You’re probably reading this because you want to be instafamous, right?

You want to be noticed, you want more followers, you want strangers to comment and say “Wow, amazing art”, but is that really validation? I could’ve turned this post into one of those bullshit “5 Steps to Gain Followers” or something stupid along those lines but I don’t want to do you that disservice.  I don’t want to continue to propagate the ridiculous idea that you have to draw for likes or draw like the most popular accounts because they have thousands of followers. 

 Mostly I’m writing on this topic because I’m tired of seeing YOU my fans and peers get down on your selves because you aren’t getting hundreds of likes on everything you post.  So what, who cares! The truth is that being famous on whatever social media you participate in shouldn’t be your end game.

The focus should always be the art, YOUR ART and creating better art every time you put pencil or marker or brush to paper.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to share your art with the world and in fact that is the point of creating anything, to share it. Just keep in mind that not everyone will like your work or be a fan and that’s all right.  Draw and create for yourself and what you like and want to see out there in the world. That’s the real secret.

 So, I’m going to ask you again. You want more followers, likes, and comments then get your ass to work. As you get better, as you create quality art, people will notice. I guarantee it. When that time comes you won’t be worried about likes or followers or comments because those things will just happen but more importantly you will have earned it because you put in the work.

Lastly, why did I choose Prince as my blog image this week? Even though I may not have liked every song he produced I have always appreciated that the man marched to his own tune creating what he wanted to hear putting art first before money or fame.  

If this post convinced at least one person to stop looking for that magic pill and just practice day in and day out or if maybe it just reminded you of what your focus needs to be let me know below. Don't forget to leave your Instagram account in the comment so I can check out your work.

Your neighborhood marker slinger,

Ivan Castro