I've been in the space where I'm shy and hesitant when it comes to talking about or sharing my work. Time and getting more comfortable with my journey, however, has made me open to doing more than I've previously done. I definitely see marketing as a fun and creative activity now; just figuring out how to go about it and make it work with my personality and inclinations.
Aime you are really inspiring me to back myself up. I would usually write and give it one chance to live or just complete disconnect afterwards cuz I was so afraid of what people are going to think. But I’m seeing what I really need is to be my biggest cheerleader :)
Preach!! It's so great that you say this, because we were just talking about this on our podcast today, in terms of recognizing that while yes, we are creatives, if we choose to sell our work, then we also have to do the things that sell the work. It's a hard balance, but that's the realities of the creative life.
I LOVE this! You addressed so many limitations the artist puts on themselves. I’ve been on instagram and TikTok for years, then found this and am having so much fun with long form content.
From being on the other platforms and going through many of the negative thoughts and doubts that come along with it, I think the biggest issue an artist can come across is actually spending too much time scrolling instead of just concentrating on posting. I think comparison can be the killer of art or bring out people’s insecurities the most. Which I think is a wonderful thing too because then they can address their deep seated fears.
But you’re absolutely right, it’s a fun and creative thing that the artist should also not take so seriously, and also know they do have in person options!
I appreciate this, and I don’t even have anything to market yet, except MYSELF as a writer - I’m writing daily, just don’t have anything beyond my substack posts to show for it yet. But taking the baby steps of a dedicated insta account (separate from my “normal/whole life” one) and old school business cards (Amie, I’ll happily give you one at the upcoming AWR retreat if you’ll take it 😉) have made me feel like this journey I’m on is REAL. Thank you for always showing up as a champion for art and artists, Amie. I love your presence.
Honestly I needed this! I think we've forgotten how hard authors used to work… Driving around with trunk loads full of cars. I remember hearing how one author would book a radio interview and his wife would call all the bookstores in the area and request his book! 😂. We truly are blessed to live in this era where anyone can push a few buttons and reach the world!
Yes!!! This was one of the most exciting articles I’ve read on marketing for authors. Viewing marketing as a creative endeavor might just be the key to actually enjoying it. I’m saving this to read when I need a little psyching up. Thank you!
I agree, as I just want to post my creations. Not do things like videos or whatever the platform pushes us to do. It also adds to encouraging us to browse through our creations quickly instead of taking in the aspects of them.
Also with how people publicly explain they unfollow creatives who post too little of this or too much of something (not referring to unfollowing when people act too negative but if they post too little of their work or a subject), and it makes people feel like content robots as if they have to appease with those who see their creations for free.
I am cackling thinking about Hemmingway as a TikTok MENACE. Your article made me think about so many of the writers/artists/creatives that I love in a new way. Sylvia Plath would have slayed the demure, mindful trend, I'm sure.
This was so insightful to read . I couldn't agree more , I caught myself often thinking some of those negative sentences , and then I realised no one is forcing me to be online if I don't want to. And I can still post on my own term, but will have to accept that success will be slower. I think it's important for us artist to be realistic and find ways to make things work for us. But like you said we can't have it all and just complain. Eventhough the algorithm is so frustrating, I am still happy to see that whenever I post I can reach people across the globe which would never have been possible without the Internet and social media. I try to focus on the positive and the beauty of the tools I have now.
The most important point in this piece that you made was the following "It is your job to champion YOUR art" I also think that there's more than one way to champion your work leveraging social media without constantly being on it.
Ideas include (but aren't limited to)
1. Creating art/works you would like to be known for and get paid for. Stuff that other people share
2. Leveraging scheduling tools.
3. Hiring someone to help with the heavy lifting of marketing
4. Creating a pop up event
5. Sending out press releases and connecting with local journalists/content creators
As a social media strategist and educator who works with writers this piece is everything I want to say but writers don’t want to hear because they think I’m biased (they have a point). I can now send them this article -thank you!! 😆
hell yeah LET’S FUCKING GO!! I’m pumped after reading this.
This is the response I was looking for! LET'S GO!
This got me feeling like 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I've been in the space where I'm shy and hesitant when it comes to talking about or sharing my work. Time and getting more comfortable with my journey, however, has made me open to doing more than I've previously done. I definitely see marketing as a fun and creative activity now; just figuring out how to go about it and make it work with my personality and inclinations.
