workspace helps your brain associate it with productivity. Reduce distractions. Create a beautiful work space you want to live in. Have a window, house plants and your favorite objects to inspire you daily.
Use time-blocking techniques: Time-blocking allocates time to tasks. For example, you might dedicate mornings to client work and afternoons to personal projects or marketing. Leave evenings for painting. This method reduces multitasking by keeping you focused on one job.
Incorporate creative downtime: Read, explore outdoors, do yoga or try new painting techniques for creativity boost.
Set boundaries with clients and personal commitments: Remote artists often blur personal and business time. Set availability hours with yourself and clients. Never miss your deadlines and response times.
Monetizing Your Art
Artists working from home have various earning options besides working for clients. You can sell prints, license your art, or open a Patreon page to finance your initiatives. It takes time to see the results with these ideas because you’ve got to build a community around your vision and art first.
Exploring Different Revenue Streams
Beyond client work, artists can make money in other ways. Popular choices include:
Selling digital art: Etsy and Gumroad let you sell digital copies of your art, letting people buy and utilize it immediately. These could be pdf files or high-quality digital prints that people can print off of their printer. There is no shipping cost involved that eats into your profits. Look at top best-sellers on these platforms for inspiration and see what you can offer with your creative skill set.
Offering online classes: Teach others via pre-recorded videos or live workshops. Use Skillshare or Udemy to expand your audience without paying a dime for files storage.
Creating a passive income stream: You may make money by licensing your artwork for use on goods like phone covers, t-shirts, or prints through websites like Redbubble. Once again, it’s smart to look at best-selling artists to pick up on their strategies, etc. Building a fan base is crucial to sell merchandise.
Conclusion
A successful remote art job demands imagination, self-control, and astute financial acumen. Those who are proactive and are prepared to adapt have many opportunities. Because of the digital world, artists can now expand their professions, connect with people worldwide, and monetize their work in new ways.
Metz is a beautiful city nestled in the Lorraine region of France. Situated near the border between France and Germany, Metz has been a contested territory for centuries. Its strategic location has made it a target for invasion and a prize for conquest. Today, you can have an easy, 90-minute train ride from Paris to Metz.
Its location near the German border has made it a melting pot for various influences- Roman, Germanic, and French cultures, creating a stunning cityscape that blends several architectural styles, from Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque. This diversity is evident in its churches, public buildings, and residential architecture. The city is renowned for its vivid stained glass windows, particularly those found in the Saint-Étienne Cathedral. These windows depict religious scenes, historical events, and local legends, and even include some modern stained glass windows made by Chagall. Metz is home to several free museums, including the Centre Pompidou-Metz, which showcases contemporary art. Despite being an urban center, Metz is surrounded by beautiful nature, including the Moselle River and its vineyards. This combination of city and nature makes it a unique destination worth your visit. You won’t see large Paris crowds, rather experience the beauty of architecture at your own pace.
Watch a short video showing the architectural beauty of Metz, France!
First settlements:
Celts were the first known inhabitants of the region, and they likely established a settlement on the site of Metz. Later, the Romans conquered the area and founded a city called Divodurum Mediomatricorum. So, Metz became a Roman city in the 1st century CE, adopting Latin culture and architecture. The city flourished under Roman rule, with significant infrastructure development and the construction of public buildings. In the art museum, you can view some Roman mosaics, sculpture and sarcophagus of this period.
The Middle Ages:
In the early Middle Ages, Metz was an important religious center, with several bishops and archbishops hailing from the city. During the Middle Ages, Metz prospered as it became a free imperial city, independent of both the French and German kingdoms. This autonomy allowed the city to develop its own culture and economy. The most famous examples of the middle ages are Saint-Étienne Cathedral, Eglise Saint-Eucaire and Temple Neuf. Saint-Étienne Cathedral (12th-14th centuries) is truly inspiring both inside and outside. Dark and somber, it’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It features soaring arches, absolutely beautiful gigantic rose window “Tree of Jesse,” depicting the genealogy of Jesus Christ. and many other vivid stained glass windows that cast colorful light onto chairs and floor of the cathedral. Temple Neuf (12th century) is a Romanesque church with a modest exterior but richly decorated interior. Inside this church, you may find a crypt, which dates back to the 10th century.
Eglise Saint-Eucaire
This church founded in the 5th century was originally located outside the city walls, on the Roman road to Mainz. It is dedicated to Saint Eucaire, the first bishop of Trier in the 3rd century. Rebuilt between the 12th and 15th centuries, it encompasses a range of architectural styles from Romanesque art to Flamboyant Gothic. A sturdily built square bell tower, the oldest in Metz, stands at its center. It dates from the second half of the 12th century.
