Pinterest for Artists: Inspiration, Style Clues, and Copyright

Kerri Dixon wraps up her social media for artists series by showing how Pinterest can work as a visual search engine, an inspiration board, and a practical tool for artists who want to refine their taste and support their creative process. She also covers the big copyright caution with Pinterest and explains how artists can use the platform without confusing inspiration with reference or copying.

In this episode, Kerri Dixon shares how she uses Pinterest to collect colour ideas, composition studies, lighting references, and style clues, while also reminding artists that social media should serve the art, not the other way around. If you want a simple, thoughtful way to use Pinterest more intentionally, this episode gives you a clear framework.

Key topics

• Pinterest is better understood as a visual search engine than as traditional social media
• Artists can use Pinterest like a digital inspiration scrapbook, similar to old magazine tear-outs and folders
• Organizing boards by purpose makes ideas easier to find later, such as colour, composition, lighting, wildlife, still life, textures, and studio inspiration
• Private boards are useful for planning a specific artwork or collecting mood board material before you start painting
• Pinterest images are not copyright free, even if they appear on the platform, so reference use still needs permission and awareness of ownership
• Inspiration and reference are not the same thing, and Kerry encourages artists to ask what they like about an image rather than copying it directly
• Studying composition on Pinterest can teach artists to notice cropping, negative space, focal points, contrast, and visual balance
• Pinterest can help artists explore colour palettes such as rust and teal, coastal tones, autumn palettes, and earthy neutrals
• Kerri suggests a style-finding exercise using two boards: one for work you do not like and one for work that feels like you
• Pinterest can also help people get discovered if they share finished work, work in progress, sketchbook pages, tutorials, or blog content through their own online spaces

Why Artists Should Embrace YouTube as a Learning ToolDiscover how YouTube can revolutionize your art practice—not just through tutorials but as a source of inspiration, research, and community. Kerri explores practical strategies for integrating YouTube into your artistic growth and warns of common pitfalls to avoid.

Key Topics

• How YouTube removes geographical barriers to art learning and inspiration
• The value of learning from multiple artists to find your personal techniques
• Using YouTube for quick answers to technical questions (like drawing white fur or photographing art)
• Researching art supplies through honest reviews and demonstrations
• Creating playlists for organized, targeted learning modules
• Understanding wildlife and subjects to enhance realism and believability in art
• Balancing passive learning with active creation to improve skills
• The three stages of learning: inspiration, education, and practice
• The importance of structured courses and workshops for step-by-step guidance
• How memberships and online courses support detailed, slowed-down learning

• Creative Barn Membership – Online art courses and community support

This episode explores how artistic growth is about much more than improving technique — it’s also about building confidence, finding a clear learning path, and staying motivated through routine and community support. Kerry reflects on the real “wins” from a week of pastel practice and Soft Pastel Week, sharing how small achievements, encouragement, and playful goals can help artists keep creating, especially after workshops end. The episode also highlights the importance of connection and self-belief in overcoming creative doubt and sustaining long-term progress.

If you'd like to continue your art journey with Kerri, head to

The Creative Barn Membership to learn more.

Discover how Facebook can be a powerful tool for artists, not just for sharing work but for building meaningful connections, finding reference resources, and creating new opportunities. Wildlife artist Carrie Dixon shares practical tips, success stories, and strategies to leverage Facebook’s community features effectively.

In this episode:

• Why Facebook remains valuable for artists despite being viewed as outdated
• The difference between Facebook profiles, pages, and groups for art businesses
• How joining niche communities enhances engagement and sales
• Using Facebook groups to find wildlife reference photos and permissions
• The importance of Facebook Live for building trust and accountability
• The role of Messenger in establishing personal client relationships
• The variety of niche and regional Facebook groups for artists
• Precautions for social media safety: owning your website and email list
• A social media challenge: join three groups, share relevant work, comment thoughtfully
• Final encouragement to see Facebook as a community hub for genuine relationships

Wildlife artist Kerry Dixon discusses how Instagram can serve as a digital portfolio for artists, emphasizing the importance of sharing artwork for visibility and community building.

www.kerridixonart.com

Points of Interest

• Artists often create artwork that remains unseen; Instagram offers an online gallery space.
• Instagram as a visual diary to track artistic progress and milestones over the years.
• The platform helps connect artists globally and build a supportive community.
• How to differentiate inspiration from comparison; learning from others rather than feeling discouraged.
• Success stories of artists gaining opportunities like product endorsements through genuine engagement.
• Different Instagram features explained: posts, carousels, stories, reels—each with unique purposes.
• Advice for beginners: start simple, create an account, upload a few artworks, and focus on sharing authentically.
• Encouragement to join or showcase within the Creative Barn community, fostering mutual support.
• The ultimate goal is creating and sharing work that reflects your story, not chasing fame.

