And maybe it’s time you got your own work up on there as well.
When it comes to social networks these days you won’t get much better bang for your buck than Instagram. Especially if you’re a pen and ink artist (or any type of artist for that matter).
And if you do happen to be an artist – there’s nothing like the daily inspiration of a well curated Instagram feed. A non-stop barrage of amazing artwork for your eye holes to take in 24/7.
I’m always on the hunt for awesome artwork and artists – to keep my motivation running high. And do we ever have that in the list of creators below here.
I find the signal to noise ratio is a lot better on Instagram versus Facebook. While it’s nice to keep up with friends and current events on Facebook you also have to wade through a lot of outrage porn and clickbait articles.
On Instagram we get sharks!
According to an analysis done by Forrester, brands achieved 58 times more engagement on Instagram per follower than Facebook and 120 times more engagement per follower than Twitter.
So if you’re looking to get more more exposure on the web for your visual creations…
Get your shit up on Instagram.
From putting in a bit more of a concentrated effort on the network myself – I’ve come away pretty impressed with the results. The size of the creative community (and sub communities) on Instagram is vast and a little overwhelming at first. But you’ll quickly settle in.
So without further ado – here’s the most badass group of artists that I could find demonstrating mastery of pen and ink on Instagram.
Please add anyone that I’ve missed in the comments below.
Aaron Horkey
I’d put Aaron in the top 10 (maybe top 3) pen and ink illustrator / artists working on the planet today. He makes everyone want to pack up and go home. He’s that good. Enjoy!
Ashley Wood
If you’re like me – you’ve been following Ash for damn near 2 decades. Now we can follow him on Instagram.
Becky Cloonan
Becky was one of the first artists that I ever interviewed. Good to see she’s even better now.
“You bred raptors…?” My piece for the @mondotees gallery show “When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth”! A photo posted by Becky Cloonan (@beckycloonan) on
Chris Riddell
Chris Samnee
Chris captures the spirit and essence of Marvel and DC characters with his accomplished minimalist approach.
Been thinking that it was Monday all day today– nope, still the weekend. ???? A photo posted by Chris Samnee (@chrissamnee) on
Dan Fraga
I’ve been admiring Dan’s work since the early days of Image.
Dave Rapoza
Killer figure work from Dave.
24 hour auction for my original Wolverine inks! www.ebay.com/itm/-/221838872333 #xmen #wolverine #inks #original A photo posted by Dave Rapoza (@daverapoza) on
DZO
Simply jaw-dropping detail in his work. Master of multiple mediums.
Eric Canete
25 years on and I still love Eric’s work as much as the first day I laid eyes upon it.
05.04.13 A photo posted by Eric Canete (@ericcanete) on
Fiona Staples
She doesn’t post extremely often on Instagram, but when she does…
Florian Bertmer
I own several prints done by Florian. His work never fails to impress.
WIP #amidemon #notofthisworld #coliseum #doomriders #danzig #florianbertmer #bertmer #art #illustration A photo posted by Florian Bertmer (@florianbertmer) on
Francis Manapul
Always cool to see his work show up in my feed. I’ve been digging his recent experiments playing around with various art styles.
Greg Tocchini
Greg’s work has always felt alive. His innovative panel to panel sequences make my eyes happy!
LOW … A photo posted by Greg Tocchini (@gregtocchini) on
J Scott Campbell
Unmistakable style.
Jae Lee
Every new Jae Lee piece that shows up on here is a gift for my peepers. I can never get enough.
#hulk #marvel #montrealcomiccon #commission A photo posted by Jae Lee and June Chung (@jaeleeart) on
Screw it – I’m posting a second image by Jae Lee…
Just head on over to his page and soak it all in.
Jamie McKelvie
Those warm up sketches…
Kusanagi warm up sketch. A photo posted by Jamie McKelvie (@mckelvie) on
Jason shawn Alexander
Sweet Jesus! Now this is what I’m talking about.
Jeffrey Alan Love
His various styles are more off the beaten path. And I appreciate all of them.
Minotaur of the Sun. #sketchbook #sketch #draw #drawing #paint #painting #acrylic #ink #paper #illustration #art #creature #scifi #sciencefiction #fantasy A photo posted by Jeffrey Alan Love (@jeffreyalanlove) on
Jeremy Sorrell
Again – Jeremy has built up a legion of fans with his incredible off-kilter renderings.
Jim Lee
Jim doesn’t play fair. He just toys with us. And after all of these years he’s still kicking ass and taking names.
Final scan #Batman1966 #dccomics #muse ???? A photo posted by Jim Lee (@jimleeart) on
Jim Mahfood
I had to scroll waaaaay down on Jim’s feed to find this drawing of ROM Spaceknight. His profile is one of the best (and most insane) ones out there on Instagram. He posts often and it’s always worth it.
