I deleted my Instagram app and I'm choosing these platforms instead

The subtle art of being on multiple platforms

Hello Creatives!

Last month I made the decision to delete the Instagram app from my phone (again LOL). What an instant relief :) This doesn’t mean that I am not on Instagram anymore - it only means it is gone from my phone, and I will continue to log in on my desktop computer, but in a more controlled and mindful way.

I’ve been on Instagram for years now, sharing snippets of my artwork, updates on new courses, and occasional glimpses of my life behind the scenes. It’s been a good platform for connecting with other creatives and getting my work out there. And then a few recent messages that I got there left me thinking that I really don’t want to put myself out there anymore… At least not to the same extent.

I won’t even mention any pressure to post on IG regularly - I am not doing this type of “content planning”, “algorithm-pleasing” strategy for many many months now.

The simple act of checking Instagram became a reflex—something I’d do in those small pockets of downtime that could’ve been used to recharge or focus on meaningful tasks. Those moments added up, pulling me away from projects that needed my time and attention. Currently I’m quite snowed under client projects and planning two new online courses. Letting go of the app became a necessary step to reclaim the peace and focus I needed to truly create.

You’ve got mail…

On top of everything else, and I think my tipping point, the constant stream of direct messages on Instagram became another source of stress. While I appreciate the intention behind people reaching out, it often felt overwhelming to manage those conversations on top of everything else I’m juggling. Plus, I started to get more messages asking for follows, which felt very 2015 if you know what I mean :D

I’ve realized I much prefer connecting with people through more intentional spaces, like my website or Facebook groups or here on Substack :)

Deleting the app from my phone was a big relief and…

…it opened up more time for other platforms

If you’re looking to shift away from Instagram but still want to share your work, connect with other creatives, and grow your professional presence, there are several fantastic platforms that can be more effective and less overwhelming, especially for illustrators. Here is where I am shifting my attention towards to:

1. Behance

2. LinkedIn

3. Youtube

Behance is a wonderful option because it’s specifically designed for creatives, allowing you to showcase your projects in a beautifully organized way. Unlike Instagram, where content quickly gets buried in a feed, your work on Behance remains easily accessible, making it more like a professional portfolio than a social feed. It’s a platform where art directors, publishers, and agencies actively search for talent, often leading to collaborations, commissions, and job offers. So I heard :) I neglected it a little bit in the past, but now I am motivated to keep going with it, as it feels more professional.

LinkedIn, often underestimated by creatives, is a powerful tool for connecting with potential clients, art directors, publishers, and other professionals in your industry. It’s a great place to showcase your expertise by sharing updates on your projects, insights into your creative process, or even writing articles related to your field. Not to mention, you can actually connect there with real companies, real agencies, real publishers, or get access to actual real job postings.

Last but not least, YouTube is another excellent platform for illustrators who want to dive deeper into their content. I do have some video-creating experience already, as an online course creator, so for me part of the learning curve is already mastered. Still, for anyone who simply has their smartphone to make a video, YouTube is a great space to establish yourself as an authority in your niche, which can attract clients or students interested in your courses. Videos on YouTube also have a longer lifespan than posts on Instagram, it is really ever-green!

Each of these platforms offers something unique that Instagram doesn’t. Shifting your focus to these channels can help you build a more sustainable and meaningful online presence that aligns with your goals as an artist, illustrator, and educator. It doesn’t mean that you have to, but I am suggesting that you consider them :)

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Hi! I’m Weronika Salach, a freelance illustrator specializing in children’s books, toy design and surface pattern design. Internationally I’m represented by Advocate Art. Over 35,000 happy students have taken my digital illustration courses and watched my YouTube videos. Let’s connect :)

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