6 TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR INSTAGRAM

The first 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/saratep...
Here's a link to the Skillshare class I recommended!
Personal Branding: Crafting Your Social Media Presence: www.skillshare...

[@Dksksla]

Tip for commenting on other artist's posts: NEVER self promo. You're a lot more likely to get a comment or follow back if you say something you liked about the drawing/art piece, a question about the art/art supplies, or anything else relevant to the post. If you comment something like: "nice art. follow me back i make art too pleaseeee follow me", it sounds a bit (sorry for the bluntness) whiny or robot-y and unprofessional. Also, if you comment something that only an artist would understand or know about, like "I love the way you blend your copic markers! Do you use a colourless blender?", the artist will a) appreciate the compliment and b) probably answer your question. Remember, compliment and comment because you like the art, not because you want a follow back 💜

[@isaniart]

Yes! If you have a large number of followers but no community, you won’t feel fulfilled. You have to be patient and grow organically - respect the process, but also it’s okay to be mad that the algorithm screws over artists. Focus on the art and creating the best piece you can, instead of the numbers

[@manishlakhmani7532]

Thankyou so much💜

[@nerdygameinggurl]

I do social media marketing and i dont really agree with that i feel like a combination of that would be a genuine comment + a self-promo would be pretty good. Something that can pique people's interest or i would suggest going into Facebook groups to actually communicate and engage with your audience and exchange following. I would say your way of gaining followers would be very genuine but also very slow but not effective. Since when you start getting followers then your algorithm will change and IG will show your page to relative followers so doing just a passive style of commenting does not have a high efficiency.

[@Dksksla]

@@nerdygameinggurl I respect your opinion, but I'd rather grow slowly with genuine followers who like me and my art than fast with followers who don't care and felt pressured into following me. But that's just my opinion :)

[@nerdygameinggurl]

@@Dksksla exactly that is why i said its more from like a marketing kind of perspective :) My way is definitely more like a cheat haha but i wish you luck on finding people who will love your art!

[@heythere2616]

me posting once per two months: wHy CaN't I gEt FolLoWeRs

[@CheezyEnsaymada]

LITERALLY ME LMAOO

[@rebe_eka]

lmao same "why are they unfOLLOWING ME?!"

[@Tanoshisa166]

Same here 🤣

[@schneiderkeith]

Loved the Skillshare mention and the emphasis on quality photos! I've found boost app social helpful in crafting captions and reels. Makes my art posts pop.

[@danyaschamberger]

that app is dope. helps me keep things interesting on my IG.

[@amberfrazier5586]

About the self deprecating, I've learned that it isn't that my art is bad, its just not at the level I want it to be yet. When I think of it this way, I feel like its more motivating and gives more confidence.

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

This is inspiring

[@Nadiaxel]

Gosh, I can stare at you paint for hours XD

[@Nadiaxel]

I realize how creepy that sounded lol I'm sorry XDD;

[@abhishekbelwal4989]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKPJcoeoetpmeas

[@mirakaya3702]

Samee XD And your art is also amazing ^^ I'm looking both of your vids to learn digital art. You help me a lot thank you :)

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

Me too

[@midnightfedora]

I think something important that needs to be clarified is; the number of followers you have, in some ways it will matter, but it isn't a reflection on your artistic ability. It reflects your social media skills more than anything. If you're looking to do art as a career or make an income from your work (as an independent artist through your own brand), that's when your followers become most relevant. Even then, an active smaller audience is better than a quiet, larger one! Ultimately, what your needs as an artist are will reflect the goals you'll have for social media.

