Tech Series 1: Instagram for Artists
The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) Artistry Spin Blog will explore the use of technology and its impact on the world of art. There are so many tools and resources that can benefit the artists to not only create artwork, but to inspire them, to share their work with the world and to potentially sell their artwork. We'll review and offer suggestions on some of the top trending tech on the web, popular for artists, and those wanting to find out more about art, and perhaps, YOUR art.
Why an Artist Should Be on Instagram
Today being "Social Media Day" (June 30, 2025) is a good day to start this Tech Series! Let's begin with the social media site Instagram, which I call one of the Big 5 or 6 - Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok (which I don't do).
I've been reading very recently that Instagram is the place to be online for artists. There are several really good reasons for this, mainly being the grid layout for viewing the art. And its been said that the art world is ON Instagram – so that’s where you should be too, and even if you do not have a website, you can be on Instagram. If an art gallery wants to check out what you do quickly, a well set up Instagram page will show them and potential buyers or commissions what you do.
Sometimes on this blog, I figure why should I write it when someone else has already written a great article or how-to already. So I often offer a "for more info" or "See this post" (etc) so you can do just that - and I've done the research for you! (go me!) Nonetheless, I've gathered lots of goodies for this post, so read on my fellow creator...
Read more here: Instagram for Artists - How to Use Social Media and Not Go Crazy
How an Artist Should Be on Instagram
An artist should have an Instagram account, and if you have one already, you can also easily convert it to a business account as well - is your art a business?
Instagram for Beginners: How to Get Started - crazy simple Wikihow
How to Use Instagram for Business: A Complete Guide
Consistency is Key
How often should you post on Instagram? As often as you can!
Find what will work for you by testing out the features provided. Don't become stressed over any of these things and you'll get better with any of it as you go. The below frequencies are general suggestions.
- Posts: the suggestion is 3 to 5 times per week with an aim for 1-2 stories per day for the best engagement.
- Reels: short-form videos that DO generate a lot of engagement for most artists. People love to watch the creative process and they want to see the finished product. The suggestion is 4-7 reels per week.
- IGTV and Live: longer from videos that the Instagramer might post weekly or monthly. Shoot for high value video content as more important than the frequency of posting.
See How Often to Post on Instagram in 2025: The Ultimate Guide
Optimal Posting Times
The time of day that you post affects the number of views your posts might be seen.
"The optimal times to post on Instagram are generally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays, with Mondays through Thursdays being the best days for engagement. For specific times, consider posting on Mondays at 10 a.m., Tuesdays at 10 a.m., and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m." - AI Assist
More Suggestions About Instagram
- Work smarter not harder! Find ways to work smarter not harder or longer so you can be out there painting!
- Try scheduling. Facebook has a really decent scheduling calendar that you can set up for FB posts AND Instagram posts at the same time, like a month out.
- Create templates for several kinds of posts. Build a list of common hashtags you can easily copy and paste.
- Organize an Instagram folder on your computer and drop your a list of hashtags, a list of templates or other items you will consistently use.
- Try developing your own style with posting on Instagram.
- Although there are multiple social media platforms, select a main focus and run with that.
See 10 Dos & Don'ts for Artists Posting Art on Instagram - lots of great suggestions.
What Should an Artist Be Posting on Instagram
Quite obviously, their art! The grid layout when viewing an artist is especially convenient for people to understand what you do, what you are about (that's why that topmost image showing is so important!)
What are some of the features on Instagram?
- Your profile - when folks want to know WHO you are as an artist
- Photos - from a single photo to a carousel of photos
- Stories - stories are photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours, appear at the top of the app, they allow for interactive features and are quite popular with your followers.
- Reels and Real - Reels (those short videos) stay on your account and being "Real" means just plain being authentic, original, professional - don't be something you aren't.
- Live Video - I don't know about you but I DO NOT want to be in videos, let alone to learn how to do them. But I feel I must learn the practice as the importance of them is quite obvious. Of course, there is also the purchase of the tools needed as well. These videos have a longer run time than a video but are well liked on Instagram.
41 Instagram Features, Hacks, & Tips Everyone Should Know About
Why Use Hashtags on Instagram
What are hashtags? That's that 'tic-tac-toe" thingy on your keyboard - #
Hashtags are important keywords and key phrases important to what you are posting to help people find your content - because those hashtags are searchable and clickable. Hashtags are what makes your content show up on other people's feeds because they marked they were interested in those #subjects.
Instagram allows a max of 30 hashtags but find the best ones that work for you and what you do. #Art might be too general, while #VirginiaArtist or #PWCArtist might work better for me. Test away!