Here’s more Mahfood. Simply awesome!
Seriously – go check out his page.
Sketchbookity Sketch Sketch. (Hey Ladies). #sketchbook #heyladies #rjd2 #mixedmedia #mon #destruction #visualfunk #foodone #jimmahfood A video posted by Food One (@jimmahfood) on
Jock
Jock’s sketches are a thing of beauty. I’m glad he keeps posting them on Instagram. You will be as well.
John Dyer Baizley
If Pushead handed the torch off to any artist – it’s JDB. One of the most accomplished pen and ink artists in the game.
Tomorrow @ brlsq. #coliseum. A photo posted by John Dyer Baizley (@aperfectmonster) on
John Welding
John has a playful old-school style that takes me to the happy days of ‘way back’.
Juan Francisco Casas
Juan draws mostly beautiful (and mostly nude) women in large format illustrations with blue ball point pens.
…work in progress… Próxima exposición individual en la Real Academia de España en Roma en enero de 2016. CENSORED VERSION #bic #boligrafo #ballpen #dibujo #drawing #jonathanlevinegallery #juanfranciscocasas #galeriaelmuseo #galeriafernandopradilla A photo posted by Juan Francisco Casas (@juanfranciscocasas) on
Kim Jung Gi US
Kim does more artwork in a week than most artists pull off in months. He draws big. He draws fast. And you’ll cry when you see how good it is.
Lucas Ruggieri
Holy shit!
Finally finishing up the first layer of ink on this, looking forward to starting the second. #lucasruggieri #lrillustration A photo posted by Lucas Ruggieri (@lr_illustration) on
Mahmud Asrar
I was not previously familiar with Mahmud’s work. A Twitter friend suggested I take look. Glad they did!
Marcio Takara
Another artist who works primarily for the ‘big two’ and is worth your time.
#ArmorWars #SecretWars A photo posted by Marcio Takara (@marciotakara) on
Mark W. Richards
Mark of Heavy Hand Illustration seems to never stop creating and I hope he never does.
Michael Oeming
The one and only.
#superman A photo posted by @oeming on
Mike Sutfin
Mike’s work is so good – it hurts.
Ming Doyle
I was worried we’d lose Ming completely to the ‘illustration world’ – because damn! – her comic renderings keep getting better.
#BostonComicCon sketch, #BatmanReturns #Catwoman! #hashtags A photo posted by Ming Doyle (@mingdoyle) on
Pushead
You know who’s a better artist than Pushead? No one.
Rafael Grampá
The first time I was introduced to Rafael’s art I thought to myself, ‘1. Holy crap! 2. This guy came swinging out of the gates with a wholly original style. 3. I hope he can keep doing this for decades.’
Batgirl. #Comission #Batman #rafaelgrampa A photo posted by Rafael Grampá (@rafael_grampa) on
Rich Kelly
Rich is another very talented and distinct voice in illustration.
Richey Beckett
I only discovered Richey’s art in 2015 – but if he keeps this up he’ll soon be in charge of the ‘illustration and poster’ cartel.
Pen and ink detail, part of a very exciting new project.. More soon..???? #richeybeckett #penandink A photo posted by Richey Beckett (@richeybeckett) on
Ryan Benjamin
Just straight up awesome!
Ryan Ottley
I had seen Ryan’s sketches and drawings periodically on Facebook – but holy hell it’s amazing seeing them all in one place!
My first sketchbook cover. Violence and piggybacks. Her name is Unicorn Girl. And she kills stuff. A photo posted by Ryan Ottley (@ryanottley) on
Simon Kercz
Simon’s work is often not for the faint of heart – but it’s all rendered with undeniable skill.
Skottie Young
I haven’t had enough of Skottie’s work in my diet lately. Time to fix that.
Almost halfway #4pager #giantsizelittlemarvel #wip A photo posted by skottie young (@skottieyoung) on
Tula Lotay
Amazing travel photos mixed in with amazing artwork. A life well lived!
Yuko Shimizu
There’s only one Yuko. Her style is unmistakable and she works every inch of the page. We’re lucky she shares her process with us every step of the way.
???????????????? A photo posted by Yuko Shimizu (@yukoart) on
Nope – one image isn’t going to cut it. Here’s more Yuko!
And if you’re so inclined you can follow me as well…
I’ve been using my Instagram page specifically for GoPro photography and pen and ink drawings. Felt good to ditch the cell phone photos and play around in two different mediums.
Fun with a Pilot big blue, a 2-dollar brush and a razor blade. #penandink #madmax #illustration #furyroad A photo posted by Jason Thibault (@jay_thibs) on
Further Reading