[@scarlet8078]

Exactly. I'm in environment design for film/ games & our stuff is hard to even see well on IG. ArtStation is more important or a portfolio website in our field

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@gianninamoreau2920]

I liked your brutally honest advice. Most artists give advice like "be consistent, engage with others" or "use hashtags". Your advice was the first real one I've heard so far ❤️❤️

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@clau_sing_]

100% agree on the self-deprecating language. It makes me uncomfortable to see when someone says their art is "trash" or stuff like that. Better to leave those things out

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@zinzolin14]

It's so easy for artists on social media to focus _too much_ on their numbers on Instagram. I'm guilty of this myself, and I'd feel so down on myself on why I feel I'm not growing on the platform. I think it's always important for artists on social media to remember that *your art should always be your first priority* . I wouldn't matter how many followers you have or likes you get. True artists should always focus on their skills and abilities, and not their popularity.

[@ris8447]

I kinda just gave up on growing my account. I have other responsibilities and social media's been crushing my mental health... so, 🗿 I always force myself to draw to the point that drawing doesn't feel the same anymore, don't be like me.

[@Cantrona]

Another thing to keep in mind for the "growing your XXX social media account" type stuff is that getting a huge following should never be the ultimate goal. Even following every tip to the letter and being super consistent, these platforms are really oversaturated. TikTok is still a platform where it's more viable to break the barrier of the early small following into an exponentially growing audience. However, if you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself to grow your social media it can take a huge toll on your mental state. Especially since doing it correctly is only one part of the battle. The rest of it falls on something you have no control over like the algorithm and is essentially luck of the draw. Point is, just have fun sharing your art with some friends and the audience may or may not come :)

[@isaniart]

Yep! Focus on the art and your own art journey, not your follower count

[@snailcat]

Agree!

[@NatRiveraP]

It is hard when you are putting all your effort, you’re doing everything right, you have even improved your art, you’ve been consistent and cohesive and nice there and you get basically nothing. Then you start looking at other’s people profiles who basically started a few months ago and they already have a big following and you, who have been trying for years still in the same spot. I know I one should not focus on that, but it feels awful. It affects our emotional state, our confidence and motivation. It makes you want to quit.

[@Cantrona]

@@NatRiveraP I really feel you on that front. I went through it myself at various points over the last 10 years on many different platforms. That's why I say that gaining followers shouldn't be the ultimate goal, because there's way too much out of your control for that. Sure, you can make sure you have the 'Top Social Media Tips!' boxes checked but really you should be drawing and posting for yourself first.

[@NatRiveraP]

Cantrona I completely understand, it still draining and god... I’m tired. It makes me feel like I will never be enough and that is very irrational because I know my art and I know it has potential. I guess I will try paying adds. I see no other option. Thanks for replying

[@ConfettiCasket]

I'm 99% sure I could do it if I actually posted more consistently than once every 6 months

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@paufff]

I've done all of this stuff for 4 years now (I have a long username but it's my name too) and nothing has worked, honestly, I'm tired.

[@caramelatte5477]

Same, I've had social media art accounts probably for 5 years and I'm still stuck under 1000 followers. I don't know how some people manage to grow fast but I'm sad my art isn't getting noticed.

[@busbyart8066]

This is so much help I just started my KZbin art career and it’s going slow. Any subscribers would be amazing. Thank you Sara

[@pencils_and_parrotspencils8140]

I really appreciate the fact that you started from the beginning of your process, rather than starting from a sketch already made. I find it really helpful to see the process all the way through. Also this video is really helpful!

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@alexgraffart3046]

I feel like recently I’ve been having a harder time with the Instagram algorithm, like I feel as though they make it harder for smaller artists to get out there. But I know I’m doing all that I can do hopefully soon I’ll see some progress cuz I really want art to become my career and social media makes it a lot easier !

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@theperson5205]

what’s your art insta? we can support each other:) mine’s plu_et

[@alexgraffart3046]

@@theperson5205 mines alexgraff_art !

