I have fallen in love with so many artists who specialize in mediums ranging from photography to mixed media to creating illustrations using fancy software. I know social media can be a controversial topic, and in many aspects of the argument, I do agree that it is harmful to things like social interactions and mindfulness. I don't know about you, but sometimes, it's really hard to scroll through Instagram without feeling like you want to throw your phone across the room in hope that it shatters against the wall. But as much as I hate to admit it, social media is great when you need some inspiration.
Here is a list of only a couple of the artists I follow on Instagram. I use the art they create as a daily reminder that hard work and discipline can help create masterpieces... and also, that art is pretty freakin' cool. I am a huge fan of the work they create. I'm not trying to make a statement or anything like that. Of course, there are so many super cool and underappreciated artists trying to showcase their work on Instagram. But these are just some of the few artists I always like when they pop up on my feed. Hopefully, if you do decide to follow them, they brighten (I'm guessing) your usually mundane feeds and lead you to discover more artists.
1. @vypunto
Victor Santiago is a collage artist based in Spain. His art is everything you love about collages. He mixes vintage black and white photographs with colorful objects, shapes, animals, and whatever else fits. His art is eclectic in the best way, and if you're into mixtures of photographs and mood-board type art, definitely follow him!
2. @manjitthapp
Manjit is literally one of my favorite illustrators, ever. She creates the type of art I wish I had the patience and discipline to create, using a program on her iPad. She's only 23 and on March 6, she is releasing a book called "The Little Book of Feminist Saints." Her illustrations are super aesthetically pleasing and her talent shouldn't go unnoticed!
3. @christine_lutz_
I recently stumbled upon the photography of Christine Lutz. She mostly takes portraits that resemble something you'd catch in a fashion editorial magazine or even Vogue. Her photos have three things I love about photography: they're personal, fashionable, and give off a vintage vibe.
4. @lauracallaghanillustration
This art screams "FEMINISM!" Laura Callaghan illustrates fierce, bad-ass women and also pays really close attention to details like the pattern on a girl's pants to her stray hairs. Her art is super cool. I can't find a better word to describe it. Just really dope female art worth checking out!
5. @evakrbdk
Even if you're not into tattoos, what Eva Krbdk does is art! I have literally never seen tattoos like this before in my life. Her most recent post is a tattoo she did in the past where she recreated two paintings by Vincent Van Gough. I just love the realism in her tattoos. It's breathtaking. I just can't imagine how long it takes to create a piece as beautiful and realistic as hers. Or how much it must hurt!
6. @antonitudisco
I kid you not, this is some of the trippiest, weirdest, art you will ever see in your life. Antonio Tudisco is a 3D artist and so his Instagram feed is overflowing with fuzzy, bright colored, oddly moving figures. I can't describe his art. You just have to go check it out for yourself. Scroll through his profile when you're really tired and out of it, and see how it makes you feel. I promise it's a worthwhile experience.
7. @harinzeyart
Arinze Stanley is a Nigerian-based artist who specializes in "photogenic art." That pretty much means creating a piece of art that looks identical to a photograph. The first time I saw one of his works, I had to do a double take because I couldn't believe the details. The amazing attention to details, like shading, is breathtaking. (A tiny — and I mean tiny — part of the faces of the people he draws can take up to hours. That's how intricate this type of art is! Crazy cool.)