Why I Stepped Away From Brand Ambassadorships

Brand ambassadorships are often seen as the ultimate goal, a sign that you’ve “made it” as an artist online. And in many ways, they can be a wonderful experience.

I was a brand ambassador for a couple of years, and I really enjoyed that phase of my artistic journey. But over time, I made the conscious decision to step away from those contracts.

This post is about why.

What being a brand ambassador is actually like

Being a brand ambassador is much more than a nice line in your bio or boxes of supplies arriving at your door.

There are usually clear posting requirements, often at least once a week. There are timelines to respect, especially during launches, campaigns, or challenges. Communication with the brand is ongoing, usually through email or direct messages. Many contracts also include exclusivity clauses, meaning you may not be allowed to use or show similar products from other brands.

That said, there are many positive sides. Being part of something bigger, especially when you genuinely love the brand, can be very rewarding. You connect with people behind the scenes, collaborate with other artists, and sometimes form real friendships.

It can be an enriching and motivating experience, and I value the time I spent in that role.

Why I chose to step away

As I evolved as an artist, my priorities slowly shifted.

I started valuing artistic freedom more - choosing my own materials, deciding when and how to share my work, and allowing my creative process to unfold without restrictions. Over time, this became more important to me than any structured partnership.

It wasn’t an easy decision. I had built strong relationships and genuinely enjoyed working with the teams and other ambassadors. But I knew that creating more space for my own creative growth was the right step.

The contracts were ended respectfully and with mutual understanding. We’re still on good terms, and we continue to support each other, but in a more organic and less structured way.

What changed after stepping away

Being free from long-term commitments allowed me to work with brands in a more spontaneous way.

Sometimes brands reach out about a specific product or project, and now I can decide freely whether it aligns with my work and my values. These collaborations are less structured, but often feel lighter and more natural.

This doesn’t mean I would never accept an ambassadorship again. If the timing is right and it’s with a brand that respects my creative freedom, I would absolutely consider it.

Brand ambassadorships aren’t good or bad, they’re simply one option.

What matters most is understanding what you value at this stage of your artistic journey.

Creative freedom, sustainability, and enjoyment matter. And no collaboration should come at the cost of those things.

You don’t need to be part of a brand program to be successful, visible, or respected as an artist.

Final thoughts

Before accepting any partnership, it’s worth asking yourself:

• Does this support my creative work?

• Does it fit how I want to show up online?

• Does it leave me enough space to grow?

For me, choosing freedom and flexibility has been the right decision, and it has allowed me to continue sharing, teaching, and creating in a way that feels true to me.