Instagram has become one of my favorite social media outlets. I love following my favorite artists (and art directors) for a peek into their lives and studio adventures. Photos from exhibitions and conventions I can’t attend are a special treat. I even follow a few authors too! Instagram’s unobtrusiveness is what attracts me most. There’s a lot to see, but it’s not being thrown in your face. There are no obligations to like everything that scrolls across your dashboard, nor to write a monologue. For someone as visual as I am, posting a photo with only a few words is perfect and it keeps the introvert in me happy. Instagram is also a great marketing tool. Sharing works in progress and sketches are popular posts, plus the app is able to share to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Flickr all at the same time. Perfect.
Below is a taste of the types of images I post. I usually tell people I post photos of art, trees and cats.
Photographing art on my deck.
Sun, clouds, trees
Crow Skull Sketch
My Dragon Con 2014 Badge
One of my studio assistants
Shooting reference for a painting
Nature walk discoveries
Magic the Gathering
The moon
North Georgia Mountain trips
Painting in Photoshop
Works in Progress
Watercolors
Renascentia
Files for my book
http://instagram.com/amandamakepeace/
Instagram Tips:
1. Hashtags are your friend. This is a hashtag –> #art #catsofinstagram #dragoncon. Posting a few, as they relate to your photo, help others find your posts. If I want to see who else is posting photos from Dragon Con I can click on the hashtag in the app and see all the photos being posted with that tag.
2. If someone comments on your photo be sure to respond by placing a @ in front of their username (ex. @amandamakepeace), otherwise they won’t see your response.
3. Fill out your profile completely and don’t forget to add a link to your website or shop!
4. If someone leaves you a spam comment you can block them. Go to their profile and click on the rectangular icon with the arrow (top right corner in the iOS app) and choose to block or report.
5. Building a following takes time. Be consistent with your posts, don’t over post, and interact by leaving comments on photos your love.