How To Grow An Instagram Art Account In One Year - My Story to 25k Followers

Well this was a video I didn't expect to be making when I started posting on Instagram one year ago! Posting consistently for a full year has seen me organically grow my art account to over 25k followers and I haven't once paid for promotions, likes or follows.
I'll share my tips with you about how you can organically grow an art account on Instagram from zero in 2021, and I'll also share the graph of my follower growth with key milestones along the way. If you'd like to skip the tips and go straight to the numbers you can go straight to 06:40 on the video.
❤ UPDATE: I can't believe just over 4 months after making a video about how I grew my account to 25k followers I now have reached 50k. Check out my 50k Instagram account tour if you want to see some juicy behind the scene of my account that might help you grow yours: • Take A Tour Of My 50k ...
I hope you find this video helpful, let me know below if you enjoyed it!
---
ETSY
Find some digital illustration goodies over on my Etsy shop!
www.etsy.com/au/shop/MimimooI...
PATREON
For drawing tutorials and step-by-step guides join me over on Patreon!
/ mimimooillustration
INSTAGRAM
You can see more of my illustrations over on Instagram where I post drawings Monday to Friday:
/ mimimoo_illustration
WEBSITE
And for my blog on drawing and creativity tips be sure to check out my website: www.mimimooillustration.com
I use TubeBuddy for youtube SEO and keyword research, sign up today to improve your youtube discoverability:
www.tubebuddy.com/MimimooIllu...
♥︎
WHAT I'M USING:
Laptop: Microsoft Surfacebook 2
Stylus: Surface Pen amzn.to/3xfVd1E
Software: Adobe Photoshop
Brushes: 'Natural Feel' from Kyle T Webster's Megapack
FOR FILMING:
Sony A7iii: amzn.to/3ga0y4C
Tamron 24mm f/2.8: amzn.to/2TONZD4
Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6: amzn.to/3vgItGm
Zoom h5 Audio Recorder: amzn.to/35dUKRe
00:00 Intro
00:26 #1: Why am I starting an art account?
01:43 #2: Build trust
02:43 #3: Build a positive community
03:32 #4: Participate in challenges
04:11 #5: Post consistently
05:00 #6: Create original content
05:41 Recap
06:09 You're doing a great job!
06:40 The Instagram numbers!
10:15 Where I am now
10:31 Thanks for watching!
Some of the links provided in this description are affiliate links
A big thank you to my partner for filming and editing this video!
All music tracks used in this video are licensed from Artlist.io: License Number 795171

[@isaniart]

I love how positive this video is- you’re sharing real tips, but you’re focused on building community over sheer numbers. People stay for real connection

[@MimimooIllustration]

Absolutely! Numbers without community doesn't count for very much on a social media platform.

[@lumitystan5887]

Thanks for this:) im 11 and i do digital art and post on insta, whenever i post, my posts only get 0-4 likes. It gets really discouraged to the point i think about just stoping drawing all together. This is really inspiring tho, thank you Edit: after i used these tips i gained almost 30 followers within 2 days, all my recent posts have gotten more attention aswell:D thank you Edit again: i have around 120 followers now!!

[@MimimooIllustration]

That's so wonderful to hear these tips helped you to get some results! You certainly don't need likes and followers to enjoy drawing though, keep practising and drawing things you like and that's the most important thing 😊

[@piyalichhajed6009]

Whats your account

[@hibaadeel5080]

@ordinary whats your art account?

[@ramansaini7417]

@lumitystan can I become a part of your art community?

[@rhythmdroid]

Dear Lumity, thank you for sharing your story. Please try to take this with the best attitude: social media isn't the real world and it is not a measurement of your worth, your talent, your influence over others, or anything like that. "Doing art for art's sake" is what 90% or more of people do in this world. Making a living from it IS possible...but I'm 41 years old and just starting to take it seriously. Try and see things from a different point of view. You're 11. Do what you do for FUN and make *real* friends in the *real* world. You can worry about "gaining followers" in a couple years after you see how much you like to digital art for the joy of it.

I just wasn't expecting it. I thought I would see an interesting video and actually found the 10 minutes that will inspire my path from now on

[@MimimooIllustration]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@visualfernomenal]

4 months later- how's your progress been? Don't worry if its not big, I´m just here to remind to keep on going :)

[@kara.western]

I love when illustrators share their tips to succeeding in the online space! I noticed you started your KZbin channel about a year ago and I was wondering if you find it worthwhile to make videos and share them on KZbin? Especially since you’re already juggling a patreon following as well, that’s a lot of content to be making! Thanks for the helpful video!

