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Jason Thibault

Jason Thibault

Rebel Art, Indie Spirit, Outlaw Marketing

43 Pen and Ink Artists You Should Follow on Instagram

August 5, 2015 By Jason Thibault 24 Comments

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pen and ink artists

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!

40-50 black tips off Africa, is where I go to in my mind to get in the moment. You’d think the opposite but there’s no place on earth your more in the moment then swimming amongst the sharks of our oceans.

A photo posted by Michael Muller (@michaelmuller7) on Jul 20, 2015 at 12:47am PDT

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!

The Gilded Age lettering (detail), ink and gouache on Arches, 2015. @thinkspace_art @esao @feral_kid September 12, 2015????⚡️???? #aaronhorkey #gildedage2015 #thinkspacefamily #wildheart A photo posted by @aaronhorkey on Jul 22, 2015 at 3:33pm PDT

Ashley Wood

If you’re like me – you’ve been following Ash for damn near 2 decades. Now we can follow him on Instagram.

Art from my monthly strip, published in Kodansha’s EDGE mag ! It’s called Closing Pandora and it’s an idea I have fiddled with for 10 years, nice to finally get cracking on it!

A photo posted by Ashley Wood (@ashleywoodart) on Jul 18, 2015 at 3:14am PDT

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 Jun 10, 2015 at 1:16pm PDT

Chris Riddell

Cash book sketchbook.

A photo posted by Chris Riddell (@chris_riddell) on Jul 26, 2015 at 1:33pm PDT

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 May 31, 2015 at 11:12am PDT

Dan Fraga

I’ve been admiring Dan’s work since the early days of Image.

Daily Sketch: 211 of 365. Blown

A photo posted by Dan Fraga (@couchdoodles) on Jul 30, 2015 at 4:35pm PDT

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 Jul 28, 2015 at 1:37pm PDT

DZO

Simply jaw-dropping detail in his work. Master of multiple mediums.

First sleeve done . working on a #tattoo #design ask more attention to #detail . I can’t draw as usualy. The #lineart need to be simpler and less charged. . #ink #drawing #cthulhu #crow #darkness #darkart #blackandwhite

A photo posted by dzo (@dzoolivier) on Jul 15, 2015 at 11:19pm PDT

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 Jul 28, 2015 at 6:54am PDT

Fiona Staples

She doesn’t post extremely often on Instagram, but when she does…

I’m watching season 5 of Misfits, so here’s Rudy’s precious face.

A photo posted by Fiona Staples (@fionastaples) on Mar 12, 2015 at 7:30pm PDT

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 Apr 14, 2015 at 2:51pm PDT

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.

Up close on #wonderwoman #justiceleague #godsandmen

A photo posted by Francis Manapul (@francis_manapul) on Jul 14, 2015 at 12:19pm PDT

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 Jul 20, 2015 at 2:05pm PDT

J Scott Campbell

Unmistakable style.

#sdcc15 #exclusive #spiderman #amazingspiderman #renewyourvows #maryjane #mj #blackcat #sneakpeek #jscottcampbell @stanleecollectibles @sandiegocomiccon @marvel

A photo posted by J Scott Campbell ♠????! (@jscottcampbellart) on Jun 15, 2015 at 9:51pm PDT

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 Jul 21, 2015 at 9:00am PDT

Screw it – I’m posting a second image by Jae Lee…

Just head on over to his page and soak it all in.

#spiderman #sinistersix #greengoblin #venom #marvel #commission #jaelee

A photo posted by Jae Lee and June Chung (@jaeleeart) on May 19, 2015 at 3:50pm PDT

Jamie McKelvie

 Those warm up sketches… 

Kusanagi warm up sketch. A photo posted by Jamie McKelvie (@mckelvie) on Jun 21, 2015 at 10:42am PDT

Jason shawn Alexander

Sweet Jesus! Now this is what I’m talking about.

#thebrotherschoi in #EMPTYZONE. Ask your comic shop to order it!!!!!!!!! #jasonshawnalexander #imagecomics #cyberpunk #supernatural #horror

A photo posted by Jason shawn Alexander (@jasonshawnalex) on Jun 2, 2015 at 4:57pm PDT

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 Jul 28, 2015 at 2:29pm PDT

Jeremy Sorrell

Again – Jeremy has built up a legion of fans with his incredible off-kilter renderings.

my attempt at channeling some @jasonshawnalex and @kentwms inspiration

A photo posted by Jeremy Sorrell (@jeremysorrell) on Mar 22, 2015 at 9:07am PDT

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 Jul 7, 2015 at 10:33am PDT

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.

