In today's media-soaked society, which is characterized by social networks such as Tikkot , Instagram, YouTube, X, LinkedIn and similar platforms, brands are increasingly looking for individuals and micro-influencers as advertising partners.
Because in a way we all act as our own "brand" on these digital channels and present our audience a selected version of our lives, our artistic work or professional success - be it friends, family, followers or even strangers.
The recommendations of influencers have a direct impact on these target groups.
Influencertum crushed as a purely commercial matter?
Influencer culture is often considered purely commercial, but it can be an important source of income . Like other employees, artists have to make money to be able to make a living - especially in times with falling social attention for the cultural area.
However, there is often the idea that artists could become too commercial and would therefore lose their authenticity . These prejudices can cause artists to be not adequately paid and suffer from poor working conditions.
It is important to recognize that creative work is as valuable as any other kind of work and should be paid accordingly. The romantized idea of the poor, suffering artists like Vincent van Gogh must be reconsidered. We should not glorify the hunger or suffering of an artist, but should appreciate and support his art.
Social media among artists - mostly it can no longer be done without image source: FreePik
The possibility for artists to achieve additional income through influencer activities or make their works accessible to a larger audience should therefore be seen positively. Ultimately, it is about looking at the diverse possibilities of marketing works of art without evaluation and ensuring a fair remuneration for creative work.
This is the only way to avoid precarious employment and the appreciation of art in our society.
The rise of influencer culture: How much does social media influence our perception?
The power of influencers on social media has been shaping our perception for several years, often without noticing it.
In this article we would like to illuminate the influence of influencers. After that, we will examine the advantages and dangers of this new era of digital influence and research the developing landscape of social media - especially with regard to art and culture.
It is time to question our ideas about influencers and to understand how they form public opinion. This is the only way to make a fitting classification, evaluation and a sovereign, balanced handling of it.
The influence of social media on our perception
In today's digital era, social media are inevitably present in our lives. They offer us an abundance of information and space from all over the world, enable exchange with others and influence our perception.
However, there is a risk that we will get into filter bubbles and only confront with opinions that correspond to our own. The algorithms of most social media services and their functionality fuel this phenomenon.
The rapid spread of content can lead to hasty judgments, while visual representations can simplify complex topics. It is therefore important to critically question the use of social media and to strive for extensive perspectives in order to expand our perception.
How social media form our beliefs and opinions
Social media have a significant impact on our beliefs and opinions . Due to the constant interaction with different points of view, you can distort our perception of the world and make critical thinking difficult.
The content we consume is prioritized by algorithms, which can lead to us to be in echo chambers and only receive confirming information. In addition, messages spread quickly on social media platforms, including misinformation.
In addition to user -generated content,influencers play an important role in shaping our beliefs and views on social media. These people have built up a large followers through their expertise or awareness in specific areas such as beauty, fashion, fitness, travel or art and design.
Influencers often share personal experiences or product recommendations that can influence the decision behavior and the perception of their followers on certain topics. Their carefully staged lifestyles, presented in Instagram feeds, can cause unrealistic beauty ideals or tempt spectators to accept consumption habits that are supported by influencers.
The rise of influencer culture has questions about the authenticity and transparency of online marketing practices (keyword: labeling obligation). It is important to become aware of the potential prejudices and motivations behind influencer content.
The power of influencers
In today's digital age, influencers have enormous power when it comes to influence our perception. large followers on social media platforms and have thus influential voices in various industries.
Who are these influencers and how do they achieve their influence?
Influencers are people who have created a considerable online presence through their expertise, creativity or sympathy. You can be experts in any conceivable niche.
With appealing content and "authentic"storytelling, they inspire their followers and establish themselves as "trustworthy" sources of information.
The social media platforms play a crucial role in spreading influencer culture. Since millions of users scroll through millions of users every day, these platforms offer the ideal stage for influencers to present their lifestyle and to support products or services.
Platforms such as Instagram and YouTube enable influencers to share visually appealing content and thus arouse the interest of their audience. A central aspect of the power of an influencer lies in its ability to influence consumption behavior.
The recommendations of these personalities are taken seriously by their followers - they often consider the influencers as trendsetters or authorities in their respective area. This has caused brands to work with opinion makers to carry out strategic marketing campaigns which aim to effectively address certain target groups.
Dangers and risks for consumers and society
Despite the superficial sympathy and trustworthiness of influencers, this phenomenon carries inherent risks .
