In the last ten years, Instagram has become incredibly popular, ranking among top social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. However, unlike its counterparts that prioritize text, Instagram is primarily visual. This article explores how graphic designers can gain more followers on Instagram.
This visual focus makes Instagram crucial for graphic designers wanting to advance their careers. Whether a newcomer or a seasoned professional, Instagram is practically essential for showcasing and promoting your work.
However, not all designers are tech-savvy or digital marketing experts. Some might find creating and growing an Instagram presence daunting.
If you’re a graphic designer looking to start on Instagram or grow your Instagram followers, this guide is for you. We’ll share five tips that skilled graphic designers use to create professional accounts that attract Instagram followers.
You can implement most of these tips immediately, so let’s dive right in!
1. Understand Your Audience: Graphic Designers Grow Their Instagram Following
It’s easy for artists to assume that perfecting their technique is the key to success and a large following. They might believe that slightly better textures or neater cross-hatching would attract numerous fans.
However, that’s not entirely true. The real key lies in creating relatable and engaging content. While technique is important (you need to express your vision), a piece’s overall feeling often outweighs technical mastery when it comes to popular appeal.
Therefore, when it comes to building your following on Instagram, focus on creating and posting pieces that resonate with your Instagram followers and provide value, rather than solely showcasing technical skills.
Of course, exceptions exist. For hyperrealists, the virtuosity of their work is inseparable from the content. However, even then, the goal should be audience connection — perhaps by avoiding minimalist designs, in this case.
This is arguably the most effective yet challenging tip. Unlike the others, it’s not solely about Instagram but about your designs themselves.
Ultimately, be authentic and let your talent and creativity shine through.
If technique is integral to your work, don’t compromise it for Instagram — that’s a recipe for failure. Genuine connection requires honesty, and pretending to be a minimalist for likes and follows will be obvious if you’re a hyperrealist at heart.
2. Utilize Design And Automation Tools To Save Time: Graphic Designers Grow Their Instagram Following
Thanks to Instagram’s popularity, numerous tools can automate account growth tasks, leaving you with more time for creating art. Moreover, certain tools simplify and expedite the design process itself.
For Instagram management, scheduling tools like Later and Sprout Social can automate tedious tasks. These tools allow scheduling posts in advance, eliminating the need for manual posting throughout the month, week, or even year.
To speed up your design process, consider Canva. While not as comprehensive as Photoshop or Sketch, Canva is a user-friendly online graphic design tool perfect for quick and simple designs. It’s great for quickly sketching out ideas or crafting straightforward designs.
3. Use An Instagram Planner For Visualizing Your Feed
Your Instagram posts exist within a larger context. Every new post appears alongside your previous work on your profile. In essence, your entire Instagram profile becomes a cohesive piece of work.
As a graphic designer, consider the bigger picture of your profile when posting. Think about how each post will impact its overall appearance. For example, would a predominantly blue piece clash with the neon pink theme of your last six posts?
Instagram planning tools help visualize your feed and anticipate its appearance after posting new content. Conveniently, many schedulers include features that preview your feed with scheduled posts. This saves time and offers a clearer vision of your profile’s aesthetic for your followers.
Tools like Later, Planoly, Plann, Preview, and Unum can aid in planning your feed to increase Instagram followers as a graphic designer.
4. Customize Your Fonts And Colors For Enhanced Consistency
What defines your favorite designers and artists? Chances are it’s their distinct style and voice. Whether creating for Instagram or a gallery, your unique style must be evident, and your work should maintain consistency.
When showcasing your work on social media, ensure your profile reflects that same style.
On Instagram, this might involve incorporating consistent customizing your fonts, color palettes, and highlight covers that represent your identity as a designer and your unique voice.
This ties into the previous point about maintaining consistency through a cohesive color scheme across recent posts.
Furthermore, fonts and highlight cover photos can unify your profile. Using custom alternative fonts is a subtle trick Instagrammers use to infuse their profiles with personality. To achieve this, copy and paste fonts from other websites or applications.
Create highlight covers using tools like Canva (mentioned in tip 2) and upload them to Instagram. This adds a professional touch and enhances your profile’s style.
5. Post Only High-Quality Photos: Graphic Designers Grow Their Instagram Following
This should be obvious, but it’s crucial: to present yourself as a professional graphic artist, post only top-notch images.
Instagram is saturated with talented artists and designers, meaning potential followers are accustomed to high-quality visuals. Posting blurry, grainy, or overly compressed images will make your work stand out negatively.
Today, Instagram serves as a virtual portfolio. Assume potential clients see every post and judge whether it makes your work more or less appealing. If you have doubts about a post, don’t share it.
Ultimately, it boils down to quality control. Maintain high standards for your work; otherwise, none of the other tips will matter.
Graphic Designers Grow Their Instagram Following: Conclusion
Marketing yourself on Instagram is challenging. Standing out and building a following amidst countless talented artists vying for attention can be difficult.
However, these tips equip you with the tools and skills needed to stay competitive in this dynamic landscape. Moreover, some can save you significant time, allowing you to focus on refining your craft.
Ultimately, authenticity attracts Instagram followers. If you create heartfelt art and designs, maintain a consistent style, and stay true to yourself, success will follow.
Use these tips to guide your marketing strategy, but don’t get lost in the details. Remember, your ability to create captivating work will ultimately determine your success.