Navigating The BLUR of the Internet As a Creative

I grew up with the internet. AOL. Aim instant messenger away messages. Dial up. Geocities, Yahoo, Myspace.  

The internet has been both a blessing and a curse for artists. While it connects us to a global audience, it also exposes us to countless distractions, comparison traps, and a myriad of trolls—those who criticize without constructive intent. As an artist, it's crucial to discern whose opinions matter. Trolls often lack the depth to offer valuable critique and hide behind anonymity, relying on faux logic to justify their negativity. You wouldn’t take medical advice from a plumber, so you shouldn’t let baseless criticism affect your creative path. Instead, focus on feedback from trusted voices who understand your vision and craft. Protect your energy and channel it into your art, which speaks louder than any online negativity.

On the flip side, the digital era also provides opportunities to foster connection and generosity. Sharing ideas, networks, and resources can feel risky in a world where originality is hard to protect, but it’s also a way to build community and elevate others. As creators, our journey is seldom solitary—we’ve all benefited from those who took a chance on us, offered advice, or opened doors. Paying that forward doesn’t diminish our success; it amplifies it. By helping fellow artists connect with opportunities or sharing key information and lessons learned, we contribute to a thriving creative ecosystem.

That said, being generous doesn’t mean giving away everything. It’s okay to protect your creative capital and keep your works-in-progress private until they’re ready. I certainly don’t share much of my sketchbook, as it’s where I am working out ideas, and I need the freedom of my sketchbook to allow for playful, loose, risk taking.  But sharing insights, mentorship, or introductions to your network can have a profound impact without compromising your position. Supporting others not only strengthens the artistic community but also opens unexpected doors for collaboration and inspiration.

The key is balance: guard your time and energy against negativity. Embrace a spirit of generosity that uplifts others while protecting your own unique creative spark. In doing so, you align with the higher creative purpose of art—to connect, inspire, and transform. Remember, the art world like the universe, thrives on collaboration and shared growth, that’s why key movements of people who worked together, are known throughout history.

So be wise with your time, intentional with your generosity, and unwavering in your commitment to your unique vision. Do NOT worry about followers or overall numbers, instead, cultivate your community of supporters one by one. People who buy your work with their hard earned money, are WAY more important to your overall success than some follower count. Sure, eyes, comments and likes feed the ego, but they do not pay your bills or fund more art supplies. Keep that in perspective at all times.  Let the art that you are create be more than just content, let it be the guiding light in a noisy digital world. If you do those two things, while also seeking out more real world opportunites and connections, you'll see traction for each of these efforts. The creative journey is an adventure built by your many daily small steps. It's easier to not go it alone, and to approach it each day as a curious traveler. 

REAL WORLD OPPORTUNITIES

• https://www.inliquid.org/opportunity-folder/opportunities
• Check CAFE, Enteythingy & Artjobs
• Approach local coffee shops, cafes, bars, and bookshops and inquire about hanging artwork for sale.
• Make friends with fellow creatives, find out where they are vending, selling, and what shows, galleries and fairs are good for the type of work you are creating.
  
• Search art open calls on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky

Feel free to comment if you are a fellow creative with anything you would like me to write or share more about. I write these posts as a sort of journal to myself, but also with the intent that it help others. So anything advice I can give, or wisdom I can share, I’d be glad to help.