Greetings Terratoffians! It’s good to be back!
I missed you guys
Its been a rough two years for me but I’m slowly yet surely getting back to making art and writing again. The “Year of Catching Up” is in full swing for me as I work daily to complete overdue commissions, rewards, and get life in general back on track. One might say, I’m beginning my “comeback” era
After lots of health challenges it feels good to be returning to the realm to continue doing what I love most, building Terratoff with all of you! I’m hoping to eventually return to more regular posting and updates just like the good ol’ days.
Changes to come…on social media
Over the last year I did a lot of soul searching and research on how to continue being a full time artist with the limitations my condition presents. Now that I am creating again, I realize I need to be more strategic with my online “outreach” efforts.
So I’ve come to a decision, I won’t be sharing Terratoff updates on most “short form” socials (such as Facebook, Insta, Twitter, or TikTok) anymore. The landscape for artists has just become too hostile, and the reach has dwindled far too low to justify the exhausting effort. But worst of all, the nature of short form content is that while it takes a lot of time to create, it doesn’t stay relevant online for very long.
Once upon a time, Facebook was my primary avenue for reaching my audience and getting new collectors. I know many of you met me there through Changeling Artists Collective and other projects. As sad as it makes me, I’ve come to accept that those times have passed because Facebook’s new algorithms are making it harder and harder to actually reach you there.
One thing I’ve realized from dealing with chronic illness is that time and energy are precious resources. Those resources deserve to be used wisely. So I’ve decided to reallocate all that precious energy and time where they can really flourish.
So… where can you find me?
I’m shifting my focus to “evergreen content” that will stick around online and actually be searchable. I don’t want to rely on people happening to stumble upon my work anymore. Instead, I’m going to focus my online outreach efforts on platforms I have more control over.
I am working on revitalizing my website/blog, online storefront, and eventually my YouTube. I also want to start doing Kickstarters regularly. But until then you can continue to receive all your Terratoff art and stories here, on Patreon, or on my newsletter.
I’m on Bluesky!
The one exception to my no art of socials rule will be on BlueSky. I recently made a new account there and have been posting little doodles and progress pics! I’ve chosen to give Bluesky a chance because I’d love to see a platform with the “algorithms if old” rise again.
You can find me there at
https://bsky.app/profile/heatherhitchman.bsky.social
Final Thoughts
I’m not gonna lie, it’s scary to leave Instagram and other socials behind. They are held up by the industry as the gold standard of discover-ability, despite the reality most artists face. The truth is MANY popular creators with massive followings report that their followings no longer equate to sales or engagement.
I’m going to have to figure out how to get my work in front of new eyes without it. (Enter evergreen searchable content) I’ll report back on how my new strategy goes once I’ve got some data to share!
But in the end, I feel that short term content is not right for me. The nature of my work asks the viewer to truly immerse themselves in the art and words of the stories. I don’t believe such work can truly flourish or be appreciated in places where posts have but a slim chance to “go viral”. To burn brightly for but a moment before fizzling out, forever lost and forgotten in the almighty algorithm. I’m determined to find a better way.
If you are curious, here are some YouTube videos by artists I found who are on a similar journey. I found their thoughts compelling, and their plans inspiring.
So if you’d like to keep following along with my work, please stick around! Links to where I will be active (now or eventually) are below.
Thank you for believing in the realm and for sticking with me through this journey to make Terratoff a reality 💜 Let’s do this!! “For the realm!”