How to Use Instagram Strategically As An Artist

If you’re an artist, you’ve probably heard people say, “You should be on Instagram!” And honestly? They’re right.

Instagram has become one of the best places for artists to show their work, connect with people, and even make sales. But here’s the thing!!! It’s not just about posting pretty pictures and hoping for the best. If you want to really use Instagram to help your art career, you need a bit of strategy.

Don’t worry!! I’m here to help break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. And I’ll share some examples of how other new artists are doing this too, plus little stories of what I’ve learned along the way.

Let’s dive in!

Why Instagram Is Great for Artists

First, why Instagram?

It’s a visual platform. People come to Instagram to see things, not just read long posts or news articles. This makes it the perfect space to share art.

Plus, you can reach people all over the world. You’re not limited to just your local art scene. A painter in Mexico can connect with a collector in France. A ceramic artist in India can show work to someone in New York.

And do you want to know the best part? You don’t need a big gallery or fancy contacts to get started. You can start showing your art today, right from your phone.

1. Set Up Your Profile Like a Shop Window

Think of your Instagram profile as your little art shop window. When someone lands on your page, they should quickly understand who you are and what you make.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Profile photo: Use a clear photo of you or your logo, not a blurry image.
• Bio: Write a short line about who you are and what you do, like: “Painter exploring color + light | DM for commissions.”
• Link: Add a link in your bio. It can be to your website, Etsy, or online portfolio.
  

For example, let’s look at the Instagram profile of  Emma Liu. She is a young watercolor artist, uses her Instagram bio to clearly say what she is. You can see how simple, clear, and easy her bio is for visitors to understand.

What did I do when setting up mine? I made sure my bio didn’t sound too formal or stiff. I just wrote in the way I’d speak if someone met me at a gallery. Keep it friendly and real!

2. Post Good Photos, But Don’t Stress About Being Perfect

You don’t need a fancy camera to share your art on Instagram, but you do want clear, bright photos. Natural light is your best friend here. Try to take pictures near a window during the day.

You can post:

• Finished pieces
  
• Work-in-progress shots
  
• Studio views
  
• Tools and materials you love
  

For example, Luis Romero, a young ceramic artist, posts short videos of himself shaping clay on the wheel. It’s simple, but people love seeing the process behind the final work.

3. Tell Stories in Your Captions

Here’s a little secret for this point: people connect with stories, not just images.

Instead of just posting a picture and writing “New painting,” try adding a few lines about what inspired the piece, how you felt making it, or even what went wrong along the way.

For example, you could write:
“Sometimes I struggle to finish a piece, but this one flowed so easily. Inspired by the warm evening light last weekend.”

Or:
“This sculpture started as a mistake, but I loved how the shape changed. Reminds me to stay open and playful.”

When I started sharing little stories, I noticed that people commented more, asked questions, and even shared my posts. It helps your followers feel connected to you and your work.

4. Use Hashtags to Get Discovered

Hashtags are like little labels that help people find your posts. If you’re not using them, you’re missing out!

You can add hashtags like:
#contemporaryart #ceramicartist #watercolorpainting #abstractart #supportsmallartists

Here is a tip on using hashtags strategically. Mix popular hashtags with smaller ones. Big hashtags get lots of traffic, but smaller ones help you stand out in niche communities.

For example, Fatima Zayed, a new abstract painter, uses both big hashtags #abstractart and more specific ones #middleeastartists, #womenabstractpainters. This helps her connect with both wide and focused audiences.

Let me share what I usually do. I save a list of my favorite hashtags in a note on my phone, so I can easily copy and paste them when I post. That way, I’m not wasting time thinking of new ones every time!

5. Engage, Don’t Just Post

Instagram isn’t just a gallery, it’s a conversation.

Take time to reply to comments, thank people for kind words, and comment on other artists’ posts. You can also share other artists’ work in your stories with credit! to build connections.

For example, when I was just starting, I made it a habit to spend 10–15 minutes each day scrolling through the art hashtags I love, leaving genuine comments, and following artists whose work inspired me. Not only did I make new art friends, but some of those artists ended up sharing my work too, helping me reach more people.

6. Share How to Buy Your Work

If you want to sell through Instagram, make it easy for people to know how.

You can:

• Mention in your captions that the works are for sale
  
• Use Instagram’s shopping feature if you have a shop set up
  
• Simply say “DM me for details” or add your shop link in your bio
  

For example, Chloe Tan, a young printmaker, often posts images of her limited-edition prints with a caption like: “Only 10 prints available! DM if you’d like to claim one .” It’s simple, friendly, and works!

When I first tried selling, I was shy about asking. But once I started adding clear notes like “Available for purchase” or “Message me if you’re interested,” I realized people wanted to know; they just needed a little nudge.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Stress About Numbers

Let me share my bonus tip with you. It’s easy to get caught up in how many likes or followers you have, but remember: you don’t need thousands of fans to make meaningful connections or sell your work.

Some artists with just a few hundred followers build strong, loyal communities and make regular sales. Focus on sharing your passion and connecting with people, the numbers will grow over time.

Whenever you start feeling down about slow follower growth, remind yourself: quality over quantity. Even one new collector or one great connection can open doors you never expected.

A Little Encouragement Before You Go

Instagram can feel overwhelming at times, but you don’t have to do everything at once. Start small, try one or two tips, and build from there.

Keep showing up, sharing your work, and telling your story. Your art matters, and there are people out there who want to see it and maybe even buy it!

You can pay a visit to Arts To Hearts Project for more such artist guides. 

You’ve got this.