A major problem is the illusion of authenticity that often create influencers. Many curate their content carefully to present idealized version of their life Behind the filters and perfectly staged photos, the audience easily forgets that it does not always correspond to reality. This can cause feelings such as inadequacy and comparison for spectators.
Ethical concerns also occur in the area of influencer marketing . By increasing cooperation with brands, there is a risk of unexplained sponsorship or misleading recommendations . The audience can unknowingly biased opinions, disguised as authentic recommendations.
In addition, the rise of influencer culture could lead to a lack of critical thinking among consumers.
Since so much information is available on social media platforms, it is important to develop a judgment for each individual when consuming online. In order to deal effectively with the content of influencers, it is crucial to recognize prejudices. Since we know that personal interests are in the game, we can consider your recommendations with caution.
The promotion of media literacy also plays an important role in promoting critical thinking in the age of influencers. If you should inform individuals about how social media algorithms work and teach how sources should be assessed.
This can contribute to making well -founded decisions regarding consuming content.
7 art influencers who are in the business on Instagram thick
In today's world, social media are more than ever an important point of contact for cultural trendsetters who gain loyal followers by sharing their thoughts and feelings with the world. Whether art trade or a collector's world - here too the formative sizes are open to social media and provide personal insights into their work and their lives.
On our research we found 7 outstanding personalities from the Instagram universe.
01 Yusaku Maezawa (@yusaku2020)
In 2017, the Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa a sensation in the art world when he bought a painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat for $ 110.5 million. Maezawa informed his Instagram followers about this success and has regularly shared news from the world of art and economics since then.
Recently, he announced that he will send his basquiat painting on a museum tour and travel to the moon as part of a mondex pedition with Elon Musk SpaceX. We will be excited to see how Maezawa's "Dear Moon" project will develop in the coming months.
Lil 'Miquela is undoubtedly the most visionary Instagram influencer of all. The artificial figure was created in 2016 by Trevor McFedries and Sara Decou and has since won a supporter of over one million people. Not only that, she can also be seen in renowned publications such as W and Paper and works as a sought -after model and collaborator for luxury brands such as Off White, Moncler, Prada and Chanel.
The initial digital art experiment has developed into a viral sensation that caused a sensation - a phenomenon in the world of social media marketing.
03 Gucci Beauty (@Guccibeauty)
Gucci has always inspiration from art history , but this has never been as obvious as in her current social media account Gucci Beauty.
Under the direction of creative director Alessandro Michele, the brand presents a variety of works of art that deal with history, gender, culture and geography. In the articles, guest authors and critics are regularly represented who write informative captions and thus explain the historical and artistic importance of the selection.
Due to this innovative approach, Gucci not only brings fashion to a new level, but also a profound insight into various art movements and social topics.
Linking luxury fashion with art makes the account an exciting platform for lovers of both areas. With every post, Gucci shows his commitment to cultural diversity and sets a statement for openness and tolerance.
This avant -garde approach to mirrors T Mirror's and makes it clear: Gucci goes beyond mere fashion - it is a movement towards the recognition of beauty in all its forms.
04 Sarah Andelman (@saraahandelman)
Sarah Andelman is an outstanding personality in the fashion world, known as the founder of the legendary shop Colette . Her concept store brought an innovative connection between art and fashion to the mainstream and inspired many successors.
Even after Colette's closure, she remains a radiant example of creativity and style on the Internet as well as in exhibition rooms worldwide. Her presence in art galleries and fashion events such as the London Fashion Week shows her persistent commitment to the industry.
With an eye for innovations, she presents new trends and sets standards of what makes it an icon of fashion culture.
05 Joan Cornellà (@sirjoancornella)
comics of Sir Joan Cornella on Instagram before His art consists of social comments that are mixed with black humor. The color palette that it uses is light and lively and contrasting perfectly to the dark undertones of his work.
For digital comic artists who are looking for inspiration for contemporary art, there is nothing better than this Instagram feed! And apparently many people agree; Joan Cornella has a fan base of 3.5 million on Instagram - and this number grows every day!
06 Takashi Murakami (@takashipom)
Takashi Murakami is undoubtedly one of the most influential artist personalities of our time. mirrors 's creative genius in his lively printing and sculptures that beat a bridge between traditional Japanese art and contemporary popular culture.
His talent was recognized by greats like Kanye West and Louis Vuitton, who used his work for their own projects. Murakami's works are not only visually appealing, but also profound and complex. They encourage them to think about topics such as mass consumption , identity in the digital age and the connection between East and West .
His artistic work impressively combines opposing opposing elements into a harmonious whole. With his unique style, Takashi Murakami has expanded the limits of contemporary art and left a lasting impression. His work inspires artists of all ages and people from different areas of life worldwide.
