The Effect of Social Media on Artists' View of Their Own Art and Desire to Create

This exploratory study examined the effect posting art on social media has on artists’ views of their own art and desire to create. The role of social media in the production, sharing, and purchasing of art has increased significantly in the past years. Thus, the importance of advertising one’s art through social media has also increased. Using a 35-question survey completed by 43 people, this study investigated how the emergence of online communities, and the pressure to gain a following and please their online audiences, has influenced artists’ views of their own work. The results of this study provides some indication regarding whether social media is helpful or harmful to artists and their careers.