I get several inquiries a day from people asking if I'll share their work on my Instagram feed, so I thought the quickest way to let you know what I look for is to put it here.  First blog post on the new site, why not?

I know, I know, another blog **womp womp**.  But you guys have asked and so I shall tell.  I don't keep a whole lot of secrets, don't you know?

While this breakdown is specific to what I consider when reposting work, I think a lot of it is relevant for a lot of other accounts that might potentially repost you.

So here's the 411:

1. Shop Niroma Studio.  The majority of the time, I feature pieces that have been made using the fibers, accessories or DIY materials I offer in my shop.  When I first started doing this, it was because I realized this was the best way for people to see what potentially could be made when using my string and visually note the differences between cord sizes and their various applications.  This is still true, although my mission has changed slightly in that now what I really want is to give your macrame, weaving, or other fiber art business a sales and engagement boost.  Occasionally, if I see something remarkable from an artist who inspires me, and I think will inspire you, I will repost that. 

But for the most part, if you are a customer and you use the hashtag #niromastudio in your post, your name will automatically be put into the proverbial hat.

2. Take algorithm-loving photos. Like many of you out there, my goal is to get the photograph and the work of art noticed by as many people as possible to then garner recognition for you and your shop, get you a sale, potential new customers, and/or new followers.  Therefore, the photo must be clear, crisp, and beautiful.  I can't say for sure the kinds of images Instagram's algorithm picks up to feature on the discover feed, but I have an informed inkling that it's usually images that are bright, light-filled (but not overblown), the subject draws the eye in, and the composition looks good when framed in a square.  Think:  symmetry within the square, a balance of color and shapes, and light within the space.

What if my home doesn't get great light?  Or I have a wall color that is less than desirable?  SNAPSEED yo!!  Get this photo app asap if you're not already using it. Play with white balance, but not too much.  Play with curves, but not too much.  Increase brightness, up the contrast a bit, take the ambience down a smidge, and sharpen almost all the way so we can see those knotty details.

3. Link to your shop. If you have a link to your shop in your profile, whether it's on Etsy or a standalone site, I will be much more likely to share your piece.  Again, one of my main goals in reposting is to help you find success in your fiber art business, and thus, I want to help increase your sales, and if you haven't made it easy for new followers to purchase from you, then it's not effective at this time for me to repost your work.  Social media moves lightning fast (literally when I blink, my feed changes and the image is lost), and if there's no immediate gratification for potential buyers, you'll be out of sight and out of mind fast -- even if they end up following you.  You can't bank on someone saving your picture and then going back for it on a rainy day.  So, be easily accessible.

Are you thinking...

"I'm not ready to open a shop yet." 

Stop that negative self talk RIGHT NOW.  You're not ready to, what, make extra money?  You're not ready to...offset the cost of your hobby?  You're not ready to... have motivation to create amazing work and share your talents with the world?  What are you waiting for?  If you have walls and racks filled with pieces of art that need a home, or maybe you need to free up some space, or help pay for EVERYTHING in your life...then open an Etsy shop!  I will write another blog post later about why I recommend starting out on Etsy...but for now, just go do it.  Carpe diem, friends.

4. Fill your feed with fiber. If you're new to making fiber art and decor, and your IG feed is mostly family and personal pics and only one or two randomly scattered fiber art pieces, I will probably wait to share your work for when you have at the very least your latest 9 pics showing some kind of fiber practice.  They don't have to all be completed works, but shots of works in progress, styled process shots, close up images of knots or stitches are good fillers between the few bright, simply styled shots of finished pieces that you might have.

Which brings me to...a dedicated macrame, weaving or other fiber art account.  If you're serious about taking your business to the next level, then you need an Instagram account dedicated to your craft.  This means your IG name should match your shop name, and all of that should be evident just by glancing at your profile.  You don't have to rush to have a business account, but just the basics on your regular profile is a good idea.  Potential customers like to be assured that they're purchasing work from someone trustworthy and reliable, who will actually follow through on sending the piece or making a beautiful custom work, and will handle the transaction in a professional manner.

5. My overall feed.  Oftentimes, I choose what will look good in my overall feed based on what photo came before it and what will come after.  I don't necessarily curate very far into the future as well as some amazing accounts out there, but I do try not to post too many of the same color or type of piece in a row.  So if it's a woven wall hanging yesterday, then today will be macrame.  If it was a black piece yesterday, today likely won't be.  

Please note, I am never paid for posts.  If one day I happen to do a sponsored post, you'll know it.  I will be upfront and honest, because I don't appreciate being deceived and I won't do that to you either.

That's about it!  If you have any questions or want more advice, please comment below.  In the meantime...happy making!