Details of the exterior space of the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, MetzThe Rose Window at the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, Metz.
The cathedral’s foundation was laid in the early 12th century, likely around 1138. The initial structure was built in the Romanesque style, characterized by its rounded arches, thick walls, and heavy ornamentation. In the late 13th century, construction on the cathedral resumed in the Gothic style. This architectural style emerged in northern France and was characterized by its pointed arches, flying buttresses, and large stained glass windows. The Choir (1270-1310): The first major phase of Gothic construction was the choir, completed between 1270 and 1310. The Transept (1310-1330): The transept is the arms of the cathedral that extend from the nave. Its large stained glass windows, including the famous “Tree of Jesse,” depict biblical scenes and religious symbolism. The Nave (1330-1430): The nave is the main body of the cathedral. Construction took place over a century. The nave’s imposing height and light-filled interior create a sense of awe. The West Front (14th century): The cathedral’s west front features three large portals decorated with sculptures and carvings. The Towers (15th century): The two towers that flank the west front were added in the 15th century. They were originally designed to be much taller but were never completed.
Stained Glass Windows by Chagall, Metz
The Renaissance & Baroque:
The Renaissance and Baroque periods brought new artistic styles and influences to Metz. The city’s wealthy merchants commissioned grand residences and public buildings decorated with lavish architectural elements. One of such places is Place Saint-Louis (18th century). It’s a beautiful square surrounded by elegant Baroque buildings, featuring a fountain and a statue of Louis XV.
German Influence:
The 19th century saw Metz become part of the German Empire. Despite the change in sovereignty, the city continued to thrive, and its architecture and culture absorbed the German art styles. The Belle Époque era brought about significant urban development, including the construction of the Porte des Allemands, a grand triumphal arch (1871). A triumphal arch built in a neoclassical style, commemorating the annexation of Metz by Germany. The arch features sculptures of German military figures and allegorical representations of the city. In the 20th century, Metz was heavily damaged during World War II but has since been carefully restored. Contemporary architecture includes building of the Centre Pompidou-Metz (2010). This is a contemporary art museum that features a large, undulating roof that resembles a boat.
Here are a few prominent figures who lived in Metz:
Art museum, Metz, France
Saint Ambrose (339-397): A renowned theologian and Church Father who was born in Metz. He was a key figure in the development of Christian doctrine and served as the Bishop of Milan.
Charles the Great (742-814): The Carolingian king and emperor, who ruled over a vast empire that included Metz. He is considered one of the most influential figures in European history.
Saint Arnould (582-640): The first bishop of Metz, who is credited with founding the city’s first cathedral. He is a patron saint of the city.
Saint Clothilde (475-544): The wife of Clovis I, the first Frankish king to convert to Christianity. She is considered a saint and is associated with the city of Metz.
Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937): The founder of the modern Olympic Games, who was born in Paris but spent much of his childhood in Metz. His family’s roots are deeply connected to the city.
Jean-Marie Le Pen (born 1928): A French politician and the founder of the National Front party. He was born in Metz and spent his early years there.
A close up of a painting, Metz, France. Photo: Veronica Winters
Major Historic Sights in Metz
Saint-Étienne Cathedral: A magnificent Gothic cathedral renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows and elaborate architecture.
Place Saint-Louis: A charming square surrounded by 18th-century buildings, featuring a fountain and a statue of Louis XV.
Porte des Allemands: A triumphal arch built to commemorate the annexation of Metz by Germany in 1871.
Centre Pompidou-Metz: A contemporary art museum designed by Shigeru Ban, Jean de Gastines, and Philip Gumuchdjian.
Temple Neuf: A Protestant church built in the 12th century, featuring beautiful Romanesque architecture.
Musée de la Cour d’Or: A museum dedicated to the history and archaeology of the region.
Arsenal: A former military arsenal converted into a cultural center, hosting exhibitions and events.
Opera House
Metz’s possesses truly inspiring architectural blend of churches and buildings set against beautiful, clean streets, fountains and summer flowers. If you’re seeking to explore the history and diversity of France, this town is one of such charming places in France.
Metz art museum, a small painting by Sargent.Visit the art shop now!
I’ve been using Instagram for several years to see it change and evolve. I spent hundreds of dollars on Instagram courses claiming to help me build the audience. While I don’t have a crazy following like so many artists out there, I did learn a thing or two about it with lots of sweat and tears. In 2022, I decided to share some simple truths about the social platform that you can apply to your account today to see some growth and hopefully cut on the frustration Instagram can give us. I updated it in 2024.
