190k Followers On Instagram As An Artist: Avoid These Mistakes

[@Voltergeist]

I liked seeing your journey. I said goodbye to instagram 6 years ago. It was too stressful for me, personally it was bad for my mental health and it always felt like i fell short no matter what i posted. I'm glad it still works out for others.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s so important to prioritize your mental health, and stepping away from something that feels stressful takes a lot of courage. I’m glad you’ve found what works best for you, and I appreciate you taking the time to connect here

[@208amanda_martinez]

“It means showing up enough” those words is what I needed to hear!! Thank you!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

You're so welcome! I’m glad it resonated with you

[@arlenewalsh8671]

You are wonderfully honest and generous with sharing your beginnings and journey. Although I watch many different artists, it’s always yours I return to. You have such a lovely natural, human connection with us that is appreciated very much. Thank you for telling us about your struggles and your success in overcoming them. You are an inspiration Ohn Mar ❤

[@OhnMarWinArt]

You are so welcome Arlene - I try to be as honest and keep it real as possible

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Hi Denise. I'm really glad you think so. You are an inspiration.

[@dianesullivan7984]

Your insights are always so so helpful. It's always useful to hear the "behind the scenes" of others artists while we work out our own challenges and push forward to keep making and creating. We are all so quick to compare and forget that there is a process, for all of us. You are always such an inspiration. I am doing watercolors because I stumbled upon one of your you tube videos several years ago, and have loved sharing them with others as well. Thank you for the transparency, the inspiration, and for sharing your love of art and teaching.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Hello dear Diane - It’s so important to remember that we’re all on our own creative journeys, with ups and downs along the way. I’m honored to have inspired you to explore watercolors and that you’ve shared that joy with others. Wishing you endless inspiration and creativity with your art and business in 2025.

[@arcuda2001]

Ohn Mar , i've been following you since i restarted my art journey, about 7 years ago .. I had totally stopped creating art for 20 years ( after a lifetime of being an artist ).. I found your work to be very inspiring for me, and loved watching your progress ( and working on my own progress as well).. I am very happy to have "found you " back then and truly appreciate your transparency , and your thoughts about navigating through this crazy journey of creativity .. Norakag, here 👍👍

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Hi Norakag - lovely to hear from you. Thank you so much for sharing this-it means a lot to me! I'm so glad my work has been part of your creative journey. It's amazing that you’ve come back to art after so long, and I’m honored to have been a small part of that. Wishing you continued inspiration and progress!

[@kimmitchell1189]

Thank you for this video, Ohn Mar. It’s good to hear that you’ve struggled with some of the same things that artists with small accounts do. While I don’t sell my art, I do find myself getting caught up in the validation of the likes and follows. I’ve made some wonderful connections via IG and am building relationships with other women creatives that have been very meaningful. I keep telling myself that it’s not about the quantity of connections, it’s about the quality. I’m so grateful to you and your Patreon posts. You are a shining example of a mentor teacher. Thank you for all that you do. ❤

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Hi KIm - I agree that Instagram is a beautiful and supportive community amongst artists. I think turning 50 has made me realise I don't worry so much about what other people think anymore

[@jodabbles]

Thank you for sharing this honest video! Growth and creating a community can be very frustrating on social media (whether it is IG or YT). Videos like yours just help me stay motivated and trust that there are real people out there with whom we can connect ❤

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Social media can definitely be challenging, but I’m so glad this video resonated with you. There are real, amazing people out there, and I’m so happy we can connect and support each other

[@louisad6302]

Thanks Ohn Mar, so interesting to see your progress and growth. And wonderful that you are willing share your tips. I’ve really tried to let go of the comparison/metric analysis, and just try to sketch what I want. I always appreciate anyone who takes the time to leave a comment. I notice that you always respond very meaningfully to comments left to you. I think that means a lot to people. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment Louisa. Letting go of comparison and sketching for yourself is such a freeing approach, and I’m glad you’re embracing it. I really value the time people take to leave comments, so responding meaningfully feels like the least I can do.

[@ebonyknight1]

I've been on Instagram since 2018, and still stuck below 5k. It's really hard to show up and post art when you've not done any...and that's been my problem. I completely agree though, that the process, and the humble drawing beginnings are what draw people in, and its the personality and the authenticity that makes them stay. Love your work.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you for sharing this & I completely get how hard it can be to stay consistent, especially during creative lulls. But you’re so right - it’s the authenticity and the journey that truly connect with people. Keep showing up as you can, even in small ways

[@jillweisensee8524]

I’m not an IG creator and have no desire to be one, but I’m so inspired by your art, Ohn Mar, I watched to the end because I love seeing the journey of your art process. I’m a lucky recipient of your talent and perseverance on IG, KZbin…and I’m a Patreon subscriber of yours, as well. I’m so happy for you and your success!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Hi JIll - means the world to me that you enjoy my art and follow along on my journey. I'm so grateful for your support on Patreon and beyond-it truly motivates me to keep creating and sharing. Thank you for being a part of it all!

[@livejoyfully]

I always enjoy watching your videos. This is so helpful and I resonated with your points! Especially about posting " imperfect" art. Happy holidays ohn mar! Sending you and your fam warmest greetings!! 🎄✨❤️🥰🙏🏻

[@OhnMarWinArt]

You are so welcome! Wishing you and your family a peaceful Christmas and prosperous 2025

[@Blueflint]

Thank you for this insightful video Ohn Mar! I've loved following you here and on IG! You've taught me so much through everything you share 🙌

[@OhnMarWinArt]

That’s so kind of you to say - thank you! I’m really happy to hear that you’ve found my videos and posts helpful.

