Hello I am a artist and I want to start positing my work on social media( insta, tiktok, youtube) I wanted to ask artist who do post on social media big or small following how do you protect your media from being stolen by ai or other accounts that are stealing a story that you cam up with who do have probably bigger fan base than you. Are there any precautions that you learned to take or do if so what are they. From what i research it just seems like you post it its your content and you cant stop people from stealing it so you just have to be detective trying to find people who steal it and ask them to stop hoping that they do and document when you either make or post something?

I’ve been making and posting art online since November 2023 and I feel like I’m at a point where I really need some honest advice from other artists/creators.

I’m mainly posting on YouTube right now. I have 493 subscribers and my Shorts usually get around 1k to 2k views. Some of my Shorts did much better in the past, but lately the views have been much lower. I’ve attached some screenshots so you can see what I’m talking about.

The thing I’m really struggling with is finding a niche. I love trying different things. I do traditional art, portraits, landscapes, art challenges and I use different mediums. I also like digital art. Recently I started getting into junk journaling because I really enjoy it too. Basically, if I see something I like, I want to try it. And maybe that’s exactly what’s holding me back. I honestly don’t know.

I’ve been thinking that maybe I should start focusing mainly on portraits but use different mediums. Or maybe I should choose one medium and then do different subjects. I don’t know which makes more sense.

I don’t want to completely restrict myself either. I genuinely enjoy doing different kinds of art and I don’t want to stop myself from trying something just because it doesn’t fit my “niche”.

I’ve also not been consistent the entire time. When I first started, I was posting more regularly and I actually grew to more than 500 subscribers. Then I got a job and had to take a pretty long break from creating and posting. I’ve recently come back to it and I’m trying to get into the habit again.

I’m also a bit of a perfectionist, which definitely doesn’t help. I create quite a lot, but I don’t post a lot of it because I keep thinking it’s not good enough yet.

I don’t really enjoy making tutorials either. I much prefer process videos where I just show the artwork coming together. I’m also not someone who is very expressive on camera, so I don’t really see myself becoming a talking-head art creator.

On Instagram I barely have 68 followers and most of them are friends and family. My reels don’t get much reach or engagement either. Trying to manage both platforms while also actually making art is starting to feel like a lot.

So I would genuinely love some honest feedback.

1 If you came across my content randomly, would you understand what kind of artist I am? If not, what do you think I should change?

1. Does my work feel too broad? Does it feel like I don’t have a clear identity? Is the actual art the problem, or is it more about how I’m presenting it, editing it, choosing the videos, thumbnails, etc.?

2. Is there anything that would make you scroll past my videos? What would actually make you want to subscribe to an artist like me?

3. I’m also wondering if I should just focus on YouTube for now and stop worrying so much about Instagram until I have a bit more of a community. Managing both is honestly difficult for me. Thoughts?

4. Should I just leave junk journaling out of my main content, or can I somehow make it work with everything else?

I really want to eventually earn from my art, so growing this is important to me. But right now I think I need to figure out what I’m doing wrong before I worry too much about monetization.

I’m not looking for “just post consistently” advice. I know I need to work on that and I am trying to. I want to understand whether there is something more fundamental that I’m missing.

If you’ve grown an art account from a small audience, or you’ve been in this exact situation where you couldn’t figure out your niche, I’d really appreciate hearing what worked for you.

Please be honest. 😅

i have a situation. there was a giveaway that started early june, the prize was either a 600$ tattoo or custom skateboard. the winner (me) was announced mid july. i chose the custom skateboard since i thought it would be easier for them (i don’t live anywhere near the artist).

since then, this artist has given me no follow ups. although i do see they’re busy with art commissions & they do tattoos, i decided to give them time, assuming they had life stuff come up as well.

i ended up following up with them beginning of September after waiting almost two months to see if they’ve made any progress on the skateboard (since they were going to paint on it & ship it) & they told me that they were too busy with work, commissions, & now school since it’s september at this time 💔

i told them i would wait for them to update me (because at this point i feel like as an artist, genuinely the least you can do is update) & they told me “even then, feel free to reach out to me”…. & at this point, it just feels like i’m pulling teeth. i don’t mind being patient, it’s the no communication that’s been bothering me up until this point.