Why Instagram and What About Facebook?
They are related! You can set up your Instagram and Facebook accounts so that they share back and forth in Meta Business Suite to a degree but there are some features that may or may not carry over with the post. Music may be one of those features so learn a work around.
Scheduling is an awesome feature where you can spend a bit of time setting up posts that will automatically post on selected days and times, which can ultimately save you time. (oh glory be!)
What Are Some Content Ideas for Artists on Instagram
Give your viewers a constant mixture of content in every form available to you. Decide how you will promote your art projects, remembering that the topmost image should always be your best image or the final art image of a completed artwork whenever possible.
By photo, by reel, by video, by carousel, this is a list of ideas to help you get inspired. Throw your twist on any of them - in other words, make them original to you. I want to get this list to 100 if not more so check back on this post as I'll be updating it!
- Your art process - in phases. Our PWAS friend Valerie Larson creates 3 standard postings per commissioned artwork to keep her clients informed of the progress of their pet's portrait she is creating for them.
- Art exhibitions you are in and you attend
- Art receptions you are in and you attend
- Gallery openings - are you in it?
- Holiday artwork
- Art festivals, again if in it or going to it
- Art markets
- Local art events to help promote
- Any art tips you want to share - nothing like a great art tip!
- Discuss how you get your inspiration
- Live events
- Sneak peeks, mysterious and curiosity content
- Get feedback on something
- Ask a question
- Take photos of your artwork from different angles so the viewer sees it from various positions, seeing the edges - especially if you finish those sides!
- Reference photos with a measuring tape - to get an idea of the actual size, in a pretty setting
- Share your art education
- How you stay motivated
- Favorite color(s), least favorite color
- How you mix the color black
- Your artistic evolution
- How you like to break any art "rules"
- Show your studio, your art creation space
- Which apps do you use?
- Why certain pieces of equipment in your studio make doing what you do easier
- Show how you store your art
- Do you collect art other than your own?
- What are your favorite art quotes?
- How you manage your art business
- Have you won any artistic awards, ribbons, People's Choice, etc?
- Do you have a secret craft you love to do?
- Do a tutorial, a how to, how I do
- Do you do an art journal?
- Before and after carousels
- Where do you see beauty?
- What do you like to have on in the background while you create? Music, TV?
- Keep it real in your reels - show the blooper reels, the oops moments
- What is an artistic goal you would like to reach?
- Do a survey or a poll
- What makes you happy
- Behind the scenes, what's going on in a backstage moment so to speak
- A sunrise or sunset that takes your breath away
- What's outside your studio? Your window, your yard
- Your crazy - cute - insane pet(s)
- Do a give away
- Something silly occasionally - we're all human.
- Favorite coffee or tea cup - is it wacky?
- Favorite art tools, supplies
- While in the art store...
- Going to the art store...
- Coming home from the art store, what did you buy?
- What you purchased at the art store and what you plan on doing with it
- Who is your favorite artist, why?
- What art books do you recommend?
- Are you in an art group, which one?
- What is the best art advice you ever received?
- Where you went on vacation
- Are you painting anything you saw while on vacation?
- Teaser post for something upcoming
- Where do you go for down time?
- How about hosting a Q&A?
- Celebrate milestones
- What is a funny art story you can share?
- Show YOU working on your art
- Shout out for your clients
- Your clients photo of where they put the art they purchased from you
- You and your client with the art they purchased from you
- Throwback to a previous time, feeling, event
- How you manage your life to studio time
- Art flops, failures, messes and mistakes
- Timely posts for the current day and what might be going on. National Pizza Day!!
- Got a new batch of products, prints, art merchandise in? Unwrap your new toys!
- Client review or testimonial that knocks your socks off
- Share any press releases and interviews you are in
- When did you begin making art?
- What other skills do you have?
- How you like to use color in your work
- Is there any color that you don't like to use?
- Do you purchase every tube of paint under the sun or do you only purchase the basics and mix all of your own?
- What palette do you use?
- What easel do you use?
- Showcase an art project or an upcoming art series - diptychs, triptychs
- How you hang your artwork in an art space
- How has your artistic style or medium or favorite subjects to paint have changed over time?
- Do you do commissions?
- Have a contest
- Post a positive message
- The story behind the image
- How you start your day, end your day
- Use humor - jokes, pun, cartoons, funny stuff as long is it is appropriate for your clients and potential audience - your art business.
- Which artwork have you completed is your absolute favorite?
- Do you have uncompleted art in your studio that you would like to get suggestions for completion?
