#thread To be a 'creative' these days is a funny thing (I hate the term 'creative'). As a photographer, artist, or whatever, there is an elusive but potentially limitless audience to pursue on social media. It's the ultimate Thatcherite concept of connection.
Surely, who has the most likes and shares is the 'best'? The 'biggest'? Having the most 'followers' equates to the being supreme? No. It doesn't mean that. Nothing can be inferred from it. History is littered with great artists who achieved nothing in terms of 'popularity'.
Would Van Gogh have changed his paintings to get more 'likes'? I really hope not. Don't be swayed by the capitalism of chasing a number of likes. It's meaningless. You're the artist; don't dilute your expression of a personal truth to achieve an illusion of popularity.
Stick to themes and techniques that speak to you. Keep going. If you only get 1 like it doesn't matter. The audience is a mirage. And if someone else is getting attention it doesn't mean their work is 'better'. It's just different.
If something of yours becomes popular, don't try and repeat it to maintain that popularity. Stick to a PERSONAL, SUBJECTIVE truth. Art is made by a unit of one, not by committee. No great art has ever been made with an audience or popularity in mind.
Use Twitter and Instagram to communicate with like minded others, to form a community, and to create a discourse. It's great for that. Seek constructive criticism from those you trust. Don't bother with the rest.
