This morning, I came across a post on Instagram by my dear friend Emma Walker, an incredible visual artist, that deeply resonated with me. Emma wrote about her decision to slowly phase out her engagement with platforms like Instagram and Facebook, feeling it has become ethically problematic to spend time in those spaces.
Her words struck a chord, especially as someone who has spent over 40 years working as a photographer while balancing a career in tech, a dual path that has always fueled my creativity. For many years, some friends and I here in Byron (where I am writing this whilst visiting my Mum,) I ran a website that became a haven for creatives, a place where photographers, artists, and dreamers could connect, collaborate, and share their work in a nurturing space and we promoted a bit like a creative incubator and some went on to have magical careers. When Instagram first launched, it was a sanctuary for visual creators to showcase their art authentically. But over the years, its priorities have shifted, favouring ad revenue and short-form video content, like Reels, over the organic reach of still imagery.
Emma suggested alternatives like Behance and Pixelfed as promising spaces for visual artists. I can’t help but wonder: could these platforms or others reignite that sense of community and authenticity we once cherished? Meta’s algorithms increasingly favour paid promotions, making it harder for creators to reach their followers without shelling out money.
Last week I deleted all my presence from Facebook. In total more than 250,000 followers went with that decision. Facebook has become a swamp. For people like me and my creative friends, this isn’t just about the ethics or spreading misinformation. It was also a clear signal that creative work, which thrives on authenticity and trust, will be devalued on the platform. I am still on Instagram.........for now.
Being from Byron Bay in NSW, Australia, many of my friends fall into the creatives category. I have spent this morning deep diving into alternatives thanks to Emma, as what I found is compounding the issue:
Posts from smaller creators are buried under an avalanche of influencer-driven content and ads.
Many artists feel uncomfortable with Meta’s data practices, including using their content to fuel advertising algorithms.
Creatives are constantly forced to adapt to new trends just to be seen (e.g., video-first content). This leaves creatives exhausted and disillusioned.......and sometimes zaps them of the creative energy this world desperately needs.
For those seeking a professional, purpose-built platform to showcase their portfolios, Behance is becoming a top choice.
What Makes Behance Different?
Unlike Instagram, Behance is explicitly built for creatives to present their work in a clean, portfolio-style format without distractions.
On Behance, visibility depends on the quality of the work itself, not on an algorithm designed to maximise clicks or engagement.
As an Adobe-owned platform, Behance integrates seamlessly with tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, making it a natural fit for visual artists. Additionally, companies and recruiters actively browse Behance to find talent, opening doors for job opportunities.
Unlike Instagram’s generalist user base, Behance attracts a focused, art-savvy audience, making it easier for artists to connect with peers and clients who truly appreciate their craft.
Behance also offers tools for project-based sharing, which allow artists to tell the whole story of their work, something that is often lost in Instagram’s endless scroll of disconnected images.
Pixelfed - Ethical Social Media for Artists
While Behance offers a professional space for portfolios, Pixelfed provides an ethical alternative for social sharing. Designed as a decentralised, open-source platform, Pixelfed is part of the Fediverse, a network of interconnected platforms that operate independently of big tech corporations, precisely what the internet was initially designed to be.
Why Pixelfed Appeals to Artists
Unlike Meta’s engagement-driven algorithms, Pixelfed shows posts in chronological order, ensuring that every artist has an equal chance to be seen.
Artists retain ownership of their content, and Pixelfed doesn’t collect or sell user data. This focus on privacy has drawn many creators who feel exploited by the data practices of larger platforms.
Pixelfed supports smaller, tighter-knit communities where engagement feels more genuine. Creatives can join specific "instances" (servers) dedicated to their interests, such as digital art or photography.
Without ads cluttering the feed or algorithms dictating what gets seen, Pixelfed allows for a more organic, distraction-free sharing experience.
For many artists, Pixelfed represents the antithesis of Meta. It is free from corporate influence, driven by user input, and designed to prioritise human connection over profit. In a world increasingly dominated by big tech, this alternative feels like a breath of fresh air.
Why the Shift Matters
Artists and artisans are seeking platforms where their work isn’t reduced to clickbait or crammed between ads but instead celebrated for the craft and passion it represents. They’re moving away from a sea of fleeting trends and influencers toward communities that genuinely value creativity and support those who make it possible.
This shift is more important now than ever. In an online world increasingly filled with hate, division, and misinformation, art and beauty serve as a powerful antidote. They remind us of our shared humanity, offering moments of connection, reflection, and inspiration in the noise. Art has the unique ability to bring light to spaces that often feel overwhelming and dark. We need these sparks of creativity not just to balance the chaos but to remind us of what we’re capable of when we create rather than tear down.
For those of us who cherish art and the people who create it, we have an opportunity to help fuel this movement. Explore these platforms. Support the work of artisans and creatives. Buy their art, share their stories, and invest in the industries that inspire us all. In doing so, we not only support the individuals who bring beauty into the world but also help build an online space that celebrates connection, imagination, and the enduring power of creativity.
Inspired by the work of my friend www.emmawalker.com.au
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