How to Grow as an Artist on Instagram

Instagram is one of the most powerful platforms for artists to showcase their work, connect with their audience, and grow their business. With the right strategies, you can leverage Instagram to expand your following and sell your art.

1. Create Authentic Connections

Growing on Instagram is not just about the number of followers, but the quality of connections you make. In my interview with Kate Kvasnicka, she emphasized the importance of building authentic relationships with her audience by engaging meaningfully through comments, direct messages, and real-time interactions. Consistent and genuine engagement fosters trust and deepens the connection between you and your followers.

Tip: Respond to comments and messages thoughtfully and avoid automated responses. Your audience values real, personal interactions.

Listen to her episode here:

2. Show Your Process

Followers love to see the behind-the-scenes of your work. Sharing your creative process, the inspiration behind your pieces, and sneak peeks into upcoming projects adds depth to your art and makes followers feel like they’re part of your journey.

Tip: Post time-lapse videos of your art process or share stories that give insight into your day-to-day work. This type of content often resonates well with art lovers and collectors.

3. Utilize Instagram Features

Take full advantage of all Instagram’s features, such as Reels, Stories, and IGTV. Reels are great for reaching a wider audience since Instagram’s algorithm tends to prioritize this type of content. Stories are a more intimate way to connect with your audience by sharing daily updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Tip: Use Instagram’s interactive features like polls, questions, and countdowns to engage your audience in real-time and drive more interaction with your content.

4. Consistency is Key

Consistency is crucial to growing your following on Instagram. Posting regularly keeps your audience engaged and helps the algorithm prioritize your content. However, it’s not just about frequency, but also the consistency of your message and aesthetic. Your posts should align with your brand as an artist.

In my conversation with Erin Donahue Tice, she mentioned that consistent posting and a unified visual aesthetic played a significant role in growing her art business. Staying true to your artistic voice while maintaining a cohesive feed is essential to standing out.

Tip: Create a content calendar to plan your posts ahead of time and maintain a regular posting schedule.

Listen to the episode here:

5. Leverage Hashtags and Geotags

Hashtags are a powerful way to increase visibility on Instagram. Using relevant hashtags allows your posts to be discovered by people who are interested in your niche. Additionally, geotags help you target local audiences and showcase your work to potential collectors or galleries in your area.

Tip: Use a mix of popular and niche-specific hashtags to maximize your reach. Geotagging your posts and stories can help you connect with a local audience who may be interested in visiting your exhibitions or purchasing your work.

6. Collaborate with Other Artists

Collaboration is a powerful way to expand your reach on Instagram. By partnering with other artists, you can introduce your work to their followers and vice versa. Joint giveaways, live interviews, or collaborative art projects can create buzz around your art and help you reach new audiences.

Tip: Reach out to other artists or creatives who align with your brand for potential collaborations, or join The Club, where we offer opportunities for artists to connect and collaborate.

7. Promote Your Work Consistently

While engagement and connection are key, it’s important to remember that Instagram is also a platform to sell your art. Share your latest collections, promote limited-time offers, or highlight upcoming exhibitions. Make it easy for followers to purchase by adding shop links or directing them to your website or store.

Tip: Use Stories and Reels to create urgency around your offers, such as "limited-time" posts that drive followers to act quickly.

8. Join a Community for Support

It’s not easy to navigate Instagram on your own, which is why community is so important. Joining a group of like-minded artists can provide the support, feedback, and strategies you need to grow your account effectively.

Tip: Consider joining The Club, my community for artists, where we share tips and strategies for mastering platforms like Instagram and growing your art business online.

Instagram offers endless opportunities for artists to connect, grow, and sell their art. By being authentic, consistent, and strategic with your content, you can turn followers into loyal fans and collectors. For more tips on growing your art career and making the most out of social media, tune into my podcast and join The Club, where we dive deep into how artists can succeed in today’s digital world.