[@theperson5205]

@@alexgraffart3046 your art is lovely

[@alexgraffart3046]

@@theperson5205 thx ! Right back at ya ❤️

[@Sango_Chama]

Thank you for these advices. I've been on insta for about 5 years and I only have a bit more than 100 followers. I feel very mediocre for it sometimes, or even that my art isn't worth it. I tend to base the quality of my art on the number of followers or likes I receive and I know that's wrong, but I can't help it due to the social pressure nowadays. Good to know these honest advices, I'll try to put them to practice. Your art is very inspiring for me btw ❤️

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@julielcf8370]

Big YES for a part 2 ! Thank you it helps a lot !!! xx ♥ - Julie Lohen

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

Exactly

[@autumnsartstudio]

I chose my name because I don't want someone to doxx me. "Autumn" is my real first name but I can't bring myself to use my last name because I rather be anonymous. Also my pug is my mascot but I don't post him on my art ig he has his own ig that people who want to see that stuff can follow. Due to my crippling anxieties I just can't. I keep my name the same throughout all my socials. :)

[@fashax998]

Finally a video with REAL tips rather than the right mindset and all of that stuff Love the highlights btw, I’m in love with your art 2:33 how did you select and move the eyes I’ve watched lots of tutorials on it but none seemed to work on my laptop

[@hanahak1i]

using the lasso tool :) it may have another name I'm not too sure

[@Chaimelo]

Lasso tool and then ctrl+t is a lifesaver

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@fashax998]

Thanks

[@elisecochran5593]

Yes! I totally agree about the self deprication! It's kind of a trend to hate your artwork, but I find I like a creator more when they're confident and try to improve rather than focus on how bad they are.

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@mjpete27]

You did a fine job with this video, I am not actively growing my IG account, I want people who follow me to check out my posts, yet I am no longer searching out clients. I do get occasional requests for a painting or drawing and I have enjoyed creating a picture for someone now and then. You are truly inspirational and such a giving person. I like how your style is so similar if you are doing digital or a watercolor painting! Please keep going and creating your art!

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@charlieclarke2962]

Thank you so much~ I didnt realise I did half of these especially the self deprecating one. Now I hear about them these tips make so much sense xD I've always been insecure about what other ppl will think of my art so I critique it before they can xD but now I know this I will just highlight the parts I like. thank you^^ :)))

[@rabiaelmouden2387]

True

[@AndrewLaSane]

Is this volume on this video really low or should I see a doctor?

[@nouranabed5607]

it's really low

[@taniadelapazdelapaz979]

Hello!!!. Hi I want to thank you for taking your time and share all your knowledge about digital painting in krita here in youtube, couse I learnt so much with your videos and now that I got my very first drawing tablet I am able to draw fluently in there. From DR with much love, God bless you!!.

[@kowtakeko4513]

Instagram algorythm go brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr and noone will see your post

[@snailcat]

Dude...you're so right...

[@moongurl8540]

I am thinking of opening a art page for fun but I am scared my art is not unique enough.. I mostly do fanart so I don't know... And I also think I can't make nice pictures with my potato phone xD but thank you for the video :)

[@turnipswillneverhurtyou3934]

I wouldn't worry too much about uniqueness, there's an audience for everything, you might think nobody wants to see it but I guarantee someone out there will enjoy it!! As for the potato, you can get very good pictures just using natural light or sunlight from outside, it makes a huge difference. And like she said, even using the Instagram editor to up the brightness and saturation lost to a "bad picture" can go miles! It's totally doable, I promise!

[@manishlakhmani7532]

Your voice is so so so calming and relaxing like I can hear you all day💜

[@creativestrokes_]

Wow this is perfect timing! I'm just starting to really get into stuff like growing my Instagram and KZbin and you just posted this! Thank you so much for your help through everything ❤️ PS: I'm a small art KZbinr

[@isaniart]

Hello fellow art youtuber!