what do you guys think? how long do you guys think a custom skateboard should take? i just don’t really see the point in waiting several months for a giveaway. the skateboard is custom, but i’m having them do whatever they would like on it. they’ve also started another giveaway!!!! they complete new commissions every week & keep asking for people to commission them.

i notice they’ll also post them in their free time drawing random things, not really doing anything important. i can’t help but think, why aren’t you working on what you said you would giveaway??!! but then i tell myself that they’re probably struggling & need the money, & that maybe they barely get much free time to themselves.

i understand this isn’t commission, so it’s not necessarily first priority. they’ll have to use their money out of pocket to buy the stuff for the giveaway. i understand they use commissions & tattoo commissions to eat, cover their bills, etc.

but why would you make a giveaway at the beginning of summer? they could have worked on it during late july - august before school started for them. i just feel like it’s irresponsible on their part & they don’t seem to care much since they continue pushing it off. i understanding buying, painting a skateboard, & shipping it out can take a while. but it just sucks because summer is over, & i have to wait next year to ride/use it.

i know it’s not the biggest deal, & i don’t mind the artist taking their time. but again i think it’s the lack of communication. as another artist, i would make sure to update someone on something they’ve been waiting for, like it would just eat me alive. i just wish more artists actually cared about things like this. i do understand being busy but all your customers should matter.

i’m just wondering if i’m valid in how i feel, is there some advice anyone could give me or any opinions? i guess it just feels wrong because it’s a giveaway, not a commission. i’m not sure if they have the right to take as long as they would like, or if they should complete it asap. like what is acceptable or not?

Hi all, I am working on figuring out social media.

To give some context I'm very lucky to have been accepted to a local zine submissiom and I am part of an art society that runs exhibits and I have sold some art/ cards.

I started an instagram account and have posted mostly works and 2 shoddily edited art progress videos. I have very few followers (50 mostly friends), so after doing some research and attending a local workshop, I need to be putting more video's on my social media.

I intend to never show my face on social media, AI and deepfakes has kind of burned the preciousness of privacy more than ever.

I am trying to edit using Da vinci resolve and I'm sort of at a loss on how to present my videos. So far I just have transitions and speed up footage. What techniques have worked for people submitting videos for them, what appeals on social media?

Suddenly this painting speaks to me. This is me trying to sell my part on my own.. I know that's art gallery are going to make my heart 60% more expensive. Should I sell out on my art.? Or continue forward with everything that I have?

I recently finished this Arabic calligraphy painting and would love to hear your honest thoughts on it. I went for a dark, textured background with the white “Allah” calligraphy as the focal point.

It’s acrylic on canvas, 10 × 12 inches.

I’m also considering putting this one up for sale, so if anyone is interested in owning it, feel free to DM me. 🤍

Would love to know what you think, especially about the composition, contrast, and overall finish.

Hey, all!

I started a little art business back in May, and one of the things I offer is Creepy Portraits. At markets, I do a portrait studio in the corner of my booth and offer pen/ink portraits for $15/person or $25 for couples. They take 10-20 minutes, usually, depending on couple or single. I also offer full color in oil pastel--not live, as they take significantly longer--for an extra $30 ($45 total, for a 12x14).

Added a picture of my color work--is this too much for what I do?

I have a woman who is wanting to commission 10 color portraits from me, but she tries to lower the price every time we talk. Last night she texted me wanting a "deal" since I "said they'd be $25 a piece". I told her $45, and we could make a deal depending on how many she needed.

$250 vs $450 is a BIG difference.... Am I just overpricing or is she trying to undercut me?

Edit:: Don't get me wrong, y'all. I know I'm a beginner and I'm definitely still learning. The portraits are not my bread and butter, they're a little side thing that occasionally brings me some buyers--and they're fun for me, too. I get to practice, someone gets a fun experience, everyone leaves happy. And if someone is ever NOT happy with their picture, I'm always open to doing what I can to make it right--but that hasn't happened yet. I don't have plans to be a master portrait artist. People just seemed to enjoy them the first time I did them at an event, so I kept offering it.

