Authenticity in the Creative Process

A few days ago, I was approached by an artist on LinkedIn. Their profile immediately caught my eye, filled with captivating artwork that seemed to echo with creativity and talent. Something felt off as I was scrolling through their profile (aren’t you all doing this before accepting a network connection? ??). What was striking for me was the difference in quality of their work, from one post to another, as if the graphics were not created by the same hand, by the same artist.

Some pieces felt familiar, but not in the nostalgic sense – I realized they were works I had seen elsewhere, created by other artists.

Curious and somewhat concerned, I decided to reach out and have a conversation with this person. During our discussion, they admitted that, in an effort to establish their name in the creative world, they had used works from other artists and rebranded them as their own. Their intention, they explained, was to create a foundation that would eventually allow them to sell their own creations.

While I appreciated their honesty, the situation highlighted an important issue that I want to address: the ethics and importance of building a brand based on one’s own authentic work.

Authenticity is the cornerstone of a trustworthy brand. When you present someone else's work as your own, you not only mislead your audience but also undermine the hard work and creativity of the original artist. It might seem like a quick way to gain attention, but in the long run, it can severely damage your reputation.

Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, be it personal or professional. When people discover that you’ve used someone else’s work without proper credit, it can lead to a loss of credibility that is incredibly difficult to regain. Building a brand from scratch, though challenging, establishes a solid foundation of trust with your audience. People appreciate and support those who are genuine and transparent about their journey and creative process.

Inspiration vs. Imitation

There’s a significant difference between drawing inspiration from someone else’s work and outright copying it. Inspiration is a natural part of the creative process. Artists have always looked to others for ideas, techniques, and styles that resonate with them. However, it’s crucial to transform that inspiration into something uniquely yours rather than simply replicating it.

If you find a piece that inspires you, take the time to develop your interpretation of it. Use it as a stepping stone to create something new and personal. This not only respects the original artist but also allows you to grow and evolve your style.

If you do want to incorporate elements of someone else’s work into your own, it’s essential to give proper credit. Acknowledging the original artist shows respect and integrity. In many cases, artists are open to collaboration or allowing the use of their work if you ask for permission. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in building a respectful and supportive creative community.

The Journey of Creation

Creating a brand from scratch is no easy task. It requires patience, persistence, and a lot of hard work. However, this journey is what ultimately shapes you as an artist. Each challenge and triumph along the way adds depth to your story, making your brand not just a name, but a testament to your dedication and passion.

In the end, the art world, much like any other industry, values originality and honesty. While shortcuts might offer temporary gains, true and lasting success comes from the genuine expression of your creativity and the trust you build with your audience. It’s a journey filled with learning, growth, and the satisfaction of knowing that what you’ve built is truly your own.

1. Create an engaging profile

• Complete your profile: ensure your LinkedIn profile is fully completed with a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a detailed summary that highlights your artistic journey, skills, and aspirations.
• Showcase your work: use the featured section to display your best artworks, projects, or exhibitions. Regularly update this section with new pieces and significant achievements.

2. Share your story

• Regular posts: share posts about your creative process, inspirations, and challenges. Use high-quality images and engaging captions to draw attention.
• Articles: write longer-form content about your experiences as an artist, industry trends, or the story behind a particular piece.
• Videos: create short videos to showcase your work, explain techniques, or provide a glimpse into your studio life.

3. Engage with your audience

• Respond to comments: engage with those who comment on your posts. Thank them for their support and answers questions
• Comment on others' posts: show support to artists and professionals by commenting on their posts. Offer meaningful insights or praise to build relationships.
• LinkedIn groups: join groups to connect with like-minded individuals. Participate in discussions, share your work, and contribute to the community.

4. Network strategically

• Connect thoughtfully: send personalized connection requests to people you admire or those in your industry. Mention why you’d like to connect and how you can support each other.
• Collaborate: look for opportunities to collaborate with other artists or professionals. This could be through joint projects, guest posts, or co-hosting events.
• Mentorship: seek mentors who can guide you and offer advice. Additionally, offer to mentor emerging artists to build a supportive network.

5. Be consistent and authentic

• Consistency: regularly update your profile and share content. Consistency helps keep you visible and top-of-mind for your network.
• Authenticity: be genuine in your interactions. Share your successes and struggles to create a relatable and trustworthy persona.

6. Highlight your achievements

• Showcase testimonials: request recommendations from clients, collaborators, or mentors and display them on your profile.
• Share milestones: celebrate your achievements, whether it’s completing a major project, receiving an award, or being featured in an exhibition. This not only showcases your worth but also keeps your network informed of your progress.

7. Attend and host events

• Webinars and workshops: participate in or host webinars and workshops related to your field. This provides value to your audience and positions you as an expert.
• Networking events: attend industry events and conferences, and connect with attendees on LinkedIn to expand your network.