It’s Not All Bad: 7 Benefits of Social Media For Creatives

As a society, we talk our fair share of shit about social media and its negative implications (we’re not throwing shade, we’re guilty too.) It’s new, it’s all-encompassing, and it can, at times, be utterly terrifying.

We get it. The thing is, social media opens up unparalleled avenues for art, creativity, communication, and collaboration which were never available to us in the past.As is the case with most things, it’s not necessarily productive to sit on the periphery and judge those within. Also, it’s equally unproductive to judge ourselves or others on the amount that we do or do not engage with the online world. Here at Psych N Sex, if something isn’t sitting quite right with us, we prefer to seek out its positive qualities and encourage/embrace them. What better way to make a change than from within?

So, rather than pulling out our hair about all of the ways social media is f**king us up, let’s try to embrace all of the amazing things that come with our worldwide connection by sharing our passions and gaining inspiration? Here are some ways in which we can use social media to our creative and artistic benefits.

1. Affirmations Go a Long Way

There is nothing better than a good old tire pump. Sometimes, we just need a compliment. Thought “likes” can feel meaningless at times, other times they can be just the pat on the back we need to keep doing our life’s work. Think of each “like” as a tiny hug, “good job!”, or high five. You deserve it! In fact, receiving compliments might just be more beneficial than we think. Check it out:

“To the brain, receiving a compliment is as much a social reward as being rewarded money. We’ve been able to find scientific proof that a person performs better when they receive a social reward after completing an exercise.” – Professor Norihiro Sadato, the study lead, and professor at the National Institute for Physiological Sciences in Japan.

 

2. Boom, You’ve Got a Platform

Sometimes you just need to think of yourself and your life as a personal brand. Figure out exactly what you want in life, love, career, or what have you, and adjust your brand to make that the most possible. We’re by no means suggesting that you change who you are, quite the opposite actually; we’re suggesting that you be SO “you” that you wear your goals and dreams right on your sleeve for the world to see. When it comes to building a brand, personal or otherwise, all you need is a platform. Guess what? You’ve already got one! Your social profiles are all the voice, face, and exposure you need. You can make them exactly what you want them to be, you can share yourself exactly as you want the world to see, and you can be unapologetically yourself right out in the open. The platforms are right there, all you have to do is use them!

 

3. Network Work Work Work Work

Sometimes networking can be quite the nightmare. We don’t know about you, but we find it pretty challenging to be “on” all time, especially in forcibly mingley settings meant for networking. So, rather than bumping elbows with your industry’s finest and wine and cheese nights or meat-and-greets (unless that’s what you’re into!), why not just sit back and support the heck out of brands and individuals you love on social media, especially the smaller ones.

Additionally, it can never hurt to reach out to those you respect. What’s the worst that could happen? If you’d like to go one step further than just saying “hey,” you could ask for an informational interview. What an informational interview is, is basically your opportunity to interview them and figure out just how they got where they are today. You’ll be surprised by how excited and willing people are to chat with their supporters!

Also, being your wonderful self for the world to see on social media may just lead people, brands, and potential employers/clients right to your (virtual) doorstep. Boom: networking.

 

4. A Curated Gallery Just For You

Do you know what we love? Looking at stuff we actually like & care about! In steps targeted posting and advertising. Yes, targeted advertising can get a little over-aggressive at times (have you ever wanted to as your computer “how did you know!?”), but your social media feeds knowing what you like isn’t all bad. Scrolling through suggested posts on Instagram, for example, can be an incredibly valuable, inspirational activity. Just got into crocheting? Look it up on Insta or post about it and you’ll find your feed will adjust accordingly. Hashtag #writersofinstagram? Your suggested posts will be filled with beautiful poetry and outstanding writers that you’ll be angry you hadn’t discovered sooner. Your devices and your social media know you, get over how crazy that is and embrace all of the avenues for inspiration and education it opens up!

 

5. Inspo, Even When You’re Not Looking for it

Sometimes all you want to do is zone out and stare at a screen. The great thing about social media is that sometimes you’re as zoned out as can be and something catches your eye and gets your fired up in the best kind of way: inspiration strikes. Whether it is a beautifully decorated room that inspires you to re-arrange your bedroom or a jaw-dropping photo that makes you want to get outside; inspo is lurking around every corner on the world wide web. You can’t escape inspiration, and why would you want to!?

6. A Real-Time Peek

Social sharing software allows you to gain a real-time peek into what the best and the brightest of your industry are doing right.this.moment! Through live videos or stories, you can watch your idols create and innovate right before your eyes. Honestly, how cool is that? We’re at the point where we actually have the chance to see through the eyes of those we look up to! All you have to do if do your research and uncover the accounts of the innovators and trail-blazers in your industries of interest. It’s that easy.

 

7. Join the Community

There is no better feeling than becoming part of a safe space or community comprised of like-minded individuals who share your values, goals, and passions. Facebook is home to countless groups for support, education, information, networking, chatting, engaging, and so much more. If you can dream it, there’s a Facebook group for it. Do your research, join some groups, pick your favorites, and get involved! Truly, it feels amazing.

 

 

Because we feel that social media can be so wonderful when it comes to sharing and connection for creatives and artists alike, we’ve used it to get in contact with some incredible artists and creatives of various industries from around the world.

We are pleased to announce that this month, creativity month, will kick off our artist interview/highlight series!

We can’t wait to share these incredible people with you! Stay tuned, babies!

Much love,

Never stop sharing and being who you are, loud and proud.