[@elisabethwellfare]

I love getting to see the journey of an artist. Thank you so much for sharing your early work, Ohn Mar, and the journey that you, your art, and your Instagram page have been on and encouraging persistence and patience.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you for such a lovely comment! I’m so glad you enjoy seeing the journey-it’s been a rewarding process to share. Persistence and patience truly are key, and I’m grateful to have such supportive followers like you

[@loriminor7253]

I love seeing your beginnings and where you are now. I am a self employed artist and IG is my only social platform. I don’t have a website either. I will be using your helpful tips to generate more interest on social media! I love everything you do, I never miss a video and also purchased your book. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Hi Lori - I'm glad the tips helped. I would recommend a newsletter so that in case something were to happen to Instagram. You have a way of contacting your clients. I’m cheering you on as you grow your presence on Instagram. It’s amazing to hear you’ve enjoyed my videos and my book-thank you!

[@ChantelleArts]

so many amazing tips, thank you so much for sharing your insight with us all ☺

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@nicolahall5274]

Thank you for sharing, I found it incredibly helpful and I would love to hear more about your instagram experiences

[@OhnMarWinArt]

I’d be happy to share more about my Instagram experiences-there’s always so much to learn and adapt to with the platform.

[@nicolalawrence4472]

Hey Ohn Mar, I’ve gained so much from your skillshare classes over the years, I need to return & revisit them. I have also been away from instagram for a couple of months but feel ready to show up again & this has been a thoughtful reset to approaching it in a more open & consistent way.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Hey Nikki how wonderful to hear from you. Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad you've found my Skillshare classes helpful. Taking a thoughtful reset is such a great idea-I hope you enjoy revisiting the classes and showing up on Instagram with a fresh perspective!

[@heathershaffer6148]

Ohn Mar, you are so wonderful. And I want to say that there are a few amazing women, like you, on youtube and instagram that have been so REAL and so reasuring and honest about the messy process. I am so grateful to you and them for showing the reality, because the perfect instas can be so discouraging to a beginner. I know they were to me! And lastly, the advice to not compare my beginning to someone elses middle is so deeply helpful, in more ways than just art. Merry Christmas!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I completely understand how those perfect Instas can feel overwhelming - I feel the same some days. But I’m so glad you’ve found encouragement here and with other artists. The messy process is where the magic happens, and I’m thrilled the advice to not compare has resonated with you.

[@dianedebonville1472]

I am humbled by your honesty. I agree about consistency and strive to sketch and paint every day. Thank you for sharing your experiences and artwork.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

You are very welcome - it pays to be authentic and honest in art and life.

[@kirsty2565]

Lovely to hear so,etching of your story.

[@hanichay1163]

Yours was one of the very first art channels I began watching. ❤️Thank you so much!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Wow, thank you so much - I'm so happy to hear that

[@joellenfritchen124]

Thank you for the inspiration! Just put completed #17 sketchbook on the shelf. I love watching the progress.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

that's awesome to hear

[@varshakrishna6617]

I love your work, thanks so much Ohn Mar!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

My pleasure!

[@gerdapool9325]

Thank you for your honesty about the mistakes on your creative journey. I like your work very much

[@OhnMarWinArt]

You are so welcome - thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@SusansColorfulExpressions]

I think now with AI making "perfect" pictures, people are connecting even more with imperfect, human and hand made art.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

THIS THIS THIS - human made art will never go out of fashion

[@ladyflimflam]

Consistency is the key.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Its really about showing up for your art.

[@Maria-schnabel]

Thank you for your candor and for sharing your experience. Plus the information is very useful and applicable. Congratulations on your success!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Hi Maria - Thank you so much for your kind words and support. Your encouragement means a lot to me!

[@VICKI-d5q]

Thank you for the Skillshare link. I have just signed up. Looking forward to taking your classes.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

YAY I'm really glad that you were able to sign up and watch my class and 1000s of others

[@jeanfugate-besalke5734]

I think you are an amazing artist

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Many thanks Jean

[@Karen-ng2st]

Great video, thank you for sharing your learnings with us. You’re so right about everything and particularly the engagement piece I can relate to, engagement is not an emoji! Love the new mic (little animal)! 😂 Karen

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Hi Karen - IG is a 'social' platform and most of the time I like hanging out there like it was a art playground lol

[@donnaehscott]

Thank you for sharing your experience and insights. I currently have 86 followers 😳 but I love them all 🤣

[@OhnMarWinArt]

That is awesome!

[@1982MsCara]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

My pleasure!

[@ashlingdelphe5075]

Could you do a sketchbook/paper review video ?

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Will do!

[@rehamappsali]

I love the idea of 365 days challenge

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Maybe I should give some tips on undertaking a challenge like this

[@sarahbaskerville4615]

do you get paid for lots of instagram followers? sorry, I'm a bit older than most. thanks for your content BTW.😊

[@OhnMarWinArt]

No I don’t get paid for having a following on IG

[@jessicastrideart]

I’ve been on Instagram for more than 10 years and I still haven’t got 2000 followers.😬 I go from feeling very despondent about it to not caring but I keep on going anyway!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Remember, the value of your work isn’t in the numbers-it’s in the joy it brings you and others who connect with it. Keep creating and sharing

[@rosskey5481]

After a year posting my art on Instagram I have 13 followers. A number of those are family 😂 Luckily, making art is not my source of income 😅

[@jennyhill574]

Generous advice.