Due to his outstanding achievements as a digital artist and sculptor, Murakami has secured a permanent place in the history of art - a real icon of its time.
It seems that we are not alone with our admiration for this artist; Takashi Murakamis Instagram account has 2.4 million followers. His profile shows his works of art in a lively way.
07 Kaws (@Kaws)
Brian Donnelly , better known as Kaws , is undoubtedly one of the leading contemporary artists of our time. His unique works fascinate and delight art lovers all over the world. As a former animator for Disney , he brings his convincing ability to represent bizarre and pop culture into every work.
A distinctive feature of Kaws' art are the XS instead of eyes and mouths in his characters. This idiosyncratic decision gives his works a certain puzzling and attraction, which fans enthusiastic again and again.
It may be unclear why he chose this design form, but one thing is certain: the brands stand in line to become part of his exhibitions with their clothes. Like no other artist, Kaws manages to tear us away from our usual perspective and to stimulate thought.
His work speaks volumes About us in today's society and its relationship with the world of art and consumer. A look at his work is guaranteed to inspire you and provide you with new food for thought.
Australian artists reflect on their work as an influencer
As part of an article on the print editionJanuary/February 2024 of Art Guide Australia, author Sophia Cai spoke to four Australian artists who work as an influencer and work with various brands from the areas of street fashion, make-up, drinks and technology.
Influence as a form of freelance work under the conditions of capitalism "
The artists consider influence as a form of freelance work under the conditions of capitalism. They emphasize the importance of common values and ethics when choosing their cooperation savings.
Some artists like Abbey Rich reject orders from companies that use uigoric forced labor. Nevertheless, it is also emphasized that the dialogue about ethics and values does not always lead to changes.
Both personal values and financial remuneration "
Art influencers act in the area of tension between personal values, preservation of one's own authenticity and financial remuneration Image source: Freepik
The artists see work as an influencer as a way to explore different industries and be perceived in a new way. It becomes clear that influencer work is seen as a serious activity, in which both personal values and financial remuneration play a role.
There is no question that artists enormous social and cultural capital . From a historical point of view, artists have always exercised power, also known as "influence", in the design of culture and ideas. "
Nowadays, contemporary artists are increasingly challenged not only to create works of art, but also to act as a marketing and PR team to advertise their works from the audience. The artist Amrita Hepi goes even further and finds that creative people work with a "accumulated visual language" that brands can use to create convincing content.
Hepi remembers how she viewed sports advertising and fashion magazines as a young person. This has strongly influenced her interest in visual culture. In her hometown Townsville, she had easier access to Vogue than to contemporary art practice, which is why she knew little about the art world.
Hepi's observations show that art institutions can work similarly to brands. It also emphasizes the dynamics of power between art institutions and artists : While institutions exercise through financing and space, they ultimately only exist thanks to the work of artists. Like brands, art institutions strive to enlarge their audience and make profits while they receive their social relevance through cooperation with artists.
Ultimately, artists are the greatest capital of art institutions.
Artists can support brands and cancel connections to institutions and brands. This is the mutual interaction of the influencer culture : it is not just about what is supported, but also about what may not be supported.
The latest boycotts and protests in connection with unethical art promotion and "Artwashing" - like the actions of artist Nan Goldin against the Sackler family - illustrate the power that artists have when they withdraw their work or participation.
Abbey Rich recognizes this political practice and says:
I think it is my responsibility that I work for other things when I post through products or about myself. ”
This Advocacy is an important part of the work of artists - regardless of whether they “microinfluencer” or not.
Microblogging and the fedive
Microblogging breaks elitism in the artificial industry and gives artists their own identity and a direct wire to supporters, collectors and buyers.
A quick look at Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube, Tiktok , Tumblr and Instagram to recognize that power in the art world is no longer (only) (only) at large institutions, galleries and labels.
Microblogging is an effective and accessible form of blogging in short form, which is used by millions of people every day. It enables users to share their opinions and thoughts quickly and easily on platforms such as the short message service Twitter/X or the network for visual content Instagram without having to do a lot of effort.
Through these new possibilities, people can handle institutions and publish their own opinion. Music artists in particular can now freely form their identity and combine themselves more closely with their fans by blogging about their lives.
Microblogging opens up new ways of communication and breaks down the barriers between artists and their followers.
What is microblogging?
Microblogging is a technique of blogging in which people (or brands) write and share fast updates and short contributions on various topics. This format offers more freedom to communicate ideas in real time.
