Had Artists Way in mind whilst reading this essay, there's a quote in there by Martha Graham that stuck with me, "and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost."
I think we mistake creating art with creating content.
We are artists, not content creators.
Our focus is to make art, not please an audience or the algorithm.
Art is a form of self-expression, therefore, if you're transforming your art into content, you're denying yourself a way to express your thoughts and feelings.
I feel you on not pleasing an audience or algorithm, but I also feel that content can be art and an authentic form of someone's self-expression. I think they can co-exist or exist separately, and both are valid. So I don't think transforming art into content or creating content that is art, is denying oneself of anything unless it's coming from a completely unauthentic place.
One could ask: "Is art for the artist or for the consumer?"
In my opinion, it is for the artist.
It is a need for expression and communication of feelings that the artist has, that may appeal to consumers or make them relate.
So, if your content is created based upon growth formulas, following trends, or to be more engaging, it becomes more about being a content creator than an artist.
One could also argue if content creation is not also a form of art.
It's an interesting debate. What's your opinion on that?
As someone who has made content to be more engaging and to get as many views as possible, I will say it does take out some of the authenticity and enjoyment from it. So from that perspective there is def a difference between being an artist and a content creator.
But also maybe it can be a spectrum. Because if an artist does want exposure maybe they need a bit of strategy. But also I think and what I feel to be true is strategy doesn’t always matter as much as we think it does.
But I do believe content creation can be a form of art. If just depends on the persons intentions. You can also easily tell when it’s meant to be content vs art. That’s my opinion :)
I just the other day decided to stop trying to "produce content" and stop looking at the numbers on my social media accounts. In my personal life I've more or less quit social media altogether, but for my creative business pursuits I've kept trying to "build a presence" and feeling constantly like a failure. I've read all the advice on the internet on what to post, when, how often, and so on, and tried so hard to fit myself into a mould where I simply don't belong at all. I've now decided to only post if I actually feel like posting, and if that's sometimes once a month and sometimes three times a day, so be it. Maybe people find me, maybe not, but at least I'll be true to myself.
Thank you so much, Erifili! Your writings are so inspiring and have helped me a lot on my journey. “You owe yourself a life well lived” has become like a mantra for me, I say it to myself just about every day and share it with others too. ❤️
This essay found me while I was exactly trying to figure out what to do with my social media. I’m drained because I feel like I’m not able to let my authentic self pass through these mediums, and it feels so difficult to connect with people online. I should probably just rely on me being me
Thanks for the inspiring read. A great reminder of the joy that comes from creating something uniquely yours, even if the algo sends it straight down a black hole. After all, better to get one 'like' from being yourself than a million from replicating someone else, right?
this article gave me my “ahh” moment as to why I always overthink before posting my poems and end up being left paralysed about not having done it! thank you for sharing this, seems my to-read list has gone up by one☺️
It's interesting that one of the first things "personal brand" gurus tell people to do is to basically scroll and see what is working for other people. One the one hand I get it if you need direction. But like you illustrate so clearly here, it normally lead people acting inauthentically and getting no results. I need this reminder though, thanks for posting this. 🧡🧡
Love reading your writing!! It always feels like a natural, authentic conversation between us. Think this piece explains why - you’re being fully yourself, and that makes your thoughts feel incredibly genuine. Keep writing!! 💖
Had Artists Way in mind whilst reading this essay, there's a quote in there by Martha Graham that stuck with me, "and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost."
Loved reading!
omg I took a picture of the same quote in the book :’)
I thought of this exact quote too as I was reading! I have it pinned on the wall above my desk as a reminder to myself.
I think we mistake creating art with creating content.
We are artists, not content creators.
Our focus is to make art, not please an audience or the algorithm.
Art is a form of self-expression, therefore, if you're transforming your art into content, you're denying yourself a way to express your thoughts and feelings.
I feel you on not pleasing an audience or algorithm, but I also feel that content can be art and an authentic form of someone's self-expression. I think they can co-exist or exist separately, and both are valid. So I don't think transforming art into content or creating content that is art, is denying oneself of anything unless it's coming from a completely unauthentic place.
