Artists on Social Media: Mastering Pinterest and Instagram for Artistic Success

I wrote this for creatives and artists on social media to learn strategies for mastering Pinterest and Instagram for maximum artistic success. If this you, I hope you like it and get some ideas.

Balancing Creativity and Social Media

Here we are, smack dab in the middle of the attention wars; finding a harmonious balance between my creative endeavors and social media demands has been a journey of self-discovery. As a writer and social media professional, I've often found myself torn between the sanctuary of my craft and the allure of the online world.

In the early days, I hesitantly dipped my toes into social media, uncertain of what awaited me on the other side. With each tweet, post, or share, I felt a tug-of-war within me—an insatiable desire to connect with fellow creatives and share my work, juxtaposed with a yearning for solitude and undisturbed creative immersion.

Yet, as I navigated the online world, I realized that social media was not merely a distraction but a powerful marketing tool. It became a platform where I could amplify my voice, forge meaningful connections, and weave a tapestry of inspiration that stretched far beyond the confines of my office walls.

Setting the Stage: The Power of Social Media for Artists

In an age where digital landscapes reign supreme, social media has emerged as the ultimate stage for artists and writers to showcase their work and captivate audiences worldwide. Instagram and Pinterest have revolutionized how we consume and interact with art, transforming mere pixels into portals of creative expression.

Through Instagram's lens, artists can curate visually stunning galleries that serve as windows into their souls, inviting followers on a journey through the depths of their imagination. Every post becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of their digital persona, a testament to their passion and dedication to their craft.

Similarly, Pinterest offers endless inspiration. Artists can create boards that reflect their unique aesthetic sensibilities and spark new ideas. From mood boards to DIY tutorials, Pinterest empowers artists to explore, discover, and collaborate in never-before-possible ways.

Together, these platforms have democratized the art world, dismantling barriers and opening doors for creatives of all backgrounds to share their voices and stories. In the digital age, the stage is set, and the spotlight is yours—ready to illuminate the boundless possibilities that await artists on social media. 🌟

Dual Platforms, Diverse Benefits: Harnessing the Power of Pinterest and Instagram for Artistic Success

Over 130 million Instagram accounts tap on shopping posts every month. 

(Source: Instagram, “Instagram for Business,” January 2022)

Instagram isn't just a social platform—it's a powerhouse for creatives to showcase their work, engage with their audience, and drive sales. With over 1.5 billion monthly active users and a strong emphasis on visual content, Instagram offers artists and creatives a dynamic space to share their art and connect with potential buyers globally. Let's dive into how artists can harness the power of Instagram to elevate their artistic presence and boost sales.

A. Behind the Canvas: Sharing the Creative Process 

Peek behind the curtain and invite your audience into your artistic realm! Stories and Reels are your golden tickets to showcase the magic unfolding in your studio.

• Stories: Share real-time updates, behind-the-scenes footage, and spontaneous moments with your audience. Stories allow for a more casual and immediate connection with your followers, offering them a glimpse into your daily creative process.
• Reels: Create short, engaging videos showcasing your artistic process, from sketching to final touches. Reels are perfect for highlighting key moments of your creative journey in a visually captivating and shareable format, reaching a wider audience beyond your followers.
• Benefits: By using Stories and Reels, you not only provide valuable insights into your creative process but also foster a sense of authenticity and intimacy with your audience, building stronger connections and loyalty over time.

B. Showcasing Your Portfolio: Building a Visual Wonderland 

Transform your Instagram feed into a virtual gallery, a kaleidoscope of colors and textures that captivate and inspire. Carousels and multi-photo dumps are your secret weapons, allowing you to curate curated collections of your best work.

• Carousels: Create curated collections of your work by combining multiple images into one post. This allows you to tell a story or showcase a series of related artworks.
• Multi-photo Dumps: Share multiple images in a single post to give your audience a comprehensive look at your portfolio. This is perfect for sharing variations of the same artwork or highlighting different aspects of your creative process. The photos can be themed or random photos taken recently. The trend has moved away from “perfect photos” to a more real, authentic vibe. 
• Benefits: By leveraging carousels and multiphoto dumps, you can create a visually engaging feed that keeps your audience captivated and coming back for more. These formats also allow you to showcase the depth and diversity of your portfolio, attracting new followers and potential clients.

C. Engaging with Your Audience: Cultivating Authentic Connections 

Step into the limelight and engage with your audience in real time! Going live is your chance to shine, share your thoughts, answer questions, and bask in the glow of your fans' admiration.

