When artists are deep in the creative process of a project or in executing an event, it can be hard to post Instagram images that provide variety. This blog post helps to answer the question of how to post repeated subjects on Instagram while still creating engaging content. Below are Instagram grid examples to help demonstrate how to stay relevant and compelling with your Instagram photos when you have limited subjects to post about.
Getting Started: When taking photos, consider taking a combination of detail and overview shots. Always keep variety in mind and take multiple photos from different angles and shots for an image. As you collect images and take shots, you will begin to think more about how to tell your story around events, and projects through a variety of perspectives and show these images in a compelling way.
When Posting Work about a Single Project
Art Images: These will be the most photo that you will use when you are in the creative process or making new work. Be sure to include an overview and details shots of what’s on the easel. Avoid repeat posts of the artwork straight on. Get close and low and show details.
Process Images: Give your followers the “behind the scenes” view of your studio practice. Include images from the entire process. For a painter you may include: sketching, outlining, picking out paint colors, painting, completed paintwork.
Marketing Image: Include a promo-based image, a shot of your image in a magazine or catalog works great. Also, think about your business card or an exhibition postcard.
Studio Images: Show your audience where you work or what your space looks like. Perhaps share insights into your studio habits like making a pot of coffee while you work like the image above.
When Posting or Promoting an Event
Event Images: overview and detail shots of the location of the event. Interior and exterior building shots as well as indoor. Take any photos that bring out the unique qualities of the space – whether it’s an awesome item a visitor will see in the space, an architectural feature, or some building signage
Marketing Images: Take a photo of the postcard or the logo/image for the event
Sneak Peak/FOMO Image: Give the viewers a sneak peek of what they can expect to see if they visit. Don’t give everything away because you want to create some FOMO (fear of missing out) for those who either are unsure about attending or for those who couldn’t make it. Find ways to create buzz about your event and share that in your photos.
When Promoting Art or Merchandise for Sale
Merchandise Image: Always photo new merchandise displays and new products. Find ways to take multiple photos of the same product. For the octopus pins above, in addition to the cluster of pins, take a photo of the pin by itself, in its packaging, and perhaps on someone’s jacket.
Event Image: Photo the art fest or event where merchandise would be, show where the event is where your product can be purchased
Marketing Image: Social networks or places to find work for sale online
Informational Image: Also photoed here is a blog post for artists about doing holiday art sales and hosting open houses where art sales will happen. Find ways to share and mention things that are helpful to your followers and viewers that they would find value in.
When Photos are Unrelated
Design: When your in-between projects and events, think about how the elements and principles of design can play in your favor to make your Instagram grid look good.
Color: Color is a great way to create a sense of cohesiveness and a good way to connect very different images. Notice how coral, yellow, and baby blue is seen in the photos above and make it look like the images were curated together. Meanwhile, this spread shows 3 different creative projects and 3 different events.
Curation: Remember that it is okay to delete a photo if it feels out of place or unbalanced.
Caution: Avoid is posting a completely unrelated photo that feels out of place. It’s better to be purposeful and strategic with your images than post an image for the sake of sharing a photo.
