3 Reasons Twitter is Awesome for Artists

What? You were expecting the Twitter company's little bird icon? Naw...my George is just too irresistible to pass up as an icon [although it's very hard to get him to stand still long enough for a portrait].

Here it is, the day before Christmas 2o11 - Christmas Eve.  I have a quiet afternoon and decided to get my year-end blog post wrap-up done while I can as next week is full through New Year's Day.  I thought about what I could or should write about and decided on Social Media as it applies to my life as an artist.

I use Social Media and do I think other artists ought to utilize the internet and Social Media? Yes. I do.  The world has opened up and there are so many interesting and fascinating people out there and the internet makes it possible to connect and Social Media outlets are the roadways that allow your vehicles [websites and blogs] to carry your messages.  As with any other sort of human endeavor it's about making communities.  We [people] like to bunch with those who are like ourselves.  I'm an artist and I'm interested in art stuff  in general and in finding other artists. I am curious about what other artists do and why they do it. [As proof of that pudding you'll find interviews with other artists here on Mosaic Mandalas...look at the categories list in the right hand column for "interviews with artists."]

I've been asked which Social Media platforms I use and right now I utilize Twitter, LinkedIn and BlogHer the most.  I actually quit Facebook.  I am going to begin with Google+ after the first of the New Year when I have a few days to study it and get it set-up.  I think G+ will give me more bang for my efforts than Facebook and because I'm a working artist, my time is precious - I simply can't afford to give time to my computer unless it has clear benefits. 

Came across an interesting 'predictions' type article on Social Media Today that I think is pretty good.  The article is titled, "Social Networking in 2012" by Dave Higgins.  He made great points and predictions about going mobile, various companies getting on the tablet bandwagon and how much Facebook is growing and going public.  However, I like best what he said about Google+:

• "...The fastest growing social network of all time will finally get some traction in 2012 as people defect from Facebook and Twitter.  Not necessarily because Google + will have the superior platform, but because advertisers will be increasingly driving traffic to Google + to integrate with the analytics they already collect.  The ability of Google to sell targeted advertising based on what they know about the consumer from searches and from their social network interactions will be too valuable to knowledgeable marketing organizations to pass up.  By actively driving traffic to Google +, they’ll be making their own marketing efforts that much more effective....."

As a working artist [hence a business person] this makes sense to me; although, I don't see folks defecting from Twitter.  Twitter is just too good at what it does - instant communication and connection.  Here's what I have found via Twitter that I did not find via Facebook:

1. customers
2. connections - other artists either within my own genre or artists I have interviewed
3. friends - so cool to 'meet' someone who speaks your own language [artists do speak their own language]
4. suppliers
5. information - yes, you can get information...it's not so much found within the 140 characters as it is in following the website addresses given in the profiles of folks.

So why is Twitter valuable for artists? Here are 3 Reasons:

One:  You can find other artists easily, quickly and efficiently.  A real life example: I wanted to find other mosaic artists who had internet presence.  I tried "Googling" [isn't it cute that Google is now a verb?] and the results were cumbersome at best.  Then I used the search function of Twitter entering "mosaic artist" into the search field and voila! Mosaic artists.  Lots of them.  Here's a few:

• Carol Shelkin Mosaics
• Eric Daigh
• Amanda Edwards

Two:  You can find the best link to those artists.  To me this was important.  I figured that because Twitter gives you only one link to share in your bio, most people will put the one most advantageous to their work and/or business and that is true.  When you click on the person's Twitter handle it takes you to their profile and there is the link to their website, blog or whatever.  For some artists it's their Facebook Page and others it's their Etsy store.  So not only does Twitter give me a fast and easy way to find someone, through their profile is a quick way to go directly to their own chosen landing place.

Three:  It lets others find you.  Or your work.  Or what you've written.  Put up a profile then put the 'link to Twitter' button everywhere so that folks can find you on Twitter.  Use good keywords in your profile so that you come up on searches and put your best internet location as your web address: do you want them to find your blog or your gallery page or your shop on Etsy as their first intro to you?  Then when you post something to your blog, Tweet it; when you add something to your gallery page, Tweet it; when you have something new to sell in your Etsy or Zazzle shop, Tweet it. 

I hope everyone enjoys a fantastic Holiday Season.  May you have a fun [and safe] New Year's celebration.  I'll be busy next week making a quilt for the new granddaughter due next month so I'll "see" you all again here at Mosaic Mandalas in January 2012!

Here are two new works I completed at the close of this year - commissioned mosaics:

"Rise of Day"

30" Diameter ceramic tile mosaic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"End of Day"

30" diameter ceramic tile mosaic

 

 

Comments

[LindaMosaic]

Thank you so much for the kind comments! Do you have any hints about using Google+ effectively? Jonesbabie, have a fantastic new year! - Linda

[Jonesbabie]

Excellent points Linda, and so very true. I find the whole social media thing fascinating, and have connected with some wonderful, creative, interesting people through the various types of media. And I think you are right about Google+. It has simmered along, but I see my own profile there growing with friend requests. It will be interesting to watch.

Gorgeous mosaics. The color and design is so intricate and beautiful. I am sure your clients were thrilled with the result of your effort.