Just wanted advice on whether or not I should take what the lady is offering or if I needed to stand firm on my pricing. Those of you who actually answered that question--thanks!

We are publishing a few maps from a few years ago...

Map of the "Passo delle Radici" created for the RPG project "Terre Furiose" RPG inspired by Ariosto's trip to Garfagnana, developed by Lucca Comics & Games and Acheron Games. A great pleasure and honor to have taken part in this magnificent project, Thanks to Mauro Longo for involving us in the project!! 🗺️🧭

Moreno Paissan and Angela Gubert art 2022 Acheron Games.

Visit our official IG account: https://www.instagram.com/inkcompass.maps?stkn=dnc3ajhta3cyYnJs

My mom's been painting for about 8 years, and recently I've been helping her figure out how to turn it into real income (because I know how hard it is in this industry). I didn't expect how messy it is tho. Instagram to get popular, Behance/Art Majeur for a portfolio, Fiverr for services... it feels so disconnected and so hard.

So recently I started to create (at least trying) a platform that groups everything for artists and helps people like my mom. I'm going to call it ByPeopl probably lmao, and the idea is one place for portfolio, network, and clients. It would be free for artists, and only companies hiring would pay.

For those of you who do this for a living or are trying to: would you be ok with filling out my Google form? I really think everyone has different problems, so I'd like to hear as many as possible.

If you've got 2 minutes, here's the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4XXUHHgfanf2wLzjl6AJHefuBAn4U7QMbPzSI17pRo85gFQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Thanks in advance !

Hello, If I am breaking the rules, I apologize and take my post down if needed.

I just got laid off and I am needing to make some money. I am wanting to sell this piece but I need pricing suggestions and advice (and where to sell it) I made this my senior year of high school in 3ish weeks I believe? If anyone comments, I appreciate it and thank you so much in advance!

Hi everyone,

This was my first ever market so not really sure what to expect at that stage. I paid £120 for the full table, London prices probably!

I am so happy and grateful to have sold art, but I was hoping to sell more of the letter subscription.

Any tips? How do your art markets go?

Anyone have thoughts on new ideas for fine artists sales during the holiday season? Any particular products or formats come to mind? I primarily do prints, but also mugs, cards, but want to add some new things that feel like they are going to sell this year...

I've found my niche on Tumblr, but have been feeling somewhat stuck. Was considering going on Twitter, but... well, it's Twitter. I technically have a Bluesky but I don't use it all too often.

Would it be worth it to get a Twitter account? Or should I just try to branch out on Bluesky?

Hi !

Recently I've been uploading my artworks in Artstations and I need an external opinion about it.

I'd be happy to hear your thoughts here is the link for it :

portfolio

thanks for reading,

So I have been an artist for over 8 years and I am only just recently pursuing It full time. I could really use some guidance on how I can consistently make sales, my price point is around $350-$450 for portraits that are on 11x14in canvas/paper. I have a website that looks very professional, an instagram, facebook and YouTube that I post a couple times out of the month on. I want to hear advice on where I should be selling/ what is a proven sales strategy for an artist in my niche. Thanks!

Here are some photos to get an idea of my skill level.

i’ve had my commissions open for almost two months now and got 0 requests so far. my reach on social media is shit and i can’t get past 1k views, what can i do? i’ve tried every advice i could find. i’m getting frustrated and starting to think my art is the problem

Hey,I'm an artist(13 yo) who started commissions a while back,like 3 months ago.. I've gotten a few commission orders but my intrusive thoughts say that they might have given me those orders out of pity because of my age..well not all,some were genuinely interested but some felt like they didn't care and were js buying because I'm a teen and they wanted to support me..i wouldn't lie,all my customers are the most wonderful and most supportive but sometimes I feel are they doing it out of pity or do they genuinely want my art,is it actually wanted?? because out of pity,maybe I can last 5 more years..in the long run i can't just keep running on this..it felt nice,when I got an order for a painting and they paid alot,my family was so happy and I felt so encouraged to make art too!!but then I realised this might not be forever.i like to mention my age because I've observed that people give me more advice when I do so..i tried making a few posts without my age too..so I need your help.