It sure can.
But it needs to be a balance.
One could ask: "Is art for the artist or for the consumer?"
In my opinion, it is for the artist.
It is a need for expression and communication of feelings that the artist has, that may appeal to consumers or make them relate.
So, if your content is created based upon growth formulas, following trends, or to be more engaging, it becomes more about being a content creator than an artist.
One could also argue if content creation is not also a form of art.
It's an interesting debate. What's your opinion on that?
As someone who has made content to be more engaging and to get as many views as possible, I will say it does take out some of the authenticity and enjoyment from it. So from that perspective there is def a difference between being an artist and a content creator.
But also maybe it can be a spectrum. Because if an artist does want exposure maybe they need a bit of strategy. But also I think and what I feel to be true is strategy doesn’t always matter as much as we think it does.
But I do believe content creation can be a form of art. If just depends on the persons intentions. You can also easily tell when it’s meant to be content vs art. That’s my opinion :)
I just the other day decided to stop trying to "produce content" and stop looking at the numbers on my social media accounts. In my personal life I've more or less quit social media altogether, but for my creative business pursuits I've kept trying to "build a presence" and feeling constantly like a failure. I've read all the advice on the internet on what to post, when, how often, and so on, and tried so hard to fit myself into a mould where I simply don't belong at all. I've now decided to only post if I actually feel like posting, and if that's sometimes once a month and sometimes three times a day, so be it. Maybe people find me, maybe not, but at least I'll be true to myself.
YESSS exactly. I know it will work out for you :) 🩵
Thank you so much, Erifili! Your writings are so inspiring and have helped me a lot on my journey. “You owe yourself a life well lived” has become like a mantra for me, I say it to myself just about every day and share it with others too. ❤️
that is so beautiful to hear, thank you Anna - makes me so happy 🥹💓💓💓
wow, another beautiful read! “It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, but by definition it is unique.” !!!
thank you lovely!!!
This essay found me while I was exactly trying to figure out what to do with my social media. I’m drained because I feel like I’m not able to let my authentic self pass through these mediums, and it feels so difficult to connect with people online. I should probably just rely on me being me
absolutely you should!!! focus fully on YOU again. and the audience connection will come - it’s inevitable, authenticity is truly magnetic
But how do you create on social media by focusing on yourself?
you create based on what fills YOU with joy and inspiration! you express yourself for your own sake :)
What you ‘should’ be doing really are inside you; create the thing you most genuinely want to create, with no audience to perform for 🩵
Thanks for the inspiring read. A great reminder of the joy that comes from creating something uniquely yours, even if the algo sends it straight down a black hole. After all, better to get one 'like' from being yourself than a million from replicating someone else, right?
Love this, my recent draft for a post has taken forever, but it’s worth it.
Worth reading a second time 👏👏👏
Thank you so much 🫶
note to self: read this again and again
🩵🩵🩵
this was needed. thank you for such a well-written piece
:’) thank you!
Dropping so much knowledge 👏
this article gave me my “ahh” moment as to why I always overthink before posting my poems and end up being left paralysed about not having done it! thank you for sharing this, seems my to-read list has gone up by one☺️
🥰🥰
I really needed to hear this today. Thank you!
🥰
It's interesting that one of the first things "personal brand" gurus tell people to do is to basically scroll and see what is working for other people. One the one hand I get it if you need direction. But like you illustrate so clearly here, it normally lead people acting inauthentically and getting no results. I need this reminder though, thanks for posting this. 🧡🧡
Love reading your writing!! It always feels like a natural, authentic conversation between us. Think this piece explains why - you’re being fully yourself, and that makes your thoughts feel incredibly genuine. Keep writing!! 💖
Thank you so much Sally this is so kind! 🥹❤️❤️
this appeared exactly when I needed to hear it! thank you for sharing your creativity sides with us!
thank you for reading!! 🩵