Stop Making Art for the Algorithm

Today, I’m digging into the pure joy of creating art for its own sake, rather than getting caught up in the pressures of social media validation. Many artists feel overwhelmed by the constant need to adapt to social media algorithms and trends to gain visibility. Ironically, this often leads to the opposite effect and detracts from their true passion for making art. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. My hope is that this post will help you reconnect with your core motivation for creating art and offer practical tips to focus on creativity over digital metrics.

Reconnecting with the intrinsic joy of creating art

In a world where social media dictates the value and visibility of our creative work, it’s easy to lose touch with the true essence of why we create art. The pressure to conform to ever-changing algorithms, chase trends, and seek validation through likes and shares can overshadow the intrinsic joy of the artistic process.

Many artists find themselves caught in a cycle of trying to please an invisible audience rather than focusing on their personal creative fulfillment. This constant striving for digital approval dilutes the pure, personal satisfaction that comes from creating art simply for the joy of it.

Reconnecting with this intrinsic joy involves setting aside external pressures and rediscovering the pleasure of art-making for its own sake. Shift your focus back to what makes you passionate about your work, rather than being swayed by metrics and feedback. Prioritize your personal artistic journey over digital validation to rekindle your love for creation, find deeper meaning in your art, and cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling creative practice.

Here are some ways to reconnect with the pure joy of making art, free from the pressures of social media:

Embrace artistic freedom

Set aside dedicated time each week to explore new mediums, techniques, or styles without the pressure to produce a "marketable" piece. Allow yourself to experiment with colors, textures, and forms just for the sheer joy of discovery. Remember, the goal is not to create something perfect but to enjoy the process of creation.

Tip: Create a “no-judgment” zone in your space where mistakes are embraced as part of the creative journey. This environment encourages freedom and exploration without the fear of criticism.

Resource: One of my favorite ways to experiment is with challenge prompts. For example, check out my 10-day sketchbook challenge—it’s a great way to get started!

Set intentional art goals

Write a brief statement outlining why you create art and what you hope to achieve personally through your work. This could include goals related to emotional expression, skill development, or personal fulfillment. Keep this statement visible in your workspace as a reminder of your intrinsic motivations.

Tip: Reflect on your mission statement regularly to stay aligned with your core artistic values and maintain focus on personal satisfaction rather than external validation.

I simply return to this mantra daily: Remember why you started.

Social media detox

Limit your social media time. It’s about being mindful and intentionally interrupting the habit.

Designate specific times of the day or week for social media activities and stick to these limits. Outside of these times, immerse yourself fully in creating art without the distraction of checking notifications or trends.

Tip: Use apps or settings on your devices to help manage and limit your social media usage. Consider turning off notifications to reduce interruptions during your creative sessions.

Cultivate a creative ritual

Create a ritual around your art practice, such as listening to calming music or lighting a candle, to make your creative time more enjoyable and focused. Incorporate specific routines or elements into your art-making process to foster inspiration, focus, and relaxation.

Tip: Develop a “pre-creation” routine to signal the start of your artistic time and a “post-creation” ritual to conclude it, helping you transition smoothly between creative and everyday life.

Connect with fellow artists

Join a group of like-minded artists who share your values about creativity and artistic integrity. Connect regularly to discuss your work, exchange ideas, and support each other’s artistic journeys.

I’d love to invite you to join our free community space in The Art Nest!

Tip: Engage in collaborative projects or art challenges with this group to foster a sense of community and shared purpose.