Soul Over Brand

Navigating social media as a creative entrepreneur.

I've been a self-employed artist for almost eight years, and social media has played a significant role in building my business. But as I've navigated the world of Instagram, I've realized that the pressure to present myself as a brand can be suffocating. Getting caught up in algorithms, trends, and the endless pursuit of likes and followers is all too easy. But as a creative entrepreneur, the soul should always come before the brand. In this journal, I want to share some strategies for navigating social media in a soulful, intentional way that honors your creativity and supports your business.

In a world where patriarchy, capitalism, and digital dependence speed up the tempo of civilization, and artists are pumping artworks rapidly for entertainment and survival rather than alchemical experience, it's easy to get wrapped up in the confusion and imbalance of it all. Yet, the impact of algorithms on our digital world is undeniable.

For a while now, most of us have experienced a mourning process and a breakup with Instagram. But, remarkable artists, creators, and activists still make essential strides on Instagram, Substack, and other social media platforms amidst the changes. Most of the artists I know, including myself, don't come from money, so social media can be, and in my experience, is an incredible source of connection, inspiration, and support, and it remains a powerful tool for connecting with others and amplifying one's message and voice to a broader audience. 

Whether you're a creator who has been using social media for some time or an artist just starting to dabble in this world, I'm writing this message to remind you about the medicine of media. 

Everything is sacred, and everything possesses a soul. So, of course, you may question and think, 'What on earth is she talking about? Does social media have a soul?

Not exactly sure, but I know we do. I believe that when we fully engage with life, the soul permeates everything. By approaching each moment with intention, grounded energy, and an open heart, we can discover the life and vitality inherent in all things, even within the digital realm.

The world is alive and speaks to us in many ways, and if we are willing to hold all of our experiences with reverence and care, everything can serve as medicine.

I frequently receive messages asking how I manage breastfeeding, motherhood, creating art, handling social media, and running my business while dealing with frequent travel and relocations?

Firstly,  it's because I genuinely enjoy what I do, and I believe that creative work is my purpose in this world, which I get to live every day. I continue to pursue it because of the incredible response from my community, knowing that my work benefits others. It's because the work I do addresses profound questions within me, fulfills me, and brings out my softer side. But, in its simplest terms, I guess it's because I both want to do this and feel a deep need to do so.

Through trial and error, I've discovered strategies that help me stay focused, creative, and fulfilled.

Grounded in my humanity: While social media can be an important tool for promoting my art and connecting with others, I stay authentic and genuine in my online presence. I share my struggles and successes and try to connect with my community as a person rather than just a brand. This has helped me build genuine and loyal relationships.

I've never been one to follow the rules; instead, I rely on my intuition to guide my decisions. 

Sometimes this guidance is so subtle that I may not even realize it without reflecting on it.

I don't meticulously plan or color coordinate my Instagram feed, I don't adhere to any strict posting schedule, or create clickbait content. I don't use apps to schedule my posts, or pre-plan them in advance; I don't pay for ads. I don't create content; I make art. I don't create to appease social media or to jump on social trends. I've never ventured into TikTok, Twitter, YouTube or any other apps (except for Pinterest and Facebook, but my presence there is pretty much non-existent).

That is probably why my visibility dropped significantly over the last few years. Sometimes, you can get pushed aside when you don't play by the rules. But the reward for being true to yourself is that your wellbeing, creativity, and heart can all thrive in ways that wouldn't be possible otherwise. When you're rooted in your humanity first, everything is in a state of flow.

What I do instead: 

• I place high importance on my creative practice, recognizing its significance and magic, and making it a central focus of my daily life. I write whenever I get a moment, whether to record my dreams, write in my gratitude journal, set my intentions, recap my day, write here, or jolt down my ideas and visions as they come. Almost everything I write is done by hand, with an actual pen. Writing words that heal and need to be expressed is my priority. Engaging emotionally with the world, communing with plants, baking, spending time outdoors, cooking, and photographing nature all bring me joy and healing. These creative outlets are not pursued for financial gain but for creativity's sake.

• I believe in sharing honestly and authentically while respecting my boundaries and privacy. It's important to me to share things that I know can be helpful to others and that have helped me on my own journey. I'm mindful of how vulnerability can be commodified and exploited on social media, so I always check in with myself to make sure that my intentions for sharing are genuine. 

• Prioritizing: I prioritize the most important projects each day and tackle those first. This helps me stay on track and feel good. I separate days when I create personal work and play, and have days when I work strictly on commissions. 

