Should artists put their work on social media, and what happens when AI comes knocking?

It’s the existential crisis of the contemporary artist. On one hand, a vibrant online presence is the new gallery wall—a vital channel for exposure, networking, and defining your creative brand. On the other, the ever-hungry maw of generative AI models poses a very real threat, scraping your carefully crafted portfolio as training data, only to regurgitate a soulless, automated echo of your unique style.

So, how does a serious artist, especially one at the crucial stage of developing their terminal work, navigate this digital minefield?

For a new business, the question of brand design often comes with a significant choice: should I invest in a professional designer, or is it okay to handle it myself? It’s a classic dilemma, pitting the desire for a polished, standout brand against the reality of a limited budget and a packed to-do list.

There's no single right answer, but there is a right answer for your business, right now. The key is to understand what each approach offers and to align your choice with your current stage and future goals. Let's break down when a DIY approach might work and when it's time to make a strategic investment in a professional.