Pure heat! Mutha fuckin ROM Spaceknight. #rom #portland #rosecitycomiccon #artistalley #tableg06 #therealshit #visualfunk #foodone #jimmahfood

A photo posted by Food One (@jimmahfood) on Sep 21, 2014 at 9:25am PDT

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 Jul 20, 2015 at 4:18pm PDT

Jock

Jock’s sketches are a thing of beauty. I’m glad he keeps posting them on Instagram. You will be as well.

DKR sketch #SDCC

A photo posted by Jock (@jock4twenty) on Jul 10, 2015 at 2:49pm PDT

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 Mar 9, 2015 at 11:37pm PDT

John Welding

John has a playful old-school style that takes me to the happy days of ‘way back’.

#WatertonComic Page 10 Panel inking details.

A photo posted by John Welding (@johnweldingillustrator) on Jul 29, 2015 at 5:20am PDT

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 Jun 29, 2015 at 2:21pm PDT

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.

KJG’s original drawing for sale! #SDCC #booth5005 #kimjunggi

A photo posted by Kim Jung Gi US (@kimjunggius) on Jul 10, 2015 at 3:16pm PDT

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 Jul 29, 2015 at 4:24pm PDT

Mahmud Asrar

I was not previously familiar with Mahmud’s work. A Twitter friend suggested I take look. Glad they did!

Antlers – My new banner image for conventions #antlers #girl #art #illustration

A photo posted by Mahmud Asrar (@mahmudasrar) on Jul 8, 2015 at 11:35am PDT

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 Jul 26, 2015 at 7:34pm PDT

Mark W. Richards

Mark of Heavy Hand Illustration seems to never stop creating and I hope he never does.

Are you sick of seeing only sketch progress lately? Well too bad, here’s more on the latest sketch. Just need to add a background and finally slather ink on these bad larries. #art #illustration #drawing #sketch #wip #workinprogress #heavyhand #heavyhandillustration #skulls

A photo posted by Mark W. Richards (@heavy.hand) on Jul 25, 2015 at 11:07pm PDT

Michael Oeming

The one and only.   

#superman A photo posted by @oeming on Jul 30, 2015 at 7:24pm PDT

Mike Sutfin

Mike’s work is so good – it hurts.

‘Poison Born’ WIP Part 5 – Gradually building tone with watercolor, followed by ink #thevacvvm #art #drawing #mikesutfin

A photo posted by Mike Sutfin (@sutfin) on Jul 21, 2015 at 9:43pm PDT

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 Jul 31, 2015 at 6:09pm PDT

Pushead

You know who’s a better artist than Pushead? No one.

pushead……. ‘blue blizzard’ color section. Original handcolored gift for the T during the St Anger sessions. ………………….. #pushead official #metallica #hyperstoic

A photo posted by pushead (@hyperstoic) on Jul 7, 2015 at 9:46am PDT

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 May 11, 2015 at 7:21am PDT

Rich Kelly

Rich is another very talented and distinct voice in illustration.

#tbt working out an eventual cover for @bicycletimes magazine.

A photo posted by Rich Kelly (@therichkelly) on Jun 25, 2015 at 10:20am PDT

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 Jun 24, 2015 at 9:40am PDT

Ryan Benjamin

Just straight up awesome!

Batman commission

A photo posted by ryan benjamin (@ryanbnjmn) on Mar 31, 2015 at 9:35am PDT

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 Jul 30, 2015 at 10:08am PDT

Simon Kercz

Simon’s work is often not for the faint of heart – but it’s all rendered with undeniable skill.

Having some Sunday fun playing with some deleted halftone sheets I got. #drawing #punks #skunked

A photo posted by Simon Kercz (@simonyetikercz) on Jul 5, 2015 at 1:10pm PDT

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 Jul 29, 2015 at 1:57pm PDT

Tula Lotay

Amazing travel photos mixed in with amazing artwork. A life well lived!

Rebels #5 sketch

A photo posted by Tula Lotay (@tulalotay) on Jul 29, 2015 at 5:29am PDT

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 Dec 29, 2014 at 2:47pm PST

 

Nope – one image isn’t going to cut it. Here’s more Yuko!


Me tired.

A photo posted by Yuko Shimizu (@yukoart) on Dec 26, 2014 at 6:00pm PST

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 May 13, 2015 at 6:41pm PDT

Further Reading

The Complete Guide to Instagram Ads | Abacus

How to Get Your First 1000 Art Instagram Followers | Artwork Archives

25 Ways for Artists to Get More Instagram Followers | Patreon

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About Jason Thibault

Jason Thibault  is a writer, artist, & owner of boutique content marketing agency Massive Kontent. Follow him on Twitter (@jasonthibault) and Instagram (@jay_thibs). 

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