6 Tips For Buying Art On Instagram From Artists
It's one of the fastest growing shifts in the art world - purchasing art directly from the artist and online. Find out some tips for buying your first Instagram art direct from an artist, and how to discover new artwork that's waiting to be discovered by you.
First Off, Look At As Much Art As You Can
My advice is always the same – buy what you love! And if you are not sure, look at as much art as you can. One great way to begin is through Instagram. Of course, it doesn’t beat seeing art in person, but it sure can help you develop your sense of what you do and don’t like.
#1 START WITH WHAT YOU KNOW
One great way to start your search for your perfect artwork on Instagram is perhaps by following some galleries, artists, art fairs or other Instagram art names you already know of - even if that’s not many!
Compiling this follow list will begin the search for you. Instagram will begin suggesting other Instagram art accounts, such as emerging artists, who may be following these larger accounts. You’ll begin to uncover a whole world of talent and possibly discover something unique.
#2 Search INSTAGRAM Art Hashtags
Be sure to follow some popular art hashtags too. There are larger ones to more specific ones used by artists to share their art with the world - just type some hash tag ideas into the ‘search bar’ of Instagram to begin. Or click on the hashtags you’re favourite artists are already using. Here’s a few to get you going:
Larger: #artistofinstagram #buyart #artforsalebyartist #artcollector
Theme specific: #impressionism #contemporaryimpressionism #seapainting #sunsetpainting
Location specific: #northcornwall #southwestcoastpath #cornwall
One Painting Winging It’s Way To Australia Via #Cornwall
Early on in my art career, this story is about a family effort to purchase the ‘Hush Of The Sea’ painting above for Laura, who living in Australia, first discovered the painting by scrolling through the #cornwall hastag:
““Living over in Western Australia now, I use Instragram to fulfil my need to see my home county, Cornwall. I was scrolling through the hashtag #cornwall when a colourful seascape caught my eye. Once clicking on the Instagram picture I realised it was an advertisement for Rachel’s exhibition. Seeing that the gallery had already been open for a couple of days I quickly messaged my mum and sent her over to the gallery to see if my favourite painting was still available. She messaged to say that it had sold the day before. Undeterred I contacted Rachel to see if I could commission a similar painting, but unbeknown to me my mum had purchased it to gift to me! I can’t wait to bring the beauty back to Australia with me!” ”
Deepen The Connection With The Artist
#3 SAVE YOUR FAVOURITE PAINTINGS To CREATE A MOOD BOARD
Start collecting and saving your favourite paintings in a collection folder all within the Instagram app. Gradually you’ll start noticing styles, colours & themes you’re leaning towards. It’s also a handy place to re-find a specific painting or artist you’ve discovered.
#4 ASK A QUESTION or SEND A Direct Message TO YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISTS
Art is more than just the paint it’s made of- there’s a part of the artist in each painting. Feel apart of an artists creative process and follow their artistic career. Leave a comment on a post; ask a question (no question is too silly!). From an artists perspective it’s a huge encouragement for someone to reach out and hear what they like about a specific piece.
#5 JOIN AN ARTISTS MAILING LIST
Take the connection a step further and join your favourite artists mail list. Each artists will be different, but I like to share
Share works in progress & timelapse videos giving you an opportunity to see a piece come together - I know the life of an artist can be mysterious to many!
You’ll be the first to see the newest paintings fresh from the easel - having the opportunity to purchase before they’re made available elsewhere, and first to receive other studio updates & releases.
It’s simply a way of keeping in touch - whilst you wait for the right time to purchase your piece or, of course, if you just love seeing art and not in the market for purchasing, you’re also welcome!
BE THE FIRST TO SEE MY LATEST PAINTINGS
Join My Artletter Mailing List Today
And Then, When The Time’s Right…
#6 Reach Out & Make An Inquiry
Once you decide on which artwork you’d like to purchase for your home you can reach out the artist directly on Instagram to make a quick and easy purchase; or by following the links in the bio description to their online shop if you prefer.
Artists nowadays are quite accustomed to selling art on Instagram and will take care of the packing and shipping details, some may even handle the framing for you too so you can get your painting straight to your wall to be enjoyed.
I share one US collector’s journey, from discovering my art on Instagram to purchasing her first piece (as seen above) for her home in Collectors Stories- Secret Beach.
Still considering a piece? Many artists also offer additional services such as Free Room Previews & Other Services, Commissions and Prints to help you purchase the perfect piece of art for your home.