[@creativestrokes_]

@@isaniart hello! Let's support each other ❤️

[@fashax998]

Me: laughs with 26 subs Ur channels great btw I subbed

[@creativestrokes_]

@@fashax998 aww thank you! Love your work

[@LookItsSani]

I also studied design and I frequently pointed out flaws in my work. Apart from being super anxious and thinking everyone hates what I do, for some reason I thought that expressing I knew it wasn't perfect made me seem like a better student. I got called out about this *numerous* times and I'm still working on it, 7 years later (since I started all this). I now legit lie when I post something lol I'm still anxious and I'm still not confident in what I do, but I avoid talking about it and try to say good stuff about my drawings/designs, even if I don't actually like them

[@stacieskripniktv1025]

I love the artwork and I always enjoy your voiceovers!!!! The self-deprecation culture is sooo toxic, I agree with you so much, and it’s awesome that someone voiced this idea! 👏😎💪

[@jinniebaby]

i am trying to finally start building a following for myself but i am so awkward when it comes to interacting with other artists who have around the same followers as me. i mostly just wanna have friends that do the same thing i love doing, sharing art and improving ; _ ; but i am very awkward and cannot even type something that makes sense idk

[@pariwhoop4935]

Same tbh :((( maybe we should try together? I'm @pariwhoop on ig

[@egoisticflamingo5869]

same ;; but like the other comment said, im willing to try together ^^ im @internally_panicking

[@fabiolacastillo1098]

@@egoisticflamingo5869 sooooooo cute! Oh my gosh I love ur art account. Mine is @drawlolita

[@theperson5205]

I’m pretty sure a few of the reasons I have only like 50 followers on my art Instagram is because I don’t post often enough and don’t join many art events. my resolution usually isn’t that great either 😌

[@alysa3331]

I love your paintings 💕

[@leyla_zhunus]

Amazing artwork! What instrument do you use to smudge ?

[@mfalme9004]

@_mfalme.ke_ big fun waiting for part 2

[@viviengarciaart6277]

Thanks a lot for these tips, I appreciate particularly #4 and what you said about making actual friends on the art journey, truly inspiring! Also the one about the username, didn't thought about that although it's very obvious afterwards.

[@splattersofyam]

Thank you for the encouragement. I realize I am negative about my work as well and I realize that it can be unattractive both to myself and others. I definitely want to be more positive. So happy someone with experience is putting it into words ❤️

[@onyourwallart]

thanks for the tips!

[@vardhate1153]

Thank you!💕💕 That's such a really informative video!

[@esraafalatha3]

You’re drawings will never stop amazing me 👍👍

[@wtfsylvia]

thank you so much for this video, i just started posting my pencil sketches on sunday because i am really really busy with school atm, is that good? I decided to make it a daily thing, since it's easy to take about 30 mins of my day to make a simple portrait sketch

[@yuecreations1034]

This video was really helpful! Thank you 😊

[@maryamyakisheva8929]

U are amazing!!! Please make the second part, I’d love to hear more of your tips 💛💛💛

[@hudamustafa2076]

Actuall video 2:40

[@AnastasiaDraws]

Notifications squad is here 😍😍😍 Love your videos! 🥳

[@natycunha_tattoo]

Wassuuup

[@hambahpitchamootoo4548]

Her voice is soooo *soothing* 😍

[@spxgethii]

Thank you SO MUCH! Thank you for the TIPS!!! Hope this helps me!✨💕💞💖

[@ethiraj2843]

Can make tutorials for drawing hands, feets,,,,,,, as like as anatomy (THIS IS SOMEWHAT HIGHLY RECOMMENDING U SIS ) Attention : ♥ HAVE A GREAT DAY ♥

[@Akenn]

The algorithm changes so much, I wonder if these tips still work. Are you finding that they do?

[@cloudaart]

thank you for this video, I found these tips really helpful. Also, I truly prefer when there's blunt honesty rather than being "too nice" about something... I mean, i want to know the truth and the real experience!! AND your painting is amazingggg, goood job!!!

[@artmuseum123]

.❤️👍 Your KZbin is amazing.🌷I was happy to see your wonderful video.❤️.

[@DisneyStarkidPotter]

Your drawing is so beautiful 🥺 can i ask what PS brush/brushes you're using? I love the softness of them!