• Going Live: Engage with your audience by going live on Instagram. Interact with your viewers, answer their questions, and provide behind-the-scenes peeks into your creative process.
• Short Videos under 90 Seconds: Create concise and impactful videos to connect with your audience. Share quick tutorials, showcase your work-in-progress, or offer personal reflections on your artistic journey.
• Benefits: Going live and creating short videos under ninety seconds allows you to humanize your brand and build deeper connections with your audience. These interactive formats encourage engagement and dialogue, fostering community and loyalty among your followers.

Over 70% of Pinners use Pinterest to find new products and make purchasing decisions. 

(Source: Pinterest Business, “Pinterest for Shopping,” January 2022)

Pinterest Power Moves for Artists on Social Media

Pinterest holds a special place in my heart—a space where creativity knows no bounds and inspiration is just a click away. With its low-key vibe and endless possibilities, Pinterest offers a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their work and inspire others to unleash their creativity. Pinterest is a discovery engine where Pinners are shown things similar to those they've searched for. 

It is like your personal curator of inspiration, guiding you to uncover new ideas, plan projects, and dive into your interests. With its clever machine learning engine, it sifts through images to pinpoint objects and their details, delivering tailored recommendations that can fuel your creative journey.

For best results, create Pinterest Pins that are 1000 x 1500 pixels. Use keywords, but don't add hashtags. Read up on creating Pins here.

A. Pin to Win: Creating Boards and Curating Content

Pinterest isn't just a place to save your favorite recipes and home décor ideas—it's a goldmine for artists looking to showcase their work and attract potential buyers. Your Pins have a longer shelf-life on Pinterest and can surface again depending on trends and seasonality.

• Creating Boards: Create boards that reflect your artistic style and interests. Whether it's “Abstract Art Inspirations” or “Watercolor Wonders,” curate visual collections that resonate with your audience and showcase your unique aesthetic. Use keywords in your board titles and descriptions to help them be shown to more people.
• Curating Content: Pin your artwork and complementary content that inspires and delights your audience. From tutorials and artist spotlights to color palettes and creative hacks, curate a mix of content that adds value and keeps your followers engaged.

B. Inspire and Delight: Show Your Art in the Wild

Take your art beyond the canvas and into the virtual world! Pinterest users constantly seek inspiration for their homes, offices, and personal projects, making it the perfect platform to showcase your work in various contexts.

• Show Your Art in the Wild: Share images of your artwork displayed in real-life settings, such as living rooms, galleries, or coffee shops. This allows potential buyers to envision your art in their own spaces and helps establish a deeper connection with your work.
• Framed Art: Create pins featuring your artwork beautifully framed. Whether it's a sleek modern frame or a rustic vintage design, showcasing your art in different frames adds a touch of sophistication and helps potential buyers visualize the finished product. You could share how art looks different in various frames or how to choose a frame to complement your art.
• Create Mockups: Use design tools to create mockups of your art on various products, such as posters, mugs, or phone cases. This allows you to expand your product offerings and appeal to a broader audience of art enthusiasts and collectors.

You can create art mockups in Canva.

C. DIY Delights: Sharing Expertise and Empowering Others

Empower your audience with your expertise and creativity! Pinterest users love DIY projects and tutorials, making it the perfect platform to share your skills and inspire others to get creative.

• Share Tutorials: Create pins featuring step-by-step tutorials or process videos showcasing your artistic techniques. Whether it's a painting tutorial, a DIY art project, or a behind-the-scenes look at your creative process, sharing your expertise adds value and positions you as an authority in your niche. Showing your artistic process will inspire people and connect them to your art.
• Offer Tips and Advice: Share practical tips, advice, and insights about your artistic journey. Providing valuable information, from art supply recommendations to productivity hacks, helps build trust and credibility with your audience.
• Encourage Engagement: Invite your followers to share their DIY projects, artwork, or creative endeavors. Encourage engagement by hosting contests, challenges, or collaborative projects that inspire creativity and foster a sense of community among your audience.

With these Pinterest power moves, you'll showcase your art in new and exciting ways and attract a loyal following of enthusiasts eager to support and engage with your work. Get ready to pin your way to artistic success!

As we immerse ourselves in the visually captivating worlds of Pinterest and Instagram, one thing becomes abundantly clear: artists have discovered communities to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and discerning collectors, creating a solid foundation for showcasing and selling their works. From navigating the delicate balance of creativity and online presence to implementing actionable strategies for success on these platforms, I hope you've found some inspiration here.

Remember, authenticity is your greatest asset, connections are your lifelines, and art is your currency. So, dear artists, let's step forward confidently, recognizing that your story, community, and craft are the guiding lights on your journey. Embrace the possibilities, ignite your passion, and transform your social media into your next masterpiece.

I hope this piece inspires artists on social media. I can't wait to see what you create!