There are lots of articles on the negative sides of social media: how to handle all the outlets, how to stay on top of it, and not become overwhelmed. Even reading about it is overwhelming! But why not approach it from the other side? How can you put social media to work FOR you? Here are the ways social media helps me sort out my art and process.

Visual Journaling on Instagram

I’m late to the game on this one, because I’m one of those rare Windows phone users, but Instagram finally came to us. And, like you all probably knew already, what a great way it is for a visual person to journal their thoughts. I post quick compositions that inspire me, or details of a work in progress, and I get immediate feedback.

Frequency: Sometimes daily, at least weekly

Finding Themes on Pinterest

To think of all the time I spent as a teenager, tearing images from magazines and pasting them into a newsprint scrapbook! For a conceptual and visual thinker like me, this site is such a leap from that ratty old book. I gather inspiration along the subjects I love, note palettes that I find compelling or effective, and share my own work as well.

Frequency: Once or twice a week.

Getting Feedback on Facebook

Despite the dire warnings of Facebook users going away, and the real concerns about privacy, this is still the best place to find people I actually know, and get their opinions.

Frequency: I check every day, post every few days if I can, or at least once a week.

Gathering Information on Twitter

I was originally thinking that Twitter was the office water cooler for artists. These days, I find it’s tough to get a conversation going among the millions of threads. But it does offer a world of resources and opportunities. I just don’t expect as much of a reaction or response when I share work, and I do try to comment or start conversations when I can.

Frequency: I check daily, and share my work in progress about weekly.

What Works for You?

There are plenty of other options. Just for starters, I’ve also tried LinkedIn, Google+, about.me, somewhere.com — any of which might have more appeal for you. The point is to pick the ones that give you something back, and don’t require more work than you have time for. So — what sounds like a fit for you? Let me know, and I’ll look for you there. Bonus points if it’s a new site!