8 Artists You Should be Following on Instagram

Living in a digital age can be, at times, simply exhausting. While social media and the internet have helped improve several aspects of life, they’ve also opened the door to a thunderstorm of negativity.

Over 80% of 18-29 year-olds in the United States are on at least one social media platform. According to a January 2021 survey by Pew Research, 41% of Americans have encountered name-calling, threats, or another form of online harassment while using social media. A more positive change of pace is often refreshing.

If you’re looking to help combat the feeling that comes from reading a negative comment, here are eight artists you should be following on Instagram:

1.Emma Atterbury - @emmatterbury

In almost all of her pieces, Emma Atterbury incorporates her signature skeleton. Her art is set in the desert, with cactuses, sunsets, and rocks for her iconic skeletons to rest on. Emma uses her skeletons to speak truths about life. While finding comfort in a skeleton might sound strange, Emma’s words remind you that we’re all human at heart, working through the good and bad that life throws at us.

2. Arch Budzar - @archbudzar

The world of Arch Budzar’s work is one where plants teach you about the pain that comes with growth, and where flying demons remind you it’s okay to cry - literally. Their work is about love, sadness, joy, grief, acceptance, loneliness, and any other emotion that comes with the human experience. The art itself typically incorporates bright colors and textures. However, there’s the occasional piece where they use black and dark blue or red, as if they’re reminding you that no matter how dark it gets, you’ll be okay.

3. Elena Fiorenza Gatti - @fiorenza_art

If you’re looking for an artist whose feed is cohesive and satisfying to scroll through, Elena Fiorenza Gatti is your go-to. Elena is an art director in Chicago and uses a distinct color palette. She uses a sharp red, green, and black and a softer tan, blue, and pink in her drawings. Most of her work has animals incorporated into it. Her work reminds you to believe in and love yourself— something we could all be reminded of from time to time.

4. Cheeky Palm - @cheeky_palm

Cheeky Palm’s art aesthetic consists of smiling flowers, people with funky hair, and abstract nature. Their work has a youthful feel to it— the colors they use are bright and saturated, fully grabbing your attention. It touches on love and what it's like to have a heart that beats so hard, your body can’t keep up. Their art also touches on the feelings you may have that scare you. Whether you're overwhelmed by that big heart of yours or feeling anxious about the future, Cheeky Palm’s art is there to comfort you, one smiling flower at a time.

5. Carissa Potter Carlson - @peopleiveloved

There is a freeing feeling that comes when you make peace with how you process your emotions, and Carissa Carlson, the artist behind @peopleiveloved, captures that through her art. Her art style is personal, and her words feel like they come from a friend. A large portion of her work looks at the beauty of love and relationships, making this account perfect for any hopeless romantic. However, if you’re fresh out of a breakup and looking for some art that speaks to you, you can also find that through Carissa’s pieces.

6. Grace Miceli - @artbabygirl

Grace Miceli’s work is spunky, bright, and insightful. She somehow manages to tell you that what you want isn’t always what’s best for you. Her work is like a modern-day comic for those who are looking for some words of wisdom. From her sad snacks series, which features a drawing of the iconic Goldfish bag with the phrase, “‘Happiness is only temporary’”, to her comics about self-improvement and listening to your emotions, Grace’s work is a must-have on your Instagram feed.

7. Allie S - @sketchbook_jpeg

If you’re drawn to art that’s more graphic-driven, checkout @sketchbook_jpeg. Allie S’ work has a modern, distinct style that’s appealing to look at. She uses a wide range of color and typography. Regardless of the design, Allie’s work is raw and real and touches on the emotions you feel. Whether it’s a post about how to practice self-love or encouraging you to feel all of your feelings, her work reminds you to take a deep breath and slow down.

8. Rayan - @rayanistyping

Rayan is an artist who doubles as a writer, and you can see this in her work. Her art is deep-rooted. Some of her art features conversations between the head and the heart, two organs almost every human has experienced some form of internal conflict with. A portion of her work looks at love and loss, acknowledging that loss doesn’t always result in pain. She also manages to touch on heartbreak in a way that feels hopeful rather than crushing. The art itself imitates the feeling of her words. If you’re a fan of poetry and the feeling that comes from reading it, this account is for you.