An Interview With Karen Mangia
Consistency: Posting every day is like buying a free lottery ticket — you never know which video will take off. One video I didn’t expect to go viral changed everything, and I’ve since been able to grow my audience and sell art worldwide.
We often use the term “Influencers” to describe people with significant social media followings on platforms like Instagram, Twitter TikTok, Youtube, Linkedin and Facebook. Influencers have become today’s media titans, sought after for everything from product placements to timely trends. What’s the difference between influence and impact? Fans and followers? Sizzle versus staying power?
In this interview series, called, “How To Cultivate Community In A Click to Connect World” we are talking to influencers about how they define success and what we all need to discover about the true nature of influence. As a part of this series I had the pleasure of interviewing Julia Brevetti.
Julia Brevetti is a Toronto-based visual artist whose work blends pop art, realism, and contemporary abstraction. Brevetti has built a dynamic art career through social media, gaining international attention for her vivid and nostalgia-infused paintings. She is best known for her ongoing “Abstract Collection” and “Vintage Car Collection,” where stylized detail meets graphic color, and her newly launched “Skull Collection” examines themes of mortality, memory, and identity through a playful yet provocative visual language. Visit juliabrevetti.com to learn more.
Thank you for making time to visit with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. How did you discover your career path and what got you to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to creative projects growing up. While I didn’t excel in subjects like math or science, I thrived in art class. I loved school assignments that allowed me to think outside the box and express myself creatively. Painting became a personal outlet for me — a way to de-stress and escape from the chaos of everyday life. I especially enjoyed painting Marvel characters since my brothers and I grew up as huge fans.
During COVID, I started sharing my art more consistently on social media and began selling paintings to friends. Everything really shifted when I started posting regularly on TikTok. That’s when my career as an artist truly took off. Social media has been such a powerful tool — it’s allowed me to reach a global audience, sell my work, and be part of exhibitions. Without it, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along the way that influences how you operate now?
Do things right the first time. In the beginning, I tried to cut corners to save money because I wasn’t earning much yet. For example, I would buy cheaper brushes, but they would wear out quickly, and I’d end up having to replace them. In the long run, it cost me more. I’ve learned that investing in quality materials and your business upfront results in better outcomes and a more sustainable practice.
We’re all searching for some good news. How are you using your platform to make a positive social impact?
I use my social media to inspire people to explore their creative side. You don’t need to sell your art or make it a career — just taking the time to create can be incredibly fulfilling. Art is a great way to connect with yourself and others. Through sharing my journey, I’ve been able to connect with artists from all over the world who have offered encouragement, advice, and support.
I also aim to be an example that dreams are achievable. I never imagined I would be doing what I’m doing now — but here I am. Sometimes all it takes is that first leap of faith.
Many of our readers are influencers as well. Others have tried and have yet to succeed. What words of advice would you offer to aspiring influencers, knowing what you know now?
Be consistent and don’t give up. I posted on social media for over a year before anything went viral. But once one video gained traction, I doubled down and started posting 1–3 times a day. It can be discouraging at times, especially when a video you put your heart into gets little engagement. But then the next day, another post could blow up. You just never know. Staying consistent truly pays off.
Success is often a matter of perspective. I’ve always resonated with Henry David Thoreau’s quote, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” How do you see success — or define success — for yourself now?
I think success can be measured in different ways. Of course, there’s the tangible side like making sales or growing your audience, but I also see success in the process itself. The ups and downs and the lessons learned.
Your mindset plays a huge role. It’s easy to say, “Once I hit 100k followers, then I’ll feel successful.” But once you reach that, you create a new goal. I’ve learned to be grateful for where I am at every stage, even the setbacks, because they teach you how to move forward in smarter ways.
Being able to create and share my art with the world right now and in this moment is success to me. I know that definition will evolve with time, which I find really exciting.
What are your strategies to make room for who and what matters most?
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how precious time is. It’s the one thing you can’t get back, so I try to be really intentional with how I spend it.
If I’m working on a piece and don’t feel connected to it, I’ll move on rather than forcing it. Right now, my focus is on developing my art and spending time with people who uplift me. I used to stretch myself too thin, trying to do it all. But now I find peace in doing less, with more purpose.
How do you reduce or mitigate stress?
I’m still figuring this one out! Being an artist can come with a lot of uncertainty. For me, it’s about maintaining the right mindset. Even when things are slow or a painting doesn’t sell, I try to remind myself that I’ll figure it out.
I grew up playing sports, so I often turn to hockey or soccer when I feel stressed or creatively blocked. It helps me get into a flow state where I can forget everything else and just be present in the moment, even if just for a little while.
I’m going to try a few of your tips, and I’m hopeful our readers will, too. Now it’s time for the big reveal — the moment our readers have been anticipating. What are your “five strategies to cultivate a large & engaged social media community?’
- Consistency: Posting every day is like buying a free lottery ticket — you never know which video will take off. One video I didn’t expect to go viral changed everything, and I’ve since been able to grow my audience and sell art worldwide.
- Authenticity: People can sense when you’re being real. I used to struggle with feeling like my videos didn’t reflect who I truly was. Then I posted a candid video expressing my anxieties about being an artist, and it received a great response. Showing up as your true self really resonates.
- Quality Over Shortcuts: I used to buy cheaper paints and brushes to save money, but it showed in the work. When I started investing in quality materials, my art improved — and so did how people responded to it.
- Take Breaks: Social media can be overwhelming, especially with unsolicited feedback. I’ve learned to post and then close the apps. I rarely read comments anymore — it helps protect my peace.
- Have Fun: If you’re not enjoying it, what’s the point? I’m grateful I get to do what I love, and that joy shows in the content. When you’re having fun, people feel that energy, and they want to be part of it.
What do you do to create a greater sense of connection and community among your fans?
I’ve started livestreaming more so my audience can get to know me beyond just watching painting videos. I like to share the challenges of being an artist and the stories behind my work. I aim to build connection while also protecting parts of my personal life that bring me peace.
As an influencer, you are, by definition, a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I’d love to start an art program for children dealing with illness or mental health struggles. Art is such a powerful escape and tool for emotional expression, especially for kids who may not have the words to explain what they’re going through. I want to help them discover the healing power of creativity.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world with whom you’d like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He, she or they might just see this. 🙂
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be Duncan Trussell. I love the way he thinks about the world, and I would love to pick his brain.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
You can find me on Instagram at @brevetti_art and on TikTok at @julia_brevetti. You can also visit my website at juliabrevetti.com for original artwork and custom commissions.
Thank you for these thought provoking insights. Here’s to your continued success!
Julia Brevetti Of Brevetti Art On How To Build A Large, Loyal, & Engaged Social Media Community was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.