When the Likes Don’t Match the Effort: Posting in a Silent Algorithm…

Let’s be real… there’s nothing more frustrating than putting your heart into a piece of art, uploading it, and… crickets. The algorithm’s quiet. The likes are low. The effort? Immeasurable.

But here’s the thing: my motivation doesn’t come from the views. It comes from my why.

Remembering Why You Started

When the applause is absent, when the numbers don’t reflect the passion you poured into your work…that’s when I return to my core.

Why did I start creating in the first place?

Why am I still doing it?

Because I love to create.

Because I feel alive when I make art.

Because just because the world doesn’t see the results right now… doesn’t mean I’m failing.

That’s where I find my fire again. In the stillness. In the silence. In the truth that some of my biggest breakthroughs have happened when no one was watching. Not during a post. Not on a live. Not even in a story. Just me, alone with the work, at 12 a.m., chasing a vision, and becoming.

Hype Yourself Up First

I’m the kind of person who has to hype myself up before I get any kind of recognition. I put on music, feel out my energy, and get into my chi. I don’t create based on how many eyes are on me… I create based on how connected I feel to my purpose.

I also remind myself of past wins. Events I’ve done. Pieces I’ve finished. That good feeling I had during the process. It helps me focus not on who’s watching, but on who I’m becoming.

Because every piece I create—every blog, vlog, sketch, painting—is also documentation. It’s a personal archive of growth. Of evolution. It’s proof that I showed up, again and again, whether or not the algorithm did.

You’re Not Alone in This

If you’ve ever felt discouraged by low engagement or lack of visibility…this is for you.
You’re not alone.
You’re not failing.
The work is still sacred, even in silence.

And I hope you remember: the joy of creating is enough. The journey is the reward.

So if you’re in a creative season where things feel quiet, return to your why.
Play your favorite song.
Reflect on your wins.
Paint in the middle of the night just because you love it.

This is what keeps me going.

And I hope it helps you keep going, too.

Keep Creating (and Set Yourself Up Right)

If you’re ready to take your creativity to the next level or just need tools that support your process, here are a few of my favorite things that keep me going even on the quiet days:

🖤 My favorite sketchbook for new ideas

🖤 The journal I use to reflect on my progress

🖤 A playlist to hype myself up creatively

🖤 The lighting setup I use for filming my art process

🖤 My favorite pens/brushes/materials

(Some of these are affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It helps support my work so I can keep creating and sharing with you!)