Let’s be real: once upon a time, artists dreamed of getting into the Louvre. Now? It’s all about getting into someone’s algorithm. Welcome to the age of Instagram stardom, where a perfectly lit picture of your gouache giraffe can rake in more likes than a Renaissance masterpiece (Michelangelo’s rolling in his grave, probably with good lighting).

But how do you go from “random person with a paint-splattered phone” to famous Instagram artist, followed by collectors, gallery scouts, and people who want to buy your art and ask for tattoo permission?

Great question. Let’s break down how to become a famous Instagram artist—without losing your mind or turning into a hashtag zombie.

1. Make Good Art (Sorry, There’s No Hack for That)

We know, we know—this tip is about as fun as flossing. But seriously, before you post your 487th WIP (Work in Perpetuity), take a moment and ask: Is this something I would heart-scroll if it came from someone else?

Good art gets noticed. Great art gets saved. Weirdly specific art about raccoons doing taxes? That gets shared.

To become a famous Instagram artist, you have to do the art part first. Everything else is glitter on top of the canvas.

2. Post Consistently… But Not Like a Robot

Instagram’s algorithm loves consistency. It’s like a needy plant—feed it too little, it dies; too much, it wilts in protest. Try posting 3–5 times a week. Not hourly. You’re not a news agency, you’re an artist.

Pick a time of day when your followers are most likely doomscrolling (usually lunch breaks or late nights), and stick to it. Think of your account like a mini art show: the doors open at 7 p.m., and they expect greatness, or at least something with a cat in it.

3. Curate Like You’re the MoMA

Your feed should look like it belongs in a fancy art book—or at least a well-organized Pinterest board. Avoid mixing in random selfies, unedited dinner photos, or that one blurry shot of your elbow (unless your elbow is part of your brand).

Use consistent lighting, similar color palettes, and even recurring themes. Cohesion is key to visual appeal, and visual appeal is Instagram’s bread and butter.

Bonus tip: Preview your grid before posting using an app like UNUM or Preview. (Yes, we’re getting that fancy.)

4. Use Hashtags… Like You Mean It

If hashtags were a spice, they’d be garlic—add enough and everything’s better, overdo it and your audience is crying. Use 15–30 relevant hashtags per post, but be intentional. Not every artwork needs #sunsetlovers or #dogswithjobs.

Use a mix of:

• Broad: #art #painting #artistsoninstagram

• Niche: #watercolorflowers #surrealportrait #gouacheart

• Personal: #yournameart #yourbrandname

And yes, it’s okay to copy-paste a block of hashtags into the first comment. We’re not animals.

5. Reels Are the New Renaissance

We know you didn’t sign up to be a video editor, but Instagram is currently obsessed with Reels. (Think of it as their midlife crisis answer to TikTok.)

Post painting process videos, timelapses, sketchbook flips, or even silly “day in the life” montages where you dramatically stare at a blank canvas for 30 seconds. People love that.

Instagram pushes Reels harder than your aunt pushes pyramid schemes—use that algorithmic boost.

6. Engage Like a Human, Not a Brand-Bot

To become a famous Instagram artist, you have to… actually talk to people. Gasp.

Respond to comments. Leave thoughtful messages on other artists’ posts. Share others’ work in your Stories (with credit, obviously). Comment sections are the new cocktail party—network, mingle, and don’t spill the digital wine.

People follow people, not content machines. Be yourself. Be weird. Be kind. (Just don’t be the person who replies “thanks 😊” to everything like a malfunctioning robot.)

7. Tell Your Story (With Captions, Not Cryptic Emojis)

Your art might speak volumes, but your captions are what make people care enough to listen. Share the inspiration behind the piece, the weird dream you had that led to it, or the fact that your cat sat on the palette mid-way through painting it.

Instagram fame isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about emotional connection. If someone relates to your story, they’ll follow you and buy the raccoon painting. Twice.

8. Collaborate, Don’t Compete (Unless It’s a Meme-Off)

Partner with other artists. Join challenges like #drawthisinyourstyle. Do collabs with poets, designers, or even puppeteers. Your audience gets new content, you get fresh eyes on your page, and someone out there gets a watercolor of a llama wearing roller skates.

Plus, Instagram’s algorithm loves when accounts interact with each other. And your DMs won’t be just bots offering “feature for $50!!” anymore.

9. Offer Prints, Commissions, or… Tarot Readings?

Eventually, your fans will want more than just double-tapping your digital glory. Make it easy for them to support you!

Use services like:

• Gumroad or Ko-fi for digital downloads.

• Inprnt, Society6, or Redbubble for prints.

• Linktree or Beacons to house all your links (because IG only gives you one).

Monetization doesn’t have to be sleazy. Your audience wants to support you. Let them.

10. Survive the Slumps (aka Algorithm Meltdowns)

Even famous Instagram artists get hit with “the slump”—sudden dips in engagement, shadowbans, or the existential dread of being ghosted by your audience.

Here’s what to do:

• Don’t delete everything in a rage.

• Don’t change your username to “@whydoievenart.”

• Do take breaks, reevaluate, and remember: you’re more than your likes.

Success on Instagram is a marathon in glitter-covered sneakers, not a sprint.

Final Brushstroke: Fame Isn’t the Goal—Connection Is

Sure, being a famous Instagram artist sounds great. But the real magic is building a community, finding your people, and sharing your voice in pixels and pigments. The fame? That’s just extra frosting on the metaphorical canvas cake.

So go ahead—make weird art. Post it with passion. Use the hashtags, drop the Reels, tell your story, and let the likes roll in (or not). Either way, you’re creating something real. And that’s always worth double-tapping.