I got off of IG in 2020 for many of the reasons you shared. I missed out on a lot of connecting but I know I wasn’t in a place mentally or emotionally to navigate the platform.
This topic really intrigues me, because I’ve recently revved up a new Instagram for the first time in years. The distance made it possible for me to see it in a new light (as John Mayer would say). It fulfills me creatively for the first time ever.
I loudly cheer on other writers and artists in their comments and find joy in that. I post unusual things straight from the wacky corner of my mind, unaware of what’s popular or marketable at the moment. It’s with real intention and connection that I post, reply, and comment.
Lately I’ve made writing friends for the first time by simply dming people I’ve followed for a while and ending up in lengthy conversations. It’s kind of working like it’s supposed to? THIS IS WEIRD!
I found the story of your art journey very inspiring! I also enjoyed going through your links to read what you were doing/thinking at that point in time. Thank you!
I have a similar relationship to Instagram. I go through phases where I post several times a week, where I make reels and lots of stories. I find myself completely ditching my main feed because it feels too permanent. I greatly prefer sharing my doodles and sketches in stories. But even then, I haven't posted much at ALL in the past several months because I haven't been drawing as much. I was feeling too much pressure to perform and grow my account so I can become a paid illustrator someday, to the point where I just....stopped. I'm now drawing in my sketchbook from time to time in a way more relaxed manner, just for me, and I'm enjoying it so much more.
I completely relate! And you've made the right call. It's so important to step back when the joy isn't there anymore to reevaluate and see how we can reconnect to our art and keep going.
Interesting! My history with IG was a beginning of artsy family photos and being excited to have a camera in my pocket all the time to eventually becoming the place I shared my illustration work. Just about when I hit 10k followers, they swapped out the algorithm to be more what it is today, my reach evaporated and I started a Substack and post on Bluesky. I hate bending myself into pretzels to reach people who like my stuff and just want community.
For sure! It's sad how hard they make it, especially with the removal of seeing recent posts on hashtags. That was such a useful way for new artists to discover each other.
I truly love the honesty of this post, and I feel that many creatives nowadays can relate to what you experienced.
Thank you Chiara 💛 I'm relieved to hear it!
This was an awesome rundown Carolyn!
I got off of IG in 2020 for many of the reasons you shared. I missed out on a lot of connecting but I know I wasn’t in a place mentally or emotionally to navigate the platform.
It's tough Jamal! And I respect your decision to turn off likes on your own newsletter posts. Whatever helps us to keep creating is the best choice :)
This topic really intrigues me, because I’ve recently revved up a new Instagram for the first time in years. The distance made it possible for me to see it in a new light (as John Mayer would say). It fulfills me creatively for the first time ever.
I loudly cheer on other writers and artists in their comments and find joy in that. I post unusual things straight from the wacky corner of my mind, unaware of what’s popular or marketable at the moment. It’s with real intention and connection that I post, reply, and comment.
Lately I’ve made writing friends for the first time by simply dming people I’ve followed for a while and ending up in lengthy conversations. It’s kind of working like it’s supposed to? THIS IS WEIRD!
I love this and I love the vibes of your Instagram! It really seems entirely for you and others are invited in, but it's not made "for" them <3
Thank you so much!! You’re so sweet. Yes the idea of crafting for creation’s sake and not for any reception is something I hold dear to my heart.
Thank you as always for some stellar creative commentary. You’re awesome!
Thanks so much Ally!
I found the story of your art journey very inspiring! I also enjoyed going through your links to read what you were doing/thinking at that point in time. Thank you!
Thank you Denise! Glad the link spelunking can provide some inspo :)
I have a similar relationship to Instagram. I go through phases where I post several times a week, where I make reels and lots of stories. I find myself completely ditching my main feed because it feels too permanent. I greatly prefer sharing my doodles and sketches in stories. But even then, I haven't posted much at ALL in the past several months because I haven't been drawing as much. I was feeling too much pressure to perform and grow my account so I can become a paid illustrator someday, to the point where I just....stopped. I'm now drawing in my sketchbook from time to time in a way more relaxed manner, just for me, and I'm enjoying it so much more.
I completely relate! And you've made the right call. It's so important to step back when the joy isn't there anymore to reevaluate and see how we can reconnect to our art and keep going.
Interesting! My history with IG was a beginning of artsy family photos and being excited to have a camera in my pocket all the time to eventually becoming the place I shared my illustration work. Just about when I hit 10k followers, they swapped out the algorithm to be more what it is today, my reach evaporated and I started a Substack and post on Bluesky. I hate bending myself into pretzels to reach people who like my stuff and just want community.
For sure! It's sad how hard they make it, especially with the removal of seeing recent posts on hashtags. That was such a useful way for new artists to discover each other.