Have you ever felt as though you’re alone on an island as an art teacher? Some of us are the only art teachers in our school, and we don’t have a lot of opportunities to collaborate with other art educators on a regular basis. For those of us who have strong art departments, we might be missing that collaborative component with other working artists. How do we find connection and stay relevant in the art world?
Social media has become integral to our lives, both positively and negatively. One positive benefit is that it can connect isolated art teachers and artists to a community of like-minded professionals. Social media can also inspire creative practices and ideas for our classrooms and studios. It’s important that we’re intentional with who and what we follow so that social media continues to be an encouraging, uplifting experience.
If you’re looking for a few inspirational Instagram accounts to redesign your timeline, we’ve got you covered! Check out these 10 accounts to add more intention to your feed.
1. @lindafabry
Linda Fabry’s Instagram account features daily intuitive painting exercises. Using a desk-sized calendar, she creates a mini artwork every day to fill each date on the calendar. These innovative exercises are the perfect way to recharge your creative practice. You can find more from her @LindaPaints on Tik Tok.
2. @shittycraftclub
Don’t let the name fool you. This account is run by Sam Reece and provides comedy, corny content, and bedazzling. If you’re into hot glue, yarn, jewels, and unexpected outcomes, you’ll love the cheesy projects Sam brings to life. It’s a good dose of fun, craft, and relatable content for any art teacher.
3. @devonrodriguezart
In this account, you’ll find Devon Rodriguez documenting his daily New York City subway commute. Equipped with a sketchbook, he quickly and accurately draws strangers on the subway. He picks out one person and draws them without their knowledge. When he’s finished, he documents their reaction as he gives them the drawing, showcasing the joy art can bring.
4. @lianafinck
Liana Finck is a cartoonist and illustrator who is a regular contributor to The New Yorker. If you’re a documentary lover, you can also find her in Very Semi-Serious. This film contains art and humor with a behind-the-scenes look at cartoonists. In Liana’s Instagram account, you’ll discover simple line drawings that are a commentary on a range of humorous, satirical, and serious topics.
5. @gregory_euclide
Gregory Euclide is an artist whose work is filled with explorations. From drawings, paintings, prints, and installations, Gregory’s Instagram account is an experiment of fine details and organic mark making. Explore his Reels page and prepare to be mesmerized!
6. @dressedtomatch
Dressed to Match is an account by Michelle Satterlee. Michelle is a gallery director in California, known for curating her outfits to match artworks. She will take you behind the scenes to share thrift shopping searches and photography shoots.
7. @madeformonday
Kristen Girard is the fiber artist behind the account Made for Monday. You’ll find yourself captivated by the swirling vibrant colors and patterns. Kristen often uses mirrors or white text in her work. The behind-the-scenes processes she shares are also quite satisfying.
8. @aestheticsofjoy
Aesthetics of Joy is curated by Ingrid Fetell Lee. She is the author of the book Joyful. Both her Instagram account and book are about how you can find joy in ordinary life. Her account will delight you with a playful balance of color, art, and everyday objects that spark wonder and excitement.
9. @birgit_koopsen
Birgit Koopsen-Bernstein is a mixed-media artist who primarily works with gel printing plates. Her account showcases monoprints that are rich with layers and extraordinary details. For more information on gel printing plates, check out the PRO Pack Creating With Gel Printing Plates.
10. @olgaladyart
Olga Skorokhod is a paper artist who creates beautiful, delicate artworks. Her work features bright colors and minimalistic designs with meticulous attention to detail. Her use of symmetry, repetition, and complexity is hypnotizing. Olga also posts videos that take you alongside her artistic practice.
Social media can connect us to inspiring communities. Let’s take this inspiration into our classrooms this fall to engage students with fun, new artists and techniques. We can also infuse these ideas into our personal studios as we rediscover our own artistic voice and style. Whatever your motivation may be, check out these ten accounts for innovative ideas to fuel your creative fire!
What are your favorite arts-related Instagram accounts to follow?
Where do you look to find creative inspiration?
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
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