Is There a Down Side to Social Media?
Instagram, just like any other social media site can be rough on an artist just like it can be for any other person - adult, young person or otherwise. It boils down to you and how you deal with it.
Some folks do not like social media. I get that. And there are some very good reasons to dislike any of the social media monsters. A necessary evil in the art creation world but you must make the decision on how and when you will use it.
Rabbit Hole - you sit down for inspiration and start to scroll all the brainless videos and silly cat videos and suddenly you realize an hour or two has gone by. It happens! You must control your time, don't let social media control you. Use the tools you have to set an alarm when you need to ("Hey Siri, set alarm for 10 minutes.") Social media is addicting. It can be a time waster and interrupt your plans for the day.
Time management is very important for creative people. Even if you are managing your art business online including art promotion, finding and submitting to art calls, etc - dedicate what you need to for that period of time then get back to your artwork and your family. There are also the art events and friends that are important to you as well. Don't let the unproductive social media time lead to sleep deprivation, becoming stressed or emotional exhausted, etc. Because they can and do for a LOT of people.
Scammers, Fakers, Phishing Scams, and Theft - yes, they are everywhere and not only can they waste your time (never intending to purchase something) but are there with the intention of finding a way to relieve you of your money or your artwork from you (stealing).
And remember, you should NEVER buy followers.
Here are 2 previous and very important Artistry Spin Blog posts to see:
Incognito Chicken Buttheads - Anyone can hide behind a name, a character, a number and be absolutely rude. They can give their opinion, their critique, a judgement and be a pure bully at any age because they think they can get away with it. They want to get a reaction from you. Don't feed into their idiocy. Their reasons could be many - jealousy, envy, pure meanness. You should have the ability to delete the rudeness. Harassment, being a bully - any of these unfortunate people can be reported, deleted, and blocked. You just keep creating.
Privacy - Do be careful about displaying too much information. Protect your young children, grandchildren, friend's children. Many artists must have their contact information out there but do be aware that someone could potentially see something that you or a friend may not actually want "out there". Be careful of house numbers and street names in photos. If you are private about your views and affiliations - be careful of your posts and videos that may contain a reference to your personal life, values, and opinions.
Inappropriate Content - you may not be looking for it but you could be sent very explicit content out of the blue. Block and report, delete - find the best option to remove the garbage.
Narcissism, Self-image Issues - I'm sure you have seen it, all those folks that are taking selfies everywhere they go, for everything they do, in every conceivable angle, position... and post online with seriously nothing of value except for their own perceived self gratification. Ok, that's them but it does not have to be you. Artists will need to post pictures of themselves at times so that potential clients get to know them, but don't go down the "its all about me" path. Find your happy medium and don't get caught up in validation lane of "Like me"!
16 Advantages and Disadvantages of Instagram
What Are the Benefits of Being on Instagram and Social Media in General?
There are other disadvantages of social media, but you get the idea above. But the benefits, the pros are pretty grand because it can be very quick to do, and really doesn't have to take too much time out of your day...(although a good reel will take more time to do besides the learning curve).
Visual Content - connect the dots here - Instagram - the visual arts - visual content. For artists, photos of their art is what we must do and share, and that with a good mix of reels and other videos give a fantastic way to be discovered by more art fans.
Larger Audience Opportunities - the world is your oyster...or anyone with access to a computer or iPhone means that your art can be viewed anywhere in the world.
Getting and Staying Connected - the networking opportunities as well as collaboration potential are a click away. Instagram shows shared interests so friends, family, art fans, clients and building a new relationship with new clients are within reach.
Inspiration - browsing other artists or interesting Instagram accounts may inspire or spark an idea within you.
Instagram Carousels - are small photo albums, or a mixture of videos with photos in the same post.
Instagram Stories and Highlights - an interesting feature on Instagram, read about it here https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/introducing-stories-highlights-and-stories-archive
Build Your Brand Promotion - Instagram can be a very good marketing tool for you to promote YOU - your art, your products and any services you may offer - even workshops and classes.
User Engagement - getting those Likes, great Comments, and users Sharing your posts helps to be seen and builds interaction with your brand.
Sharing Absolutely Means Caring - when viewers share your content, that is growing your Instagram presence more than anything.
Education and Access to Information - learn a new technique online. Find and shop for your art supplies and latest resources.
Virtual Art Galleries - I may not ever get to the Louvre, but I might see it online!
And this is a short list of benefits!
So are you on Instagram? What is your link to your page so that we can follow you too! Drop it in the comments below.
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.
Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm
Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership
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