Mistakes to Avoid When Running an Instagram Art Account

Running an Instagram art account can be an exciting experience. The platform offers artists a space to showcase their work, interact with like-minded creators, and potentially turn their passion into a career.

Think of it this way: Instagram has over two billion monthly active users across the globe. In the US alone, 76 percent of people aged 18-24 use Instagram. Hence, the opportunity to get their work and themselves out there is readily available on the platform.

All that being said, running an Instagram art account can also be an overwhelming experience. Many artists unknowingly fall into common pitfalls that can hinder their growth, damage their confidence, or even lead to burnout. From obsessing over engagement metrics to undervaluing their own work, these mistakes can turn a fulfilling creative journey into a frustrating experience.

Here are a few mistakes you must avoid when trying to run your own Instagram art account.

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Considering Your Work Inferior to Others

Research shows that people are often exposed to many idealized profiles of various personalities and peers on Instagram. Due to such exposure, they may feel inferior.

It’s easy to scroll through your feed and feel that your style isn’t as refined or that others are achieving success beyond your reach. What often gets overlooked is that Instagram is a highlight reel. Artists showcase their best work, sometimes after multiple revisions, and rarely share the struggles behind the scenes.

The moment you start seeing others’ success as proof of your own inadequacy, you strip yourself of the joy of creating. Every artist progresses at their own pace, and growth comes with time, practice, and persistence.

This constant comparison isn’t just a blow to your confidence. It can have serious effects on mental health. Studies have shown a growing concern about the psychological impact of social media platforms like Instagram. The ongoing Instagram lawsuits have even emerged over the potential harm this platform can cause.

According to TruLaw, in recent years, multiple social media mental health lawsuits have raised concerns about the platform’s role in social media addiction. These lawsuits particularly focus on young adults who use social media platforms the most. The unrealistic beauty and success standards perpetuated by Instagram can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, body image issues, eating disorders, etc.

Running an art account on Instagram might lead to similar mental health problems, especially when you’re looking down on yourself. Hence, when running an art account, it’s important to prioritize your well-being over engagement numbers. Always remind yourself that your creativity is valid, no matter how it compares to someone else’s curated content.

Prioritizing Engagement Over Authenticity

Many artists believe that the key to success on Instagram lies in chasing likes, shares, and comments. While engagement does help increase visibility, focusing too much on metrics can make your account feel more like a job than a creative outlet.

Algorithms change constantly, and what works one month may be ineffective the next. If you base your self-worth or artistic value on fluctuating engagement rates, you may find yourself compromising your creativity just to please the algorithm.

Instead of creating just for numbers, prioritize authenticity. Post work that truly represents your artistic vision, even if it doesn’t go viral. Share your process, experiments, and even failures. This makes your account more relatable and engaging in the long run.

Your audience will appreciate genuine creativity over manufactured content designed just for reach. Art is meant to evoke emotions, tell stories, and connect people, not just rack up likes.

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Ignoring Community Interaction

Posting consistently without engaging with others makes it difficult to grow a loyal following. Simply uploading artwork and logging off isn’t enough; interaction fosters relationships, and relationships lead to a more engaged audience.

Supporting fellow artists by liking and commenting on their work helps you become part of a larger creative network. Instagram is a social platform, and success often comes from collaboration and interaction rather than just posting in isolation. An engaged audience is more likely to support your work, share your art, and even invest in your creations.

Posting Without a Strategy

Posting sporadically or without a clear direction can make it difficult for your account to grow. Many artists fall into the habit of uploading whenever they feel like it, which can make it hard for followers to stay engaged.

Rigid schedules aren’t necessary. However, consistency helps keep your audience interested. If your posting habits are unpredictable, people may lose interest or forget about your account altogether. Just remember to post three to five times a week, and you can easily maintain your account’s engagement levels.

Developing a loose strategy can help maintain engagement without overwhelming yourself. Consider when your audience is most active and experiment with different content types, such as process videos, sketches, and finished pieces. Then, plan your posts or work ahead so you’re not scrambling for content at the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should an Instagram art account post content?

An Instagram art account should post at least three to five times a week to stay active and engage followers. Consistency is key to building an audience and keeping engagement high. Quality and interaction matter more than sheer frequency.

Will Instagram decrease my account’s visibility if I don’t post regularly?

Yes, Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes active accounts that engage consistently. If you stop posting regularly, your reach may decline, and fewer followers will see your content. However, occasional breaks won’t permanently harm your account. Engaging through comments, stories, and reels can help maintain visibility even when posting less frequently.

How to realize that a person is addicted to social media?

A person addicted to social media often spends excessive time online, neglecting responsibilities or real-life interactions. They may feel anxious or restless when not checking their accounts. If social media use disrupts sleep, work, or relationships, it may indicate addiction.

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Conclusion

Running an Instagram art account successfully requires more than just posting artwork. Avoiding common mistakes, like constant self-comparison and posting without a strategy, can help make the experience more fulfilling and sustainable.

The most important thing is to remember why you started sharing your art in the first place – because you love creating. Remember: Social media should enhance your artistic journey, not hinder it.