Woodend artist Tahlia Stanton has supercharged her artistic practice via social media, having collected 1.5 million TikTok followers and close to half a million Instagram followers.
The 23-year-old has been selling her art online since the age of 15 and has made a very profitable business model out of it.
She now tutors other artists on how to make a living as an artist working independently.
Stanton says she most enjoys the freedom that this brings.
“I don’t have to rely on a gallery if I don’t want to and can inspire other artists to say there is a way to go about this on your own terms,” she told the Express.
Stanton will be giving a keynote speech at the upcoming Conflux festival of creative ideas in Bendigo.
She will speak on ‘Building a creative career using social media’ at the Latrobe Art Institute on September 9.
“All of the tutorials I do are centred around how to make a living for yourself as an artist and live independently,” Stanton said.
“I show artists how to photograph their work to make prints and how to create lifestyle photos.
“By creating an online gallery rather than relying on a physical gallery I have been able to support my little family, but also my mother and my siblings and my best friend.”
Stanton said the online community had always given the most encouraging feedback.
“It’s an involved process and almost a collaboration,” she said of her online interaction.
“It’s rewarding when I get to see their ideas manifested in my own way.”
Conflux Bendigo takes places on Dja Dja Wurrung country on Friday and Saturday, September 9 and 10.
Tickets available now at emporiumcreativehub.com.au/confluxtickets
