One of the things you’ll find inside the Happy Artist Studio is a growing library of Q&A videos.
Although I’ve been around the interwebs a long time, making face to camera video is relatively new for me, and it took me a long time to build up the courage to start sharing in this way.
It’s turned out to be a lovely way to connect with members as someone for whom live video {or live anything} is still a step too far!
But I know as a student and ‘consumer’ of information myself how videos can create a more personal connection. As one member put it:
“It feels like having a personal one to one conversation with you while I sit in my comfy chair at home and I really resonate with your thoughts about things.”
How the Q&A videos work
I send out an email and put a post in our private community asking for questions about your art practice, particular courses you may be working through inside the Studio, or art in general.
Then I gather the questions, do some pondering and research, and put together a video response that then lives inside the community for revisiting any time.
This is only for members, but I thought you might like to see a little sample from one of our recent Q&As, to get a feel for what it’s like and whether joining the Studio might be right for you.
Instagram and mental health
This particular section makes me laugh because I went off on a bit of a rant about Instagram, and maybe you can relate! Or maybe it’ll just make you feel better about it if you’re finding it challenging.
The question in this instance was about Instagram and mental health. Apparently I have some quite strong feelings about this!
Not everyone will agree with me I’m sure, but I hope if you’ve been struggling with it, it will offer some fresh perspectives.
And just FYI, this is not your polished, fancy internet video. This is me in my study with a mess behind me, some lighting shifts, and a bit of rustling of papers now and then. And I could probably have done something about the camera angle. 😉 #keepingitreal
Erk, this feels very vulnerable, but here goes!
If this little video about Instagram and mental health got you curious about what else you’ll find in the Happy Artist Studio, you can find out more about it here, and let me know if you have any questions; I’m happy to help you decide either way!
Tara,
Thank you for connecting so directly this time.
So good to see your face and feel your energy, so supportive. I know it’s hard, I hear you.
I feel particularly touched, because I know that it’s not easy as an HSP to be so visible in this way- way too much activation and vulnerability.
What I really want to say is, that It really helps to not feel so alone and different, and I feel it supports the intention to take care of our mental health on a daily basis, and particularly in conecting with others in a visual way. ( Yes, that’s you Tara) 😊
Great gratitude and props to you always. 💖🙏
Thank you Fiona – I appreciate the kind words! That’s an astute observation about the activation as well as the vulnerability. And I’m so glad it helps – that helps me too!
You are absolutely correct that an artist does not have to have Instagram to sell work. I have sold 13 paintings over the last 18 months and NONE of them have had anything to do with social media. It’s all about connecting with other local artists and communities of creative’s and seeking out opportunities. If you don’t physically show your work, you will never sell anything. Be brave and seek out competitions, approach galleries and join clubs or art guilds! There are a lot of amazing, kind and supportive people out there- don’t let the rude, hateful people that hide behind a screen ruin it for you. Their nasty words only have power if you allow it.
Thank you, Tara- you are an inspiration and I appreciate your honesty!
Congrats on all the sales Stephanie! I totally agree, there are so many ways to sell work, and while Instagram works well in that regard for some, for others there are more effective ways. Thanks for sharing your experience and wisdom here!
Thank you so much for all these thoughts and personal insights about social media.
You put a lot of thought into this piece and that inspires me to be more mindful I am reminded that my art comes from very deep within – social media is by nature superficial
I’m so glad it was helpful to you Helen!
Oh my days Tara!! I cannot tell you how much I related to absolutely everything you said and how much I desperately needed to hear this right now!! I’ve been trying to play the ig game for a while but have had a real love/hate relationship with it. Feeling pressured to use it but knowing deep down it doesn’t sit right with me. If you do come up with an alternative I’d love to hear about it. I’m wondering if focussing my energies on Pinterest would be better for my mental health 🤔
Anyways, thank you soooo much for being brave enough to address this issue.
So pleased it was timely for you Carla! I use Pinterest too and I think it’s a valid alternative given enough attention, although it lacks that human connection, so I would also recommend an email list, and of course there are also things like being a guest on podcasts {or starting your own!}. There are so many ways to connect, both on and offline, I think it’s a case of building something that feels workable and sustainable for who you are, rather than trying to fit into mainstream boxes.
Thank you so much, Tara. Very helpful and supportive. I find IG, in particular, awkward to use and very exposing in a way that feels both unnecessary and unhelpful (for me). Always good to know I’m not alone!!
It’s definitely not for everyone! And I think probably more people struggle with it than feel comfortable admitting it. I’m glad this was helpful to you Judy.
Love this, especially the difference between consuming and creating. As for not going to my deathbed wishing I’d spent more time on Instagram- amen to that 👏👏👏
Haha, yes that really helped me too!
As always you are brilliant Tara. I loved your laughter the most. Your voice, expressions and thoughts make the topic extremely clear. Thank you so much.
Connie
Ah thank you Connie! That’s very kind! Appreciate the feedback. 😊
Thank you for this. We forget why we are creating and suffer because of it. As a late-looming artist, I have tried to remember that I didn’t begin doing this to make money, but because I like the doing it. Every once in a while, I get off track and start believing what social media tells me. Posts like yours help me remember who should count in all of this. Not Instagram – or any of the others. Again, thanks!!
Very welcome Michael! I know what you mean about getting lured off the path sometimes! Social media is very seductive in some ways, and also has many good points. But when it takes us away from our main purpose, I think that’s when we have to start looking a bit more closely at our choices.
Another warm Thank You – I enjoyed this vid, and really appreciated your courage, in posting, + in simply speaking your Truth.
It spoke to me so clearly, and in turn encouraged me – to sign in for H.A.S., which has been on my radar for a while. Looking forward! x x x J
Hooray! So happy to welcome you to the Studio Jaihn! And glad you enjoyed the video. 😊
I am glad to hear your thoughts on social media. I deleted all of my social media accounts about three months ago. I find I am reading, making art and walking more and feel calmer.
It doesn’t surprise me that people who leave social media find themselves more inspired and calmer, and enjoying other things more! Good for you finding what works for you Joan! Love that.