Best Instagram Artists & Designers: A Creativity Guide
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 7 min read

Contents

Explore Innovative Artists

Connect with Artists and Designers

Build Your Own Artistic Presence

Instagram is a treasure trove for anyone seeking a burst of creativity. With artists and designers from around the globe showcasing their work, it's one of the best platforms to discover and connect with creative minds. This guide is particularly for those who are searching for inspiring Instagram accounts to follow, aiming to discover artists, designers, and creatives pushing boundaries. Let's dive straight into exploring this vibrant world of creativity.

Explore Innovative Artists

Instagram is a limitless canvas for artists, and a haven for art appreciators. It's a place where you can stumble upon a variety of unique art styles, observe how artists create their masterpieces, and draw inspiration from their personal stories. Here's how you can make the most of this opportunity:

Find Unique Art Styles

Instagram is a veritable smorgasbord of artistic styles. From surrealism to digital art and everything in between, you're bound to find something that catches your eye. When you find a style that resonates with you, take the time to study it. Observe the details, the techniques, and the themes. This will not only broaden your artistic horizons but also inspire you to experiment with new styles in your own work.

For example, you may come across the profile of an artist like James Jean, known for his intricate, fantasy-like illustrations. Or you might stumble upon the work of Yayoi Kusama, whose polka-dotted wonders have taken the world by storm. Exploring these unique art styles can open up a whole new world of creativity for you.

Observe Creative Processes

One of the beautiful things about following artists on Instagram is the opportunity to see the creative process in action. Many artists share behind-the-scenes looks at their work, offering a glimpse into how they bring their ideas to life. This can be a great source of inspiration and a way to learn new techniques.

For instance, watching how an artist like David Hockney uses an iPad to create his digital paintings could inspire you to try out digital art. Or seeing the meticulous process of a sculptor like Bruce Beasley could give you a whole new respect for three-dimensional art. Observing these creative processes can be as enlightening as they are inspiring.

Gain Inspiration from Artist Stories

Beyond the artwork, Instagram also allows you to learn about the artists themselves. Many creatives share their personal stories, struggles, and triumphs, which can serve as a source of motivation. These stories can remind you that every artist has their own journey, and success often comes after many trials and errors.

Take the story of Banksy, for example. The elusive street artist has made a name for himself through his politically-charged graffiti, despite—or perhaps because of—his anonymity. Or consider the journey of Frida Kahlo, whose personal hardships deeply influenced her vibrant, emotive paintings. By gaining inspiration from these artist stories, you can find the courage to overcome your own creative obstacles and continue pushing your boundaries.

Instagram is also a hotspot for design trends. It's where you can see what's capturing the imagination of the design world, from popular design elements to emerging innovations. Keeping up with these trends can give you fresh ideas to incorporate in your own work. Let's look at how you can do this:

Design elements are the building blocks of visual communication. By following inspiring Instagram accounts, you can identify the trends in color schemes, typography, layout, and more. Notice what's catching your eye and why. Is it the bold colors of a graphic designer's work? The minimalist layout of a web designer's portfolio? Or maybe it's the retro typography in a poster design?

Take, for instance, the work of Jessica Walsh, a designer known for her bold, playful use of color and type. Or look at the work of Mike Kus, a UK-based graphic designer who often uses a bright, clean aesthetic in his designs. These popular design elements can inspire you to experiment with different styles and create more visually engaging work.

Note Emerging Design Innovations

In the design world, innovation is key. Instagram is a great place to spot emerging design innovations and to get a sense of what's on the horizon. Are designers starting to use augmented reality in their work? Are 3D animations becoming more popular? By staying on top of these trends, you can keep your work fresh and relevant.

Consider the work of Gmunk, a designer who uses cutting-edge technology to create mesmerizing visuals. Or check out the work of Chris Labrooy, a designer who uses 3D graphics to craft surreal, captivating art. These are just a couple of examples of how design innovations can push the boundaries of what’s possible in your own work.

Of course, observing design trends is only half the battle. The next step is to apply these trends in your own work. This doesn't mean copying what others are doing, but rather, drawing inspiration from trends and making them your own. Whether it's trying out a new color palette, experimenting with a different style of typography, or incorporating a new technology, applying design trends can keep your work exciting and fresh.

Let's say you've been inspired by the minimalist designs of Michael Bierut, a graphic designer known for his clean, simple style. You might decide to declutter your own designs, focusing on the essentials and using negative space more effectively. Or perhaps you've been captivated by the vibrant, abstract designs of Sagmeister & Walsh. You might choose to incorporate more bold colors and shapes in your work. Applying these design trends can help you create work that is both contemporary and uniquely yours.