Overall, I like Instagram for art. It’s my favorite social network mainly because it’s so visual and easy to present art and connect with others in the art community and beyond. Perfect for us – artists because it’s still free! I must say that there are plenty of couches who claim to grow your account if you “follow their steps and strategies”. While it could work for them, it doesn’t mean it will work for you because you’re a different person with different art, ideas, and presentation. I saw couches that simply lied promising growth, and selling their silly programs. This is not me being negative about others, rather be mindful of all of this as you work on your account’s growth. Observe, what other top art accounts are doing now to incorporate their strategies into yours. Also, the reach has declined on Instagram tremendously (remember, the Facebook pages? Same idea) so please don’t think that it’s just you doing something wrong.
This video became viral on YouTube, but I didn’t do anything special or different from my other reels on YouTube. I think sometimes it’s really just luck.
All artists need strong art, presentation, and following. Social media is yet another place to network with people. Artists need to be seen both online and off-line. So artists must have a business card in different formats to reach various groups of collectors, professionals, and alike.
How to fix Instagram’s storage space
This is one of the major problems I often have with Instagram and other apps like Spotify. At some point, my Instagram takes up all the space on my half-empty Android phone! The size of the app gets bigger and bigger despite my limited use of the app. So, I tried different things to share what works for me.
You must remember your account name and password before you do the reset! After that,
Open the Settings tab on your phone. Click on Apps —All Apps—and you’ll see a list of all your installed apps. Pick Instagram (or Spotify or any other app you want to downsize).
Click on Instagram app—Storage & Cache–‘Clear cache’ first & click on ‘Clear Storage’. It will ask you ‘Delete app data?’ Click ‘Delete’.
This action will reset the app and recover the storage space on your phone. You must open the Instagram app to enter your login information again to use it.
Why you need to be on Instagram
Every art professional, gallery owner, curator, artist, and art writer is on Instagram. You can connect to or reach out to people in a very informal way. Something that was totally impossible to accomplish a few years ago!
If you have no website, no worries! Art professionals check your Instagram account first, and your website second!! You can host your art portfolio on Instagram for free.
You expose your art to new audiences every day, showing your inspiration and behind-the-scenes footage. In other words, you find your audience, opportunities, and art collectors on Instagram.
How to use Instagram effectively
The name of your account must include your artist’s name. If it’s taken, expand on it some more by adding art/painting/sculpture, etc. The word that describes your expertise the best.
Treat your Instagram account like your portfolio. This means deleting photos showing what you ate or where you bathed. Think of it as your professional portfolio with the best images of your artwork available to sample. People are very quick to judge. So when they get to your account, they must see the consistency in style and theme.
Include yourself in some of the shots. My photos perform a lot better when I’m standing next to my painting or I’m painting… This is important and makes IG different from regular, clean product photography. People want to connect to real artists, not just our artwork. Let them see your art, studio, and the creative process! We’re always very interested in the process of making something (hint: make short videos and reels. More on that later).
Show your WIP shots in a carousel, placing your finished piece first. Shots of art with supplies in them work well. I think that you can experiment with wip shots in a video format since the reach is declining quickly, posting photos only.
Use description space to write a story about your process and art. How did it come together? What challenges did you have? Focus on inspiration, rather than art supplies. Although sometimes it can work as well.
Follow your favorite artists, curators, and art brands on IG. Leave meaningful comments to engage and befriend them like you befriend people in real life… This is a long-term strategy. You can’t expect to see them liking or engaging with you, but there is a chance that you can develop a meaningful connection this way. Don’t pressure people to like you. It’s annoying. Rather try to connect to someone you admire or like… I recommend doing this with people whom you love as a fan.
Use dm’s to connect with people as well. There are no rules here. Don’t be obnoxious but think how you can be helpful or inspiring to others.
Beware of spam!Don’t respond to messages stating they can help you grow your account for a certain amount of $$ you spend with them. Also, there are big art accounts out there as well that promote you for $25-100 per post. Most of these accounts are scams. Don’t waste your hard-earned money on these strategies. Some take the money and give you a following that disappears in a couple of days or a couple of months. If you see that the engagement is low on big art accounts (500k- million), it means these are not real. Some large, legit aggregate accounts post the best artists on their feeds. Most of the time, posting on their feed is not free, while the best artists can get a free post, which translates to considerable following to the artist’s account. I think the best strategy with big accounts is to use their branded hashtag, so when they look for art, they can spot your video or image. I think that this strategy is about to die off completely… You can read about a whole list of scams I’ve received, here: https://veronicasart.com/top-scams-to-avoid-on-instagram-other-social-platforms/
Your Instagram account will grow not only because of your daily engagement with other users but also because of what you do outside of Instagram. This is important. You have to be social and proactive showing your art and personality elsewhere and the Instagram following becomes a byproduct of your main publicity efforts that include art shows, publications, guest posting on big sites, and podcasts…
Getting shares with reels is the most important factor right now. It’s not likes, it’s shares.