[@ramalsrougi]

This was very helpful, impartial and limpid 👏❤ I like your warm voice btw 😍

[@ComeOffItJare]

Heeeeeeeeyyy... Nice tiiiiiipppppssssss

[@rinj4m]

This is a frankly unpopular opinion put I absolutely hate when artist have super bright light post I feel like it ruins the art bc I’m being blinded, I much more prefer more natural lighting idk peer white photos are evil

[@LuciaDolls]

I really appreciate this advice, especially what you said about presentation, and self-deprecation/pointing out flaws in captions. I think both of these things accurately reflect what we ourselves think of our work (the latter more obviously than the first); if we don't think that our work is worth the time to be presented beautifully or fittingly, nor worth praise or a sense of pride, then how can we expect viewers to feel differently? I'd love to meet more smaller artists who are interested in fantasy illustration and portrait painting, I'm on instagram as @lucia.paints. instagram.com/lucia.paints

[@flaneuseu]

Your tip regarding choosing a right username, boy I have struggled with that since 2015 when I first started. I used to have over 100 followers back then, despite not posting consistently, but throughout the years I became too busy with school that I didnt have the time to make art anymore. So now I am starting anew. I have changed my username for more times than I could count cause I just couldnt think of a good marketable name. But now I think or Im sure that I've found a good short username that can stick with me throughout the years moving forward which is the username of my youtube channel rn. And Idk I just really like how the name is presented. Please check out my IG and KZbin 😅

[@ramilomb6142]

My username is just my name ramiro.lombardo (spanish since I’m from Argentina) and my account isn’t really branded quite yet. Thanks for this vid

[@Topcreateart]

wow super sharing look forward to next one stay connected

[@androidsanctuary]

Do you still use Krita, or have you switched over to Photoshop completely?

[@donkus8926]

I used your coraline tutorial to help me with he rendering on my final project for art school!! And i just wanted to say that watching you paint is so relaxing :p

[@brysiaa7953]

Really good advices. Thanks for sharing!! ❤️❤️

[@georgezakhia125]

I think what sets your art apart is the way you draw faces. Even when you use pencil your faces look very painterly in a way that I haven't ever seen before

[@riggamorris8298]

what do you think of my username? It's izpyii, is that easy to remember? I'm still trying to think of a good new name. My name is Izzy and my last name begins with a P, name suggestions?

[@leynanguyen40]

I think I'm just going with the flow. Sure it's nice to have people comment and like. But what matters is if my art reached to people and I getting along with other artists. I believe commenting and showing that I care to react or comment other artists' Instagram stories :) I still have a long way since I barely post anything on my art ig 😔 so I know my place lol but I'm working on finishing projects and not letting them stay as wips 😅

[@stephen-john1677]

I love how you articulate yourself 🙋🏾‍♂️🎈

[@AlexandraBondArt]

Thank you for this. If you do a followup, I’d love to hear about strategies for hashtags.

[@MsEri17]

Thank you for giving these tips in a straightforward manner. It wasn't rude! I really appreciated the tip about how often to post.

[@sendbnes]

Hi Sara, i really love your work lifelike portraits, i want to ask do you have a video on how to setup photoshop ready for digital art? color palette etc.

[@mackennaplatteel7679]

these tips were so helpful! (also love your work)

[@Incantart]

Thanks Sara for the tips, I really like your artwork, it is very consistent.

[@alexiscarte5044]

What sets you apart to me is how painterly you are with digital art and how smooth and beautiful.

[@dc5592]

Guess I’m gonna have to change my bio 😅😬

[@barbarakozon8183]

I would love to see part 2. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@doodleyournoodles675]

This is totally off topic but I love how the art turned out. It is so beautiful.😍

[@radwanaeef5845]

Do you use Krita for all your videos

[@duckyzel]

Thank you for the advice, it definitely stood out from the tips most give about growing on Instagram! If possible, can you please make a part two? ❤

[@sophia0_o390]

Hello! Do you have any tips on how to manage an art account on different social media platforms? Should I focus on just Instagram right now or spread out early on?

