Introduction
If you’re an artist, Instagram is the perfect place to share your latest work, connect with a supportive community, and gain new fans. But if you’re not sure how to get started making videos (or have only made one or two), I’ve got good news: you don’t have to be an expert filmmaker! All it takes is some creativity and inspiration from other artists who have been at this game for years. That’s why I’ve put together this list of nine content ideas for visual artists on Instagram—each one based on what works for me (and others). They range from simple tips (“Shout out to people in my community”) all the way up to more advanced techniques such as creating an “art tip” series with short videos showing viewers how they can improve their own craft by following along with these step-by-step demonstrations. But regardless of your skill level or comfort level with video technology (or lack thereof), there’s something here that everyone can learn from!
1. How-To Videos
How-to videos are the most popular type of video content for many reasons. They’re easy to follow, helpful for those who are struggling with the same problems you once did, and easy to make.
When making a how-to video, there are two main things to keep in mind: what you’re going to be talking about and how you’re going to talk about it. If it’s your first time making a video like this or even just the first few times making something similar then figuring out what exactly you want your audience members (or viewers) to walk away with is important because that’s what they’ll remember most. And when thinking about how you’ll do this make sure not only does each step have an understandable explanation but also make sure that each step has its own visual element so that there isn’t too much text on the screen at once!
2. Stories from the Studio
Stories from the Studio are an easy way to add personality to your Instagram. They’re a great way to connect with your audience, and they can be as simple as showing off your studio setup or as involved as showing how you work and what inspires you. You can do this by posting photos of projects in progress, works in progress (like sketches), finished pieces of art, or even just the tools and supplies that help you create.
3. Art Tips and Tricks
You can tell your audience how to make their art better with this type of content. Show them how to use different materials, mediums, tools or techniques to create a unique look. If you paint or draw with watercolors, maybe you show them how you create an illustration for a children’s book using that technique. Maybe it’s just something as simple as showing them what brushes you use when creating digital paintings in Photoshop.
4. Artist Q&A
This is a good way to show off your personality and also get some feedback from your followers. You can ask the audience questions about themselves, or you can ask them what they want to see from you.
Ask: What do you want to know about me?
Possible Answers: How long have I been painting? Why did I choose this subject matter? Where do I find inspiration for my work? Which other artists inspire me? What do I like most about being an artist/painter/photographer/etc.? What should I paint next (and why)?”
5. Community shout outs
Shout-outs are a great way to show your community that you appreciate them. If you have a lot of followers, this can be especially effective for getting new followers and growing your audience. You can also use this space to include the artists who inspire you or people that helped contribute to the success of your work.
Shout-outs are similar to giving kudos in person, but they’re less personal so they’re more accessible than if you were actually saying it out loud or writing them into an email (which most people don’t do anymore). You’ll also be able to find those shout-outs easily when searching through Instagram because it will list everything under one hashtag with no need for further explanation like “#shoutout” or “#shoutouts” which means less time spent hunting through comments while still being able to see something important without having go back through all previous posts from each artist involved as well as other content creators who may have been mentioned during those conversations over time.
6. Product Unboxing, Review or Demo
If you’re a visual artist, there’s no better way to show off your work than through the lens of a well-made Instagram Reel. Unboxing videos have become so popular that there are now literally dozens of YouTube channels dedicated to them. Check out @unboxtherapy for some inspiration!
In addition to unboxing and review videos, it’s also possible—and common practice—to create individualized product demos for each item in your shop. For example, if you sell handcrafted jewelry on Etsy or at craft fairs, you could make an individualized demo video showing how to wear the piece and where it would be worn best.
7. What I’m Doing Right Now, or Day in the Life
This is a great way to showcase your creative process, whatever that may look like. If you’re working on a new series, capture images of the pieces as they progress from start to finish. If you are at the point in your career where you have finished work that is available for purchase, include images from your studio wall or from shows where it was displayed.
If you’re a hobbyist and not making any money off of your craft, share photos of things that inspire you or remind of the joys art brings into your life (or just plain make fun stuff).
8. Showcase Your Own Art, Posting a New Piece Every Few Days
This is a simple way to build an Instagram following. Posting a new piece of art every few days, or even once each week, will help you showcase your work and get people interested in your style. If you have multiple pieces that are similar in style and medium, consider posting them all together as one collection. For example, if you’re painting with oils on canvas but also do sculpture work with clay and wire—showcase those different styles all at once!
This strategy works best when combined with other strategies like posting interesting process shots or making behind-the-scenes videos.
Conclusion
We hope this list has helped you get some ideas for your own Instagram reel videos. Remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect or polished, it just needs to be honest and authentic. Our goal is always to connect with people on an emotional level and make them feel like they know us personally (or at least get a good chuckle). We hope you can use our tips as a starting point for creating your own content!