There’s a disorder that affects an overwhelming majority of the artistically inclined 20-somethings. Unfortunately, I’m no exception. FOMO or Fear Of Missing Out can be a crippling feeling that plagues the afflicted with racing thoughts including “Why is no one texting me? Did I forget about an event? Is everyone hanging out while I sit at home? If I leave town, will my favorite band play a surprise date that I’ll miss? Is there a new trend that I’m not seeing?” For me, seeing photos of my favorite illustrator at a skipped gallery reception is exceptionally painful. Artists, in particular, have a hard time as the nature of what we do is very tied to going to the right events to meet the right people (or simply fangirl-ing over the art world’s pseudo-celebs).
Though currently incurable, FOMO symptoms can be managed with proper dedication and routine exercises that prevent the dreaded “missing out.” That’s where my smart phone comes in. Like Whitley, Melissa, Courtney, and Alex, I rely heavily on a curated arsenal of apps.
I start each day with a Spotify playlist of songs collected from various blogs and Last.fm recommendations. I never miss a concert because I’ve linked my Last.fm account to Songkick, an app that tracks my listens and alerts me when a band I’ve listened to is playing my city (and the cities I often travel to). Once my tune-age is squared away, it’s Instagram time. While some may use Instagram to alert the world of their each and every meal #yawn, I’m busy searching my neighborhood’s hashtag and adding artists, musicians, and trendy galleries to my feed.
I follow about 500 accounts, 90% are lesser known illustrators and designers who regularly post what they’re working on, who they’re collaborating with and where their work is being shown and sold. I pin my favorite images for future reference using my Pinterest app. I pull color palettes from pieces I like for future inspiration using Adobe Color CC. I add the upcoming gallery events to Sunrise Calendar and favorite any items for sale on my Etsy app. When I do use Instagram to post my #wip (work in progress), I’m not settling for Instagram’s basic filters, it’s Afterlight where I can fine tune everything from exposure to light leaks. (I save my food pics for Snapchat.) If I’m feeling really wild, I’ll use Lisa Frank Pic n’ Share (unfortunately no longer in the app store) to jazz up my photos with some ballet bunnies or PartyParty to make an animated gif.
What my favorite Pinterest board looks like.
Look at this awesome illustration from Ross Moody (AKA 55 Hi’s), but more importantly, look at the rich, retro color palette Adobe Color CC pulled from it!
Dogs can have FOMO too. Fido just remembered he was missing out on a cooler brunch, but don’t worry Lisa Frank Pic n’ Share made everything better.
Similar to the way I use Instagram, my Facebook feed is packed full of posts from artists and musicians. I’m an “aggressive liker” and while I tend to hide news from old high school acquaintances (oh look, another engagement), I make sure to track down and like all relevant artist or musician Facebook pages so I don’t miss any news. This is also a great way to rack up promo codes for Etsy art sales and get in on presale tickets for artist talks or concerts.
When my FOMO symptoms are at a low, I like to explore the more academic side of the art world. I’m a sucker for Modern and Contemporary art exhibits. Luckily, the MoMA and Met apps keep me knowledgeable so I don’t embarrass my art history friends. And at the end of a particularly good day, one where I don’t miss out on anything, I like to end as I started. Spotify jams round 2, and perusing more art. This time with some of my favorite art blog specific apps: Design Milk, I Spy DIY, and my absolute favorite Design*Sponge.