I'm assuming we're talking about small time creators and not big name artists here.
Personally, I stopped doing the whole 'read other creator's stuff you're not interested in' thing years ago. I only follow something I genuinely enjoy now and usually I'll find that myself. I found that what was happening was that I was swapping works with other creators, who weren't actually interested in my own work nor I in theres at all, was that it was focusing on that 'creator bubble' and not looking for readership outside it. Then we'd find looking at each other's stuff a chore and both fade away into not bothering quite quickly. It's not 'real' engagement for the most part. Essentially, they didn't make it for me. I am not the intended audience and so other than give a numbers boost, I'm not the best person to be engaging with the work.
Writing or drawing for other artists or authors is great for building community of friends, but it can't really get you where you want to be with the readers shrug I end up giving better feedback to people if I genuinely like the work and it doesnt feel like a chore either. Plus, it adds sincerity to interactions.
Just my thoughts.
