The relationship between artist and audience has dramatically shifted in recent years due to the immense digital development and how socially connected our world has become. Traditional media coverage like gallery features, press reviews, and exhibitions were once the most crucial aspect of defining an artists credibility and visibility. Now, however, artists have the tools and opportunities to shape their own presence, share their creative processes directly with their audiences and cultivate the engagement on their own terms. This shift challenges the old hierarchy of validation, suggesting that credibility is no longer solely conferred from above but can be easily built from consistent and authentic engagement with audiences.

Building credibility without traditional media sounds easy but it requires intention, consistency and most of all authenticity. Artists have to consider how every piece of content they share – whether it’s a glimpse into their creative process, a reflection on their practice, or updates on their pieces – they all contribute to their overall narrative. This self-directed approach allows them to control how themselves and most importantly their work is perceived, engage directly with their audience and foster meaningful connections that go beyond fleeting visibility. This shows that an artist’s credibility doesn’t have to come from galleries or traditional media – it can be built directly with their audience.

The principles mentioned are clearly illustrated by artists who have embraced self-directed engagement online. For instance, one post by @bycparker gives a clear example of an artist simply showcasing their artwork accompanied by a caption giving the viewer an opportunity to purchase the art.

Another post by @bioworkz provides a time lapse of the artist creating a piece alongside a personal reflection, providing context and narrative that allow the audience to engage with both the art and the artist’s perspective.

By sharing work thoughtfully and authentically in this way, artists show that credibility and audience trust can be directly built, without relying  on traditional media coverage or institutional validation.

In an era where visibility is increasingly shaped by direct engagement rather than traditional gatekeepers, artists have the opportunity to define their own credibility. By sharing their work, insights and creative processes they can cultivate meaningful connections with their audiences and establish authority on their own terms.

#PRontheGO