When Young Talent Meets the Whole World: Growing Up an Artist Then and Now

August 29, 2025

A personal reflection on the effect the internet and social media have on a young artist’s journey.

When I was a young a kid of the mid‑60s and 70s, my exposure to art and other artists’ work was vitually none existent. On holiday's my parents might take me into a local artist's gallery, where to my embarrassment, they'd introduce me as a "young artist". But if I wanted to see more, it would be through books, either bought or borrowed from the local library.

There, the art books were of the already famous: Van Gogh, Monet, Turner or very established artists. Art on childrens TV consisited of the fabulous 'Vision On', 'Take Hart' and Blue Peter with its DIY crafts, occassionally there would be a seminal watch such as John Berger's "Ways of Seeing" or the "Culture Show" neither of later do I recall seeing. The idea of seeing the work of another 17‑year‑old halfway across the country, let alone the other side of the world, was unthinkable.

There was, of course, the kid at school who could draw better than anyone else in the class. And at art college, my world opened up a little more. I met peers who were brimming with talent and discovered a wider scope of artists some yet to become household names. But my circle of awareness was still small and my understanding of what could constitute good art even smaller.

The Internet Changed All That

Fast‑forward to today, and an aspiring artist can see the work of thousands of other creators in minutes. The internet has demolished the barriers that once stood between you and the art world. Virtual galleries, online archives, and platforms like the early WebMuseum made it possible to view masterworks from your bedroom.

Now, social media has turned that accessibility into an always‑on, global conversation. Instagram, TikTok, Behance, and ArtStation act like vast, bustling art fairs—except they never close, and anyone can wander in for free. Some platforms are better suited for certain disciplines, as outlined in this practical overview of the best social media platforms for artists in 2025.

It’s not just about passively looking, either. We’ve entered what media scholars call a participatory culture—you don’t just consume art, you remix it, comment on it, collaborate with the creator, and share your own work alongside theirs.

The Benefits for Young Artists Today

If I were starting out now, I suspect my progress might have been much faster. Exposure to a huge range of styles and techniques could have lit a fire under me early on.

A 2024 Social Sciences journal study found that a strong digital presence helps emerging artists build brand identity, find networks, and turn online engagement into opportunities. That means you don’t necessarily need to wait for the approval of a gallery to start making a living from your art.

There’s also something energising about being part of a vast creative community. You can swap ideas, get instant feedback, and learn from people across the world. As the Unlimited report on social media use by artists points out, these tools give artists unprecedented agency over their work’s visibility.

But It’s Not All Roses

Here’s the thing: while the internet gives, it also overwhelms. There’s a risk that being exposed to so much extraordinary work can be paralysing. A 2024 chapter on art consumption and critique warns that endless scrolling can leave artists doubting their own value or chasing trends just to get likes.

The dopamine loop of social media can subtly shift your focus from what you want to make to what will get the most attention. And of course, seeing art on a screen is not the same as standing in front of it in a gallery. The scale, the texture, the sheer presence—it’s hard to capture digitally.

Would I Have Started?

Sometimes I wonder, if I had been able to see just how many brilliant artists there were out there from the very beginning, would I have even picked up a pencil? Or would I have thought, “What’s the point?”

Perhaps I might have been intimidated into silence. But on the other hand, maybe I would have been inspired to push myself harder, to experiment sooner, to find my voice faster.

In the End

The internet and social media have blown the doors wide open for young artists. There’s more opportunity, more inspiration, and more room for diverse voices than ever before. But there’s also more noise, more pressure, and more temptation to measure worth by clicks.

The key, I think, is balance: use these incredible tools to learn, share, and connect—but also step away, slow down, and make space for your own vision to emerge.

And keep creating.

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