From Likes to Authenticity: Rethinking Social Media as an Artist Entrepreneur

In this post, I wanted to share my evolving perspective on social media, especially as it relates to my journey of getting back into art. Lately, I’ve noticed that social media seems increasingly focused on going viral and becoming a prominent content creator or influencer. Much of the discourse revolves around making money, overshadowing the actual social interactions that these platforms were originally designed to foster.

Too often, content is created purely for "engagement"—that elusive metric of likes and comments—rather than genuine connection with followers. It feels like a race to rack up numbers instead of nurturing meaningful conversations. We see countless examples of people doing outrageous things simply to capture attention and chase virality, which I think reflects a larger societal issue. While I might not fully grasp the nuances of late-stage capitalism, I sense its related to it. Many individuals, facing financial challenges, see social media as a potential escape route, believing that becoming an influencer is their best shot at a better life.

To be fair, there are success stories. We’ve witnessed many people achieve financial growth through social media, and that’s great. However, I long for a different kind of content—where people engage in activities they genuinely enjoy, without being tethered to the pressures of an algorithm. I want to see joy in creativity, not just efforts aimed at garnering likes.

While social media can certainly be a lifeline for those in financial distress, I believe there are other paths to success that prioritize authenticity. For a long time, I thought there was a formula for succeeding online. I meticulously took notes on everything I “needed” to do for a successful online presence. The advice I consumed suggested I post a certain number of times each week, at specific times of day, and I even created a grid outlining various types of posts. It all revolved around the algorithm, and I soon realized I was trying to beat a system that is ultimately beyond my control.

Instagram, which was designed to showcase what you’re doing in the moment, has transformed into a platform where aspiring entrepreneurs curate polished posts, often scheduling them in advance using external tools. While this structure seemed appealing initially, it left me feeling empty. I craved real-world experiences and creative exploration, but many online sources don’t emphasize that aspect. It’s astonishing how many articles focus on creating multiple content types from a single piece of art or tips for gaining subscribers, presenting a methodical approach that can feel stifling.

Don’t get me wrong—those tips can be helpful when you're out of ideas, but they shouldn't be the main priority. Getting outside and creating should come first, rather than producing content solely to satisfy an ever-changing algorithm. This shift in mindset was transformative for me. I realized I was so caught up in technicalities that I was losing sight of the actual creation process. If I'm actively creating something, I can simply share it, rather than stressing over what I "need" to post.

So, my main message is to get more social—both in person and on social media. People need to see and connect with you in order to support your work, whether that’s buying art or engaging in other meaningful ways. The social element is crucial. While you can structure your online presence, nothing compares to the visibility you gain by being out in the world. If people don’t know you exist, they can’t support you.

Additionally, I’ve learned that it’s important not to view every interaction as a potential sale. That mindset can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Instead, focus on your passion—making art. The art will sell when the time is right. Prioritize social connections and creativity; don’t stress about sales. You can’t control that, and you certainly don’t have to conform to rigid formulas. Engagement should be your focus, and by fostering genuine connections, the rest will follow.

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