Artists use social media to self promote

Written by: Casandra Malynowskyj

 

For many artists, social media has become one of the main platforms for self promotion.

Social media is becoming a place for artists to syndicate their content, create a brand and give access to their target audience. According to the Social Media Examiner, 92 per cent of all marketers indicated that their social media efforts have generated more exposure for their businesses.

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram are at the peak of their popularity and taking the internet and marketing by storm, according to author and social media analyst Jeff Bullas.

Liam Higgins, a 21-year-old photographer and cinematographer said social media has greatly benefitted him.

“I started using social media as a platform for my art around a year and a half ago,” said Higgins. “Facebook and LinkedIn would definitely be the greatest tools I see for advertising myself because not only does it showcase it on a broader scale using Facebook, but LinkedIn allows me to showcase my work particularly to potential employers and those who’re interested in working on a more professional format.”

For some, Instagram is having the biggest impact on their work. 25-year-old local photographer and owner of Zeebrah Media Ryan Brough said Instagram has been the best social media platform for advertising and himself and his work.

“If you’re a creative artist or photographer or anything visual and you’re between the ages of 16 to 28, I believe Instagram would be your best bet,” Brough said. “I was lucky enough to have a international touring artist, such as Lights, reblog one of my photos on her Instagram. Just by tagging her in my photo she saw it and posted it on her account of 429,000 followers.”

Paul Black, a 16-year-old artist from Assumption College Catholic high school, who primarily uses Instagram to showcase his artwork, said he uses the photo-sharing network to gain more recognition and support.

“I have been able to create a sort of portfolio of my works and it is great because you can apply tags to each individual post in order to ensure that your work will be seen,” said Black. “It has been very beneficial for my experience, as an artist, I have been able to network with other artists both locally and abroad.”

Networking and interacting with other artists is very important to someone like Black, and Instagram has provided him with that ability.

“I have received mostly positive feedback, and my fellow artists often comment with constructive criticism, allowing me to improve even more so. This has been very helpful for me because it allows me to see other artist’s opinions, which I value greatly.”

Popular social media platforms are expanding constantly, and for artists looking to branch out and create a name for themselves, their greatest tool at hand, besides their talent, is the world of social media.