Social Media Mirage: Why Follower Count and Yoga Pants Won’t Make You a ‘Legitimate” Artist.
‘Misplaced’ Oil on Canvas M. L. Reynolds (2025). A US Marne assigned to 1st Battalion 8th Marines tends to an Afghan girl at he Abbey Gate during the US withdrawl from Afghanistan at HKIA.
Oof…that title makes me sound either pretentioius or jelous, but I assure you I am neither.
In a world where social media reigns supreme, the line between ‘real’ artistry and online performance has become increasingly blurred. As artists, we’ve all seen the trend - the carfully staged photos of painters holding brushes with one hand and posing provockatively in yoga pants with the other, a smile that says, “I swear I’m a real artist, just look at my followers!” The unfortunate truth is that Instagram and other platforms have created a bizzare space where engagement and follower counts have replaced actual skill and dedication. But here’s the kicker: that follower count doesn’t mean a think if the work doesn’t have substance.
It’s tempting to think that a viral post is a golden ticket to artistic legitimacy. But let’s be real - a thousand likes doesn’t make you a genius any more than a shiny car makes you a responsible driver. The cult of "likes" and "followers" has conditioned us to believe that popularity equals authenticity, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. When an artist’s value is determined by how many eyes they can grab, it’s easy to forget about the power of actual art and the stories behind it. We’re talking about the impact, the heart, the experiences that shape each piece.
You’ve seen it. The “art” that’s been shown off with one too many skin shots, the viral post that gets a million views, but where’s the substance? If the only thing showing off is a well-placed brushstroke next to a strategically positioned backside, then we might want to rethink the narrative. As soon as the work becomes secondary to the body, it’s a sad commentary on the state of modern art’s ‘popularity contest’. Here’s a fact - when the artwork takes a backseat to the ass, the views will drop off. So, if you think your followers equate to expertise, you might want to rethink your strategy.
The silver lining? social media has obliterated the necessity of galleries as gatekeepers of art. You no longer need to be selected, scrutinized, and confined to the walls of a gallery to get your work seen. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even Facebook, artists have unprecedented access to global audiences. A single post can reach thousands, if not millions, without ever setting foot in a gallery. The power is now in your hands, and that is something that should be celebrated. None of that holds a candle to the prestege associated with gallery exhibition - but its the point being seen isn’t as exclusive as some may believe.
Now, let’s be honest. If your work isn't getting the views you hoped for, maybe it’s because you’re showcasing macaroni necklaces and calling it “art” - because it isn’t. The world is more than ready for creative brilliance, but it requires more than just a good angle and hashtags. It requires storytelling. Why did you create that piece? What message are you trying to convey? What's the deeper significance? Art without a narrative is like a meal without seasoning - it may fill a space, but it doesn’t leave a mark. If that’s your niche, I’m not faulting you - we’re just from different perspectives.
Here’s my advice: stop chasing the likes. Instead, chase the meaning behind your work. Get comfortable telling the story that comes with each brushstroke, each sketch, each piece of work you create. Let your followers see the why behind your art, not just the what. Don’t fall for the illusion that numbers define your success. If the art is solid, the audience will come - for the right reasons. Stay true to your craft, and remember that real artistry isn’t built on followers, but on passion and purpose. Unfortunately, the almighty algorithm pushes your ‘content’ to audiences who might like it, learn from it, or be entertained by it. This has driven many artists to create reels - process videos, the dreaded slow reveal, and the half wit, mediocre pretty girl in yoga pants convinced that everyone is really there to love her art.
So, as we dive further into the age of social media fame, let’s keep this in mind: art’s true value lies in its authenticity, not in the viral moments or the number of likes you rack up. It’s time we start showcasing what truly matters: the art itself.