Online presence, social media and digital storytelling.
Creating a solid social media presence in today’s world might be one of the most essential and fundamental steps that lead to an active self-promotion and effective marketing of one’s work. Artists, designers and creators have been connecting with their audiences through social media since the very beginning of this complex era. The nature of existing on social media confronts us with a question of self-image, self-perception and challenges us to fabricate an avatar that conveys the closest feeling and a sense of our ‘real’ self. By engaging with this world of endless online avatars and fabricated lives, we are being motivated to approach our complex identities and artworks with a level of simplicity in order to communicate who we are, what we do and why it matters. Perhaps we could label this experience as ‘finding your digital voice’.
For the first time ever, we find ourselves sharing the same space with the ones we look up to and often get to see only on screen or perhaps catch a glimpse of their presence in a form of an installation art or a painting in a public gallery. The interesting thing about the concept of “social media” is the implication of a connection, socialising and interacting. In its fundamental core, there certainly is an element of connection and communication. However, there is always a lingering sense of a performative nature in the form of a monologue whilst others are just watching. A personal stage that is overly crowded, yet people are somewhat looking in all sorts of directions.
Navigating this space with integrity and authenticity can often seem like a challenge despite us remaining authentic in our regular, physical 3D lives. Is it really possible to fit into this very flat and one-dimensional form despite us being such multifaceted individuals?
Discussing this issue during our session has brought some interesting perspectives and valuable insights. We cannot deny the fact that the expansion of social media has brought a significant revolution to our everyday lives, especially when it comes to our creative careers. The unlimited reach and instant access to anything and anyone we can possibly think of and dream about is certainly a game-changer. Artists and creators all over the world are (over) sharing their lives, their craft or even their deeply personal struggles, thoughts and feelings.
Sometimes it strikes me as a contemporary version of yellow pages with some extra visual components and creative control. My child-self used to be very intrigued by the idea of finding everyone in one book that has been left on a shelf in a telephone box. The imagination and fascination tied to this idea takes a different shape once we enter adulthood and get introduced to the real experience and consequences of living online. The interesting and perhaps very contrasting thing with the actual world of social media is the forever lasting trap of endless consumption of content, combined with a huge mirror that is constantly being held in front of every single one of us. The reflection found in this mirror can however be very deceiving and lead us to connect with the feeling and impression of lack and deep dissatisfaction.
Avoiding this trap can be a complex process for many of us. It requires a level of self-awareness and discipline in order to not loose perspective, remain objective about oneself, whilst staying sane all together. While travelling through the realms of the online world, we must remain grounded before getting sucked into the depth of a social media rabbit hole with no beginning and no end. After all, we can learn to use these tools to serve us, not control us. Balance is and always will be the key.
Written by Andy.
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