Social Media for Artists - Instagram

Kerri Dixon Author

Discover why every artist should have an Instagram account and how to use it as an online portfolio to share your art and connect with others.

Why Every Artist Should Have an Instagram Account (Even If You Never Want to Be an Influencer)

When you hear the word Instagram, what comes to mind?

For many people it's influencers, selfies, viral videos and chasing thousands of followers. If that doesn't sound like you, you're not alone. In fact, many artists avoid Instagram altogether because they think that's what it's all about.

But I'd like to challenge that idea.

I don't believe artists need Instagram to become influencers. I believe artists should think of Instagram as something much simpler...

Your own online art portfolio.

Your Artwork Deserves to Be Seen

Have you ever had someone ask, "Can I see some of your artwork?"

Maybe it's a friend, a work colleague, or someone you've just met.

If your paintings are hanging on your walls at home, it's not always easy to show them. You might have a few photos buried somewhere on your phone, but scrolling through hundreds of images trying to find them isn't ideal.

This is where Instagram shines.

Instead of saying, "I'll try and find a photo," you can simply say:

"Here's my Instagram."

Within seconds, someone can scroll through your artwork and get a real sense of who you are as an artist.

Think of it as your own little online gallery that's always open.

Document Your Artistic Journey

One of my favourite things about Instagram isn't how many people see your work—it's being able to look back and see how far you've come.

Every painting becomes a milestone.

Your first pastel portrait.

That wildlife painting you struggled with.

The day you finally mastered soft fur.

The artwork you're most proud of today.

Months or years later, you can scroll back through your profile and realise just how much you've improved. Sometimes we're so focused on what we still need to learn that we forget to celebrate how far we've already come.

Instagram becomes a visual diary of your growth as an artist.

Connect With Other Artists

One of the greatest joys of making art is sharing it with people who understand the journey.

Instagram allows you to follow artists whose work inspires you, discover new techniques, and connect with people from all over the world who share your love of creating.

Even better, it can strengthen the community you've already built.

Inside The Creative Barn we have a Featured Post where members can share their Instagram accounts. It's wonderful seeing members following each other, encouraging one another, and celebrating each other's progress.

Sometimes all it takes is a simple comment saying, "Beautiful work!" to brighten someone's day and give them the confidence to keep creating.

Inspiration Is Everywhere

Instagram can be like wandering through the biggest art exhibition you've ever visited.

You can follow:

• Wildlife artists
• Pastel artists
• Watercolour artists
• Nature photographers
• Wildlife parks
• Conservation organisations
• Art supply companies
• Galleries

Every time you open the app, you're surrounded by creativity.

Of course, it's important to remember that inspiration is different from comparison. Use Instagram to learn and be inspired, not to judge your own work against someone else's.

Opportunities Can Happen

You don't need thousands of followers for good things to happen.

One of my students has a relatively small Instagram following, but she regularly shared her artwork and tagged the art supply brands she used.

One day, Stabilo contacted her and surprised her with a brand new set of Carbothello pastel pencils.

That's a wonderful reminder that opportunities often come from simply showing up consistently. Companies aren't always looking for celebrities—they're looking for genuine artists who love using their products.

It's Not About Being an Influencer

This is probably the most important message I want to share.

You do not need to dance on camera.

You do not need to go viral.

You do not need 100,000 followers.

Instagram is simply a place to share what you create.

If your account helps one person discover your artwork...

If a friend enjoys following your artistic journey...

If another artist finds encouragement through something you've shared...

Then it's already doing its job.

Understanding the Different Types of Posts

One of the things that can make Instagram feel confusing is all the different ways you can share content. The good news is that each type has its own purpose.

Single Image

Perfect for sharing a finished painting or drawing.

Think of these as the paintings hanging in your gallery.

Carousel

A carousel lets you upload several images in one post.

These are wonderful for artists because you can tell the story behind your artwork by including:

• Your finished painting
• Close-up details
• Work-in-progress photos
• Your reference image
• Materials you used

Instead of simply showing the finished result, you're inviting people into your creative process.

Reels

Reels are short videos and are a great way for new people to discover your work.

Don't worry—you don't have to perform for the camera.

Simple ideas include:

• A time-lapse of your drawing.
• Adding the final highlights to a painting.
• A close-up video of the finished texture.
• A quick look around your studio.
• A wildlife encounter that inspired your next artwork.

Stories

Stories disappear after 24 hours, making them perfect for sharing everyday moments.

You might post:

• Your morning coffee in the studio.
• A sketchbook page.
• Your latest work in progress.
• Life on the farm.
• A poll or question.
• Behind-the-scenes moments.

Think of your profile as your polished portfolio, and your Stories as your daily sketchbook.

Start Simple

If you're brand new to Instagram, don't worry about hashtags, algorithms or follower counts just yet.

Simply aim to:

• Create your account.
• Upload a profile photo.
• Write a short bio.
• Share your first three pieces of artwork.

That's enough.

You can always learn the rest later.

Your Challenge

If you've been putting Instagram off because it feels overwhelming, I'd encourage you to take one small step this week.

Create your account.

Share your first few paintings.

Then, if you're a member of The Creative Barn, add your Instagram handle to our Featured Post and start following some of your fellow artists.

Let's build a community that celebrates creativity, encourages progress and reminds one another why we started making art in the first place.

Because your artwork deserves to be seen.

And someone out there is waiting to discover it.