The art share thread is slowing down a little, so let me say the following regarding friendship and connections on art twitter, from my own experience:

Connections on social media don't just happen. You need to put work into it, and it has to come from the RIGHT place - Compassion, empathy, from a genuine desire to know other people and share joy and art. Don't go out with the aim to use their platforms to your advantage.

Don't just latch on to people with lots of followers! Yes, of course it's exciting to be followed back or talk to them, but especially if you're young or a beginner, you should look for people you can grow with! It's rewarding, and seeing my friends succeed fills me with joy.

That, too, is a skill that needs to be learned. Being jealous of other people's success, especially on Twitter, where it's easily quantified in numbers, is easy. It helps to realise that we can only succeed in lifting each other up - That their success does not make you smaller.

I've been there! Seeing someone soar is hard when you barely get off the ground. Don't let it turn you bitter. Your friends' audience is your audience. I love to retweet my friends' stuff - And they do the same for me! Kindness *will* be returned.

Kindness goes a long way. Be enthusiastic about your art. Be enthusiastic about your friends' art. Help each other out.

We'll all be the better for it.