Connect with Artists and Designers

Instagram is more than a platform for sharing pretty pictures—it's a vibrant community where you can connect with artists and designers from all over the world. Engaging with these communities not only broadens your creative horizons, but it also opens up opportunities for collaboration and growth. Let's see how you can tap into this:

Engage in Artist Communities

Artist communities on Instagram are buzzing hubs where individuals share their work, discuss ideas, and support one another. Joining these communities can provide you with a wealth of inspiration and feedback. So how do you get involved? Start by following inspiring Instagram accounts of artists and designers whose work you admire. Comment on their posts, share their work on your stories, and don't shy away from striking up a conversation. You'd be surprised how a simple compliment or question can spark a meaningful dialogue.

Take Olly Moss for instance, a renowned graphic artist who often shares his creative process and engages with his followers on Instagram. Or Jessica Hische, a lettering artist who regularly interacts with her community, sharing tips, advice, and glimpses into her life as a creative professional.

Start Conversations with Creatives

One of the best parts about Instagram is that it allows you to start conversations with creatives from all over the globe. Whether it's asking a fellow designer about their creative process, bouncing ideas off of a friendly artist, or just sharing a word of encouragement, these conversations can lead to meaningful connections and even fruitful collaborations.

Take Jon Burgerman for example, an artist who's known for his colorful, doodle-style illustrations. He regularly interacts with his followers, answering questions and even sharing their work. By starting conversations with creatives like Jon, you can not only learn from their unique perspectives but also establish connections that could lead to exciting opportunities down the line.

Collaborate on Creative Projects

Instagram isn't just a platform for showcasing your work—it's also a space where you can team up with other creatives to push the boundaries of what you can create. Collaborations can range from joint art projects and design challenges to more extensive partnerships. Collaborating with other creatives can help you learn new skills, gain different perspectives, and create work that you wouldn't have been able to produce on your own.

For instance, artists like Thomas Danthony and Malika Favre have collaborated on projects, combining their unique styles to create stunning pieces. Or take the example of The Design Tip, an Instagram account that regularly hosts design challenges, inviting designers to collaborate and share their interpretations of a theme. By participating in such collaborations, you can push your creative limits and grow as an artist or designer.

Build Your Own Artistic Presence

Instagram is more than just a platform to follow inspiring artists, designers, and creatives pushing boundaries—it's a space where you can build your own artistic presence. How? By curating your online portfolio, developing your unique brand, and promoting your work effectively. Let's dive deeper into these aspects:

Curate Your Online Portfolio

Your Instagram account can serve as a dynamic, accessible online portfolio. Start by selecting pieces that best represent your style and skills. Don't just focus on finished pieces—include work-in-progress shots, sketches, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into your creative process. This not only adds depth to your portfolio but can also engage your audience in your artistic journey.

Take a look at the Instagram account of Pascal Campion, a concept artist and illustrator known for his vibrant, emotive pieces. He regularly shares sketches, time-lapse videos of his work process, and even personal anecdotes connected to his art. This approach not only showcases his work but also allows followers to connect with him on a deeper, more personal level.

Develop Your Artistic Brand

Developing your artistic brand involves more than just creating art—it's about shaping your unique creative identity. This includes your unique style, your values, and even the way you communicate with your audience. Consistency is key here, both in terms of visual style and message. Remember, your brand is an extension of yourself as a creative, so let authenticity guide your branding efforts.

Take a look at the Instagram account of Katie Rodgers (aka PaperFashion), who's turned her love for fashion illustration and watercolor into a distinct, recognizable brand. Her consistent use of color, style, and motifs across her posts, combined with her authentic storytelling, make her account memorable and engaging.

Promote Your Work Effectively

Once you've curated your portfolio and developed your brand, it's time to promote your work. Instagram offers several tools for this, including posts, stories, reels, live videos, and more. Use these tools to your advantage—share your work, engage your audience with interesting content, and don't forget to use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.

Emily Henderson, an interior designer and stylist, does a great job of promoting her work on Instagram. She shares before-and-after shots, design tips, and behind-the-scenes footage, all while maintaining an authentic and relatable tone. Emily uses Instagram to not just showcase her work but also to educate her audience, making her account a must-follow for anyone interested in interior design.

If you're inspired by the amazing artists and designers featured in our "Best Instagram Artists & Designers: A Creativity Guide" blog, then you'll definitely want to check out the workshop titled 'Managing An Instagram Page As A Creative' by Ueli Johner. This workshop will provide you with essential tips and tricks on how to effectively manage your Instagram page as a creative, helping you showcase your work and connect with your audience.