Okay, real talk: creating content as an artist can feel about as intimidating as walking into a party where you only know one person—and they're in the bathroom. I get it.
You’re sitting there thinking, “Am I really supposed to put my face on video? Are people even interested in this?” But here’s the tea: they totally are. And guess what? You don’t have to create viral-worthy videos from scratch like some Kardashian-level production. You just need to document your artist life—no pressure, just the messy, chaotic, beautiful parts of your day.
Stop Creating, Start Documenting
Here’s the magic formula: stop trying to create content, and just document your life. Seriously, no need to stage some elaborate "art montage" with that perfectly curated aesthetic that makes it look like you have way more money than you actually do, set to whatever the latest trending Chappell Roan song (god love her.) Instead, embrace your real, unfiltered, perfectly imperfect self.
Throughout the week, take 3 to 5-second clips of whatever is going on in your life. Are you mixing colors for that new painting? Are you crying over a blank canvas because inspiration is like WiFi in a 90s movie—nowhere to be found? Did you just realize you ran out of bubble wrap again because all those sales are pouring in? (Who knew bubble wrap would be the unsung hero of your art biz?)
Once you’ve got those snippets, throw them together into a 30-second video. Because let’s be real: none of us have the time—or attention span—for a 3-minute monologue on "Why This Paintbrush Means So Much to Me."
Keep it short, keep it sweet. And why 30 seconds? I know all the marketers are yelling at you to make 7-second videos, but it turns out Instagram loves the ones that are just a bit longer. Still short, still snackable, and right in that sweet spot for engagement according to Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram.
My Editing Process: Turning Chaos Into “Oh, That Looks Cool”
Once I’ve got all my clips, I start editing in CapCut. Now, CapCut is amazing for one simple reason: I can do it all on my phone, while laying on my couch, in pajamas that should've been washed days ago. It’s easy to use, has some cute little effects, and honestly, it makes me feel like a TikTok teen with an actual idea of what’s trending.
After trimming the clips down to the most satisfying moments, I start looking for the natural story in there. Sometimes, the story is me making a new piece and discovering halfway through that I hate it. Other times, it’s my shopping habits, like trying to find props to match my latest T-shirt design.
Or maybe it’s me giving my bedroom a makeover because apparently, everything I own needs to have an aesthetic. Whatever the narrative ends up being, the point is: let it come to you.
Live Your Life, Inspire Your Content
Here’s the thing—your audience loves seeing how you actually live as an artist. Your studio isn’t Pinterest-perfect? Who cares. Your routine involves equal parts creativity and procrastination? Yep, same.
Whether it’s showing off your favorite art supplies, sharing your morning routine (coffee, art, and existential crisis), or giving your followers a glimpse of the "before and after" chaos of packing orders, your interests and hobbies are so much more engaging than you realize.
And spoiler alert: those hobbies and vibes will align with other people’s. They’ll follow you because they like your T-shirt, your room decor, or the fact that you fangirl over the same fantasy novels. And then, somewhere down the line, they’ll be like, "Oh, she makes art too? Sweet, that’s exactly my style."
Examples:
Hook Topic: “Redecorating My Studio for the Vibes (ft. chaos, thrifting, and some questionable taste)”
Natural Storytelling: Let people see what it’s really like to match your artwork to your space—the impulsive plant buying, the mess, and finally, the result.
Broaden Your Niche to Attract a Bigger Audience
Let’s clear something up: your video content doesn’t always need to have the same business goal. And no, not everything you post needs to "convert" or "go viral." Sometimes you’re just out there bringing in new followers with a fun, broad topic, and other times, you’re nurturing your existing audience by getting specific with your art process.
For example:
If you're a fantasy artist, broaden your niche by talking about your favorite books or movies. Not every video needs to be a "look at this finished piece." Sometimes it’s just, "Look, I’m a nerd too, and here are the nerdy things that inspire my work."
If you’re into home decor, show people how to decorate their space using your art. Think of it like being the Bob Ross of cozy interiors, but instead of "happy little trees," it’s "happy little gallery walls" that make people say, "Wow, I need that in my life!"
Still confused about what types of content to create? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Check out this handy list of lifestyle content ideas and get ready to be inspired.
A Simple Plan for Artist Lifestyle Videos
Here’s how to make this content thing work for you without losing your mind:
Record Short Clips: Document little snippets of your week. Did you finally master that watercolor gradient? Record it. Got a coffee stain on your new sketch? Record it. The relatable, messy stuff is what makes it real.
Edit with Ease: At the end of the week, put those clips together in CapCut. Make it 30 seconds long, add a song, maybe some sassy text—done. You don't need to be the next Martin Scorsese, just make it fun.
Add Native Text: Make sure you add text directly within each app (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) so that the algorithm knows what your content is about. Use keywords in your caption and hook text that represent you and your art—this gives each app the best chance of understanding the point of your content and showing it to the right people.
Cross-Post: Share your video everywhere: Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest—wherever you think someone might like it. Remember, one video, many platforms. It’s like the Spider-Man of content. Maximum reach, minimum extra work.
Creating Content Is Tax-Deductible? Heck Yes
Oh, did I mention that everything you do for content creation is a tax deduction? All of it—your camera, your editing software, your ring light, even that new sweater you bought because it matched the colors in your new collection.
Think of it like this: anything you wouldn’t have bought if you weren’t trying to build your art business counts. So, next time you’re making an H&R Block appointment, remember that content creation isn’t just marketing—it’s a legit tax write-off. And if you want more deets on that, check out my article on writing off content creation.
Ready to Level Up Your Art Marketing Strategy?
Listen, if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay. If you’re tired of winging it and need a solid strategy, I’m here to help. My spots for social media strategy services are filling up fast—grab one before prices go up again.
This is where I come up with all your content ideas, specific hooks for your videos that actually get views, and even keywords and hashtags that’ll help you attract your ideal audience. We’re talking a complete strategy to get your art seen by the right people.
Need more marketing tips or to learn the basics of what tools can help you create a kick-ass content plan? Check out my article on marketing basics for illustrators and turn your creative chaos into a winning strategy.
If you’re ready to make art and get paid for it—because, honestly, why else are we doing this—sign up for a coaching session and let’s take your art business to the next level.