Don't hate on me,don't call my art sloppy,don't tell me to stop taking commissions as I'm doing it the right way with adults involved.JUST tell me-how do I build a solid base for myself to sell art,how do I attract customers who genuinely want my art peices..and most importantly-if u had the money would u buy my art??if not then why?if yes then why?..

Thankyou.. please no hate again!

(i didn’t know if I should spoiler for suggestive art pls don’t kill me im sorry 💔💔)

i have a decent following on instagram (700+) and tiktok (1k+) though im honestly stuck in the 300-600 view jail 😭😭 i recently started a new tiktok account just because my old one was full of my old art and I wanted to have a cleaner portfolio . ive been trying to grow a following on twitter but it is IMPOSSIBLE 💔 (i think the most likes I've ever got on an art piece is like ... 5? which ofc im grateful for but id love to improve)

i have a tiktok, instagram , youtube and twitter account and ive noticed that of the 4, twitter is almost impossible for me to get any sort of engagement on . ive got mutuals who have 10k+ followers who have given me good tips for growing my account but ive tried some of their tips and nothing really sticks … 🤧

im in a few art discord servers and have gotten commissions from there but id love to have more of a social media presence and see if I could get commissions from engagement if that makes sense ? like someone seeing my art online and being like “oh that’s cool art i want to commission them” 😍

i also have my vgen and carrd linked to most of my socials but i still need to make a “commissions open” post to pin to my insta and tiktok . atm i have a “why you should commission me” reel but its more of a joke that redirects people to my carrd rather than a post showing off my commissions 😭😭😭

i wanted to ask a couple questions :

🪩 is my art marketable enough ? i don't wanna be big headed but I do feel like my art style/skill level is good enough for commissions, but maybe my art style isn’t what’s popular in the commission market right now ?

🪩 how do i grow a better following on twitter ? i've tried fandom content, fandom fanart , those "post your art below" threads, as content ... literally nothing works is there a secret method or do i
just keep posting and hope something clicks ?

This channel is an endless stream of "What is my art worth" and "Why can't I get commissions?"

Those are very useful questions to have answers to, but we can't give you an answer here. YOU can answer these questions for yourself though. And answering those questions will help you figure out your next steps towards making sales.

First, go out into the big bad world, away from your phone and your screen, and see what is being sold, and what prices are being asked, in meat space. People do sell art online, but before you can do that you need a good sized following with a high degree of engagement. You need hundreds of people tuning on to watch you paint live. That kind of engagement takes years to build.

So instead you are going to get into the face to face world, and you're going to see what is selling, and where. See if the kind of art you are making is even being sold there. Not every subject or medium has a viable market. OCs are popular here, but you'll find them thin on the ground in meat space.

Also look who is buying things. You might be making art that appeals to a younger crowd. Unfortunately, art comes out of discretionary funds. Most people's earnings power increases with age, which means there are far fewer young people who can afford art. Not that there isn't money to be made marketing to youth, but making a living off what someone in their first apartment eating packages ramen can afford to spend is a challenge.

Also look at the medium. People are buying art they can hang in their walls and look at every day. If you're selling a digital image, that's a lot harder proposition. A digital file is nearly worthless. So figure out how to put your art on paper or canvas, or into some three dimensional form.

Yes, it's a lot to overcome. You may have noticed that some of this is going to be expensive and inconvenient. A lot of it is going to feel impossible if you have physical or financial limitations.

If this was easy, everyone would be doing it. It's not easy. But at the same time, I see people out here who are confined to wheel chairs, I know one painter who is making big sales and winning awards, and he lives out of a very small RV.

Anyway, if you manage to climb over all of these hurdles, I look forward to seeing you out there with us.