🌀Threads for artists: yas or nah? + 10 content ideas
🌀Threads for artists: yas or nah? + 10 content ideas
#29 Avoid Threads mistakes and start easy
Hey my demon 👋
Welcome to the edition #29 of the Art Missive! We are 3,959😈 in this newsletter. Whether you have been here from the beginning or you have just arrived, thank you so much for reading ❤.
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In this Art Missive
⌛ Reading time : 5 minutes
🥊 Actionnability: immediately actionable
💪 Goals:
Discover Threads
Share your art
Find inspiration
Connect with other artists
Introduction
You couldn't have missed this information: Threads, the new Twitter of Instagram/Meta, has been launched.
In just one week, there are already over 100,000,000 registered users on the platform.
After a few days of testing, I have formed a preliminary idea of what Threads can bring to artists.
Of course, I will provide a more comprehensive Art Missive on the subject in a few weeks but I wanted to give you my initial reaction.
In edition #29 of the Art Missive, I'm talking about Threads for artists.
If your goal is simply to connect with other artists or get more visibility for your art, this newsletter is for you.
Enough chitchat, let's go 👇
You won’t resist for long.
Some of you might be thinking, "Well, we already have Twitter" or maybe even, "I'm good with Instagram, no need for Threads." Let me explain why it's more complicated than that.
First of all, Threads has a good chance of overshadowing Twitter. It's new, it's linked to your Instagram account, it has “creator” vibes and people there are more supportive…
Second of all, artists who want to grow on Instagram should gradually be urged to use Threads, as the more integrated you are in the Meta ecosystem, the more you will be rewarded.
Clearly, Threads has the ambition to inevitable for artists on social media.
I think I like Threads?
Overall, Threads is a golden opportunity for ALL kind of artists:
👉 Want to share your art without burning out?
The format of Threads makes it super easy for artists to share their drawings! No need to spend hours editing a Reel or crafting the perfect image. On Threads, they value more authentic content. You can share your WIPs, sketchbook pages, and finished artwork in a matter of seconds. And people will join you for that!
👉Want to level up your art game?
The art community on Threads is so active and supportive! In just a few days, thousands and thousands of artists have joined. With Threads, you can immerse yourself in artistic inspiration, ask questions to fellow artists, and discover a wealth of educational artistic content. It's a treasure trove for anyone looking to improve their craft!
👉 Want to sharpen your social media skills?
On Threads, we publish short, light-hearted content with no consequences. It's the perfect playground to test new things without the fear of messing up!
👉 Or maybe you simply want to connect with other artists and find inspiration?
Threads is a platform focused on public discussion. So if you've always dreamt of chatting with your favorite artist or if you're looking to meet like-minded creators, Threads will be much more effective than Instagram.
👉 Want to strengthen your Instagram community with daily snippets?
By signing up for Threads with your Instagram account, you can enable an option that allows your Instagram followers to automatically follow you on Threads! This way, you can have a stronger bond with your audience and promoting your artistic projects will be easier.
You see? They've thought of all of us.
The key takeaway is that Threads isn't just a passing trend. It's a new component of the Meta ecosystem, and those who overlook it will fall behind.
But protect your art...
Beyond the initial excitement, I do have a few reservations about this app.
And you really need to be aware of them before diving in.
Just a few days after Threads' release, a controversy emerged:
In Threads' terms of use, Meta states that they can use any content posted via Threads however they please.
In other words, by posting your art on Threads, you automatically grant Meta the rights to use it as they see fit.
Clearly, this is a serious concern! As usual, Meta employs aggressive and questionable policies regarding the use of user data. In that case, it can clearly damage your work as an artist! That's why it's crucial for you to be aware of this before jumping in.
If you still decide to share your art on Threads, you want to find ways to share it without it being too exploitable by Threads, like lowering down the resolution, using dramatic camera angles etc.
Personally, this clause reminded me of the first episode of the new season of Black Mirror, "Joan is Awful."
You might feel a bit uncertain upon learning this information and wonder what to do next.
There's no right or wrong. The most important thing is to educate yourself on the subject and make an informed decision!
Don’t drown.
Another concern I have is that On Threads, you are clearly drowning in information.
Unlike Instagram, where your art is easily identifiable and discoverable, on Threads, each post gets lost among hundreds of others.
This is both the strength and weakness of platforms like Threads and Twitter.
This aggressive and overwhelming information flow can significantly impact your mental health and how you perceive your art.
For now, the artistic community on Threads is incredibly supportive and nurturing. However, let's not forget that it's a brand new app, and things may evolve just like they did on Twitter.
That's why it's important for you to be able to take a step back from this frenetic pace and protect yourself.
Set boundaries.
Surround yourself with like-minded artists (this one is important!).
Practice self-care.
Trust your art.
Start easy!
Are you determined to join Threads?
Let me make it a little easier for you with some tips:
👉 TIP 1: Post multiple times a day. Content on Threads is quick to create and consume. Post several times a day to build a real connection with your followers.
👉 TIP 2: Don't overthink it. Unlike Instagram, your threads don't need to be perfect! Don’t spend more than 5 minutes on creating a thread.
👉 TIP 3: Show the behind-the-scenes. In addition to your finished artwork, Threads users will love seeing your works in progress.
👉 TIP 4: Share content related to your artist's life. No need to go overboard. On Threads, people want sneak peeks into your life, your passions, your daily routines, and your art!
👉 TIP 5: Experiment! The app has just launched, and everyone is still trying to figure out how it works. It's the best time to experiment! Don't hesitate to try new things. If it works, you'll receive plenty of positive feedback. If it doesn't, your thread will just get lost in the information, and there will be no consequences. So you have nothing to lose, everything to win. Test things out, have fun.
Some threads ideas
Wondering what to post on Threads? Don't worry, I've got your back!
✨”My current setup” + a pic of your art space
✨”Have a good day/week” + a pic of yourself or your art
✨”Show me your art. Here is mine” People will love posting your art under your thread.
✨“10 anime/movies/games to get to know me”
✨Artist-related jokes and memes (works so well on Threads!)
✨Photos of your pets. This is your time! Artists love pets.
✨Pics of your artworks and WIPs. You can write the title of the piece!
✨How you are struggling with something. Artists will relate to you, offer you support and feel understood.
✨Ask a question! Other artists will be happy to help you and answer.
✨Repost something meaningful! Like on Twitter, reposting and quoting is really valued on Threads, so don’t hesitate.
Summary
1. Threads is a new opportunity for ALL artists
2. However, there are a few risks that you should protect yourself from before diving in. Make sure to educate yourself about them.
3. You can start easily by posting two to three times a day, but don’t spend more than 5mn on creating a thread. This should be quick, nice and easy.
Special Event: The Comeback!
Back in may, we launched the first edition of an Evening by the Fire.
If you missed it, you can find it the missives archives.
The response to these stories was incredible, and many of you have been asking for a new edition of Evening by the Fire. Well, I've heard you, and I'm excited to announce that the next edition is coming up next Monday!
Let me remind you how it works: Members of our tribe send me their personal artist stories, and I select some to share in a cozy and warm Missive. It's a chance to connect, inspire, and support each other on our artistic journeys.
💪 If you want to tell me your tales and be featured in my Missive, click here.
Selected stories will be accompanied by your first names and a link to one of your social media art account.
Get ready to ignite the fire with your stories!