Categories / Inspiration

15 Inspiring Illustrators to Follow on Instagram

Kevin Whipps Last updated: April 16, 2024 · 18 min read
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Illustration takes a lot of forms, and to appreciate it, you should consider all of them. That’s why when I was tasked with finding 15 inspiring illustrators on Instagram (say that five times fast), I decided to find people from all walks of life. I’ve heard of some of them and follow them personally, while others are completely new to me — and that’s how it should work.
Let me put out a few disclaimers before we get into this. First off, these selections here are for a wide variety of illustrators, from tattoo artists to comic books and everywhere in between. Some of them may have some drawn “tasteful nudes” in their feeds, so if you go venture off to find them, know that you might find stuff like that. Otherwise, enjoy.


robbi rodriguez

As a comic book fan, I can say that Robbi Rodriguez is one of my favorite artists. But seeing him on Instagram, made me a huge fan. His “That real desk shot” series is pretty stellar, and packed with stuff that I love to see. And even if you don’t appreciate comics, you’ve got to love his use of color. So cool.

That real desk shot: #spidergwen #gwenom

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that rear bar shot: chasing AC in this town.

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that real desk shot:

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that real desk shot: commission 2

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That real desk shot: #studies

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Sara Pichelli

Sara Pichelli won me over with her work on Miles Morales, the Ultimate Marvel Universe version of Spider-Man, but she’s kept me going on her Instagram feed. Not only does she work on great comic book stuff, but her art in general is quite stunning, with amazing line work and details. To this day, if she’s drawing a book, I pick it up.

Spider-Man {commission- ink washed on paper} #spidermen #sarapichelli #floridasupercon2017

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This is the piece I did for @jeffdekal for an amazing art trade. Thank you, Jeff!

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“Are you talking to me?” {Ultimate Gwen} #sarapichelli #marvel #etnacomics

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Piece for a charity auction #sarapichelli #etnacomics

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“Wondering…” #sarapichelli #aliceinwonderland #digitalart ::repost::

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Jim Lee

I am in the creative world because of Jim Lee, no doubt about it. His work on X-Men in the 1990s put me on a path to a studio art major in college. And today, way too many years later, he’s still inspiring me. I love this man’s art.

My pencils for the variant cover to Hawkman Found #1 by @jefflemire and #bryanhitch. #hawkman #dccomics

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Cover work #dianaprince #wonderwoman #dccomics

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If you’re feeling inspired by the visual cohesion in these accounts, make sure to download this free Instagram grid and moodboarding template to polish your own profile:

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Kris Anka

Kris Anka has been instrumental in changing the costumes of some of the biggest names in comic books over the years, and doing so in a body positive way. His suits don’t hug curves like the superheroes of old, and instead fit the body naturally. That alone is impressive, but so is the rest of his illustration. Check it out.

Missed this guy

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So Rainbow and I got to meet the Runaways today

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My cover to Royals 5

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My All-New Guardians of the Galaxy 2 variant for @friedpiecomics

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Preview of Star-Lord 2

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Clément Petit

Clément’s work here is pretty nice. I love hand-drawn stuff, and seeing his work with lettering inspires me.


Shanti sparrow

The use of color here — on pretty much her entire Instagram feed — is second to none. I love that she’s not afraid to make bold choices, and the results bear that out.

Designs from my recent collaboration with @womenssurffilmfestival and @lavagirlsurf . Branding for the 5th annual Women’s Surf Film Festival presented by @lunabar. It will be an amazing event held at @rockawaybeachsurfclub on July 28/29 and @thembh Montauk Beach House August 12. Go to womenssurffilmfestival.com for more information! Stunning photography by @hisarahlee #womenssurffilmfest #surf #surfing #nyc #festival #waves #ocean #filmfestival #nycwomenssurffilmfestival #nyc #eastcoast #westcoast #california #australia #surfergirl #womensurfing #shantisparrow #design #graphicdesign #typography #typographyinspired #color #colour #designspiration #beautiful #thiscreativelife #designingwomen #designer #womeningraphicdesign #graphicdesigner

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Troels Jørgensen

I’ve been a fan of pen work since I was in the seventh grade. Most people can get a pen, and if they can turn it into something magical, the results are awesome. Needless to say, Troels fits that standard.