[@MimimooIllustration]

You're absolutely right, it's a lot of content to make! I do find it worthwhile but sharing my journey and skills is part of why I started in the first place so having that purpose behind my content helps a lot. I'm also lucky enough to have the time to commit to it and the help of my partner who does a lot of my video content as he's also a creative 😊

[@mayyu_arts]

Thank you for sharing and this will be pretty helpful as I am looking to make the growth through social media...

[@skylexia7]

Thank you...this humbled me a lot. I was so caught up in my follower count when I uninstalled Instagram that I didn't even take a moment to think about all my beloved mutuals. I'm still hesitant about returning since it was addicting scrolling for hours on end, but I really do miss the little 10-person community I had built. I'll go back someday, but for now I'm gonna hone my art skills. I want to set myself up for success when I return, not keep posting every 2 months like I had been doing

[@krishencotta3489]

Seriously love how you've shown your real progress and that it works differently for everybody! Love your confidence in your work and how encouraging you are!

[@n3llybean]

a big part of why your account gets the recognition is how amazing and consistent your style is! your feed is so aesthetically pleasing

[@veritystothard1664]

I love your attitude to social media so much 💖 it can be so easy to fall into comparison and numbers but your attitude is so refreshing xx

[@lyssavaught4958]

Thank you for sharing this video! Your illustrations and animations were beautiful. I'm a full time nurse that dreams of pursuing art and your videos have given me so much motivation

[@jesssinclair700]

Thank you so much for this! I've attended so many webinars that have tried to explain this and it hasn't really clicked until you explained it :)

[@Zaccura]

Oh my gosh, your filming is so aesthetic and gorgeous! Everything about this video is so organized and you can really see the work put into production. Don't even need to see the rest of your channel to sub haha. Lovely tips also, these are real honest long-term growth strategies, rather than tips and tricks for blowing up overnight like a lot of other vids talk about. The goal should always be to build a positive community💖

[@FosterYourAffinity]

This is the video I didn't know I needed to see. Glad the algorithm saw fit to recommend your channel! Take care and keep going!

[@musicisamazing8349]

I was actually expecting this to be a video to be like the rest but it really feels different. Thanks for this ^^ I think it has really helped

[@heygabimara545]

This is so informative and helpful. Thank you! I'm really glad that you set an example where it's not exactly every SINGLE day that you post. I appreciate how realistic and healthy it is cus you still allow some breaks for yourself

[@jelllycake2825]

I just started my art account and I could really use these tips to grow! They're so helpful!

[@catherinej6542]

This was probably the best and most positive video I've seen on this subject! I tend to have big lapses in creativity and very high standards for myself so I really find it difficult to stay consistent by doing something smaller/low effort. I feel a little intimidated to go back to social media because of it...

[@MimimooIllustration]

I can totally understand that! We're often our own harshest critics, if you're just on social media to share a little bit of what you do and aren't fussed about building an audience then consistency doesn't matter, but if you wanted to build an audience perhaps you could challenge yourself to share progress stages of what you're doing to build the habit of being consistent while still maintaining the style you like for your art 💕

[@alienfae]

This is sooooo helpful thank you so much! It's so discouraging to be stuck at less than 100 followers for ages but you're right I just need to keep going!

[@Drowsy.doll.]

Thank you for sharing your art journey

[@24Maoli]

I looooved this video! I've been on this journey for a few months now and this is super helpful :) Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@valeriascarlethcastroolive546]

You are such an inspiration of discipline, practice and love, your art looks more amazing every day and I just felt for your story and dreams, you gained a new follower ❤ keep it up! 😊

[@khushbumadhaviraj3107]

Love your work Mimi.... Most importantly your genuinity in sharing your journey.🥰 things take time but hope we all will reach where we all want to. Cheers and support to all😇

[@soyoonlee8466]

This is such an inspiration! I've been only thinking about this things but haven't got an idea how to start it. Thank you for sharing all the tips and info! Now I think I got the courage to start my own art account. I feel so positive after watching the vid. Love it! Thank you:)

[@sweetgoodness320]

I really appreciate your videos! It's so generous of you to share your experience with us. I'm just starting out on my own journey of creating and selling art, and your content has helped and encouraged me so much. Thank you!

