How to Grow on Social Media as an Artist

I know a lot of artists are frustrated with social media right now.

Their work isn’t being shown to new followers, and often not even to the followers they already have.

I made a more strategic video breaking that down, which you should watch, but this one is much more tactical. Lots of ideas you can actually try across Instagram, Threads or Twitter, and LinkedIn.

In a nutshell, artists usually face two main problems on social media.

First, still images don’t hold attention for very long. Platforms want people to stay longer, and a single image only does that for a few seconds.

Second, artists rarely share each other’s work. Most of your followers are other artists, and they’re focused on growing their own work, not spreading yours.

People tend to share content that benefits them. If you can create content that helps other people look good, learn something, or gain credibility, it spreads much more easily.

If you’re worried about being on camera, that’s fine. I’ll cover plenty of ways around that. But I’d still encourage you to try it — it works.

Content focus and pillars

As a general rule, what you post should mostly relate to your work, your industry, or adjacent topics like freelancing or creativity.

Posting random things like holiday photos or memes won’t help much unless used very sparingly.

Algorithms need to understand who your content is for. If your posts are scattered across lots of unrelated topics, that becomes harder.

It helps to define a few content pillars — themes you talk about regularly.

Mine are things like portfolios, finding clients, industry insights, motivation, and productivity.

Here are some ideas you could post about:

• What inspires you

• Techniques you use

• Software and tools

• Past or current projects

• Dream projects

• Tips and advice

• Reviews of books, courses, or videos

• Wins

• Struggles

• Lessons you’ve learned

Pay attention to what catches your attention on social media. That’s usually a good clue.

Threads (and Twitter)

Text-based platforms are underrated for visual artists.

They’re quick to use, easy to experiment with, and great for building credibility.

Some practical tips:

• Keep posts short and scannable

• Use bullet points and numbered lists

• Ask questions that encourage discussion

• Avoid external links — platforms don’t like them

• Add images where possible

• Comment thoughtfully on other posts

• Share other people’s content

• Focus heavily on the first line — that’s the hook

• Recycle ideas across platforms in different formats

LinkedIn

LinkedIn works well for longer, more reflective posts — especially when paired with images.

Ideas to try:

• Expand on Threads posts into longer thoughts

• Always add artwork or visuals

• Use the first three lines as your hook

• Share opinions on industry issues

• Talk about causes you care about

• Borrow credibility from books, articles, or talks

• Use spacing and lists to keep posts readable

• Share wins, struggles, and lessons

• Create shareable resources

• Repost others’ content with your perspective

• Disagree respectfully when it adds value

If you feel yourself getting defensive, step away. I’ve learned that the hard way.

Instagram: still images

Instagram is still the best platform for illustrators, even if it’s frustrating.

Still images matter, but they don’t spread far on their own.

Some ideas:

• Post finished work, but don’t expect big reach

• Tease projects rather than only showing finals

• Show sketches and alternative ideas

• Share process images

• Post photos of yourself with your work

• Show inspiration

• Vary formats to keep your profile interesting

Instagram Stories

Stories are mainly for your existing audience.

They work well for:

• Day-to-day updates

• Sharing links

• Reviving older posts

• Sharing other artists’ work

• Polls, questions, and feedback

• Behind-the-scenes content

• Sketches and time-lapses

• Inspirational quotes

I don’t use Stories enough, but they’re powerful.

Instagram grid and carousels

Think beyond single images.

• Use 4:5 vertical images

• Create carousels showing process

• Show work in context

• Turn text posts into visual slides

• Focus on strong first images

• Pin your best posts

• Fill the frame visually

• Photograph physical work on your desk

• Occasionally show yourself working

Your grid still matters. A thoughtful profile encourages follows.

Reels

Reels are where growth happens.

Some practical ideas:

• Study what’s already performing

• Experiment constantly

• Post regularly

• Use captions and subtitles

• Decide the goal of each reel

• Use trial reels to test ideas

• Double down on what works

• Keep videos short

• You don’t need to show your face

You can film:

• Over-the-shoulder

• Top-down

• Close-ups

• Screen recordings

• Time-lapses

Build a library of clips you can reuse.

Final thoughts

This video was originally called 100 social media tips for illustrators. I never finished the list.

That’s the lesson.

Don’t overthink it.

Post what you have. See what happens. Learn from it.

If it flops, no problem. If it works, you’ve learned something valuable.

Experiment. Try things. Ignore comparison.

I used to be very anti social media, but the more I use it and improve at it, the more I enjoy it.

If you want a more strategic breakdown, watch the next video linked below.

See you next time.