Popular microblogging platforms are X (formerly Twitter), Tumblr , Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook . Microblogs can also be published on medium or WordPress It enables a quick spread of thoughts, news, updates or other information that the author considers relevant.
Microblogging is extremely successful these days because people have a preference for ever shorter content . Most of us don't take enough time to read a few paragraphs in an article. Microblogging can create clear and concise content that is optimally tailored to shorter attention span.
This form of direct communication in information snacks is part of many established artists as well as from newcomers and emerging creatives from art, design and music.
The fedive-alternative network of microblogging services
If you have the feeling that social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter prepare you discomfort because Fakenews, Hatespech and constant self-staging are spread there, then you are not alone.
The FedIverse offers an alternative - a federated community of networks that is not a member of anyone and is accessible to everyone. In contrast to closed platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, the fedive gives users back control of their digital communication.
It enables a really social interaction and encourages the participation of the communication rules. At a time when even billionaires such as Elon Musk Twitter take over, the fedive is becoming more important and is already used by millions of people worldwide - increasingly also by people from the fields of education, culture and art.
The diagram represents the common platforms of the fedive with the underlying protocols .
The cornerstones of the fedive:
Network of independent platforms and services
Connection of all participants to each other
Usable with a single account across all platforms
decentralized
based on free software
Open interfaces
The fedive is an impressive network of servers that are acted as nodes and are mentioned. Despite the variety of software that runs on these instances, Activitypub the connecting protocol that enables the services to communicate across platforms. In contrast, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are centralized platforms with just one instance.
Within the fediverse there are various platforms with similar functions such as Twitter or expanded options such as Facebook or Instagram. In addition, many instances have specific thematic focuses , from amateur radio to local communities to science and nerdstuff.
The FedIverse thus offers a variety of communication options and content for different areas of interest.
Participating social media networks:
Friendica
Mobileizon
Diaspora
Misskey
Firefish and iceshrimp
mastodon
Pleroma
Accommodation
Gnu social
Pixel
Peertube
Owncast
Radio whale
Castopod
Lemmy
Writreely
WordPress (with plugin for Activitypub)
Bookwyrm
Flea market
Nextcloud
Each mastodon server is a completely independent unit that is able to work with other servers to form a global social network.
The FEDIVERSE does not offer perfect solutions for the problems with social media, but it enables us to tackle and discuss them. Here we can find solutions together and actively shape them. Although some problems such as the loss of content or missing global user names remain, there is a discussion within the instances at eye level and searched for answers.
Mastodon stream from our channel
Despite the open interfaces, it remains a challenge to keep hatred and fake news away. Nevertheless, the Fediverse offers a platform for participation in the social discourse and the possibility of further development with the participation of all users.
Plixxer-New player in the microblogging universe promises innovations
Plixxer is currently establishing itself as a new microblogging network that captivates with its user-friendly surface. The innovative microblogging network focuses on efficient information transmission, which means that users can quickly share and receive content.
In contrast to Facebook, Twitter and Co., Plixxer focuses on brief and concise messages. This orientation enables artists and freelancers to implement targeted marketing strategies and with new features offers an effective platform for networking and information exchange.
The microblogging platform Plixxer is praised for your user-friendly design and the focus on clear information exchange
Short conclusion
Although there are unmistakable risks and ethical concerns, the need for all entrepreneurs - including artists and artists of all kinds - remains to be found in a digitized world for presence on the Internet and on social media.
The king's path: balance between strategic use of influencer marketing and the maintenance of your own authenticity image source: frepik
However, it should be a priority to strive for a balance between strategic use of influencer marketing and the protection of one's own authenticity .
Sources:
Govisually : 25 Most Followed Art influencers on Instagram ; https://govisually.com/blog/art-influencerson-on-instagram/
Artnet : 10 Art influencers you need to follow on instagram to stay in the loop this case ; https://news.artnet.com/art-world/art-influencersinstram-fall-1349966
Sophia Cai on Art Guide Australia : Artists as Influencers: Advertising or Advocacy? ; https://artguide.com.au/artists-as-influencers- advertising-or-advocacy/
Michael Williams on medium : Micro-Blogging is Breaking Down Music Elitism and Giving Artists Their Own Identity ; https://michaeltjw.medium.com/micro-blogging-is-breaking-music-elitism-and-giving-artists-thistery-42e7683a67cd
Digitalcourage : Fediverse, the really social medium ; https://digitalcourage.de/digitale-s-s-sblesteitigung/fediversee
Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
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