Reels
Your Instagram account won’t grow by posting pictures only these days. So posting reels is a must! Look at suggested art reels to understand what becomes viral. Oftentimes, it’s not the beauty of a painting, rather it’s about tape peeling or varnishing videos… Most videos are entertaining, not educational these days…
This is the only viral reel I had on Instagram, although there were a few others that were high in views as well.
Reels. Yes, you have to deal with them. All my courses went out of the window because Instagram is having a new tantrum (strategy) in place. Have you noticed a decline in reach when you just post a photo? Instagram wants to become a video app to compete with TikTok. (I’m rolling my eyes here:))
My top tip on reels is to treat it as a very short demo of your drawing/painting process that’s super entertaining. The first 3 seconds of your vertical video are very important. I’ve experimented with reels quite a lot to understand what does and doesn’t work. My actual painting/drawing reels used to do well and now they don’t.
Posting time matters but not to the extent as the quality of your reel. Show mini-tutorials and behind-the-scenes that are snappy and unusual. As Instagram often shows you top reels in your feed, study them for inspiration and ideas. There must be a reason why it’s performing so well.
Frequency. In my experience, posting reels every day doesn’t do much for my account growth. I did test this for many months. It seems that the second reel would get less reach and interaction and sometimes it performs just as badly as a regular photo post. Play with your reels and timing to see if it’s the same for you or different. Let me know how it goes! https://www.instagram.com/veronicawintersart/
The immediate post engagement is very important for your reel to rank well. So reply to your comments instantly. Don’t delay.
keep reels under 30 sec.
Post the BEST content.
Tip: Click on three stripes button located at the top right corner and go to your settings and then click on' upload at the highest quality' to upload your reels with max quality. If you have the creator account, you can also see Insights to understand how your videos perform.
Hashtags are still important. However, not all hashtags are good for your business. Pick the relevant ones to your artistic practice. Avoid using large hashtags that have over 500k posts with them. The reason is that if your account is small, your chance of being seen with a big hashtag is a fraction of a second. If you do your research and pick medium-size hashtags in your niche, you increase your chances to be noticed.
Facebook
What about Facebook, you may ask? I think it can be a powerful platform that has a different, much older demographic. Due to some privacy changes, a lot of targeting is gone. Many people have Facebook accounts they haven’t used for months, if not years. There seems to be no algorithm showing your stuff.. However, you’ve got to understand where your customers are, and what platform they prefer to engage on, so you spend more time there. I think Facebook groups can be useful to build friendships, which is not possible on IG. I hope it’s helpful.
In conclusion:
To wrap up, pick one platform to be active on, almost every day. Be professional by posting your art, inspiration, and story. Don’t obsess with the numbers, rather build real relationships with people who follow you and find inspiration and opportunities by being present and social there. Respond to your fans. Add location to posts and reels. Tag yourself in reels. If you make your audio, name it. I don’t do it because I don’t do well speaking, but it might work for you. Enable ‘Upload at highest quality.’ Enable close captions. Enable “recommend on Facebook.” Post the BEST video and post a call to action in every post!
As I’m honest, I think that competition is increasing tenfold in terms of content production. Ads take up most of the space, and if it’s going to continue like that, we will eventually get another Facebook called Instagram with lots of empty accounts… Ads will be more expensive and will take even more space, but all we can do is stay positive, mindful, and helpful. We can work on trying to make a viral reel or connecting to an art collector who loves our work despite all these factors. I know, it can be hard at times, but I think people go on Instagram and some other social platforms for inspiration and entertainment as a way to relax from daily stress and work. Therefore, try to post positive and fun content to stay afloat in this busy world of social media!
We all know that the reach on Instagram has declined tremendously. While I think that the golden days of Instagram are over, there are many things you can tweak on your art account to receive more views and followers. I include many tips that you would normally pay for in a course but I decided to make the majority of information available for free on my blog and YouTube. I’d appreciate it if you rate this podcast on Apple and Spotify. Links are below. Thank you!
