We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brielle Larocca a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brielle, thanks for joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

In the art industry, there has been a huge shift in the way we market ourselves and connect to new clients due to the increased usage of social media as a whole. There was once a time where you had to meet potential prospects in person and your work had to be viewed in a gallery of some sort. Nowadays, we can share our works with people that are thousands of miles away just with a simple click of a button.

With this new form of marketing being the norm, many people have mixed opinions on it. Some love the concept of using social media to advertise for the speed and simplicity of the process while others prefer the “old-fashioned” way. Some feel the market is over saturated and their work is drowned out by a sea of other creators and their works.

Another huge disagreement that you’ll notice in this industry is what an artist is “supposed” to be; how they should look, how they should act, or how skilled they should be in what they do.

As someone who’s been in the industry for many years, even before social media became as big as it is today, the key to navigating your way through it all is be yourself ALWAYS and post, post, post!

I’ve had many pieces of mine listed for sale and many have sat for months, even years, before finally getting a new home. It’s tough but not impossible! Imagine if I got discouraged because I didn’t sell them quicker and stopped selling anything. There would be no buyers because there would be nothing there for them to purchase and I wouldn’t be able to continue my career as an artist. Building momentum and finding your audience takes some time and dedication but once you got it, no one can take it from you and you can just keep building your way up. As I said before, be yourself always and keep posting, otherwise your audience will never know who you are and what you do. You never know what could go viral and change you life.

Brielle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Brielle—better known as briemadeit on social media! I’m a self-taught freelance artist based in Tampa, FL, offering a wide range of creative services. My love for art drives me to explore new forms and mediums, from handmade tables and trays/ashtrays to painted portraits, customized clothing, and most recently, handcrafted lighter cases. My creative journey is always evolving, with many exciting projects soon to come.

My art style leans toward realism, infused with an energetic, eccentric, and nostalgic vibe. I love incorporating bright colors and playful elements to bring my pieces to life. I take pride in my ability to tackle any project I set my mind to—even if it takes a few tries to perfect it!

Equally important to me is the care I provide to my clients. I’m dedicated to ensuring a smooth, transparent process, keeping clients informed and involved every step of the way. It’s truly a joy to share my passion with others and to create art that resonates with those who appreciate it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

With so many talented artists across social media platforms, I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight. While viral moments are possible, the real key lies in staying consistent. Consistency not only increases your chances of reaching a wider audience but also helps you build a genuine connection with those who appreciate your work. Patience is essential, and staying passionate and dedicated to your craft will attract the right audience in time.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media requires staying on top of trends while showcasing your unique personality. For example, if a sound is trending on Instagram Reels and aligns with a topic you know well or offers a chance to highlight your work, use that sound creatively. Add your personal twist to ensure your content stands out rather than blending in. Consistency is key—don’t get discouraged by low views or likes early on. Growth takes time, but with persistence, you’ll see your engagement increase.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.briemadeit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briellelarocca?igsh=MWxxcGx0bnEwYTBtdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsbriellejade?_t=8rtxlc9VXu2&_r=1

  Etsy:
  https://briemadeit.etsy.com/