How to grow on Instagram as an Illustrator? (Patreon)

I´m now using Instagram for quite a long time, I think since 2015. I already had an Instagram account before my current art account where I posted art very very unregular and then switched that account to my graphic design work only and deleted all my art from it. 

Then back in 2019, I decided to open a new account only for my illustrations.

When I decided to open that new art account I already knew that I want it to be my business account and that I want to put much work and effort into it so that it hopefully, someday reach a lot of art lovers. 

So before even opening a new account I already prepared some illustrations, so that I could post every single day to get noticed quickly by people and by the algorithm. 

I grew my account completely organic. Every now and then I boosted a post as it´s called now, but only paid around 5€ or so for it, and that never really did anything.

This year I reached 100K, after 4 years of having this account, I think for organic growth thats ok :)

And I have to say that growing to 1K is much much harder than growing to 10K or 100K! After hitting 10K it´s mostly a snowball effect.

Buuut, since I have reached 100K I definitely can see a drop in reach, and I heard that from other creators as well. 

I also have to say that back then it was much easier to grow than now because of the algorithm and all the changes Instagram is making constantly. 

So now let´s get into my tips for

How to Grow on Instagram as an Illustrator 

These are my personal tips, so based on my experience on that platform. I also don´t think that I would start with Instagram as my MAIN platform when starting out as an illustrator in 2023. Choosing TikTok or YouTube is a way better option in my opinion. But I would still recommend posting on Instagram as a portfolio page so that clients can find you there.

1. Optimize your profile & pick a niche

Although this should be well known to everybody I will still include it as it´s in my opinion one of the most important things for ANY social media platform. 

Optimize your profile! 

This means using an easy-to-recognize profile picture, a clear and eye-catching bio with relevant keywords, and a link to your website or portfolio. 

Your profile should reflect your brand and the type of work you create.

And if you can then pick a niche as well!So when you´re a watercolorist, then post only watercolor content.

And convert your profile into a creator or business account to use analytics!

@drawnbynana 

2. Art style & posting style

I know that most won´t have their art style yet when starting an Instagram art account but I still want to mention it here.

I would say you should still post pieces that are kinda recognizable to each other. That way people already know what to expect from your account. Unless you put something like "grow with me as an artist and watch me find my voice and style" in the bio and plan to use your account for that. But when you have a business in mind it´s definitely better to have an art style/brand so that people recognize you. 

@nicole.josephine 

But art style of course changes throughout your social media growth.Mine also changed immensely haha 

But to explain it a bit further, I still post only animal and nature illustrations. I still draw in a colored pencil style although my art style evolved throughout the years.

And then also try to find your "posting style". I think a feed still should look cohesive and nice. 

The "posting style" brings us to the next veeeeery important tip:

3. Learn how to make good photos and videos!

I would say this is THE MOST IMPORTANT! 

You can be an amazing artist creating breathtaking work but when you´re not able to photograph your work in a proper way, or when you don´t understand how to use light in photography or videography I can definitely say that no one will like your posts. And that is a fact!

So I can´t stress that enough! Learn how to make photos & learn how to make videos/reels!

You don´t need expensive equipment for it!I still shoot with my phone using a cheap ring light from Amazon and a tripod that I bought over 10 years ago.

And when learning how to make photos and videos you also have to learn about aesthetic. For an online shop, it might work to photograph your product on a plain background but unfortunately, that doesn´t work on Instagram.

So take an online course about how to make photos and videos. I also did that! I made a course from Domestika, it´s not available anymore but this one also looks very good:

Creative Product Photography from Start to Finish 

4. Be consistent and focus more on Reels than on Static Posts

THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT POINT

I know it´s annoying but posting every day is key for fast growth...

It boosted my follower count like crazy in the first year. And yes I posted every single day for my entire first year. 

Especially in the beginning, IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO BE CONSISTENT! Instagram algorithm just needs time like on every other platform to show your content to the right people.

And as we have 2023 I definitely can say that posting Reels goes over posting static images. 

Artists that started sharing more reels (with the knowledge on how to make good video content) reached an immense amount of followers in such a short time this year that I just could have dreamed about when I started my Instagram journey.

Marlene Vega is a great example for it:

5. Posts with added value work better than normal posts

When you´re already in your Instagram journey for a while you should definitely consider sharing your knowledge with others because such kinds of posts definitely work so much better now on Instagram than normal posts!

Adam Mossery himself said that sharing content with value with your followers is what they want on their App! (definitely follow him if you want to know all the new Instagram news features on time)

6. Focus on making a connection with your followers

When it comes to keeping your followers it´s key to make a connection with them! 

SO THIS IS THE THIRD MOST IMPORTANT POINT

I would recommend to Show your face (or at least talk) and to Share relatable content and your personal stories!

That just is the best way for your followers to get to know you better. You will find your niche of people that perfectly fit to what you create by sharing who you are. 

People just tend to follow those people where they either want to be like them or can relate to them!

Elyse Breanne is sooo good at making that super engaging content and connecting with followers by also sharing the story behind every product-making process and struggles in having an art business!

7. Take part in Art Challenges

This is also a big part of my personal Instagram growth!

Taking part in art challenges is such a nice way to show your art to more people and also find new artist friends!

8. Engage with others

I think that's pretty logical as Instagram is a social platform but I will still add it to this list.

So engage with others! Like, share, and comment on other artists' work. 

Write messages to artists you wanna be friends with!

But please no begging for follows or for likes... those messages will be ignored by most artists

9. Use Instagram Storys

And the last important thing is to use storys every day! 

Storys is a great way to share with your followers what you´re up to the whole day and to share behind the scenes! (everyone loves behind the scenes!)

The best creators get an amazing connection to their followers just through Instagram storys by sharing their day and talking to the camera! - BUILDING THAT CONNECTION OK? :)

And besides all these things please don´t forget that it still should make at least a little bit of fun 😅 

As you can see I´m not sharing any "hacks" like how many hashtags you should use because that just changes way too often and you can find the answers for that on Adam Mossery´s profile or by just googling.

And remember, growing your Instagram following takes time and effort. But by using these tips and consistently creating !!high-quality!! content, you can build a strong following and grow your career as an illustrator v

If you have any questions please write me a message or share your question on our Discord channel :)

I wish you a lovely day/evening!

💛💛💛