Harnessing social media for artist branding

Introduction

In today's digital age, leveraging social media for marketing and branding is a necessity for artists. Social media platforms offer unparalleled opportunities to reach a global audience, showcase your work, and build a personal brand. In this blog, we'll delve into the importance of social media marketing for artists, explain what social media should and shouldn't be used for, and highlight the best platforms for building your online presence.

Why is social media marketing important for artists?

Increased Visibility and Reach

Social media provides artists with access to a global audience. Whether you're an emerging artist or an established name, social media allows you to showcase your art to a diverse range of demographics. The potential to reach people from different cultural backgrounds and geographic locations can greatly enhance visibility, helping you establish a more inclusive and expansive follower base.

Building an Online Presence/Personal Brand

Social media is crucial for establishing a unique artist identity. Consistent branding across multiple platforms ensures that your style and message are easily identifiable. This consistency helps you gain traction and builds credibility among your audience. For example, using your logo, color scheme, or unique hashtags consistently across platforms helps establish a strong personal brand.

Growing Your Network

Connecting with other artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts has never been easier, thanks to social media. These platforms provide an avenue to effectively expand your reach and discover new opportunities by joining digital art communities and engaging with like-minded individuals.

Discover Opportunities

Utilizing social media can get you noticed by galleries, curators, and potential collaborators. This visibility can open doors to exhibitions, partnerships, and sales opportunities. Artists like Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami have leveraged social media to promote their work and attract a diverse following, leading to significant professional opportunities.

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@cjred?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">CJ Dayrit</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-walking-through-downstairs-xX2aYSBsyKo?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>

What should I be posting? How do I get the most out of my account?

Showcasing Your Work

One of the primary uses of social media for artists is to post your art. Platforms like Instagram and DeviantArt are perfect for sharing high-quality images of your work and offering a glimpse into your creative process through features like Stories and Reels.

Engaging with Your Audience

Building a following and creating connections with your audience is essential. Responding to comments and engaging in discussions not only increases your visibility but also helps build a loyal community.

Connecting with Other Artists

Be active within in the art community. Following other artists, art enthusiasts, and galleries can significantly enhance your artistic career. Leave comments, start conversations, and show love to art shared by others. Social media enables artists to share techniques, insights, and opportunities, making it a valuable networking tool.

Avoid Direct Selling

While social media is excellent for building awareness and driving traffic, it should not be used as a direct sales platform. For instance, trying to sell art directly through Instagram can come off as too commercial and may alienate followers. Also, trying to sell through private messages has the potential to attract more scammers. Instead, use the bio on your profile to guide users to your website or online store, where the purchasing process can be more professionally managed.

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@alexbemore?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Alexander Shatov</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/blue-red-and-green-letters-illustration-mr4JG4SYOF8?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>

Which platforms should I join?

Instagram for Artists

Instagram is a visual-centric platform that's ideal for artists. Its features, like Stories and Reels, allow artists to showcase their process and finished works in engaging ways.

For an effective Instagram strategy:

Profile Picture: If you want a more professional, business-like feel for your art account, use an image of your artwork. If you’re looking for a down-to-earth appearance, you can use a personal photo or headshot instead.
Bio: Include mentions of any awards or recognitions you've received to boost your credibility. Make sure to add a link to your own website or other social media accounts to let visitors know where else they can find you.
Stories: Share personal and studio-related content to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Posts: Maintain a consistent theme or aesthetic with diverse content. Use brief, insightful captions and relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.

Twitter for Artists

Twitter allows for real-time engagement through art-related hashtags and discussions, making it an excellent platform for artists looking to interact more dynamically.

For a successful Twitter presence:

Bio: Make it purposeful and filled with character. Use relevant hashtags and emojis to express your personality.
Profile Picture: Ensure it has a friendly and approachable feel.
Posts: Share frequent, high-quality pictures and use emojis and hashtags to increase engagement.
Engagement: Repost other artists’ works and respond to comments to build a strong community.

In addition to Instagram and Twitter, consider checking out sites such as DeviantArt and Cara.app. These sites are specifically catered to posting artwork. DeviantArt is a massive art platform that has been around since 2000. With over 90 million registered users worldwide, a DeviantArt account allows you to engage with a massive community, connect with artists online, and receive plenty of feedback. Cara.app is a much newer social and portfolio platform, quickly rising in popularity for its strict anti-AI scraping policies. Many artists have flocked to Cara.app since they see it as a safe space for artists to share their work without the fear of unauthorized use.

How do I get started?

Consistency is critical to building an online presence. Regular posting and maintaining a consistent theme ensure your audience knows what to expect from you. Authentic engagement is also crucial—respond to comments and participate in discussions actively. Always use high-quality images to showcase your work in the best light. Leveraging hashtags can enhance your discoverability, making it easier for new fans to find you.

Lastly, always link to your portfolio or online store to drive social media traffic to a professional platform where interested buyers can explore and purchase your work.

Conclusion

From increased visibility and building a personal brand to discovering new opportunities and growing your network, social media is an invaluable tool in the modern artist's toolkit. Start building and strategically leveraging your social media platforms today to enhance your artistic career.

Love watching TikTok or Instagram reels? Interested in video marketing? For more on building your online presence as an artist through short-form videos, check out this article: Brand Yourself As An Artist Through Video Marketing.