I’m sharing some insightful podcasts I’ve found useful this week. Plus, my groundbreaking social media marketing tip for artists and creatives. It’s totally free, incredibly simple and brings amazing results 
Read on….
The Tara Brach Podcast Episode “Trusting Your Basic Goodness, Part 2”.
On one of my daily walks I was listening to this talk and meditation podcast with Psychologist and Meditation Teacher, Tara Brach, who reminded me of this saying:
Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved – Søren Kierkegaard
This was a bit of an aha moment for me, specifically after my Instagram #Instaglum frustrations last week which has affected my creative business recently. I feel its principles can be applied to so many facets of our lives, including our creative businesses.
This quote reminded me that instead of fighting and feeling frustrated, it’s far healthier to treat my creative journey as an unfolding mystery we can embrace. The process of learning and discovery is far more exciting and motivating than looking at situations as purely a problem-solving exercise.
Taking my Instagram issue as an example. Instead of trying to solve the problem of Instagram being a bit crap, let’s experiment with more creative posts for a change. Or rather than looking at stats and analytics of our shops and websites, wondering why we’re not selling our stuff, let’s create something lovely to share on social media to simply inspire potential customers.
OK so this is a bit simplistic. But doesn’t the term ‘problem-solving’ feel so negative? Instead, ‘uncovering the mystery of life’, well, that just sounds a lot more sexy right?!
2. Soulful PR podcast with guest Emily Quinton.
Emily was chatting with Janet Murray about how to build a community online, her journey from wedding photographer to the growth of the successful Makelight community with her husband Stef. She made some very valid points which are particularly useful for creative businesses out there. So much so, when the podcast ended, I found myself giving it a little clap.
Emily made some very valid points which are particularly useful for creative businesses out there.
It’s easy to feel our social media efforts are pointless and give up. No-one buys, responds. We put our posts and pictures out there. But it’s just crickets.
Emily reminds us that people may not be ready to buy from us immediately. However, by showing up regularly, one day they will be ready for our creative messages and products. It can take on average, 7 touch points before someone decides to buy. Keep posting, keep sharing.
She also spoke about how she enjoys seeing people making their products and watching the process. It’s fascinating and helps us all get to know the person behind the art.
Put simply I feel, as creatives, if we show up and share regularly, showing our audiences our process along the way, our sketchbook of thoughts, our daily rituals, social media will be successful and work for our creative businesses. It just takes time. There’s really no such thing as an overnight success.
Social Media Marketing Tips for Artists & Creatives
So here it is…my simple social media marketing tip for creatives, artists, makers, doers:
Show up & share…regularly. That’s it.
Yes, we need to present ourselves well on social media. Make our feeds looks pretty. Communicate what we’re up to coherently. But social media really isn’t rocket science. Just show up and share, every day if you can. If you can’t, don’t stress!
As artist and creatives, it’s much more important that we focus on our creativity. Making, painting, writing, drawing, singing, playing.
Take a look at Todd Brison’s YouTube video “The Artist & The Businessman” if you missed this recommendation in my last post.
I’ve made the mistake of treating my creative business like an ‘everyday’ business. Becoming obsessed with social media, email lists, blogging and now vlogging, because that is what I ‘should’ be doing. (I must add I really genuinely enjoy this stuff. ) However, I’ve neglected time to be creative. I went two weeks without picking up my drawing pencil. C’mon Georgie. How can you be an artist who doesn’t make any art?!
The more I think about it, the more I feel that social media marketing and general marketing for artists and creatives is a special niche all of its own. Because we need to carve out time for our creativity.
Are you a creative who struggles to find a balance between promoting yourself particularly online whilst being creative. Like me, perhaps you have the added pressure of a family or another job to go to? I’d love to hear your thoughts and how you manage your time.
And Finally
I won’t be vlogging Illustration Life this week. I’m creating a video for something else that I’ll be sharing later on.
I soooo underestimated the time it would take to create just one vlog! Therefore I’m re-aiming my YouTube goals to create 1 vlog/video a week on any subject. Not because I have to – but because it’s a mysterious process I enjoy learning!
Have an inspired day
Georgie x
Catch up with my creative business journey in the Illustration Life series.
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The post Illustration Life #38: Social Media for Artists & Creatives appeared first on Georgie St Clair.