Considering the Artist Look

Embracing black,polka dots,stripes or ..a beret perhaps?

How much does it matter to you what you wear and how you present yourself to the world?

Is there a formula to dressing like an artist.?

Does the public need to see a version of yourself that screams “artist”?

Most social media posts that I see of artists currently do not reflect either myself style or my age . Posed shots brilliantly lit in huge loft like studios .. Attractive of course and appealing -yet not me in any shape or form.

Carefully curated grids.

I understand that visibility is important to gain followers, yet I am reluctant to make myself the centre point of my visual interactions with.. friends and well strangers online.

(I seem to be getting a lot of traction lately from wealthy yacht owning doctors,pilots and military men who look to be somewhere around my age but with no apparent profile or interest in art ..!??)

Perhaps this is due to my own history of presenting myself in a subtle, behind the wizard’s curtain kind of way -with hopes that my art will hold its own . Perhaps its a generation thing.

I Also believe that my age-less group perhaps does it differently.

I notice other artists of my vintage often do not show their faces at all.

I recall in earlier art college days “dressing the part “ which meant grungier overalls , worn flannel shirts and construction boots. I was 19/20 years old then

It was all about fitting in-and well-comfort.

How to dress like an artist

(by wikihow ) ;-)

Currently I see many artists who continuously show themselves posing, working in studio , holding up their work. The effect is so carefully curated yet it’s hard for me to identify with this trend . The emphasis appears to be on the self . (Let me be clear there are artists who regularly show up in their photos but don’t have this highly polished studio look.)

So as Ageless artists how do we show up on a platform that apparently has a biased algorithm selection for youth and youthful attractiveness .

Instagram’s algorithmic bias towards attractive women is a result of a complex interplay of human behaviour, visual appeal, influencer culture, and advertising. While the platform’s algorithm is designed to show users content they are most likely to engage with, it inadvertently perpetuates a narrow representation of beauty. By understanding the factors contributing to this bias and taking proactive steps to address it, both users and Instagram can work towards creating a more diverse and inclusive social media experience.

While it is evident that some progress has been made concerning complaints about the biased promotion of certain types of female-centric imagery on Instagram feeds; there remains work ahead if true inclusivity is sought after within this social media space.

click for link to full article by Suryansh Srivastava

What should be mentioned and is evident also is that this algorithm also extends to men regarding ‘attractiveness” and youthful attractiveness

I am myself- and I am almost 67 . My thoughts are that I cannot compete or compare with a formula that may be needed to draw followers in groves. My online art classes created starting in 2015 are now available free on Youtube -as it felt a bit misleading of me to represent myself currently in videos filmed 8 years ago ! I’ve changed ..and my art has changed.

What is popular in culture and otherwise may not be relatable to someone like myself -and I cannot and will not project that in my art practise . I am content to draw those followers who connect with my art (and with the person who makes it)

Luckily I feel no need to play a numbers game re how many people follow me. I don’t need to compete with anyone in the popularity game. The lovely people that I have encountered through my online presence over the years have offered meaningful support and connection . I will continue to share my process and my art online as it keeps those who are interested informed. It also indicates that I continue to show up as a working artist. A side benefit is it keeps me in touch with my own progress and conceptual phases

I believe what matters most at this time of life as an artist is to connect as intentionally as possible and to foster opportunities for others along the way.

So do I dress like an artist?

Well I dress comfortably,love vibrant colours and loose fit - Linen and cotton and wool are appealing . Dressing for fun is appealing to me . Stripes,bright coloured shoes .. Expressing myself through my clothing is one of life’s pleasures.

I also believe our personalities and presentation are also important when we teach or work with others - who we are is a part of what we project to others and this may of course extend to our online presence as well.

You will not see my face often online as my hope is the focus can stay with my art (and hopefully algorithms won’t meddle too much with that )

Do you express yourself through fashion or otherwise as an “artist”