Michelle Jackson of La Terre Press
Michelle Jackson is the brains (and beauty) behind creative studio, La Terre Press. We spoke to Michelle about staying true to yourself – and your art – on social media, with a focus on Instagram.
Fortunately, she is refreshingly honest in sharing her social media insights and thoughts. In Michelle’s words, “I am quietly petrified of Tik Tok.” Let’s add the fact that she’s oh-so-relatable to the list.
What social media channel is the most impactful for La Terre Press and why?
Instagram for sure, I have connected with so many people via that channel. It not only allows me to build relationships with brands and other artists but, also people that purchase my art. That is pretty special. It has been an incredibly supportive community, which I am hugely grateful for.
How do you connect with your community on social media?
Posting art and anything I am working on is a great way I can connect. Also, funny little tips and tricks I find along the way – not art related but, could it be parenting related or something entirely different.
Full transparency, I do struggle with communicating in a ‘professional’ way, but when it comes to just being me – chatting and connecting – that's where I feel comfortable.
In your experience, what is the biggest pro and biggest con when it comes to social media efforts?
Gosh that is a tricky question, I am honestly still learning about the pros and cons when it comes to social media.
I find it challenging keeping up with the pace of social media, the expectation to ‘churn out content’ is something I struggle with because I love to go slow and refine everything. Despite that, I do absolutely love designing for social media and pushing the boundaries wherever possible.
The constant shifts in the algorithm and the platform using AI and taking content is confronting and scary. They are definite cons.
What is a mistake or misstep that La Terre Press has made on social media and what lesson did it teach you?
A mistake or a ‘challenge’ is doubting myself and doubting that people want to hear from me. I do struggle showing my face on camera and I have only really done it once. On that occasion, the response was so amazing and supportive so, I need to just step up again. It taught me that showing up for myself and my brand is important and also builds people's confidence in the brand. It also shows a human side. But, slowly, slowly.
I remember my mentor Amy Pearson from Sunmother Studio once said something along the lines of "one day you will choose to just stand up and represent your brand,” and that struck me in a good way. I was like, “hell yeah!”
What has been a standout moment or milestone for La Terre Press on social media?
Quite honestly, anytime someone shares something I have created. It always makes me so incredibly proud and very grateful to be able to do what I do. Also, when people share where they have placed my art in their house – what an absolute honour to have something I made welcomed into someone's home. That is very, very special indeed.
How do you measure your social media success?
Honestly, I am not sure. As I mentioned, I am still learning and do find it quite challenging. This is how I grow and evolve, just learning and doing it my own way. I feel like social media is an ever-evolving kind of beast and I need to keep learning from it and adjusting as I go. Don't hold the river, just let it flow kind of thing.
Looking forward, what does the future hold for La Terre Press when it comes to social media activity and efforts?
I would say look out for more live action kind of reels/footage of me creating, be it painting, drawing or designing on screen. I really want to give a little more insight into my creative process at La Terre. And maybe show my face once more this year.
Follow La Terre Press on Instagram, or shop Michelle’s beautiful art. (Either way, prepare to be wildly inspired.)
