As college students, we don't always have money laying around to purchase art. The good thing is that there are so many ways to support your artist friends that cost $0 and very little of your time.
I’m Kate, a small-batch ceramicist and Emory student. I’ve really been blown away by the support my college friends have shown for my work. While some of my friends have purchased my ceramics, there are lots of other ways that they have empowered me as an artist that don't cost anything at all. Most of these ideas apply to any kind of artist—whether they sell work online, post music or video content on streaming platforms, or even perform on stage. With many events and opportunities canceled because of the pandemic, this year has dealt a serious blow to lots of artists, and showing support is more important now than ever—here are a few ways you can help!
1. Leave positive reviews when you enjoy an artist's work.
Whether the artist has a website, Etsy, YouTube, or SoundCloud, let them know what you like about their work in the review or comment section of their chosen platform. Feedback not only helps artists understand the preferences of their audience, but also signals to others that the artist makes quality work.
2. Share, save, or comment on their Instagram posts.
Instagram and other social media platforms are often key ways for artists to gain exposure and expand their reach. Through engaging with artists' posts by commenting and sharing, you can boost their spot in Instagram's algorithm and improve the likelihood that the post will show up in other people's feeds. This can really make a difference for artists, as it can help them grow their following on Instagram and gain important exposure to potential patrons of their art.
3. Post content of artwork you enjoy on your social media.
If you have purchased some of an artist's work in the past, enjoyed listening to a small musician's songs on streaming platforms, or otherwise consumed an artist's work, share it with your friends through your social media platforms. This generates content that artists can then repost on their own platforms to emphasize the quality of their work. It’s also simply a great way to boost an artist's morale.
4. Show up!
Events like showcases, art markets, and performances can be nerve-wracking for young artists, and friendly, supportive faces can be so helpful. I still remember the first time I had a pottery sale, I was so excited and nervous as I set up my little table of pots. It made me feel so encouraged and grateful when various friends showed up to say hi and support me. These events are few and far between this year, but there are still outdoor, socially-distanced markets and virtual events going on!
5. Send them our application for an artist spotlight!
One of our main goals at the Pulse is to amplify the voices and reach of artists on Emory’s campus. If one of your friends is making cool things, we want to hear about them!
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