Let's face it. Content creation isn't going anywhere--yet. If you post to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok you are creating content. Whether you do it for fun, to make side income or just a way to digitally log your memories, you are a content creator. There is nothing wrong with the why. As a new illustrator (and still currently), I would find myself running out of ideas or creative ways to post my content.
If you are looking for ways to increase engagement with your page or post, posting everyday for a month will help. Since the creative process can sometimes leave you with a "block" and all out of ideas on what to post, below are 30 ideas for 30 days of content as an Illustrator. I like posting to Instagram because the engagement is there (not so much on my Facebook). But use these ideas to help get your creative process going or just simply copy them verbatim. If you're seasoned and these ideas are not going to cut it for you-then simply pass them on to a creative who would benefit from them!
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1. Introduce yourself, your brand, your why?
- -You can easily do this with a carousel post. Let the followers and potential followers connect with you.
- -If you have already done this before, it doesn't hurt to do again! You've gained new followers since then.
- -Share your artistic style and how it came bout
2. Customer testimonial or use mock-ups to show your art in real life (e.g., framed, on mugs).
- Let your potential buyers know how your art will look on products. You can do mockups using Canva or Placeit. There's also Freepix as well!
3. Make a themed week.
- This is the easiest and quickest way to get 5 days worth of content. Maybe you're into Marvel, celebrities, or floral artwork. Announce the theme on Monday and when it's done on Friday ask people what would be their next theme they would like to see.
4. Holiday artwork
- Most months have a major holiday and even if there's no holiday like Easter or Christmas, focus on things like National Women's History Month or Hispanic Heritage month. For myself, I focus on black women so for the month of February I may do a month of interesting facts with my artwork.
5. Throwback Thursday
- Showcase your older illustrations and show how far you've come. What's changed? Have you used a different medium or new style?
6. Try your hand at a different medium
- Maybe you're a traditional artist and use a sketch pad and color pencils or you're strictly digital. Try oil or acrylic paintings and track your progress.
7. Share an ongoing piece with a progress poll (e.g., “Add gold detailing or keep it simple?”).
- Asking a question helps to increase engagement and also gives you ideas on how to add to your style.
8. Customer Q&A – “What would you like to know about the process?
- You never know who is inspired by you and your journey. Open up the discussion to future artist.
9. This or That post
- This is a good and easy way to find out what your audience likes! For example, You can post very minimalistic art vs detailed art and say "This or That".
10. Announce a giveaway
- Giveaways are a good way to get your product out there when you're just starting. Make sure you have a P.O. Box to use as a return address to protect your privacy and safety.
11. Showcase your office, workstation or setup
- Everyone's work set up or office is different. It also adds to everyone's creative process. Showcase your workstation, show your favorite brushes or markers.
12. Thank You Post
- Thank current or new followers with an illustrative Thank You post.
13. Showcase products if you're selling them
- If you have physical products that you're selling, get a few product shots to share.
14. Inspirational Quotes
- Inspirational Quotes are my favorite. Not because it will drive traffic but because I use them as my own personal daily reminders. Positive affirmations can help not only you as an artist but those who are following you.
15. Appreciation for another artist
- Maybe you have a famous painter you're inspired by. Maybe it's another content creator. Giving flowers is a great way to connect and show appreciation.
16. Q&A
- Allow followers to ask questions about your process, your why, how you brand etc. Don't worry if you don't have all of the answers or believe they aren't right! These are your truths and what works for you.
17. Share a carousel of recent unpublished sketches or works in progress
- Carousel of your B-Roll will always come in handy!
18. Tips on how to use whatever app or medium you use
- Maybe you're a pro at the software you use for illustrating or editing. Perhaps you have a quick and easy tip for creating patterns with that specific software. Create a post or video to deliver this information.
19. Share a mood board or color palette that inspired a piece.
- You can use a carousel to share this post. Explain why you chose the color palette and maybe link a palette generator if you used one.
20. Customer Appreciation
- You could post a flyer with a discount. Get creative with the illustration-a hand holding a sign or a cute animal holding a sign that says "I appreciate you, and for all of the support here's 15% off your next purchase."
21. Illustrate a favorite quote or lyric
- If you have a fave singer or rapper, try doing a character illustration with creative fonts highlighting your fave verse in their song.
22. Create an easy-to-follow tutorial for something simple (e.g., how to draw a flower).
- This will not only help give you content to post, but you'll be helping people solve a problem that they have (for instance, how to draw a rose). Your page will be a source of information, driving more traffic and followers to you.
23. Illustrate your favorite food or drink
- Maybe you love coffee! Search for some aesthetic coffee images for brilliant ideas.
24. Participate in a drawing contest
- When you search #drawthisisnyourstyle or #dtiys you can often find drawing challenges to participate in. When I was first starting, this was a good tool to help me keep my creative juices flowing.
25. Create your own drawing contest
- This is a good way to get followers engaged and to attract traffic to your profile. Plus it will be a good way to connect with other artists.
26. Post about artist struggle or mistake
- Maybe you hate drawing eyes or are not comfortable drawing animals. Showcase your struggle and ask for tips on how to overcome
27. Trendy audio + your art process
- On IG, you can find trendy audio and sometimes templates to help create an IG reel. You can make the video fun and unique by showcasing yourself being silly or taking breaks in between illustrating.
28. Illustrate a scene
- I typically only draw character portraits so illustrating a scene from a show or movie would be totally different (and would push my creative gears). Search places like Pinterest, for ideas. Maybe try a flower shop, or busy street in your favorite city.
29. Share a piece inspired by your followers’ suggestions
- Follower's will often give suggestions on things to illustrate. Use this as extra ideas when you're running low. Make sure to @ them to let them know you appreciate the idea.
30. Share tips for beginners
- Share some tips you wish you would've known when you were first starting. Maybe give some inspiration. In the beginning when you don't know where you're heading or what to do, it can be a little scary and intimidating. There's never too much information out there. Everyone's experiences are different. Think about your why.
Hopefully these tips were helpful! If you found them interesting, please pass along to someone who you think could benefit from them!