Pinterest Advice for Creatives

I can’t remember where I read it, but someone’s advice for branding on Pinterest was to have only boards that focus on your business and projects (in other words, not anything as frivolous as home decor ideas or pictures of pretty shoes.) I honestly don’t remember who it was or I wouldn’t have used such a snotty title.

So of course I went directly to my Pinterest boards and clicked on the little icon that said “make this board private.”

And it made me a little sad.

But tonight I was looking at my architecture board collection, and honestly I get so much inspiration from looking at these images, I thought “how stupid to hide these boards!” Why would I hide something that other people could enjoy as well?

Secret Pinterest Boards

And yeah, I get it, the idea that ONLY showcasing your own products and services ensures that your Pinterest page is a haven for YOUR content. Ideally this would funnel visitors to your website and thus generate sales. But I should have seen the fatal flaw in this plan from the start: I have always been a sharer of information, not a hoarder.

I’ve never believed in keeping a “secret” recipe, I will tell you exactly how I made it; I will tell you where I got that $300.00 handbag on clearance for 50 bucks; and I’m more than happy to share my art making process with anyone who’s curious to learn.

How To Find Artistic Inspiration

So why the heck would I HIDE all of these wonderful sources of information and inspiration? Just to make my page look “clean?” Ugh. Who cares. I’d rather have a crazy, lovely, shareable mess than something that some influencer deems clean or perfect. Nothing in my life is polished and perfect. My kitchen is a mess, nothing in my house matches, my clothes are an exhibition of frugality and comfort; even my art is all over the place.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to be a slob snob; I have great admiration for people who are super organized, and can keep things to a polished, minimalist gallery of shiny loveliness. But I think I’m finally starting to realize that however hard I picture myself that way, it’s just not me.

Being Self Aware

So it’s these small revelations that help us discover who we truly are. even something as insignificant as Pinterest boards. Oh well, like they say - baby steps.

What is something you’ve learned about yourself that made you realize you didn’t fit into a societal mold?

Pinterest Boards for Artists (or anyone)

To view my Pinterest boards in ALL their glory, flow me here.

Here are a few boards you might like:

Boho earthy, eclectic style

Eat (recipes!) Mangia

Art Reference (one of my idea boards)

Celeb people who inspire me

Words to live by

Nerd humor

And, obviously I’m a fan of GIFs

These are just a few. But there’s soooo much to dive into. If you need a few moments to escape, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and explore to your heart’s content. And if you have any boards you think I should peruse, be sure to send them my way!