So excited for you Esha
Aime you are really inspiring me to back myself up. I would usually write and give it one chance to live or just complete disconnect afterwards cuz I was so afraid of what people are going to think. But I’m seeing what I really need is to be my biggest cheerleader :)
Preach!! It's so great that you say this, because we were just talking about this on our podcast today, in terms of recognizing that while yes, we are creatives, if we choose to sell our work, then we also have to do the things that sell the work. It's a hard balance, but that's the realities of the creative life.
Thank you Danica!
I LOVE this! You addressed so many limitations the artist puts on themselves. I’ve been on instagram and TikTok for years, then found this and am having so much fun with long form content.
From being on the other platforms and going through many of the negative thoughts and doubts that come along with it, I think the biggest issue an artist can come across is actually spending too much time scrolling instead of just concentrating on posting. I think comparison can be the killer of art or bring out people’s insecurities the most. Which I think is a wonderful thing too because then they can address their deep seated fears.
But you’re absolutely right, it’s a fun and creative thing that the artist should also not take so seriously, and also know they do have in person options!
I appreciate this, and I don’t even have anything to market yet, except MYSELF as a writer - I’m writing daily, just don’t have anything beyond my substack posts to show for it yet. But taking the baby steps of a dedicated insta account (separate from my “normal/whole life” one) and old school business cards (Amie, I’ll happily give you one at the upcoming AWR retreat if you’ll take it 😉) have made me feel like this journey I’m on is REAL. Thank you for always showing up as a champion for art and artists, Amie. I love your presence.
Omg, I'm obsessed with this post love you so much. Haha it's just all so true. Albert Dürer on Insta 😂
I had too much fun making his gram
That is brilliant!
A wonderful example of creative marketing - also live the hidden promo of Amie’s book 💪 so smart 😍
I'm so glad you noticed hehehe
Hurrah, for you writing this no BS , no moaning , just get it done piece.
I find it all tough, the writing, the promoting , the technical stuff.
Its like some strange masochistic pleasure , that keeps me hooked & wanting to improve.
Honestly I needed this! I think we've forgotten how hard authors used to work… Driving around with trunk loads full of cars. I remember hearing how one author would book a radio interview and his wife would call all the bookstores in the area and request his book! 😂. We truly are blessed to live in this era where anyone can push a few buttons and reach the world!
Yes!!! This was one of the most exciting articles I’ve read on marketing for authors. Viewing marketing as a creative endeavor might just be the key to actually enjoying it. I’m saving this to read when I need a little psyching up. Thank you!
Marketing can be SO FUCKING FUN
I agree, as I just want to post my creations. Not do things like videos or whatever the platform pushes us to do. It also adds to encouraging us to browse through our creations quickly instead of taking in the aspects of them.
Also with how people publicly explain they unfollow creatives who post too little of this or too much of something (not referring to unfollowing when people act too negative but if they post too little of their work or a subject), and it makes people feel like content robots as if they have to appease with those who see their creations for free.
I am cackling thinking about Hemmingway as a TikTok MENACE. Your article made me think about so many of the writers/artists/creatives that I love in a new way. Sylvia Plath would have slayed the demure, mindful trend, I'm sure.
This was so insightful to read . I couldn't agree more , I caught myself often thinking some of those negative sentences , and then I realised no one is forcing me to be online if I don't want to. And I can still post on my own term, but will have to accept that success will be slower. I think it's important for us artist to be realistic and find ways to make things work for us. But like you said we can't have it all and just complain. Eventhough the algorithm is so frustrating, I am still happy to see that whenever I post I can reach people across the globe which would never have been possible without the Internet and social media. I try to focus on the positive and the beauty of the tools I have now.
The most important point in this piece that you made was the following "It is your job to champion YOUR art" I also think that there's more than one way to champion your work leveraging social media without constantly being on it.
Ideas include (but aren't limited to)
1. Creating art/works you would like to be known for and get paid for. Stuff that other people share
2. Leveraging scheduling tools.
3. Hiring someone to help with the heavy lifting of marketing
4. Creating a pop up event
5. Sending out press releases and connecting with local journalists/content creators
As a social media strategist and educator who works with writers this piece is everything I want to say but writers don’t want to hear because they think I’m biased (they have a point). I can now send them this article -thank you!! 😆
I love this, thank you - so empowering and finally a way out of the artist’s victim mindset 💪