25 Illustrators to Follow on Instagram in 2021

Instagram has made it simple to discover new and talented illustrators from around the globe. The best illustrators on Instagram give an inside look at the inspiration and process behind their latest illustrations, taking us along for a fun, creative ride. From doodles to designs, if you want to learn how to illustrate or simply unlock creativity, you’ll want to follow these 25 popular illustrators on Instagram in 2021.

25 Illustrators to Follow on Instagram in 2021

1. Jarom Vogel (@Jaromvogel)

Jarom Vogel is an American illustrator, digital artist, and designer with his own unique style. Teaching Skillshare classes like Learn to Use Procreate and Art & Code: Create and Code an Interactive Parallax Illustration, Vogel shares tips and tricks so that other illustrators can unlock their own imaginations. Sharing characters, robots, and imaginative scenes, he’s an inventive and inspiring illustrator to follow on Instagram.

2. Gia Graham (@Iamgiagraham)

Gia Graham is an illustrator, designer, and Skillshare instructor who teaches her students how to have fun with florals, create the perfect color palette, and more! Originally from Barbados, Graham now lives in Atlanta and fuses those two cultural aesthetics through her illustrations. Bringing together an urban world with island vibes, her work is both modern and fun—filled with florals, foliage, and unique color.

3. Cat Coquillette (@Catcoq)

A world traveler currently based in Mexico, Cat Coquillette is among the world’s most exciting illustrators to follow on Instagram. Her unique illustrations have been turned into stunning art prints, home decor items, tech accessories, and more—as well as featured by celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, Lucy Hale, and Hilary Duff! Coquillette knows how to bring patterns from sketch to screen, and her Instagram account is an outlet for her latest works-in-progress, inspiration, and travels. 

4. Laci Jordan (@Solacilike)

Bold, authentic, and diverse are three words to describe Laci Jordan’s illustrations. Working as a multidisciplinary designer, illustrator, and creative director, she has curated an Instagram feed that’s as empowering as it is unique. While she’s not one of the average fashion illustrators on Instagram, she speaks to current trends and relevant cultural topics. Whether she’s motivating her followers through her art or sharing her Skillshare class on digital illustration for all, Jordan knows how to help you develop your own unique illustration style.

5. Carissa Potter Carlson (@Peopleiveloved)

Carissa Potter creates illustrations in the hopes that they will help make people feel less alone—and judging from her more than 450K followers on Instagram, it seems she’s found success in doing so. Reflecting her hopeless romanticism and the humility of the human condition, Potter Carlson illustrates relatable and humorous situations (and messages) that you’ll want to share with your friends and family.

6. Bodil Jane (@Bodiljane)

Among the best illustrators to follow on Instagram, Bodil Jane is both creative and authentic—covering art, culture, fashion, travel, food, sustainability, and more. Living in Amsterdam, she has put together a team for her audience to commission custom illustrations in a style of their choice. From magazine illustrations and holiday wrapping paper to clothing and home décor, Jane illustrates just about anything, and her Instagram account will surely keep you on your toes.

7. Mia Charro (@Miacharro)

Mia Charro is a Spanish illustrator with a focus on nature, fairy tales, and magic. Her love for wild things can be seen throughout her work on Instagram, with florals being a constant from one illustration to the next. Whether it’s an adorable animal in a flower crown or a whimsical pattern, Mia’s illustrations highlight her love for magic and the unusual. 

8. Carla Llanos (@Carlallanosillustrations)

A Chilean based in the UK, Carla Llanos is a self-taught artist and illustrator whose two favorite things are cats and creating. What began as painting her own fabrics eventually became abstract works of art and digital illustrations that she now shares with her followers—inspired by fashion, interior design, powerful women, and interesting shapes. 

9. Nathan W Pyle (@Nathanwpyle)

Nathan Pyle is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, best known for his viral comics. With his “Strange Planet” illustrations garnering the attention of over six million people, he’s undoubtedly one of the most entertaining illustrators on Instagram. His audience finds comfort and humor in his funny and relatable art (and you will, too!).

10. Darren Thomas Magee (@Realfunwow)

A self-taught freelance illustrator, designer, and muralist based in Ojai, California—Darren Thomas Magee’s unique aesthetic can be seen vividly throughout his Instagram feed. Pulling inspiration from nature and the supernatural, his illustrations connect reality and imagination with the power to transport your mind elsewhere. If you’re looking for an escape, this Instagram account is one worth following.

11. Lindsay Arakawa (@Blindsaay)

Lindsay Arakawa is a digital illustrator and designer based in Tokyo. Before moving to Japan, she was an Instagram strategist living in Brooklyn. Showcasing digital art pieces that combine simple illustrations and hand-lettering with film photography, Arakawa’s Instagram aesthetic is one all her own. Capturing daily life in Japan, with a twist, her feed is one that stands out against the rest.

