Why I quit social media - my advice for artists and creatives

UPDATE November 2021: There have been a lot of questions and comments about this video recently, although it’s from 2019. Here are the things that keep being asked/said and that I unfortunately can’t answer individually any more: 1. Q: “You didn’t quit social media because you’re still on Youtube.“ A: I know that YT can be regarded as social media. So technically, yes, I’m still on social media. You got me. However, I don’t use YT in that way at all. I use it with browser plugins that hide recommendations and feeds, I only watch very few channels that interest me, I don’t read comments except for those on my own channel. I use Youtube to learn new stuff, keep in touch with my favorite artists, and yes, also to promote my blog. As long as it’s still fun for me to make new videos, I will. I take breaks from YT for extended periods, and I don’t feel any of the bad side effects that I experienced on other platforms. Still, I’m aware that Youtube can be addictive and awful, so I don’t get too attached to it. 2. Q: “How do you promote your business/attract clients/get commissions without social media?“ A: I’ve done several videos about this (listed below). I have a website with my illustration portfolio that shows my best work, I run a blog (yes, still a very viable alternative in 2021) and this channel (that I don’t need to check compulsively every day). However, the single most important factor for an artist who wants to make a living from their art is to: get really good at what you’re doing. Other people (clients, audience, customers) will notice (and contact you) if what you put out is really good and interesting (art)work. It will take time to build those skills, and you’re much better off building your skills then building an empty marketing scheme around nothing if you’re not there yet. Social media won’t help you get better at what you want to do, it will just eat up your time and your creativity and self-confidence. Build your skills first, then start putting yourself out there. 3. Q: “In this day and age you need social media to build a business/make a living with your art.“ A: No, you don’t. There are still many commercial artists who don’t have (or want) social media, or who have quit. They’re still making a good living. I’ve made a living from my art without any social media at all, so it’s definitely possible. It may not be the standard way that’s hammered into your head by self-proclaimed social-media experts who need your clicks and likes and who make their money on the internet by telling you how you can make money on the internet, but for me the peace of mind and freedom from infinite scrolling is definitely worth it. If you want to make great art, work on your art, and only then on your presentation. If you want to learn more about my journey and how I promote my art business without social media, take the time and watch the follow-up videos I created about this topic (TLDR: I quit everything besides this YT channel): One year after I quite social media pt1: One year after I quite social media pt2: Going back to social media? Quitting social media for good: And in blog form if you prefer to read: ------- Taking a break from social media, and then quitting it entirely, had a huge impact on my life and art business. My original blog post: Resources for further reading: If you’re thinking about changing your social media habits, read these books and articles to form your own opinion: Books: Cal Newport - Digital Minimalism Cal Newport - Deep Work Jaron Lanier - Ten Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now Sherry Turkle - Alone Together Nicholas Carr - The Shallows Documentary: The Great Hack: Articles: Paul Jarvis - On the Facebook Like button, and why it’s awful: Social media is a threat to democracy: Carole Cadwalladr speaks at TED2019: Join my newsletter and receive my favorite sketching tips as a gift: My Sketching Blog: Support me directly (pay what you want): Take my classes on Skillshare (get two free weeks when you join):