Mab Graves: Embracing Creativity in the Digital Era

As artists, we all struggle with finding a balance between creating art and promoting ourselves on social media. The pressure to keep up with the ever-changing algorithms and trends can take away from our focus and creative process. In this article, we will take a closer look at the thoughts of renowned artist Mab Graves on how to balance social media and creating art.

Early Beginnings and Creative Process

Mab Graves is a self-taught artist who has been drawing since she was a child. She attributes her creativity to her upbringing and the environment in which she grew up. She describes her early life as "a weirdo in a family of weirdos" and that her parents encouraged her to express herself creatively. Her art is inspired by a mix of childhood nostalgia, fairy tales, and whimsy.

When asked about her creative process, Mab Graves reveals that she is a "hopelessly obsessive" artist. She spends a lot of time researching and planning her artwork before she starts to create them.

MABS: "I do a lot of planning and research before I even pick up a paintbrush. I collect images, words, and stories that inspire me and create a visual map of what I want to create. Once I have a clear vision, I start to sketch out my ideas."

Mab Graves's art is known for its attention to detail and the intricate patterns that are present in her works. She reveals that she often spends hours creating tiny details and that it is something that brings her joy.

MABS: "I love creating these little worlds within my art. It's like a form of meditation for me."

Balancing Social Media and Creating Art

Mab Graves is an artist who has gained a considerable following on social media. Her Instagram account has over 150k followers, and she is known for her engaging posts and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative process. When asked about how she balances social media and creating art, she reveals that it can be a challenge.

MABS: "Social media can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it's an amazing tool for artists to connect with their audience and share their work. On the other hand, it can be a huge time suck."

Mab Graves reveals that she tries to limit her time on social media and focus on creating art. She states, "I try to set aside specific times for social media and stick to them. I also use apps that limit my time on social media so that I don't get sucked in for hours." She also emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and disconnecting from social media when needed.

MABS: "It's essential to take breaks and give yourself time to recharge. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your creativity is to step away from social media and take a break."

The Use of AI in Art

Mab Graves is an artist who is always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in art. In recent years, she has started to experiment with the use of AI in her art. When asked about her use of AI, she reveals that it is something that fascinates her.

MABS: "I'm always looking for new ways to express myself creatively, and AI is an exciting new tool that I can use in my art."

Mab Graves's use of AI in her art is to create patterns and designs that would be impossible to create by hand. She reveals that AI allows her to create intricate and complex patterns quickly and efficiently.

MABS: "AI allows me to create these intricate and complex patterns that I could never do by hand. It's an exciting new tool that I can use to push my creativity even further."

The Mabs Guide to Social Media

According to Graves, social media has played a significant role in her art career. She credits platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for helping her reach a larger audience, allowing her to share her art with people all over the world. Social media also provides artists with opportunities to connect with other artists, curators, and collectors, which can lead to more exposure and sales.

Finding a Balance

While social media can be beneficial to artists, it can also be a double-edged sword. Graves admits that the pressure to keep up with social media can be overwhelming, and it can often take away from her creative process. To find a balance, she recommends setting aside specific times for creating art and promoting it on social media. This way, you can focus on creating without any distractions and then promote your work during designated times.

Engaging with Your Audience

Engaging with your audience on social media is crucial, according to Graves. She suggests responding to comments and messages from your followers and making them feel seen and appreciated. It is also essential to post consistently and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process. This can help build a relationship with your followers and keep them engaged.

Staying True to Your Artistic Vision

While social media can provide artists with exposure and opportunities, it is essential to stay true to your artistic vision. Graves advises not to compromise your art for the sake of likes or followers. Instead, create what makes you happy and share it with the world. Authenticity is key, and followers will appreciate seeing your unique perspective.

Collaborating with Other Artists

Collaborating with other artists can be a fun and creative way to grow your following and reach new audiences. According to Graves, collaborating with artists whose work complements yours can result in exciting and unexpected outcomes. She recommends reaching out to artists who inspire you and exploring potential collaborations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, social media can be a valuable tool for artists to promote their work, connect with other artists, and reach a broader audience. However, finding a balance between creating art and promoting it on social media can be challenging. By setting aside specific times for each task, engaging with your audience, staying true to your artistic vision, and collaborating with other artists, you can navigate the digital wheel and make the most of social media without sacrificing your creativity.

Follow Mabs:

Website:

https://mabgraves.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mabgraves

Etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/mabgraves