The Cory Cheat Sheet

Alright, hardly do I indulge in my secrets, but I very much love you all and you have supported me from the get-go. I'm going to tell you all some cold, hard facts, and hopefully this will help you out on your artistic endeavors.

Instagram is a sensitive platform that does not give one iota of a fuck about any of us. Why? Because we refuse to pump out "content" to appease the masses. First of all, your hard work IS NOT content, and second, I'm a firm advocate in dispelling the notion of artists being referred to as "content creators." That term within itself is completely undermining any sense of passion that comes from our blood, sweat and tears. I have never in a million years referred to any of my pieces or literature as content, and as Paimon as my witness--I never will. That's bullshit, and if you're doing it right now and reading this--stop it. YOU are better than that.

So, as opposed to telling you to make a shit-ton of reels or change up your hashtags (though, that can certainly help), I'm going to give you my best tips on how to grow your account without selling yourself out.

You HAVE to Pay for Advertising

If you can afford it, that is. I'm not going to bullshit you guys--paying for advertising has drastically helped me, and as much as people want to dispel the myth that it does nothing, it does. Having a steady ad out there for people is a good investment. Fun fact: I found Michael from Utterscorn because of an ad he put out. Utterscorn is becoming one of the most up and coming metal acts out there, and if he never paid for an ad--I never would have found him. I'm not saying throw your entire paycheck to the Instagram Matrix, but when you can, I highly suggest you give it a try. And even if it doesn't work out; you can tell me I'm wrong and to suck a fuck.

Start Having Balls

I think this should be the primary, key tip above all, but we will place it here.

Y'all, you have got to stop being afraid of what people will think. It's not your job to make them understand, and chances are even if they did, they still wouldn't like you. Being so unabashedly confident in your work is one of the sexiest things that people will be drawn to. People aren't stupid, and if you're posting something and taking it down right away, or making an hour-long speech on why you suck, but deserve credit--don't.

YOU ARE FUCKING AMAZING. And even if people don't think you are, be so sure of what you're doing that the RIGHT people will think you are.

It's the laws of attraction, and sadly, whatever attitude you bring to the table is probably what you most likely will attract. It's okay to be pissed off and tell people to stop acting selfish; hell, I love showing the hypocrisy of my "friends" on Facebook (because most of them are smug metalhead scumbags), but don't ever apologize for the work you put out. It's your hard work and your passion--treat it as such.

Reach Out to Celebrities

Yes, Patreon family, you heard me correctly. In addtion with having those big, hairy nuts, you need to start having the courage to speak to celebs. I'm not talking about a Kardashian or basketball player...although, if that's your jam, cool, but I'm talking about celebrities who are deep-rooted into the arts community.

Slash started following me this year because I truthfully am one determined bull and broke down the goddamn door. Tagging celebs, magazines, authors, and podcasts in your photos can be HUGE. Don't believe me? Ask Slash about me and he will KNOW me. Make big names KNOW you. You all have the keys the vehicle steering your life; you need to start using it and drive that fucker all the way home.

Get on Facebook

I know you don't want to hear and neither did I, but I would seriously invest in creating a Facebook business page for your art, music, whatever. Facebook (Meta, wtf ever..) owns Instagram, so, naturally the two go hand in hand. When I first started Instagram I didn't really put a lot of thought into Facebook other than my own personal page, which is pretty much shitposting, Jim, and my personal life. However, it wasn't until I released my first book that I noticed so many people were using both platforms to piggyback success. And, my Patreon family, it does fucking work.

I've found a PLETHORA of Facebook groups that allow you to join and post your work. My Facebook page that started in late 2020 is now growing like weeds, and I'm happy about it. I'm even more happy that people are recognizing me across the platforms--and that's the start of building a unique identity and brand.

BE GRATEFUL AND SHOW THANKS, APPRECIATION, AND LOVE

And I cannot emphasize this enough; you have to start treating this with professionalism and telling people thank you. When someone shares your post, creates edits, paints pictures of your art, or recommends you to a person via word of mouth or through social media--tell them thank you and be grateful.

One of the most consist themes of why I hate these motherfuckers in Miami is because they DO NOT give one fuck about other people. Most of the people here sponge off of you and then take your information, knowledge, money, and support and pretend like you don't exist anymore. I'm not saying do something just because you want something out of it, but telling a person thank you does go a long way. Granted, you aren't going to see every message or comment that pops up and respond, but what you can get to... say thank you, and maybe give some of that love back in return.