• Time management: I've refined my time management skills by setting realistic deadlines, breaking down large tasks into smaller steps, and avoiding distractions. I've implemented a 30-minute timer for Instagram to help limit my screen time. My digital activities are primarily focused on email management and scheduling calls. The rest of my time is dedicated to motherhood, work, creative pursuits, outdoor activities, reading, baking, and allowing myself the freedom to dream and explore.

• Self-care looks very different for me these days, and I'm trying to be more conscious of my needs as a full-time creative entrepreneur and a full-time parent working from home. I get to work when Aki sleeps or when he's out with Ben or late into the night. The crux of my journey through motherhood lies in the process of shedding the negative impact of capitalism. I've learned to relinquish the guilt that society has instilled in us, making us feel as though prioritizing our children over work is wrong. As I tend to self-care, I hold close to the reminder that motherhood takes precedence. And what a beautiful role motherhood is; nurturing my son extends beyond just him and permeates into every facet of my life - my community, my art, my inner child, the land - as I embody the sacred mother archetype. By prioritizing motherhood and all that it entails, I can pour so much love, grace, and care into everything I do. By prioritizing my physical and mental wellbeing, rest, creative expression, and imagination, I am actively rebelling against the pervasive influence of capitalism. As a role model to my son, I understand that every action I take leaves an indelible imprint on his growing consciousness. In this phase of my life, while being on the road and searching for our home and belonging in the world, managing everything mentioned above has been challenging and exhausting. 

• Engaging with play and imagination is an integral part of my daily practice. It’s the lifeblood that keeps my creative spirit nourished and my mind invigorated. Whether making art, exploring the outdoors, or trying new experiences, I always prioritize joy and wonder. This fuels my artistic process and cultivates a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness in all aspects of my life. The boundless potential of my imagination offers a pathway for problem-solving, inspiration, and growth. When we look at ourselves as half ancient half child, we can tap into the storehouse of cosmic consciousness and see how play is an essential, if not THE most important, aspect of spiritual and creative life.

• I naturally return to earth to hold my grief, laugh with, have a friend, receive intuitive guidance, find answers, relax, and rejoice in the magic of this world. As an artist, it's crucial to have a relationship with all life, to be immersed in as many diverse environments as possible, and to walk and create with no specific aim. 

As a mother, human, and artist who values her connection to the unseen, I feel a profound responsibility to use social media for empowerment and connection. In a world where women's voices are often silenced or overlooked, we must show up and share our unique perspectives and art. Social media can be a powerful medicine for the soul, allowing us to uplift each other, connect with like-minded individuals, and showcase the beauty of the feminine. But we must also discern what we allow into our space, set boundaries, and use our time wisely. By embracing the sacred potential of social media, we can create a community of support, inspiration, and healing, freeing our art from the confines of our fears and stepping into our power as women and creatives.

As an artist, you're more than just a brand - you're a person with a unique voice and vision.

Making art and sharing it on social media is a vast opportunity to cultivate a relationship with your creation. Your art is not just a product to be sold or consumed but a living, breathing extension of yourself that deserves to be respected. Take time to listen to what it wants to say, to understand its essence and purpose, and to feel its energy and soul. And just like you would with a friend, create a space for your art to thrive and grow. Build an altar to your art on social media, where it can be seen and appreciated by others. But remember to also create a private space where you can commune with your creation and allow it to reveal its deepest secrets and truths. By honoring your art in this way, you are deepening your relationship with it and inviting others to connect with it more authentically and meaningfully. 

While I believe in the potential for social media to support our creative and financial goals, I don't want to give the impression that it's always easy or glamorous. On the contrary, making a living by selling our creations can be unpredictable and challenging. I've faced my fair share of setbacks and am still figuring out how to cultivate more stability and consistency in my art career.

What keeps me going is the sense of freedom and autonomy that comes with being in control of my time and my creations. I know my feminine spirit is not meant to be bound to a 9-5 repetitive work designed for male hormonal rhythms. I know I'm not meant to be tied to a classroom and study like everyone else. I know that my intuition is strengthened in nature and that my wellbeing is directly linked to my relationship with my body, the land, healthy relationships with women, and my imagination.

Making a living through social media is a continuous learning process, but if there's one thing I hope to convey through my journey, it's the lesson of possibility.

Writers, artists, creative entrepreneurs, how do you stay true to your creativity and honor your soul? Share your insights and tag fellow creatives who inspire you below. 

With love,

Vanja

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