Paris has the Louvre, Russia has the Hermitage, New York has the MoMA, and the rest of the world has Instagram. Instagram has made a name for itself as a marketing platform for beauty and fashion bloggers, photographers, and full-time travelers. But another rich, inner world is thriving on Instagram in the form of Instagram art.
If you’re an artist looking to broaden your connections and do some networking without actually networking, Instagram is the first step. Whether it’s determining your style, how often you should post, or what the heck you should write in your bio, Upleap is here to help.
Read on to find out how to curate a perfect Instagram art account!
What Makes Instagram Art Different From Regular Art
We could dive into the “What is art?” question here, but I think that’s one to leave to the curators of the world. The most basic answer to the question is: It’s art, that’s on Instagram.
Of course, there are levels to it. While some artists simply use Instagram to show off their traditional skills in painting or sketching, some artists make art specifically for the purpose of uploading it to Instagram.
The fundamental difference, however, can be boiled down to the purpose of the art. Instagram art is art that is made with a connection in mind. Whether that’s through follower count or business partnership, the purpose of Instagram is to unite like-minded people over common interests.
How An Instagram Art Account Can Benefit You
Instagram models get paid to model. Travel influencers get paid to stay in hotels, go on experiences, and write reviews. Instagram artists get paid for their art.
Think of your artist Instagram as a portfolio. Any user can click on your profile and see the work you’re most proud of, your style, and your personality, all in one easy place. You can also use this account to direct interest to an online store and increase your online presence in the art world.
In other words, an Instagram art account could be the first step to becoming the next Monet. Just look at how well it’s worked for Banksy.
Pick a Great Username For Your Instagram Art Account
Like every great artist, the first thing you’re going to need is a name. Instagram usernames are not to be taken lightly (but don’t worry, in a dire situation, you can change them). They are the first point of contact with your brand, and as an artist, you want people to remember your name!
I recommend picking a username that combines the name you use for art and shows your skills off as well. Of course, if you only want to focus on the art, that’s fine as well.
Let’s take a look at some examples!
- Lauren Hom, a hand letterer and creative marketer, keeps it playful with a pun: @Homsweethom.
- Jessica Siskin, aka the Rice Krispy treat artist lets us know what she’s about with the username @mister_krisp.
- Robyn Blair, master of color, keeps it classy with the tag @byrobynblair.
- Jacqueline Poirier, a Canadian artist known for her plate masterpieces, zeroes in on the brand with @thecrazyplatelady.
Whatever the name you choose, make sure it reflects you!
Creating Your Instagram Art Account Bio
Your bio on an Instagram art account is really important. That’s where potential clients and collaborators will look to you for contact information! To make your Instagram art account stand out, don’t forget to include these things:
- Your location
People want to know where you’re based for potential collaborations!
- What you do
Include what your mediums are, be it hand lettering, sculpture or graphic design. This helps clients know what they can ask you for.
- If you’re open to commissions
Lots of people, unfortunately, will ask Instagram artists to work for free. Putting in your bio that you’re open or closed to commissions lets people know you’re ready to sell your work!
- Your website and contact information
People can’t contact you if they don’t know where to contact you! Having a website makes you look professional and serves as a second point of contact. I recommend having 1 or 2 pictures on your website that are not on your Instagram account and vice versa.
Pin Down the Style of the Instagram Art Account
It’s no secret that people want to come back for more. What makes your style unique and worth revisiting? The best Instagram feeds are the ones that have a coherent aesthetic, and Instagram art is the community where that rule should be taken the most seriously.
Whether it’s your medium, use of color, or personality, make sure that your Instagram art account showcases the best things about your art.
Adam Hillman (@witenry) got his start in a Facebook group, but he’s since gone onto Internet fame for his meticulously organized and color-coded photos. They’re like getting lost in a maze for your eyes.
Notice how his Instagram feed moves in a pattern of shapes and colors, much like his work. Right off the bat you can tell what Adam does, and how his attention to detail shapes his artistic vision.
On the other side of the spectrum, consider Perry Brown of @pbfineart. His muted color tones and oil paints create a perfectly calming feed that feels just perfect for scrolling on a rainy day.
Consistency with Instagram Art
Consistency is key in anything. The most successful influencers post on Instagram at least once a day. But art takes time to make! Don’t throw yourself into something that’s not sustainable.
The key here is planning. In the beginning days of your Instagram art account, I recommend posting at least 3-4 times a week. So, plan for that: make sure you have enough content to roll out.
If that means creating steadily for a while and saving things up to post, do that! You can also get creative and showcase your artistic process. For many, a picture of the artist at work is just as satisfying as looking at the art itself.
Show your tools, your studio, some part of your creative process – let people in on an artist’s life on your Instagram art account.
The Hashtags To Use for Instagram Art
We can’t have Instagram without hashtags. If you already have thousands of followers, hashtags don’t matter that much.
But if you’re starting from zero, they really, REALLY matter.
Thankfully, using Instagram hashtags is pretty simple. Instagram will suggest the most popular hashtags to use.
Look at your favorite accounts and see what they’re hashtagging with. Instagram will allow you to post up to 30 tags, and I recommend using all of those at the beginning. Start with a keyword, and add anything relevant, especially as it relates to your niche.
Making Connections On Your Instagram Art Account
The thing that’s so wonderful about Instagram is that it’s like having your own personal artist’s guild. When you start out, follow some larger accounts you really admire.
But don’t stop there!
Find smaller accounts who are also trying to grow. These artists will become your biggest cheerleaders and could even blossom into collaborations, or a business partnership one day! Sometimes they’ll even send you packages from across the world.
An Instagram Art Account Could Be Your Mona Lisa
Instagram is a fantastic platform. It allows us to find like-minded people, show off our skills, and start businesses.
That’s why Instagram is the best place to create an account to show off your art. Whether you use it as a portfolio, to show insight into your creative process or point of sale, an Instagram art account is certain to boost your artistic career and make friends in the art world.
Instagram art is a huge trend, and it’s no secret why. Sharing creativity is one of the best things about Instagram. Make sure to begin your Instagram art account with a bang.
