Why I quit Instagram as an artist, Instagram damaged my small business, Quitting Instagram

Hey guys,

Today’s vlog is a bit different. I wanted to let you know the reasons why I’ve decided to quit Instagram as an artist and explain the ways in which it’s actually damaged my business. I go through the usual culprits of why the platform isn’t good but also share my own experience of why it’s stopped me getting work as a small business owner.

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[aswithinsowithout]

You are about to get rich. I love you and this is the first time I’m seeing you. My beautiful daughter is 13. She is a amazing artist. You have helped me to be a much better parent to her. ❤❤❤❤❤

[Lindzo]

This is why I'm going back to school and changing careers. I feel like art has become nothing but a popularity contest. It feels like it's more about an artist's personality than their art. You have to make all these reels being interesting, quirky and likable. Promoting yourself is more important than the art you create. I'm really tired of it.

[jaymitchell]

As a street artist i have always said instagram followers do not buy your work they merely like your work which is a totally different thing, as a business or a creative feeling positive is extremely important and galleries and businesses judging you on your following is very small minded. Thank you for your post Dee greatly appreciated.

[serenitynow]

I'm so tired of IG and FB, X, tiktok. The whole getting followers to sell anything has diluted our society and makes us seem silly. I wonder if we will ever just dump all this mindless time wasting and it will just be a longer term fad that fades. Lets hope

[dqymnnk]

In a world that's oversaturated - the coolest thing you can do is retain your mystery.

[always_b_natural]

As an oldster, I find social media very frustrating, shallow, and dehumanizing - for all the reasons you've so eloquently pointed out. As as you point out, you can't delete them either. You're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

[hopefullytoday]

I agree with you ! I was a photographer and it felt like I could never get a following and like I was being forced to put out content constantly. That's not how creativity works. We aren't machines. God bless you and your business ! ❤️

[quickgirl]

I don’t consider being on IG for 12 yrs & not getting the viral blow up following you were hoping for a flop. Being a real genuine human being is NOT a flop. 💕
I think the fake IG popularity contest IS a flop.

[simplicitygirl]

Horrifying! That they turned you down because of a low number of followers. Unbelievably stupid! Your artwork is AMAZING! WOW! Instagram truly has turned into the seventh circle of hell. It's very frustrating. I wish there was a good alternative. Good luck with everything 🍀

[Coolaxe]

I noticed my art is appreciated much more in the wild, meaning in person experiences than on social media. We are so over consumed with information that it's easy to just scroll past a piece of art someone has worked hard on. I get a feeling of satisfaction seeing someones face light up in person when they see my creations.. :)

[BelleAim]

Insta may have ignored you… but YouTube didn’t! Got this recommended to me and as a “hidden” artist, I appreciate your genuine approach and it gives me hope. I have three years worth of art I’ve been creating for my small patreon, and I’m not sure what to do next to level up. But at least now I know not to go the instagram route! Thanks so much 😊 You seem so kind! New subscriber 🎉

[persephonemoon]

As a small business owner and artist (not visual arts though) your experience mirrors mine almost exactly. I mean...exactly. And we're far from alone. I too left IG a few months, and will never go back. You're right - it's incredibly freeing! I know others who are leaving as well. It's become a complete circus. I've attracted more clients and interest in my work away from that platform than I ever had over there. I also feel my creativity and nervous system reset for the better. We're fed a lot of myths about needing IG to thrive. But the reality is bots, feeling depleted as an artist, and people addicted to scrolling/consuming without thinking, and less support for our work. I wish you the very best, and thankyou for chatting about your experience.

[tnclinton]

I quit insta in 2021 cuz I noticed everything you are saying. I think one of the worst things that has happened to the art space is artists being referred to as “content creators” and art being called “content”. Artists need their own app/website. Hopefully one day this situation will improve.

[NancyRoleReversal]

Omg what you said is sooo true. I've lost all of my confidence about my art because I keep comparing myself to others and watching their perfect content and thinking how much I suck...

[sunflowersandlight]

IG isn't the same since FB took over. It's getting worse as time passes.
You are absolutely correct about the fact that it's not a reflection of you or your work. 😊

[hannahahern]

This has confirmed so much of my discomfort with Insta. It truly squelches my creativity. Thank you for this video!!

[reginaf.]

I'm in the process of starting my own online business. My 16 year old told me not to bother with Instagram because it such a cesspool.

[SkiraReed]

Oh my God. I needed to hear that today because I'm going through the same emotional process every day!
I just started to offer my art commissions and patch designs, and I was off social media for all those years.
I didn't even understand what reels are.
Now I put out artwork that is such a huge step forward from just a few years ago and social media ignores it.
I could feel depression and inferiority complex come running at me today, I was laying on the couch and questioning my whole existence because I KNOW my stuff doesn't suck, but it gets no exposure.
I don't want to change my art for more clicks, I don't want to sell my soul.
Your video helps me to understand, I don't have to be on social media. I'll keep my accounts for now, but I will not put my heart in there anymore, in expectation of a reward.
I catch myself thinking back to the days before social media.
I wish the world could go back to those days....

[digitalfineart]

I tried the Instagram/Facebook thing and realized pretty quickly into it that it was stealing the vitality from my creative soul and, for me, had nothing to do with why I make art. As artists we are already fighting against so many elements. Do we create for the market or create what inspires us? Should we make a living wage at our trade or does the public deserve our services for free? And there’s more…
It is unthinkable that you are not being considered for your tangible artistic abilities and being judged from a fickle here today gone tomorrow whole lot of hoop jumping. Thanks for being brave enough to speak out.

[changchesserly]

5:39 Great video and well said. My bestie has a service related business and quit insta and toned way down on FB as she finally realized that the platforms don’t bring her new clients… word of mouth does. So she is now focusing on building real relationships face to face and has been thriving. 💕