12. Nina Cosford (@Ninacosford)

There’s a good chance you’ve seen Nina Cosford’s bright, energetic work while browsing around online. A freelance illustrator living in the UK, she has illustrated over 20 published books and worked with brands like Apple, Google, HBO, and Netflix. Her pieces made with heavy pencil lines and brush markers first gained wide recognition on the award-winning show “GIRLS.” Ever since, Nina’s instantly recognizable illustrations have sparked applause across Instagram and especially among the women-focused zeitgeist. 

13. James White (@Signalnoise)

James White’s illustrative vision (and Instagram account) is as neon-infused as it is exciting. Based in Nova Scotia, Canada, he works as a digital artist and designer, creating all kinds of cool stuff for himself and clients like Nike, Universal Music, and Hasbro. From posters to prints, his 1980s-inspired illustrations fill his engaging Instagram feed from top to bottom.

14. Pernille Ørum (@Pernilleoerum)

Pernille Ørum is a Danish freelance illustrator and visual artist living in Nairobi, Kenya. Known for her recognizable character designs, she’s worked for companies like Disney, DreamWorks, and Mattel and is also the lead character designer on Warner Brothers’ “Superhero Girls.” Her Instagram account is a place for creatives, illustrators, and animation-lovers alike.

15. Carlotta Notoro (@Carlottanotaro)

If you visit Carlotta Notoro’s Instagram page, you’ll likely be met with a wave of nostalgia. This Italian artist has become known for her nature-themed animations and sharing her colorful pencil illustrations with her followers. Focusing on small details and cozy atmospheres that feel like something out of a children's book, Notoro is one of the most exciting illustrators to follow on Instagram.

16. Abbey Lossing (@Abbey_lossing)

After studying illustrating at Syracuse University, Abbey Lossing began working at BuzzFeed and Vice News, developing her personal work and style along the way. Since 2017, she has been freelancing, sharing bold, colorful illustrations with clients from Anthropologie and Warby Parker to Adobe and Target. Lossing is known for illustrating figures in crowded scenes, cityscapes, and intimate portraits, and her Instagram feed highlights her playful and energetic approach.

17. Lisa Congdon (@Lisacongdon)

Colorful graphic drawings and hand-lettering are what make Lisa Congdon’s work truly special. As the author of 10 books, a world traveler, collector, and artist, she’s created an Instagram feed that’s a highlight reel of her work and life’s best moments. Showcasing timely cultural illustrations, heartwarming holiday shares, and so much more, Congdon is always on trend while still continuing to illustrate in her own style.

18. Natalie Byrne (@Nataliebyrne)

If you’re interested in illustrations that focus on social issues, education, and honesty, follow Natalie Byrne. A Latina illustrator best known for her use of color and important topics, her work covers everything from mental health to social equality. Based in London, she speaks to a global audience through her Instagram feed.

19. Keigo (@K5fuwa)

Unexpected is one word to describe Keigo’s illustrations—and Instagram feed. This Japanese illustrator depicts quirky moments with a dash of comedy to highlight the daily nuances we all experience. Illustrating mundane activities from everyday life in a unique way, he knows how to create adorable art with a twist!

20. Steffi Lynn (@Haveanicedayy_)

Steffi Lynn is the mastermind behind the well-loved accessories brand (and Instagram account) Have a Nice Day. Through her illustrations, murals, and installs across the country, she strives to create art that makes others smile. Inspired by everyday moments and feelings, Lynn takes normal scenes and illustrates them into something playful, exciting, and enticing. Following her on Instagram is like a breath of fresh air.

21. Jillian Goeler (@Jag.ink)

Mixing retro illustrations and lettering together with minimalistic shapes, Jillian Goeler’s work gravitates towards a ’70s color palette and vibe. Finding inspiration in nature, current events, and pop culture, her Instagram feed is playful, a little bit whimsical, and always relevant. 

22. Nan Lawson (@Nanlawson)

Nan Lawson’s Instagram feed feels like a scene out of a fairytale book. The self-taught artist with a degree in filmmaking creates illustrations that are reminiscent of poster art and pop culture. Her Instagram account highlights the latest and greatest of her unique illustration style and work. 

23. Emmy Lupin (@Emmylupinstudio)

Emmy Lupin is a freelance illustrator with a bright aesthetic and bold use of pattern. Playful and relatable, her illustrations often feature women. For anyone looking for a bit of inspiration and empowerment, Lupin’s Instagram feed is the place to be. 

24. Stacie Bloomfield (@Gingiber)

Focused on encouraging her followers and audience to live their most full, creative lives, Stacie Bloomfield created Gingiber—a design studio and brand that crafts everything from cards and paper goods to pillows and prints. With illustrations that feel like a vintage children’s book that you can’t seem to let go, her work is vibrant, timeless, and bold. 

25. Stanley Chow (@Stan_chow)

Stanley Chow began his career mainly as a fashion illustrator and storyboard artist, illustrating flyers and posters for the club venues he once DJed at. His talents blossomed, and he’s now become one of the most highly respected illustrators in the UK. Today, his Instagram feed can be recognized by its unique flair as well as its many cartoons and caricatures.

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