[@createcek]

This was super helpful, as always you are a kind soul Mimi! ♥️

[@Hyper5nic]

Lovely video and very inspirational! I'm on an art journey myself however it's not exactly drawing, but more screenprinting with a passion for movieposters from the early twentieth century. Currently I'm back to drawing as that is what I'm going to screenprint. Wishing you all the best, a wonderful end of the year and many more positive surprises as your journey continues. Cheers, Mark

[@slym0th]

this is so inspiring and is making me feel so much more confident in growing my art account

[@tinestudios]

I love this approach, not to be worried about the numbers

[@jemslucock2995]

You can tell this video took a lot of time, a lot of love & a lot of effort. Thank you for putting in the work to share your journey; my reach has been almost non-existent but watching this has been truly what I've needed today. It's been so lovely watching you grow over on Instagram & I really appreciate you making such a lovely video. The highlight was definitely the gorgeous doggies though ;) Take care!

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh this is such a wonderful comment and so encouraging, it takes a lot of time to make these videos but hearing your feedback makes it so worthwhile! Thank you so much! 💕

[@jadbautista]

This is the most insightful video about audience-building I have ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@sarasa2071]

That was very inspiring! You have some seriously good video skills as well, everything looked awesome and I loved the doggos!

[@MimimooIllustration]

Thank you so much, I have my partner to thank for the video editing - he's very good!

[@eliestrations4906]

Well this content was very educational and also kept my creeping thought of “have I done enough” calm. Thank you 😊 for sharing the suggestions, also for saying that it’s okay if your Instagram is not also growing at the speed of yours. ❤️

[@Koolkiwiz]

This is so informative Mimi. Thanks for such an honest & insightful video ❤. As new artist is feels dreadful to post your art on social media when so many big famous artist already out there. This gives a little boost of confidence to work on my art and not think much!! Thanks again😊

[@CarolinPeters]

I love how you broke this down! Also, your art is lovely!

[@SpiritPhoenixRose]

This was super helpful, thank you! I can see where i need to make tweaks to do better and provide more value. Glad I sought you out on this platform 😀

[@Niko_3D]

My wife is following you on instagram. She is also artist and she started IG journey several months ago. It has been a slow growth for her, but she is not discouraged as her main focus is not numbers like you said but simply sharing her art journey.

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh lovely! That's wonderful that her values are aligned with sharing her art journey rather than the numbers, what's her Instagram account name? I'd love to take a look at her art!

[@Niko_3D]

@@MimimooIllustration _ellasketch is her profile name. Account icon is some green elf lady. Thank you kindly.

[@MimimooIllustration]

@@Niko_3D Oh wow her art is stunning! I've definitely followed and can't wait to see her account grow (which it absolutely will, there's no doubt in my mind!)

[@Niko_3D]

@@MimimooIllustration Thank you, shes happy that you followed. Shouting at me "what did you doooo mimimooo is following me" while I'm playing stupid what? Whos mimimooo? =)

[@MimimooIllustration]

@@Niko_3D Haha I love it, we're a good undercover team 😉

[@mrsoreggio.illustrates]

I appreciate the time that you took to show your process. I feel super encouraged! thank you!

[@lexysartworld]

I love your determination and how you dedicate time for your art! That's really inspiring to me😄 I just found ur instagram and immediately, fell in love with ur art! Makes me want to create more too.😊 Your art reminds me so much of the pretty illustrations from the storybooks I used to read as a child. Such nostalgia! Keep creating 😍❤

[@MimimooIllustration]

Aw that's so lovely of you to say! Thank you so much ❤

[@kenziekline2231]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I love that this proves that it's ok to take breaks for holidays, time off, vacation, whatever and that your progress won't come crashing down. Consistency is important, but so are breaks :)

[@MimimooIllustration]

Yess absolutely, so important! We aren't robots so we definitely need breaks!

[@GeorginaGrimshaw]

This is my favourite “grow your account” video I’ve ever seen 🥰

[@LaAvispaVTuber]

Even though this was about art, this was a really valuable lesson to learn. I am humbled as a content creator myself to see your own journey and compare it to my own. The goals in the beginning of this video were amazing ones to have, and were the reasons I kept watching. Thank you for this

[@MimimooIllustration]

Aw it's so lovely to hear such kind feedback from a fellow content creator - thank you!

