Social Media vs Forums my thoughts on the matter
polycounter lvl 13
I have been guilty of posting my work on facebook only, and neglecting the forums for a few years now. It took me a while to realize it, and I am breaking out of that though. I feel like the new age of artists will fall into this trap as well unfortunately. When I first started doing 3d, forums was all I used and honestly I got the best feedback from the forums. Having professionals critique your work and giving you direction, is a great feeling and not one to be taken for granted. I was personally invited to polycount by the ever so talented Baj Singh in 2011. I realized I haven't posted much on here at all to be honest, and wonder what a difference it would of made in some of my past artworks.However, not to dwell on that aspect too much I want to say that I feel personally that social media has hurt more than it has helped.
Cons of Social Media
-Its a soulsucking endless timeline of nothingness where you post artwork in hopes of a like. I got 20 likes my art must be good right? Wrong. It means absolutely nothing.
-Some artists seem to only use social media to promote their work as well, and they are absent on the forums.
Pros of Social Media
-It is good way to promote your own artwork and get noticed by a potential client. (I have been fortunate to get some freelance work from this).
-Facebook art group discussions. The only real benefit of getting feedback for your work.
Forums like polycount are irreplaceable. I have built many relationship for alot of talented artists on polycount, and I hope to build alot more.
PS Maybe I am just ranting here but this is just how I feel as of late. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on the matter though.
Cons of Social Media
-Its a soulsucking endless timeline of nothingness where you post artwork in hopes of a like. I got 20 likes my art must be good right? Wrong. It means absolutely nothing.
-Some artists seem to only use social media to promote their work as well, and they are absent on the forums.
Pros of Social Media
-It is good way to promote your own artwork and get noticed by a potential client. (I have been fortunate to get some freelance work from this).
-Facebook art group discussions. The only real benefit of getting feedback for your work.
Forums like polycount are irreplaceable. I have built many relationship for alot of talented artists on polycount, and I hope to build alot more.
PS Maybe I am just ranting here but this is just how I feel as of late. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on the matter though.
Replies
Ended up getting it when a lead I met asked to connect on FB.
So far being active on FB (posting WIP, final assets, etc) got me my first job and a few other interviews here and there.
I don't love it but I appreciate what it's done for my career.
From what I've seen , Facebook at least in the Artistic circle has become the linkedin for connections and it also helps distribute your art for other eyes to see and getting your name out there which makes it a great marketing tool.
Artists
I've also messaged people I admire and follow just to see if they could elaborate how they did a certain thing on their recent work and how they did this or that, most of the time they've replied and been really nice about it , which is awesome. So not being shy or embarrassed about asking is pretty important. Also when you go to conventions and you want to keep in touch with other artists , you add them on social media ( Usually facebook ) and then you remember the person more easily by name and by their art if they post it. ( At least for me it helps :P ) I really love that aspect.
Likes
Caring about likes is one thing , if you see that a lot of good artists and your good artists friends like something that you made , it makes me personally feel much better than if 100 people I don't know like it. But you have to disconnect yourself from thinking that 'likes' are very important, they're not bad , they make you feel good but that's it. So it's really about self-discipline.
My 2 cents.
I'd say if you're expecting a ton of exposure from any platforms right off the bat without much in the way of a body of work then chances are you're likely to be disappointed.
This doesn't mean spend all day posting on or looking at facebook, but when you share your work, post it on polycount, facebook (on your personal page and in any relevant groups), twitter, artstation, etc.
It's easier for more experienced artists to be reclusive, but anyone lacking significant professional experience doesn't have the luxury of being a hermit.
I never go to the actual site, there are too many political fellows about.
Also people tend to link to things called the "World Star Hip Hop" and other lewd things.