SIDE NOTE: Before I go into this explanation, I am in no way disregarding the work of those who create/influence as a job or hobby. In fact, I use a lot of their work for my own inspiration. I'm just speaking from the heart of Sabina Makeup Artist and Sabina Makeup Artist alone. So now I've made that clear...
I've realised that the reason I fell out of love with social media, and with "blogging" is because there is this pressure to always "be of service" to your audience/followers. Like, there's this need to be useful, helpful, advise, teach... but I don't want to do that. I've taken a bit of a back seat in publishing posts like that as you might have noticed (or you most probably haven't), and instead have just focussed on sharing behind the scenes of jobs I work on and insights into my life as a makeup artist on a job by job basis. Why? Well let me tell you...
I was drowning. I have realised that I am in fact, a Hair & Makeup Artist and definitely NOT a Social Media Influencer or Content Creator. The pressure I put on myself if I wasn't being "active" enough or showing my face enough, or sharing information that I thought might be interesting, but actually, in reality, thought - who the hell actually cares.
The only influencing or creating I'll be doing, is sharing my honest behind the scenes of jobs, or images I have worked on - and if that inspires or influences anyone into the industry, then my work here is done. I am a Makeup Artist because that's what I love to do. That said, I DO also love creating videos and "content" if that's what you want to call it, but in a way that isn't forced. I just like making videos and imagery based on the things I am ACTUALLY doing in my job. Not taking up more of my precious little time I have, with my head in my phone, making up some nonsense or jumping on the wagon of a viral trend, that I'm having to overthink for the sake of visibility - views, likes, comments and shares. I appreciate these things can sometimes drum up enquiries and work, but I'm kinda ok with taking that risk for the sake of a break from the digitals.
If my videos that I DO share get any of those things, great! But the purpose of my content will be to archive for my own memories to look back on and see how far I've come and am still going, and to give insights into life as an MUA in an organic way. I may even blog a little more about the happenings on shoots, a real life account of the goings on, the ups and downs, the funnies and not so funny things that might happen. That's what I might do more of. Yes. I think I will.
So there it is. That's it. I've drawn a line under the pressure I was putting on myself to "create content" and to "be present on social media as much as possible". I'll be present when the work is there and I have things to share. Outside of that, I have a bunch of other things that need my attention. So this is my middle finger up to the digital world that can be SO addictive if you let it (which I know I have at times).
Namaste.
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