In this episode, wildlife artist and educator Carrie Dixon dives into the fascinating world of abstract realism—a style that blurs the lines between accuracy and expression. Discover how moving beyond photographs can unleash your artistic voice and evoke emotion in your art.

Main Topics:

• What is abstract realism and how does it differ from pure realism and abstraction
• The importance of artistic voice and emotional communication in art
• How history and movement like impressionism and cubism influence abstract realism
• Techniques for integrating abstraction into realistic subjects, especially in pastel
• The role of image gathering, inspiration boards, and decision-making in developing a unique style
• The idea that mastery in realism enables artists to know what to leave out for more impactful work

SOFT PASTEL WEEK JOIN HERE starts 12th July 2026

Learning to See: Transform Your Artwork by Changing Your Observation Skills

Discover how shifting your perception can dramatically improve your art, regardless of your skill level. In this episode, wildlife artist and art educator Carrie Dixon explores simple yet powerful right brain drawing exercises that help artists see more clearly and create more realistic artwork.

Watch the exercises on Youtube Here

Imagine a world where learning art is as simple as sitting at your kitchen table. Fifty years ago, that would have meant limited access to professional guidance, with trial and error as your only mentor. Today, you can learn from artists worldwide, rewatch tutorials, and join vibrant communities—all from your couch. Kerri explores how technology like AI isn't replacing artists but empowering them to solve practical challenges—like enhancing blurry photos for commissions—freeing up more time for creativity. She shares how artists are using these tools creatively, not as shortcuts but as supports that foster growth and confidence.

Learn more about the Creative Barn Membership

Time Stamps

00:00 - Introduction: Why now is the best time in history to be an artist00:29 - Debunking the myth of the starving artist and redefining success00:56 - Access to education and community today versus in the past01:52 - The importance of online learning and feedback02:25 - How communities help combat artistic isolation03:24 - The impact of modern art materials and tools04:49 - Success isn’t just about money or fame05:33 - Creativity at any age and dispelling opportunity myths06:30 - The explosion of quality art supplies and possibilities07:21 - Success stories and different measures of achievement08:01 - The value of art in a noisy, digital world08:49 - Positive friction: technology’s role in supporting rather than replacing art09:51 - Sharing personal growth and expanded understanding of being an artist10:20 - How AI tools help solve practical problems, not replace artists11:34 - Enhancing reference photos with AI for commissions12:32 - The importance of tools as support, not substitutes for creativity13:26 - Evolution of tools in art and signs industry for creativity and growth14:47 - Lifelong learning and embracing new tools at any age15:14 - The core message: more access, more permission, more opportunity15:44 - Encouragement to enjoy creating regardless of commercial goals

Most artists think genuine creativity means drawing everything freehand— but history tells a different story. Many of the world's greatest masters didn't rely solely on pure skill; they used tools, assistants, and clever transfer methods that were as modern in their time as grids and projectors are today. So why are we still carrying the guilt of "cheating" when using these techniques?

Show Notes

• The common misconception that all great artists draw entirely freehand
• Historical evidence showing artists' use of assistants, grids, and transfer methods from the Renaissance to modern times
• The popular techniques of grid enlarging, pouncing, and optical aids like the camera obscura
• How famous artists like Raphael, Titian, Rubens, and even Dürer employed various tools and methods
• The evolution of technological aids, including the debate around the camera obscura and digital tools
• Why feeling guilty about using tools like line art or transfer methods is unnecessary
• The importance of focusing on the message and skill in the art, rather than the process's difficulty
• Encouragement to adopt helpful tools without shame for better creativity, efficiency, and enjoyment

Learn more about The Creative Barn Membership Here

Are you feeling discouraged because social media seems to prioritize virality over genuine connection? This episode dives into why artists don't need millions of followers to succeed and instead should focus on building loyal communities and true fans. Discover practical insights on shifting your mindset, storytelling, and creating a sustainable, fulfilling art career.

Main Topics:

• The myth of viral success and how social media distorts artist’s self-worth
• The concept of 1000 true fans and why quality over quantity matters
• Building relationships through storytelling and authentic connection
• The role of romance marketing in creating emotional bonds
• The importance of community, consistency, and owning your audience
• How older artists have advantages with emotional depth and patience
• Why email lists are more valuable than followers
• Redefining success beyond fame: making meaningful work and supporting loyal fans




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