Kacper Giłka Illustrations

At this point, you’re probably noticing a theme here, and I think Kacper fits in nicely. Pen and ink work, combined with some crazy ideas, makes his stuff stand out from the crowd.

Linework done, tommorrow, maybe day after tommorrow I’ll upload final version. It’s gonna be a t-shirt design available to ▶buy for your band or company. Also a time lapse video will be available to watch on my ▶youtube channel, you can subsribe it from link in my bio @kg_art_design ! POLISH : Kontury są gotowe, jutro, maksymalnie pojutrze dodam finalna wersje. Będzie to ilustracja gotowa do druku na koszulki etc dostępna do ▶kupienia dla Twojej firmy, marki odziezowej czy kapeli. Na moim kanale youtube ukaze sie takze film pokazujacy proces powtawania tej ilustracji, mozecie wejsc na moj kanal i ▶zasubskrybowac go klikajac link z mojego opisu @kg_art_design ! #illustrator #grindcore #graphicdesign #graphictee #drawing #illustration #deathcore #metal #metalcore #wipdrawing #sketch #blackwork #youtube #linework #merchdesign #clothingdesign #tshirtdesign #band#darkart #inking #bandart #fineliners #rysunek #clothingline #clothingbrand #darkartists #skull #tattoo #grafika

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Erin Von

I’m a big fan of art with bold strokes that looks somewhat cartoony, which is where Erin hits my sweet spot. Between the logos she’s done and the iconography, her illustration work is on point.

Candy pattern ???????????? #art #design #pattern #illustration #illustrator #digital #artist #graphicdesign #candy

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#logo #logotype #art #design #designer #brand #branding #identity #identify #idea #instamood #instadaily

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Annie Frenzel

The thing a lot of people don’t realize is that tattoo artists are illustrators, too. Most of their work starts out as pencil on paper, and then it’s transferred onto the skin. I’ve been a fan of Annie Frenzel’s work for a while now, and someday I want to get some of her work. I just have to make the trip to Texas.

Ellen Ripley – keep in mind I’m NOT a portrait artist

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Thank you so much, Clay – #bloodmoneyirons #kingpintattoosupply #eternalink #griffinsalve #kingofthenorth

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Thank you so much Aly – #bloodmoneyirons #kingpintattoosupply #eternalink #griffinsalve ❤

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Today on the lovely Annika – #bloodmoneyirons #kingpintattoosupply #eternal #griffinsalve ❤

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Today for my friend @squirestrahan ❤

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Liz Clements

More tattoo artists? Yeah, of course. They’re illustrators that work with an unforgiving canvas, and every mark is permanent. Can you imagine that pressure? Well it looks like Liz Clements handles it in style, because her line work is impressive.


Ben Teschner

Illustration takes many forms, and I dig what Ben has going on. His artwork is clean and crisp, and works for both logos and otherwise.

Ned Kelly

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????????⚫

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Chris Fuller

There’s just something about the free-wheeling style that works for me, and Chris’s Instagram page is packed with animation. Illustrations that make me smile are the best.


mackjohns1991

When I was a kid, I used to draw with these fine-tipped Pentels, and I loved it. I spent hours pouring through details, and making things just so. Seems like Mackjohns1991 feels the same way, and I appreciate that.

The realist, am I right? ???????????????????????? • • • #art #artist #beard #men #realmen #beardart #graphicdesign

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Red Heffalump. ???? • • • #art #artist #utahartist #elephant #elephantart #graphicdesign

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Tattoo design for a friend. ???????????? • • • #art #artist #tattoo #reaper #reapertattoo #graphicdesign

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About the Author
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Kevin Whipps

Hi! My name is Kevin Whipps, and I'm a writer and editor based in Phoenix, Arizona. When I'm not working taking pictures of old cars and trucks, I'm either writing articles for Creative Market or hawking stickers at Whipps Sticker Co.

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