Using Social Media as an Artist
Artists for Raksha!
Intimidated by social media? Not sure how this works? We are here to help.
On this page you can find all the helpful info you will need to know to help you get started promoting your artwork via social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Ebay, Etsy, etc.
How does this benefit Raksha and you, the artist?
A virtual Art Show makes it easier for artists and audiences to connect.
Artists, on the other hand, stand to benefit from our growing community of followers on social media as well as that of the community allies and organizations who support us and follow us.
This year, our goal is to empower artists, survivors and help create funds to support our clients during these difficult times. We will not charge an entry/ hanging fee for artists but we are opening avenues for donations by asking artists to (optionally) allocate a % of their final sales to benefit survivors.
How can you help us help you?
We will help promote you and your art on all our channels and platforms. Do read and follow our directions for using social media
Worried about sharing your identity?
Creating artist/ studio pages allows you to separate personal and professional identities and bring focus on your work. We can guide you through the process. If you wish to participate anonymously, we respect that.
Instagram for Artists
Instagram is a photo and video sharing social media platform, best used via its mobile app. The primarily visual platform is perfect for art and imagery, displaying art collections, and getting noticed and followed by serious buyers, collectors and people who love art.
Using Instagram for the Raksha Art Show:
- Create an artist page! You could create one just for your art even if you have a personal page already.
(example: https://www.instagram.com/hatecopy/?utm_source=ig_embed)
2. Search and click on Follow: #rakshaartshow ; #artofresilience #rakshainc - this links you to all the posts we make for the art show as well as includes your work in the Raksha art show gallery on Instagram.
(Example: #artistsupportpledge https://www.instagram.com/artistsupportpledge/?hl=en)
- You can prompt the caption to tag or mention something or someone you can simply type “#” or “@” and the app will provide a search box to find what you need.
- You can also mention @rakshainc by using the “tag people” option .
3. Plan on taking pictures every step of the way! And each time you post, don’t forget to use the # above, so your art gets noticed by the 900+ followers on Raksha’s page.
4. Start with announcing your participation in the show! Post a photo of your blank canvas, rough sketches, previous art you want to recreate, something that inspires you - anything! (Remember to tag #)
(Example: https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5zjlbBPLI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
; https://www.instagram.com/p/CFBJXCnjvHc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link)
Different ways to post on Instagram:
- Post an Instagram story: gets more visibility as stories display on top of any page but stories are temporary (expire in 24 hours).
- Open Instagram, go to your home page via the house icon in the bottom left.
- Tap on “your story” at the top left of your screen. This will pull up the options to post a story.
- Here, you can post an image from your phone’s photo library or take a new photo or video.
- When you are done taking a photo or video you can add stickers or draw on the image.
- Mention @rakshainc and use the tags #rakshaart2020 , #artofresilience, #rakshainc
- To mention someone tap on the sticker option and choose the “@mention” sticker .
- To tag your image tap on the sticker option and choose the “#hashtag” sticker .
- Lastly, to post the snap tap “send to” button. Tap on the “share” button next to “your story”. You may also tap on “sharing options” and choose to share this story directly to your facebook account.
Here are some great examples of artists using their Instagram story to share their work: (open the link and click through the “highlights” listed at the top of the page)
- Share an instagram post: does not disappear unless deleted and gets seen by more over time.
- Open Instagram, tap on the plus sign at the bottom center of your screen to create a new post.
- This post creator will give you the option to upload something from your library or take a new photo or video from within the app.
- If you have an image that is not square choose the option resize option to make the image fit to the original ratio. (Note: Instagram limits posts to be a 3:4 or 4:3 ratio)
- If you’d like to post a slideshow of multiple images choose the multiple images option and then select the images you want in the order you want them to be seen.
- When you’re ready, tap on “next” . The next screen will give you the option to add a filter.
- When you’re ready, tap on “next” . This last screen allows you to add a caption, tag related accounts, add a location, and post to your other accounts or social media platforms. From here you can choose the option to share on Facebook as well .
- Finally, when you are done you can hit “share” to send out the post to your page!
- Here are some great examples of artists using their instagram to promote their work: (browse through their pages for ideas!)
Facebook for Artists
Facebook is great for artists to have artist pages or shops to sell art. You can follow or participate in events with high visibility, like the Raksha Art Show and engage and connect with other artists, groups and reach a wider audience (via Facebook desktop webpage or mobile app). Facebook allows more space for telling stories, discussions, learning in groups and sharing multiple images of art AND videos!
Using Facebook for the Art Show:
- When you open Facebook.com, go to the search bar and search for our Facebook page. Click here for a direct link to the facebook page.
- Post regular updates on your work on your pages, tag the art show and @rakshainc to ensure more visibility and reach among 2000+ followers of Raksha.
- Share posts, pictures, videos daily or 2-3x weekly on Raksha, Inc.’s Art Show Facebook Event Page: (direct, easy and very useful for following updates)
- Click on “events” and then click on “Raksha Art Show 2020: The Art of Resilience” to be taken to the event page.
- Click on “discussion” and then click on “add a post” . Here you can make a post that can directly promote your art, updates to those interested in this event!
Making a general post on Facebook:
- On your home page find the box that says “What’s on your mind, [your name]?” This is where you can start to create a new post.
- Live video: start a live stream (for example, share a one hour session in your studio or speaking about your technique) that will be broadcasted to your facebook friends and to Raksha’s followers, who can in turn share with their friend lists.
- Photo/video: here you can can upload a selection of photos and videos. When you’re done selecting your files, feel free to add a caption. Don’t forget to add hashtags #rakshaart2020 and #artofresilience.
- Click on the “post” button when you are done.
Here are some artists who use Facebook to promote their work:
Create Facebook albums for your art collections (organized, easy to update)
- When you have Facebook.com open, click on your name (typically in the top right of the webpage) to be taken to your profile page.
- Click on “Photos” and then click on “+ Create Album” . Here you can upload as many photos or videos of your work all in one album to keep things organized. You can come back later and open the album against and add more photos to it.
- When you’re done selecting your files, feel free to add a caption. Don’t forget to tag your post with #rakshaartshow and #artofresilience.
Here is an example of an artist that effectively uses the album feature to promote themselves.