NEW META POLICIES? ✦ What it means for us artists

Summary

Illustrator and full-time artist Halleyvision discusses Meta’s announced AI-training policies and their implications for artists who use Instagram to promote and sell their work.

As she understands the policy, Meta may use content from business accounts—including images and material in links, captions, and comments—to train its AI, with no option for business-account users to opt out. She notes that the change was reportedly delayed until November 20, but argues that the delay does not address the underlying concern.

Instagram’s role for artists

Halleyvision recognizes why artists are worried: Instagram audiences can take years to build and may help generate commissions, sponsorships, and other work. Artist-focused platforms may help artists connect with peers, she says, but may not provide the wider audience needed to find clients.

Instagram remains important to her business, though it is not a direct source of income. She earns through commissions and external projects that people discover through social media.

Preparing for change

Despite her frustration, Halleyvision does not think artists are doomed. She argues that social media is only one route to a career and recommends preparing rather than abruptly deleting accounts. Her suggestions include:

• Build an independent online portfolio and consider buying a domain.
• Decide what kind of art work or business to pursue, then focus on the channels and tools that support it.
• Consider YouTube for art, process videos, and longer-form content. Depending on your goals, explore portfolio platforms such as ArtStation or artist-focused communities such as Cara or Artful.
• Keep practicing and developing a portfolio, especially if you are new to art.

If Meta does not change its approach, Halleyvision plans to stop posting finished, full-size artworks on Instagram after completing her November deadlines. She expects to continue sharing drawing videos and Stories as a way to remain present while limiting what she posts.

Encouragement to artists

Halleyvision encourages artists not to give up. In her view, people commission art for the artist’s authorship and creative contribution, not just the finished image. She says her own clients continue to commission her and dislike AI art. She believes audiences can recognize the difference and urges artists to keep learning, making art, and finding ways to build work beyond social media.

Presenter: Halleyvision (illustrator)