Verified on Instagram ✓ (at last)

HALLLOOO DUDETTES AND DUDES

I hope you're well!!! :) I have great news, a bit on the technical side; Yesterday was a celebratory day; after about 7 years, I FINALLY managed to get my Instagram account verified!
What it really means for me is that from now on, my account should be reviewed by humans as opposed to algorithms. This makes me feel extremely relieved.
As some of you may know, I've had reoccurring issues with IG's algorithm mistakingly removing my posts and even suspending my account. The problem with IG is that there's no one to speak to when that happens, so I was genuinely scared my account will be permanently suspended with another removal mistake.
I'm now ​motivated to try and invest in this platform again. It's still far from perfect, but with all of its downsides, it's still an incredible platform. It's where most of us are and it's currently the best place for artists to share their art ...and that's really all I want to do.
So yeah, I'll start sharing more stuff! 🥳 Obviously, it'll be an adjusted version of my stuff ...but at least I'll be less scared to have a photo of a woman showing her armpit hair flagged & removed due to 'sexual activity'💩

IG is usually the easiest place for me to share daily updates & stories, you're welcome to follow me there: instagram.com/benhopper 

The words I'm sharing with you today are mainly taken from a post I made about it on there. I added this quote to finish, with one of my fav Paul Simon songs which is ever so relevant - ie, "keep things in perspective". It's called 'Wristband':  

"The riots started slowly
With the homeless and the lowly
Then they spread into the heartland
Towns that never get a wristband
Kids that can’t afford the cool brand
Whose anger is a shorthand
For you’ll never get a wristband
And if you don’t have a wristband
Then you can’t get through the door
No, you can’t get through the door"

Ben <3