[@leahinding]

Vlog about the brushes you used in photoshop plsss huhh

[@himawariyume3233]

Thank you so much for your tips! I always love your videos. They're so real and helpful!

[@rockstar5537]

would love to see more procreate videos :)

[@ElvenartistKentrKatty]

so beautiful

[@Cradily8000]

Do these tips really work?

[@LisaIngArt]

Woua so amazing and great creation !

[@BBoyxXxMkayxXxLexi]

So pretty! Is it just me though or does she have a lazy eye? I can’t really tell but regardless I can’t get over your painting style, it’s gorgeous!

[@gabrielblack5805]

Omg, I thought that too! I saw this painting on her insta before, but I haven't wanted to say anything😬 Still gorgeous tho!😂

[@paintycup]

Do you ask people in real life if they have a lazy eye? I hope not.

[@gabrielblack5805]

@@paintycup I think you're taking this a bit too seriously

[@sage5932]

The eyes do look in a different direction

[@BBoyxXxMkayxXxLexi]

Cobie I didn’t mean any offense by it, isn’t it normal to critique artwork? I love her art and her videos. Always have and always will.

[@lucyfyrre7593]

I was just looking up how to grow my following!! Perfect timing! 💖🖤💖

[@purnimavermagraphics]

Beautiful

[@aadishrisoni3638]

Sara, I follow everything, my username content consistency but still my account is stuck and I sometimes feel so insecure and sad that why am I not growing even if I am putting so much efforts 🥺😢. I am studying engineering because of family but I really wanna make a career in art and my current situation doesn't give me any confidence that I can make it as an artist😭. I love your art so so much and I didn't mean to rant but I just needed to get it off me. I've been feeling like this for a few months

[@paufff]

Same, 4 years and things are worse than when I started out thanks to the algorithm. What bothers me the most is that I love making art and would love to make a living out of it, but I simply can't if people don't see my stuff, so it isn't just about wanting more likes.

[@aadishrisoni3638]

Paulina F I totally get you, it’s very frustrating 😔

[@tedpogo1544]

Great tips, thanks!

[@bplus2932]

dope.

[@Olivia-wi6lb]

Love your art.What brushes do you use? 💕

[@ArtoftheCrowe]

A part 2 would be great

[@FaithVetro]

I do all of these but only have 320 followers :(

[@ladyjunon6305]

That's quite a decent following. How active are they?

[@FaithVetro]

Rishon Hislop I get about 48 to 89 sometimes 120 likes but rarely any comments but sometimes I get about 5 comments

[@candy_dragon]

I just started my art account and this is super helpful!😊

[@leahsjournals]

wow im early! I think your the only I know that uses the basic brushes in photoshop 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼so beautifully done and will definitely try your tips!

[@moomin5473]

Omg tysm!

[@amiko_panda]

I was trying to grow my insta acc for a year and in the end... I just gave up. Sometimes things you do and like are not interesting for anybody else. You just don't fit in, you're different. And people don't think they need your stuff.

[@ricacallano4913]

i love your advice! im actually starting on engaging my artwork on social media especially Instagram, and i post my artworks without editing them, because i want it to look like what it is in person. and yes your right, editing can give more attention to your piece and i notice it with mine, so do you have any suggested editing apps that we can use? since im not really into editings. thank you so muchhh~

[@maryseghelenatalam8792]

You can use snapseed

[@nonanbfernandez]

snapseed is the best!! it lets you adjust selective parts of tbe photo (eg only adjusting the whites) and erases the "messy" unintentional parts through the healing tool. lightroom's good too if you wanna get really specific/accurate with colours. if u have any questions about it i'd be happy to help!! i'm on ig @byrowanne

[@ricacallano4913]

thank you guys!

[@ricacallano4913]

thank you guys!

[@TheChristina5000]

Sadly IG algorithm keeps changing so when you start getting the hang of it IG be like SIKE! :/ Btw any support on my account @christinartistics is really appreciated