Seminar 3.1: Social Media for Fine Art Artists (Level 1)

Thursday, May 29th

6.00 PM - 8.00 PM (PDT)

Online via Zoom

Seminar Overview:

This workshop is designed to help artists build a strong online presence through social media. Participants will explore the importance of digital marketing for artists, learn how to choose the right platforms, and develop strategies for creating engaging content. The course will cover best practices for increasing visibility, networking, and monetizing artwork online. Topics include platform overviews, content creation, branding, audience engagement, analytics, and scheduling tools. By the end of the session, participants will have the skills to create a consistent and effective social media strategy to showcase their work and grow their audience.

Note: This seminar is an encore of Olivier's seminar presented in June 2024

"Social Media for Fine Art Artists" is an immersive workshop designed to equip artists with the skills and strategies necessary to harness the power of social media. This course covers various platforms, effective posting techniques, audience engagement, and professional networking to help artists promote their work and connect with galleries and clients.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

- The major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest) and their specific benefits for artists.

- Developing a tailored social media strategy that aligns with their artistic goals.

- Creating engaging content that showcases their art and engages their audience.

- Growing their audience organically and through paid promotions.

- Building professional relationships with galleries and clients.

Goals of the workshop:

1. Understanding Social Media Platforms

To provide an overview of the major social media platforms, highlighting key features,

demographics, and types of content that perform well on each. Participants will learn how to select the right platforms based on their art style and target audience.

2. Developing a Social Media Strategy

Participants will learn to set clear, measurable goals for their social media efforts, build a consistent brand identity, and create a content calendar. This module emphasizes the importance of balancing promotional, educational, and personal content to maintain audience interest.

3. Creating Engaging Posts

This module focuses on the types of content that resonate with audiences, including photos and videos of artworks, behind-the-scenes content, and artist stories. Participants will learn how to write captivating captions, use hashtags effectively, and maintain a cohesive aesthetic across their feed. Tips on photography and editing tools will also be provided to enhance the visual presentation of their work.

4. Growing Your Audience and Engagement

Strategies for organic growth, such as leveraging hashtags, participating in online art communities, and collaborating with other artists, will be covered in this module. Participants will also learn about paid promotion options and best practices for running ad campaigns. Engagement techniques, including responding to comments, hosting live sessions, and conducting contests, will be discussed to help build a loyal following.

5. Connecting with Galleries and Clients

This module teaches participants how to build professional relationships by researching potential galleries and clients and crafting personalized outreach messages. Participants will learn to showcase their portfolios effectively and use social media to drive traffic to their online portfolios. Networking strategies, including joining art groups and attending events, will also be covered.

Thursday, June 5th

6.00 PM - 8.00 PM (PDT)

Online via Zoom

Seminar Overview:

Building upon the foundational principles covered in the beginner class, this advanced workshop focuses on refining social media strategies to maximize visibility, engagement, and monetization. Participants will explore in-depth analytics, advanced content creation techniques, and effective audience growth tactics. Special attention will be given to content planning, automation, and professional-level branding using tools like Canva for Reels, Stories, and Posts. This course is designed for artists who already have an established social media presence and are looking to elevate their digital impact, build sustainable income streams, and create meaningful collaborations.

About the Instructor - Olivier Salvas

Olivier Salvas is an artist, educator, media personality and curator specializing in arts

education and social justice. Originally from Montreal, QC, Olivier moved to Vancouver, British Columbia shortly after completing his bachelor's degree in teaching French as a second language from the University of Montreal & McGill University.

While undertaking his graduate studies in media studies and curriculum at the University of British Columbia, Olivier merged his two passions as an artist and an educator, and began creating research-based artistic work pedagogic. Olivier uses abstract painting, photography and various media to highlight social causes and foster conversations about identity and art education. 

Olivier was chosen an ambassador for the the Canadian Culture Days 2019,

representing British-Columbia. In 2019, Olivier had his first solo exhibition called “Rebel with a Cause” that was showcased over a three month period in Vancouver at Le Centre Culturel.

In 2021, Olivier released his new collection "Flamboyant", a series of brightly colored

abstract paintings, acting as statement pieces for self-acceptance and positivity. One of the paintings from "Flamboyant", "Sometimes I paint just for fun" won first prize at the Federation of Canadian Artists' "Pride in Arts" exhibition in June 2021.