[@sonyasever7625]

oh my God, your videos are so warm, comfy and soft, i feel like I'm in a fairytale 😍

[@cosmicbunnyarts]

thank you so much for all the positivity, helpfulness and encouragement in this video 🥰💜 due to the war here in Ukraine, I've abandoned my previous art account (it was pretty small anyway) - I wanted a new beginning, a new freedom and I wanted to take my goal of making art a career more seriously. that's why I created a new account in January of this year and I'm steadily growing at my own pace. thank you for this wonderful video, it's so encouraging and inspirational to see your journey and to hear about your experience 💜

[@bunbearry]

Not only did you share really insightful and helpful advice, but it's shot so beautifully! I loved watching your dogs run around in the garden :)

[@MimimooIllustration]

Aw thank you! They're the sweetest doggies (mostly!)

[@TheHennaRealm]

This is pretty encouraging and so genuine 💚

[@Bonniebellbelle]

The positive vibe of this video is soo good ^^

[@user-lz4co2xi3x]

Your house is absolutely adorable!!

[@EmmaTippingInk]

This is such a sweet video. So glad I found you! Thanks for all the advice. Also, I love those boots😄

[@tgdevourer]

Thank you for doing this video. I draw for fun, and since I have other things in my life it's hard to post consistently. Because of that, I'm constantly stuck at a low follower count. I'll try some of these, thank you!

[@NinaMann12]

This video and your art journey video have been so interesting and inspiring! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with us. Your digital art is beautiful! I have really struggled to transfer from traditional art to digital - it’s like learning to draw again! 😳

[@MimimooIllustration]

Absolutely! It took me a while to get into digital and it kind of felt like a step backwards for a while so I definitely needed to start simple until I got the hang of things. Keep it up!

[@janicepayoyo5575]

I like your approach! You do not sound like most people on social media people who claim to guarantee six figures if you follow them :) Thank you for your videos abd more power to you :)

[@moditb3247]

Wow that is one gorgeous looking page. So simplistic and asthetically pleasing

[@artebytin]

Thank you for sharing this, I discovered you on my explore page and have been a fan ever since!

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh that's lovely, so glad to be able to share with you!

[@artsbypiper]

Loved this video, it was so calming to watch. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@ozlemkal9794]

Thank you for sharing this, you've done such a hard work and all beautiful. Thank you again for sharing your tips, I'm inspired!

[@myclappingfeet]

I always love watching your vidoes. I feel motivated and can always feel the positive vibe from your videos. 😊

[@jasminlatifa5516]

This is amazing, thank you for sharing this.

[@inesketches]

Your videos are so well explained and they give me a sense of peace. 💖

[@chelciecotton7774]

this was such a great video and such useful advice for my own art page! thanks so much XD

[@gremnda]

thank you for sharing your experience with us mimi

[@Coliandrium]

Impressive progression (and more impressive at this time), great work and advices ;).

[@MiaHobbesArts]

I loved watching this video 🥰 Thank you for sharing your experience with us! ❤️ everything seems so pretty and cozy! ✨

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! ❤

[@Gtbkd1]

Thank you! I'm just getting started, like a few days ago! It feels daunting. I appreciate your insight! 🥰

[@MimimooIllustration]

Yay that's so exciting that you're getting started! 🎉✨

[@imdayvsketch2299]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience of your account growth!! I'm really inspired to grow my account again !! Actually I was happy that my account was growing a little when my hashtag reach started increasing but it stopped as the reach of every post started decreasing and was a bit disappointed. But now I've learnt what all you've said and now I'll start using those tips!! Thanks again!!

[@MimimooIllustration]

It's always a bit disheartening when things appear to be going the wrong way but try a different technique and keep at it and I'm sure it'll work out! Social media ebbs and flows, and lots of it is out of our control, so try and stay focused on your content and the things you can control 😊

[@2tinytreasures]

Thank you for the most helpful tips, truth and advice. Truly Genuine. Very inspiring!

[@byJilooo]

I found you on instagram and I adore your artworks!! Thank you for being kind, sharing this!! Wish you happiness and may peace and blessings be with yoouu!!! ❤️❤️

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh that's so sweet of you, thanks so much!

[@Trishuu]

Thank you for sharing this my art account has been so stuck 💛

[@My_Secret_ArtSketchbook]

I appreciate this video- thank you it's been fantastic listening about your success- I can listen to u all day and not be borred- just inspired. Gives us allot of hope- keep going my Art friend. God bless you and your 4 legged friends. PEACE from England UK

[@niamhfoa3291]

I love all of your videos! They are so well done! I'm definitely looking forward to the next one! :)

[@MimimooIllustration]

Glad you like them! ❤

[@lilkirsche]

Really appreciate your tips and video - and your illustrations are such a joy and so beautiful. So I'm happy for your grow. You deserve it, also you show that working hard but doing what you love can lead to success. ❤️

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh thank you so much! ❤

[@alejandromolinac]

Beautiful staging of all your shots by the way….. the older I get the more I like the whole rural lifestyle

[@aaravgaming3055]

Thank youuuu

[@Sana-qq7qw]

now 1 year later and you're at 114k congraaats 🥰🥳

[@jasminesroay2570]

Such an informative video, so many gems to see

[@meiliadarmawan]

I love your content, the video just like high cinematography, oh and also your house 😍😍😍😍😍

[@Fari7aMo]

I love your art style omggg😍😭

[@charishengcoy7951]

starting my account at 4 followers, hoping to grow like you! Thanks for the tips

[@artistankit8945]

I really really love your illustrations style 😍

[@kookiefly]

The aesthetic of this video is giving me life

[@ValeriaSilva_Valerymoon]

Thank u sooooo much Mimi, this video really give me the hope i need to not stop! You are an incredible artist and an even more incredible person! Because in your heart u are not only doing what u like but also sharing that with others and that is sooo awesome! Thank u sooo sooo much! And keep the great work!

[@MimimooIllustration]

Naw that is so so nice of you to say, I really appreciate it! ❤

[@ohweeify]

Thank you for your advise :) i have learned a lot and will definitely implement the same ❤

[@irisvanvelzen]

Thank you for sharing! I love your work but have to say: your place and your dogs! Very cool.

[@bohemybypriyanka]

I was just wondering why my followers are not increasing on Instagram even though I am trying to post good content. Your video cleared my mind and I know what I have to do now, thanks a lot for such a beautiful explanation ❤️, lots of love

[@Creativepenciling]

Thanks so much for this video it’s so inspiring!!!

[@bigzzz94]

I have started a new page on Instagram and taking many notes. Thanks for the tips!

[@spacelight1478]

So helpful thank you ❤️

[@naturejelisabeth]

so lovely! thank you for sharing mimi :)

[@newbiekitty3528]

Thank you so much very inspiring, your art style so simple, cute and just natural. I can't wait to see what you draw next.

[@MimimooIllustration]

Aw that's very nice, thank you!

[@stashhh9742]

Thanks a million for all your advices! Also this video give me the motivation to post more consistently, now I see how important it is! Wish you all the best ❤

[@MimimooIllustration]

That's lovely to hear!

[@brainlessgonzo6558]

Thank you for the video, very encouraging.

[@baronvonboredom]

Such a nice motivation and information for those of us who are just starting on this journey. The contents of yours are wonderful keep doing it. All the best for you as a fellow artist. Thank you!

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh that's so nice of you, I really appreciate it!

[@theahmyolife]

You are so sweet! Thank you for sharing your journey, I'm starting mine and I'm really excited about it!

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh how exciting! I hope it goes great! ❤

[@annekostecki]

Congratulations! Your video is so positive and beautifully shot/edited. I've been posting to Instagram somewhat regularly and engaging with my audience for like 2 years and don't have even close the growth that you do. I'm not sure what to do, but I will try to do some Draw this in your Style challenges.

[@MimimooIllustration]

I think challenges are a really great way of being found by active hashtags because lots of people who are participating will go and see what other entries there are. I hope they help your account (also they're just fun to join in on 😄)

[@chari_draws07]

Tysm for this video ❤I just made an ig account and am trying my best to grow ❤

[@annadrawsnow]

Wow, your videos , content & values are really lovely & beautiful! 👍🏼💛💫🌸

[@haydoodlebug_]

Thank you for the great tips!!!

[@sitihajarmohdnor2249]

This is very inspiring, thank you for sharing such lovely content, stay happy and safe always 💕💕✨

[@alexbenitezart9520]

Thank you for sharing, very useful…beautiful art! Much succes, cheers! 🥂🙂

[@mizuofficial]

This channel is awesome and you're so authentic! Love it and good luck to you :)

[@MimimooIllustration]

Aw that's really encouraging, thanks so much!

[@anilasaleem2158]

It's such a detailed & helpful video, not the run of the mill stuff but a genuine effort to guide & help others shines out through out the feed,🥰 thanku

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh that's wonderful feedback, I'm so glad you found it genuine because I always strive to be as authentic and open as possible!

[@imanimonroe3637]

💥Thank you for sharing this! its the most clear and inspiring video I've watched on this topic! i am very happy for you! Continued growth, success and joy in your creative journey ahead!💥