So, you’re an artist, not a natural-born vlogger. The thought of talking into a camera might make you break out in a cold sweat, or maybe you’re just not into the idea of showing your face at all.
First off, you don’t have to show your face in your content if it’s an absolute “FUCK NO” for you. There are ways to connect with your audience, brand your content, and make it recognizable as yours without going full influencer mode.
Baby steps are better than no steps, and building confidence is a process. Let’s get into it, step-by-step.
Why Branding Your Content Matters (Even if it’s Just a Tiny Detail)
When people follow you, they’re following you—your vibe, your style, your personality. It’s easy to think, "They see my username and logo. Isn’t that enough?" But on fast-scrolling social media feeds, the small profile pic or your handle isn’t always obvious enough to make an impression.
Here’s where “branding your content” comes in. This doesn’t have to mean turning yourself into a brand logo or appearing in every post, but having a consistent, recognizable element that people associate with you can make a difference.
Your Signature ‘Thing’:
Got a pet? Show your cat, dog, or bearded dragon in your videos as your “co-star.”
Film in the same corner of your studio, so people recognize your creative space right off the bat.
Always start with a view from your studio window or a favorite object on your desk.
Use a specific color filter or background music that becomes “your thing.”
These small touches make your content feel unique and instantly recognizable, helping people know, "Oh, it’s that artist I love!" without a second guess.
Level 1: The Baby Step – Showing Up Without Saying a Word
Talking to the camera can feel awkward, to say the least. If jumping in with a big “Hi, guys!” sounds terrifying, start by just showing yourself. Yep, you don’t have to say a single word. Just start appearing on screen here and there, letting people get used to seeing you. Maybe you’re pouring coffee in the morning, maybe you’re in the background setting up your art supplies.
If you’re finding it hard to start, check out my article on “Breaking the Weird Posting Rules We Give Ourselves as Artists.” We all have rules we think we need to follow for social media, but spoiler alert—most of those “rules” are way more flexible than we think.
Ideas to Start:
A simple “day in the life” without any narration. Just clips of you getting ready, sketching, organizing your space, and the daily stuff that adds up to your creative flow.
Silent tutorials! Film yourself sketching or working on a piece and add text on screen for context (e.g., “Adding details to my new series” or “Trying a new technique today”).
“No-talking” intros: Start each video with a short clip of your face or your workspace, just for a few seconds, before diving into whatever you’re showcasing.
This way, people get familiar with seeing you in your content. It adds a personal touch without the pressure of narration.
Level 2: Photo Dump Vibes – Not Ready for Video? Photos Work Too
If video feels like too much, no worries! Give people a glimpse of your life through photos instead. A good old-fashioned photo dump or carousel post gives people a peek behind the scenes and lets you stay out of the video spotlight. It’s low-stress but still lets your audience connect with you, the person behind the art.
Photo Dump Ideas:
Show your morning setup: coffee, a favorite book, your sketchbook, whatever gets you going.
Behind-the-scenes shots of your workspace or the mess of materials it takes to make your art.
Quick snapshots of your day, whether it’s your lunch, a walk outside, or your current playlist.
These casual, candid photos bring people into your world without you having to do a whole “on-camera” production.
Level 3: 3-Second Stars – Showing More of Yourself in Tiny Clips
When you’re ready to go beyond static photos, try short video snippets that let you appear in your content but not for long. Think 3 to 5 seconds per clip. You can combine these tiny clips to create a little story, and, if you’re up for it, add a voiceover or some text on screen to give it context.
Tiny Clip Ideas:
Quick clips of your morning coffee pour, a paintbrush dipping into color, or the beautiful mess on your desk.
Your pet giving you “moral support” while you work.
Walking through your favorite art supply store or organizing materials.
A timelapse of you working on a piece, even if it’s just setting up supplies or the first brush strokes.
It’s like a mini vlog without the need to be “on” the whole time. Add a bit of background music or a voiceover explaining what’s happening, and voilà, you’ve got a slice-of-life story that gives people a look into your world.
Level 4: Big Talk Mode – Talking Directly to the Camera
Okay, this is next-level confidence, but don’t worry—it’s totally doable with some practice. Talking to the camera feels awkward at first, so don’t stress if you’re not an instant natural. Sit down, take a deep breath, and talk to the camera as if you’re FaceTiming a friend. Keep it casual and natural, and remember, you can edit out any fumbles later.
Need more tips to boost your confidence in front of the camera? Check out these “7 Tips for Being Comfortable & Confident in Front of the Camera” for even more ways to show up like a pro.
Tips for Talking Directly:
Practice by recording short clips where you just say whatever comes to mind. You don’t even have to post them—just get comfortable with the feeling of talking to a camera.
Try a script if that helps, or just jot down a few bullet points. If you mess up, clip it out or add some b-roll (extra footage) over it to make it visually interesting.
If speaking in full sentences is too nerve-wracking, try saying short phrases or tips and editing them together. No need for a monologue right off the bat.
Talking to the camera is a skill, and like any skill, you’ll get better with practice. Keep it light, keep it fun, and remember, your followers are there because they want to hear from you.
Recap: Baby Steps Add Up
Confidence on camera doesn’t happen overnight, but each small step helps you feel a little more comfortable and lets people get to know you, the artist behind the handle. Whether you start with no-talking videos, photo dumps, tiny snippets of your day, or even talking directly to the camera, each step makes you a little more recognizable and builds connection with your audience.
And here’s a pro tip: don’t forget to take advantage of potential tax benefits! Creating content counts as part of your business, so read up on what artists need to know about “Writing Off Content Creation” to make those posts work even harder for you.
So don’t overthink it, and remember: even baby steps are better than no steps at all!
