The mistake of treating Instagram like a gallery wall

In this episode, we look at one of the biggest misconceptions artists have about social media growth: the idea that going viral is what creates a sustainable audience or sales. It’s easy to assume that one high-performing post will change everything, but reach alone doesn’t guarantee connection, trust, or buying behaviour. We explore: why viral moments don’t automatically translate into sales or stability the gap between visibility and capacity to hold attention why growing too quickly can actually expose missing foundations in your content and systems the difference between reach and trust (and why trust matters more) how trust content makes the “human behind the artwork” visible, especially important in an age of AI-generated content why sales come from repeated emotional familiarity, not one-off exposure This episode sets up a core shift: from chasing visibility to building recognition, trust, and connection over time. Which is exactly what we’ll be working on in From Noise to Known starting on 13th May. See workshop details here  Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshiFollow me on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalonVisit the websitehttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists

In this episode, we explore a common shift that’s happened on Instagram—and why many artists are still posting as if nothing has changed. A lot of artists are still using Instagram like a static portfolio: post the finished work, add a caption, and wait for engagement. But the platform doesn’t really work like that anymore. I break down: why Instagram used to feel like a visual diary—and why that’s changed how social media is now “social first,” not purely visual why static posts alone rarely hold attention anymore why posting only finished work often leaves your audience with no entry point A key shift in this episode is understanding that: when you only post finished work, you’re giving people no way in. I also briefly explore how other industries (like fashion) build far richer content ecosystems—showing not just the final product, but the references, process, emotion, and world behind it. Because when people understand your world, they don’t just look at your work—they start to connect with it. Join From Noise to Known - the three part workshop starting 13th May 2026.See all the details here  Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshiFollow me on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalonVisit the websitehttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists

In this episode, we look at why so many artists feel like they’re showing up consistently on Instagram, but still aren’t seeing real momentum in their audience, engagement, or sales. If you’ve been posting your work online but it feels like everything resets every time you share something new, this episode breaks down what’s actually missing. You’ll also get a simple self-audit to apply immediately: Look at your last 9 posts and ask: would someone understand enough about my work to feel connected to it—or is it just standalone content? And a practical shift you can make straight away: Instead of only posting finished work, start thinking about what helps someone understand why it matters, not just what it is. Because when content is disconnected, growth feels random. But when it works as a system, it starts to build. This is the reel on Instagram I mentioned in this episode - Watch it here  Join the three day workshop - From Noise to Known here  Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshiFollow me on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalonVisit the websitehttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists

In this episode I talk about the most common question I get from artists which is how to get their work shown in galleries / how to get gallery representation. I share what I look for in an artist and it is more than the work. There's a vibe check, we're looking for credibility and how it fits into the gallery curation. I also talk about feeder galleries and gallery models which artists should understand before approaching the gallery on their list.My program Gallery Ready is retiring at the end of 2025. You can get the training at the link below.There's a live call in January so you can dive into the program now and bring your questions to the live online call.See all the detailshttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/galleryready Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshiFollow me on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalonVisit the websitehttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists

In this episode I respond to ' 50% gallery commission is wild!' , I explain retail margins and how retailers take much more than 50% and put into context the gallery commission. I also talk about different  ways that galleries work with artists. This episode covers why it is so important for an artist to have their own audience and ways of selling directly without dependency on a gallery, but to sell via galleries as a complement to your overall business. And choice. There's a lot of different ways of working and selling your art and it all comes down to choice. What works for someone else does not have to be the same for you.Art Business Foundations starts in September.Details here https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/artbizfoundationsGallery Ready program waitlist here https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/gallery-ready  Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshiFollow me on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalonVisit the websitehttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists

In this episode I talk about using AI generated images as reference material for your artwork. I go on to talk about how artists are often dismissive of AI generated art and creators of Ai art calling themselves artists.I go on to talk about how other industries outside of visual arts refer to themselves as artists. And previous tech developments such as analogue to digital photography, platforms like Canva, camera phones or the ready made have triggered artists in the past as weakening their craft or diluting what it means to be an artist.  Is this true or did these things just create more resources and improve visual literacy?I talk about a benefit of Ai image generation which in my opinion is the expanding vocabulary that is required to make better prompts and can help artists and art enthusiasts beyond the prompt, in talking about their art.This episode also invites listeners to notice how ai artists might be a mirror or a trigger to where they are holding themselves back, and explore their own definition of being an artist - eg is it a requirement to struggle, or have art school debt!? And I talk about staying in your lane and noticing distraction. Some of these topics such as ' is it art if it is made with AI ' are merely distractions from wider issues playing out in the world today, and to be mindful of where your attention is, when you could be channeling it into your art.There's lot to discuss in this episode.  Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshiFollow me on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalonVisit the websitehttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists

Michael Petry is the director at MOCA London. He is also the author of a number of books and in this episode he talks about his latest book, Mirror Mirror, The Reflective Surface in Art. Starting with Van Eyck's Arnolfini Betrothal, the book tracks the story of mirrors and the reflective surface in art through to contemporary art with mirrored surfaces inviting self reflection, 'holding up a mirror' to society and the viewers' participation in the artwork.Michael talks about how artists use the reflective surface to draw in visitors, how this affects engagement with art such as Kusama's Infinity Room and the many artists using the reflective surface for political commentary. The final chapter in the book which Michael talks about in this episode is about narcissism and the popular trend of selfies.You can see images and links to images mentioned in this podcast at this link Buy the Book HereVisit MOCA London at MOCA London,  113 Bellenden Road, London, SE15 4QYMOCA website. https://www.moca.london/Follow Michael and MOCA on Instagram  Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshiFollow me on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalonVisit the websitehttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists

In this episode I talk about protecting your energy for your inevitable art world success.It is important to protect your energy and watch out for 'coolers' that can throw you off track with their negative outlook on life.As you find momentum and growth in your art career or business you’ll soon understand there’s a mindset and energy component that accompanies the actions and strategies.Along this part you gotta look out for the coolers who don’t believe in your vision, your potential etc They usually talk about being realistic but generally bring down the vibe, make you doubt, see the bad side, present problemsThese individuals tend to focus on the negatives, whether it’s in their own lives or in the people they interact with. They can be chronic complainers, doubters, or those who always anticipate failure instead of success.The human mind is highly influenced by its surroundings, and if you’re surrounded by people who believe success is rare or that life is just a struggle, you might unconsciously adopt those beliefs.But you’re smart so you can spot them.Inside my program, Activation, we cover how to keep your vibe higher so you don’t succumb to these influences. How to actually stay there.So you aren’t knocked around by others’ opinions that are contaminants in your energy field. Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshiFollow me on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalonVisit the websitehttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists

Siddhant Khattri of Vedica Art Studio and Gallery joins me on this podcast to talk about his work through the art world. The gallery is based in Mumbai and in this episode he shares his upcoming projects to take place in Paris, networking and building a circle of support and more.Siddhant has arranged an open studio day for the artists that he works with around the world and in this episode he talks about the event that visitors can attend virtually, from anywhere in the world. And we talk about performance art, documenting these time based events and more. https://www.vedicaartgallery.com/ Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshiFollow me on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalonVisit the websitehttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists

80% of art collectors buy from artists they know or feel they know. In this episode we talk about how you can give your audience the feeling of being closer to the artist and enrich their experience of the artist. Which in turn makes moves them closer to becoming an art buyer or a patron of your work.In this episodeUsing social media and mailing lists to share more about the artist, their journey, credibility and the big ideas in their work.Help the potential buyer understand how to talk about your art.Art Fairs, open studios and exhibitions to practice talking about your work.Avoiding price shock.The IG reel I mention in the post is here Available programs here Recommended reading list is here  Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshiFollow me on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalonVisit the websitehttps://www.thecuratorssalon.com/Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists