You are an artist and your freind said you should use Instagram. What are the key points to consider before starting to use Instagram?

Begin by considering that you are developing a brand or style. Building relationships. Not selling. Look at other Instagram profiles for artists in your field. See what they are doing. What works? What doesn’t? Why? What can you emulate or avoid?

Bio – Use a good headshot, rather than your artwork. Make it interesting. Link to your website/portfolio. Show people how they can purchase your artworks.

Photos of your work – Full on. Close up on a section. Multiple works together in a group. During creation. In a buyer’s space.

Upload multiple images at once, including close-ups. Then viewers get to scroll through a group of related images, with one “Passport” image on top

Posts – Reveal your process, life, studio, not just work. Your work space. Things that inspire you. Action shot of you at work. Time-lapse videos. Installations. Art in buyers’ locations. Use a color theme for all posts. Don’t limit yourself.

Include photos of you occassionally. People engage with people. Allow them to get to know you. Have fun.

Blue – Blue colors get good interaction

Bright – Bright images perform better than dark images.

Caption – Choose words carefully. Make it interesting. Tell a short story. Be creative. Keep it short and simple. Include details – numbers, facts.

Quality – Quality is more important than Quantity. Use your best images.

Posting Time – Think about when to post. What time of day are your followers on Instagram? Nights? Weekends? Maybe not during the workday. What time zone are they in?

Video – Create 15-second video stories – In your studio. In your gallery. What inspires your artwork? These expire after 24 hours. If you add it to a ‘Highlight’, it will not expire.

#Hashtags – Style. Subject. Medium. Location. Instagram allows a maximum of 30. Typical is 4 to 15 per post. Don’t put the #hashtags in the captions. Instead, after you post, put them in the first comment. The viewer can enjoy the image without the distraction of your list of #hashtags.

Search to see which #hashtags are widely used and then check to see if the majority of images are the kinds of images you want to be included with. Use those #hashtags.

Don’t always go for the #hashtag with the largest number. Something like #art will quickly fill up with new postings pushing yours down the timeline and out of site. A less popular #hashtag will result in your post staying visible longer. #art is likely too popular to use.

#Hashtag food for thought:
#art #artist #artsy #painting #drawing #sketch #sketchbook #creative #artistsoninstagram #abstract #abstractart #abstractpainting #artcompetition #artoftheday #artshow #artfair #artgallery #artstudio #fineart #instaart #instaartwork #instaartist #instaartoftheday #oilpaintings #originalartwork #modernart #mixedmediaart #pleinair #portrait #studiosundays #watercolor #artflowsessions #artgram #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #doitfortheprocess #carveouttimeforart #createcultivate #verilymoment #arte #cylcollective #designsponge #dsart #dscolor #colorpop #studioscenes #artsanity #inspiremyinstagram #australianart #australianartist #handsandhustle #calledtobecreative #interiorart #interiordecorating #interiorstyling #interiorandhome #foundforaged #abstractpainting #abstractartist #abstrakt #artiste #kunst #mycreativebiz #art_gallery #art_we_inspire #art_collective #craftsposure #creativehappylife #passioncolorjoy #postitfortheaesthetic #abmlifeisbeautiful #colorcrushcreative #bigmagic #abmlifeiscolorful #mybeautifulmess #makersgonnamake #instartist

Make your own #hashtag. You can organize your works by your own #hashtags #yournameLandscape, #yournameBlackandWhite. Get your friends to #hashtag your works in their photos.

Pro Tip: To save time, create a core list of #hashtags. Then copy and paste the list into relevant posts.

Like – ‘Like’ things you see on other people’s Instagram pages to generate interaction. When they see your ‘like’, they will be inclined to visit your Instagram page and see who you are and maybe even follow you.

Follow – Follow other artists you like, galleries, publishers, directors, designers companies, friends and so on.

Comment – Comment on other people’s posts. Be sure to reply to all comments on your posts. Do it right away. This is called engagement.

Pay Up! – You can purchase Instagram ads. If you switch to a Business Account you will then be able to review analytics information about your account. 

Selling – If you plan on selling your artwork via Instagram, be ready. Know the cost of the artwork. How will you receive payment? How will it be packed and shipped? What might the shipping cost be?

Security – Consider two factor authentication

Share what is working best for you on Instagram in the comments below.

You can follow me on Instragram at https://www.instagram.com/fairminder/