10 Instagram Reel Ideas that Really Work for Artists

Reels are Where It’s At

Instagram used to be a showcase of photos. But lately, video has really taken over. Instagram created a type of content called Reels (short videos) to capitalize on the fact that videos draw people in. Instagram’s algorithm shows Reels to a wider audience than any other type of post. If you’re an artist, you should definitely learn to make Reels and make them a regular part of your Instagram strategy. It’s a great way to reach new people!

I jumped on the Reels wagon this past year, and I've noticed that my Instagram reach is growing faster, along with likes, shares, and engagement. I've had more people contact me about painting commissions, my art courses, and my monthly membership for artists. And I’ve grown my email list to over 5,100 followers with the help of Instagram and Reels!

Reels is not about selling your products, it's about sharing information with your audience. It's all about creating new relationships and nurturing existing relationships. Reels is not about creating a hard sales pitch—it’s about sharing yourself, your art, and your brand in an authentic way.

Does showing up on video make you feel anxious and awkward? Do it anyway! People don't care about you having a bad hair day; they actually like seeing the "real" you and getting to know you better! My advice is get past being shy in front of the camera, have some fun, and share things with your audience that they want to see and know more about! You don’t have to make your Reels in the ways that you see others doing it. Create Reels that help you enjoy sharing yourself.

Later in this post I’ll share a resource for learning how to create Reels. But let’s talk about 10 great Reel ideas for artists to get your ideas flowing!

1. Reveal New Work

Create one or more Reels to debut your latest creation. Show yourself with the artwork, go close up to allow the viewer to swoon over the details, or talk about the piece. 

2. Give a Studio Tour

People love seeing artists’ studios! Provide a tour of your studio, showing where you work and how you organize your supplies. 

3. Show Your Design Process-Share Tips

Before I begin a painting, I make composition studies and I mix paints to select a color scheme. How about you? Give the world a peek into the work that you do that sets a painting up for success. Some of my most popular Reels are about simple tips like the kinds of items I use to add texture to my work, or creating collage paper, or proven painting tips to keep your paintings vibrant.

4. Show Packaging and Shipping

You may find packaging and shipping unsexy, but Reels showing the care you put into packaging and shipping can put potential buyers’ minds at ease. It’s a great way to show them what they can expect when they buy your work, and it highlights your professionalism. 

5. Show Your Tools

Do an unboxing video when you receive new art supplies. Or create a Reel talking about your favorite paintbrush. You could also make a Reel showing how creamy and luscious your paints are. People love watching closeups of paints being mixed!

6. Show How to Install Your Work

People who are interested in buying original art may be apprehensive about how to hang or display it. Use Reels to educate the buyer on how to effectively hang or display your art, as well as any artwork care tips.

7. Show How You Set Up and Clean Up

How do you arrange things in your studio as you begin a new painting? Curious minds would love to know! After you complete a painting, does it look like a bomb went off in your studio? How do you clean it up and restore order? People love to watch studio clean-up videos.

8. Flip-through of Sketchbook or Art Journal

I have no doubt you’ve watched videos of a sketchbook or art journal being flipped through. What a fun glimpse of an artist’s creative practice! Share your own sketchbook in this way (if you want, you can speed it up so people get just a peek and there’s no time for judgement).

9. Highlight Your Inspiration

If you’re inspired by nature, create Reels that show natural objects or places that directly inspire your work. Are you inspired by animals, still life, colors, or people? By sharing your inspiration, you’re letting people learn more about you and connect with you about the subjects that inspire you.

10. Answer a Question

Are there certain questions that you are asked again and again? Make Reels that address these questions—you never know how many people might have the question and don’t ask! The more people learn about you, the further they’ll move along the know—like—trust continuum.

Put Yourself Out There!

These 10 ideas merely scratch the surface of the many ways you can use Reels to help the world learn more about you and your work.

If you’re feeling inspired to create Reels but don’t know where to start, make sure you get on the waitlist for The Painterly Way, my monthly membership for abstract artists. One of our topics this month includes mastering Instagram engagement. This is just one of the many valuable lessons I share with my members. It’s all available in the membership library with step by step directions.

If your artistry is a business and not just a hobby and you don't have time to do all of your own social media on a consistent basis, delegate the responsibility to someone you can trust and has the expertise you are seeking. It's a wise investment!

Let’s Reel it in!

• Which idea speaks to you the most?

• Would you like to add an idea of your own?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

And, I can’t wait to see the Reels you create! Tag me @carylfineart and I’ll respond!