Do you have any advice for getting better exposure for artists that haven't made it with it being so hard these days? : / I know about fanart bringing in fandom exposure, (if you're lucky enough to get seen on anything anymore) and about being on all of the social media's but neither of these seem to matter or help any. I've been around for 12 years, I can draw, and I've watched everyone rise but now that I'm trying to get anywhere it just feels like the same opportunities aren't there anymore.
Let me debunk a couple of myths here:
Fanart. Drawing fan art brings a lot of exposure… wrong or not always right.
Drawing fan art will make you popular if you’re a good artist and passionate about what you’re drawing, nothing more, nothing less.
Drawing fan art for the sake of getting exposure is counterproductive.
Basically, you don’t have to draw fan art, but if you’re really passionate about a subject, then go for it.
Be honest. Don’t be artificial. You don’t have to follow trending hashtags.
Social media
You don’t have to be on all social media. There are artists who have one page on Instagram (or Facebook, Twitter,etc…) and an official portfolio… and that’s it.
Does being on several platforms help? Yes. Do you need to be on all of them? No. Personally, I’d rather focus on one or two social media pages and grow my audience/following (I like the term ‘community’) there.
My advice.
Patience and Skills vs Fame. There are other artists who have been around for years and they’re starting to get exposure only now. So, it’s not something you’re doing wrong and it’s not that your art isn’t good enough.
Keep in mind that there are veterans in the industry who are so good at what they do but few still know of them - yet you’ll see their work in films, videogames and more.
So, these artists are not popular online but they are good. What does this say? Popularity isn’t a reliable validation.
Consistency
Not only on social media, but in your work as well, be consistent. Trying out different art styles and techniques is fine, but in the end, the best artists are known for something in particular.
Look up your favourite artists’ work and you’ll find a thread. Look at your own work, look at what you like drawing, and find yours.
Opportunities
When you draw and post your work online, you’re creating your own opportunities. When you’re applying for a job, again, you’re creating your own opportunity. It can be frustrating at first, but if you don’t keep trying, opportunities won’t certainly find you. Once you get your foot in the door, chances will come your way.
Hope this helps!
-G