Lennon Bone argues that Instagram reels don't have to kill your art practice. Make them in 15 minutes by talking about what interests you, shooting in one take, and editing out the silences. Your frustration means you still care about real work.
It's really easy for artists to get caught spending 3 hours making a reel for Instagram and then not getting to work on their art and then feeling like it was all a waste because they spent all this time. Here's what I want you to remember. You didn't become an artist to make freaking reels on the internet, but if you want to sell your work, it is an absolutely amazing way to get yourself out there. And that frustration that you're feeling is just a sign that you still are in touch and want the thing that you started doing this for in the first place, that's creativity. The time you spend, you know, making reels, all that stuff, it's not a waste if you're keeping your creativity intact. Here's a couple simple ways to do this. Number 1, ask, how do I make this fun? Talk about things that you're just interested in in your daily life, and I know that seems crazy and you're like, well, how will this tie back to my art? It does because it ties back to you. You don't make art, you are the art. Ask, how can I make this simple? Do it like I do it. Talk to the camera, make a one-take thing, and then just cut out the silences and the bad takes. 15 minutes to make one reel. Stop feeling like you have to perform for people and just show up and be you. You are what we need. Your work is what we need. Your ideas are what we need. Share those things. Make it fun. Make it easy. The content you make can absolutely be an extension of your creativity. You just have to let it be.
