Do you remember the days when social media was fun? When you simply wanted to connect with friends and family, share snapshots of something you made or something you did. Before the days of soap boxes, the need for a small production crew or professional photographers to follow you around. Before fast paced video, ever changing trends and algorithms? Do you miss those days? Ya, me too.
I’m struggling to show up on social media platforms. For the last 13 years, I’ve used social media to promote my micro-business, connect with customers, and share my work. But honestly, I am exhausted with trying to keep up with creating the right content just to be seen. It takes so much time. Setting up cameras and actually get yourself into the shot. Finding the right lighting, studying camera angles and backgrounds. It takes valuable time away from my work in the studio. The work that I prefer and need to do for a living. I’ve struggled the last few months to post much of anything. Fast paced videos aren’t my thing. I don’t do anything fast paced. The work that I do takes a lot of time. I live in the backcountry, away from the hustle and bustle to live with meaningfulness, determination, and slowness. I have no clue how to create a fast-paced video that holds attention spans. There is no time to keep up with trends and algorithms. These platforms are asking too much of artists with little to no return. I considered giving up social media altogether. I dearly miss the connections I once found on Instagram and Facebook. I was so close to walking away…
After much consideration, I made the decision to embrace my slow pace. I intend to strive to make meaningful connections with those who enjoy and value my work. You will still find me on Instagram and Facebook, but on my terms. Will that win me a lot of followers? No. Will I pop up regularly in people’s feed? Probably not. But the struggle and anxiety will be gone. Balance will return to the studio. Connections will be made once more.
I’m here to share my work with you. I’ve decided to focus my time and attention to my website, blogging and monthly email updates. If you are interested in my work, process and meaningful living, that is the space for you. I will respond to comments on blogs and emails as I would on social media channels. I want to get to know you. Let’s begin anew. Tell me how you found me. Share what you are looking forward to in the comments.
What will you see on socials? The authentic me and my work. No flash, no sparkle, just me as I am. Slow, detailed oriented, and trying to enjoy every moment that I am given.
If that is for you, follow, sign up for Behind the Tile Newsletters, follow the blog. I appreciate every comment, email and follow. Let’s return to connecting with one another. Are you in?
Do you miss the days of connection on social media platforms? What have you tried to build and keep relationships?