Instagram — Blog — ALYSSA BARNETT

1. Where/how do you see the art world being affected after Instagram?

We can already see how the art world has been affected by social media, specifically Instagram. Of course, there are pros and cons to this. Instagram has millions of users which can allow for a large following. There are artists making money selling their art through their page on their own and without the help of a museum or the traditional art world. Artists are being discovered on Instagram every year. However, these artists are being called “Instagram artist” which is quite degrading. They are being undervalued. They are viewed as less of an artist because of where they displayed their art and how they were discovered.

I think Instagram has been a big part of the art world and when/if it disappears it could have negative effects. Instagram has revealed the flaws in the traditional art world. The artists who have been discovered with Instagram should never have had to turn to social media to break into the art world. Although, now that this flaw has been revealed it may be a good thing when/if Instagram disappears. These artists may finally have the chance to be discovered by the traditional art world and be represented in museums.

2. What is the next platform and/or new way of showing our work to others?

One day Instagram’s popularity will decrease and might possibly disappear. How will we show our work to others? Will another platform replace Instagram? These are questions we can’t answer in the present moment but there will always be another platform that arises. All we can do is hope for a platform that is better for artists and for people to recognize that no matter where someone is discovered – an artist is an artist.

What advice do you have for a young artist?

· Be true to yourself.

· Keep all your art even if you consider it a failure.

· Don’t compare yourself to other artists.

· Work outside.

· Create as often as you can.

· Don’t be afraid to try new things.

“Art is harmony parallel with nature.”

— Paul Cezanne

According to statistics it is estimated that in 2019 there will be close to 2.77 billion people using social media. Social media and networking have quickly taken the world by storm. Of course, the rise of social media means that more trends are likely to catch on even if it’s only for a short time. These trends can affect each of us whether that is in a good way or a bad way.

Trends can be anything from the currently rising selfie trend to something smaller like a meme which can last anywhere from a week to a year. In my creative field of photography there are a few things that are currently trending that I both agree and disagree with.

A trend that I would love to see more of is film photography. My mom and my grandma always say “history repeats itself.” I never thought that it could apply to trends like photography. Photographers are going back to or trying film. Film photographers are on the rise and social media is a big reason why. Social media platforms have become a place for film enthusiasts to connect. Perhaps, it’s because of the old Instagram filter that made any of your photographs look like it was taken with film. Or maybe it’s because of the nostalgia and level of emotion it brings to the photograph. There’s also a level of surprise when using film photography. Film takes away the option to check the results until the film is developed which can force photographers to work on improving their technical and creative skills. I have provided a link below to one photographer’s belief as to why film photography is on the rise.

https://www.wix.com/blog/photography/2018/04/26/reasons-why-film-photography/

A trend that I want to see less of is the idea that “anyone can be a photographer” with their fancy iPhone cameras. Yes, they can take great pictures but that is not what makes a photographer. I’m not saying that you need to have the newest Nikon or Canon camera to be a photographer but the fact that you own an iPhone does not make you a photographer. However, with the rise of technology and social media, smart phone cameras are being developed to be a mini DSLR camera.

Smartphones are more convenient because of how much smaller they are and that they weigh less than DSLRs. I understand why this makes them a more appealing option for beginner photographers and those who don’t want to carry all that weight or possibly can’t carry that weight. Technology is closing the gap between smartphone cameras and DSLRs but what makes DSLRs the better choice at the moment is the battery life. DSLRs give the option to have multiple batteries that you can switch out when one dies, and of course, you also have multiple lenses to choose from.

In the end, it really is up to the photographer to choose which they prefer. I do think you can be a photographer with a smartphone camera – I have seen many great pictures taken with smartphones. But it takes a lot more than owning a smartphone to be a photographer.