On my previous blog, “Where are we Going?” I talked about dropping out for a while and not spending time “doing social media”. A facebook friend Tamara Ann Burgh wrote, “how did you feel dropping out? Relieved? Negligent? Productive artistically? How do you feel about coming back?”. These are great questions,Tamara,and I did feel relieved. The pressure of doing social media is getting almost too much. As far as being productive artistically, that is more about the discipline of being in the studio doing something most days. Otherwise, anything and everything can throw you off your stride.
I question the word “social” in media because I’m of the opinion that a phone call can reveal more about a person than a few sentences in twitter and facebook. The media is coming at us so fast you really have to discern where you want to spend your time. It’s easy to write a few words and think that is doing your marketing for you. I would like to know how everyone else is doing and if the “social media” is doing it’s job? Please comment.
Acrylic Abstract Art 
Hey Lori! Great blog! Personally, I love social media because I’ve never really been comfortable with phone calls and rarely see people other than in my small social circle. I feel that social media has helped me get to know other artists and they guide me without even knowing it. I’ve had a few gallery contacts and reps assist me in certain directions. I also use it for research on other pointillists (Facebook & Twitter)and am encouraging those artists that don’t do SM to give one or both a try. LinkedIn is great because I can see who is checking my profile and followup if appropriate. It’s wonderful to see people from other countries who are interested in my art.
So, I guess my focus with SM is direction and encouragement.
Everyone’s different. I can totally understand how computers can drain you. I have to watch myself! I’m glad you are gaining more insight into what works best for you and your art. Go for it!
Hi Denise, Thanks for your comments! I do like LinkedIn but I think I signed up for too many groups. Glad it is doing what you want it to do. Hope to talk to you soon.
I agree. Once you start your day on the computer it’s hard to get into an artist mood. I’m hopping that doesn’t happen to me today :). But I do think you hit the nail right on the head.
Aj
Hi Arliss, Are you doing more artwork?
Hi Lori ~
I’ve been reading a number of artist blogger’s comments about the whole social media thing. I’m not sure what the right answer is. From my personal experience, I find that I have made some valuable friendships with other artists from Facebook and blogging. However, the foundation for some of those friendships, that has continued to evolve through FB and blogs, started in another forum called ArtScuttlebutt, part of Art Calendar magazine. I can’t tell you how I found it, but I became a member and wondered how well I would be received there because I was primarily a glass artist at the time. Scuttlebutt has a lot of painters. To my delight, I have made many friends there, received lots of great suggestions on where to submit my work to galleries & shows, what they like, etc. I think that was my springboard into social media and scuttlebutt members have probably done more for me than any other networking resource. Joining is free, you can set up a profile, upload your work, etc. The url is http://www.artscuttlebutt.com/ My user id is kkrucoff if you’d like to look at what I have out there.
Another problem with all of this, as you have pointed out, is the time drain created by being online and trying to keep up with all of these outlets. I have cut back because I work full time at a day job and then attempt to work full time (not quite 40 hours) at my art in addition to the responsibilities I have with my home life… loving husband, 3 delightful basset hounds, a house, etc. Something has to give and the easiest area I find is to cut back on the computer time. I’ll keep my website as up to date as I can because that is my virtual storefront, gallery, portfolio. I enjoy my blogs as they help me to condense my thoughts about my work and document the process/evolution of my work. I do enjoy the interactions I have with my online friends, like you and others who I admire. In 2010, I will be more judicious with my online time. I have to be.
Didn’t mean to write a book here; just wanted to convey some of my experiences over the past two years in this social media world. Wishing you continued success in 2010 and this new decade! 🙂
Hi Kathleen, I really like what you said. Thanks.
I have to agree with the amount of time I was spending on social media has been draining to me. It too was a learning experience to manage my time better and focus on creating and being:)I am social by nature and I have made some wonderful contacts out there who are supportive of myself and my work! The sharing and mutual appreciation is wonderful.
Now time for me to get back to work:)
Great blog Lori Thank you for the connection.
Liza
Thanks Liza! We keep meeting on Linked in and Manhattan Arts. Glad to know you.
Hi Lori,
Good subject as always. I spent most time on LinkedIn, for professional networking. I prefer it because there is less chatter. I try to limit the amount of time and pressure I place on myself to respond to so many messages I receive. I also reach out often and set up telephone chats to become better acquainted with some fellow members. As a result I have learned so much and met amazing people with whom I am building more rewarding relationships. The Manhattan Arts International group on LinkedIn is my favorite place to be.
On another subject, Lori, I’d like you to be a partner on the Healing Power of Art mission. It’s free and by invitation. http://www.manhattanarts.com/Gallery/HealingPowerofArt_2010/HealingPartners.htm
Hugs and best wishes,
Renee
Renee, Thank you for your support of social media. It is fun and it is relationship building, which is such a boost for us all. You do such a great job in keeping in contact and building the artist commuity up. ManhattanArts.com is a great place to get great advice from Renee’s books and articles and art coaching also. I’d be honored to be a partner4healing.blogspot.com LOL Lori
Lori,
You pose a great question. I am not technically savvy, so I find I spend far too much time dealing with how to do things rather than just doing them. I believe what has happened with me is I have gotten involved with groups, then become overwhelmed with some of them. My life is a crazy one that moves my family around the globe a lot and that is good for keeping my art exciting as well as my life…I truly love it. The issue is I never put down physical roots which isn’t the greatest thing for an artist, so I have learned to rely on technology to create my network. I tend to work in spurts on the computer, however I much prefer the studio. Does the social networking do it’s job? I, too, have made some great friends!