We live in a time where we’re constantly bombarded by one piece of bad news after another — especially online. And while it’s definitely important to stay informed, this could sometimes take a toll on our mental health. That said, a dose of sunny vibes and creative inspiration is also a must. Whether it’s uplifting quotes, pretty aesthetics, or hilarious webcomics, we all need something to help us get by!
So, we’ve rounded up some of the best artsy Instagram accounts with great content to help brighten up even your gloomy days! Think of these as your fave comfort food… but in creative digital form. After all, we could use as much authentic and inspiring content as we could get nowadays.
Also read: 15 Best Feel-Good Movies to Watch on Netflix Right Now
London-based artist and designer Charlotte Taylor brings dreamy structures to life with her artsy Instagram page. It’s a mishmash of curated, pastel-hued spaces — most of which we wouldn’t mind being quarantined in! From arches to stairways, her work combines the real and imagined, while keeping it minimalist with clean lines and distinct shapes.
Every dish tells a story, no doubt about that. But Samantha Lee takes this up a notch by putting a spin to every dish she makes! Whether it’s cartoon-inspired meals or fun recipe videos, this Malaysian food artist keeps it both imaginative and fuss-free to make dining experiences more interesting.
This Brooklyn-based print designer and illustrator gives a contemporary twist to botanical patterns, which you’d normally see on classical tapestries. Her whimsical artworks take you to landscapes you can only dream of! In fact, most of her works were inspired by her childhood in the English countryside.
In case some of Charlotte Ager’s illustrations look familiar, that’s because you’ve probably seen those on American publications like The New York Times and Vogue! Her works are reminiscent of those wonderful drawings you grew up seeing in storybooks. Except these showcase mostly scenes from everyday life and underlying social issues.
Looking at Quentin Monge’s artsy Instagram page is like diving into an endless summer. It’s brimming with bright hues, clean silhouettes, and sunny vibes — mostly inspired by his childhood days in the French Riviera. And you’re probably missing the beach as much as we are, so here’s something to satisfy your wanderlust in the meantime!
Ever miss the good ol’ days when face-to-face interactions weren’t the biggest taboo yet? Hay, same! Enter the artsy Instagram of Haley Tippmann, a Germany-based illustrator, who derives inspiration from people-watching. Her digital art often depicts everyday city life and the human interactions that come with it. We also love the enlarged clothes of her characters that make for good OOTD pegs!
Waiting for the day when it’s safe to travel again? We hear ya! For a regular dose of imaginative travel content, Rachel Halili Aquino’s artsy Instagram account is the way to go. We’re in love with her collages that juxtapose open spaces and modern landscapes. These are usually a surrealist combo of foreign and local destinations, too! Pretty cool, right?
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably seen Issa Barte’s works online at least once. After all, her poignant art depicts not just her story but also others. Her page doubles as a platform where people can contribute their own musings and/or stories — some of which they haven’t told anyone until then.
You know what they say about visual art expressing what words can’t? Well, artist Bea Policarpio defies that by doing both! She combines her abstract-impasto paintings with pop culture references or her own words. Other times, she uses personal shots with subtitle-like quotes, like a movie-slash-visual diary.
Illustrator and tattoo artist Wiji Lacsamana is known for her distinct watercolour style. That said, her works are a study in understated elegance — whether it’s a commissioned tattoo or a personal sketch. She’s also the co-creator of an oracle deck that showcases her exquisite designs! Aside from that, she also posts about must-read books and tips on mindfulness and self-care.
This project by artists Laura Cox and Lize Meddings promotes positive mental health awareness through comics and community. The Sad Ghost Club is here to remind everyone that it’s okay not to be okay; but more importantly, that it helps to be honest with yourself. And really, we can never have too much uplifting yet sincere content — especially in these trying times!
For a healthy dose of laughter, check out Strange Planet — a webcomic series by author and cartoonist Nathan W. Pyle. It stars two adorable aliens who, through their profoundly phrased conversations, make you realise just how odd human behaviour can be. The way they describe supposedly normal things as something foreign and astonishing is all kinds of hilarious!
Though the main characters are a green bear and a blue bird, Poorly Drawn Lines also features other pastel-hued critters. Each character has their own storyline that’s either satirical or absurdist (sometimes both). This webcomic by Reza Farazmand has an unusual set of recurring themes: space travel, existentialism, and friendship — yet it somehow works well together. For those who enjoy wry yet feel-good content, this is your best bet!
Blair Comic is an Insta-comic strip created by stand up comedian Mo Welch. She describes the main protagonist, Blair, as her snarky alter-ego. Fans of the ’90s sitcom Daria will enjoy this, as Blair is practically a 20-something reincarnation of Daria! If anything, she’s an antithesis to the ‘basic’ types whose social media posts always have an underlying “my life is better than yours” messaging.
Morgan Harper Nichols is quite the multi-hyphenated persona: artist, writer, and Christian musician. Her artsy Instagram page consists of motivating words, often splayed across a painting-like background. And these aren’t your run-of-the-mill inspirational quotes either! In fact, she even takes requests and makes art inspired by other people’s stories, as part of her ‘gratitude practice.’
Personal Message is a collaboration of Canadian artists Michael Dumontier and Neil Farber. Most of their featured works are acrylic paintings often come with snappy one-liners. Sometimes, their wry illustrations are literal yet witty interpretations of the accompanying words. And as the project name suggests, their straightforward prints work are basically unique cards that you can send to a friend, loved one… or even yourself!
New York-based artist Tessa Forrest created Subliming.jpg back in 2016. Although she initially intended it to be simply a personal ‘creative dump,’ it gradually surged to Insta-fame. After all, it was one of the first Instagram accounts that combined alluring typography and on-point design with positive quotes. Most of her posts feature either self-help advice or colloquialisms that she personally relates to.
Self-care comes in different forms, and that’s what Haley Weaver shows through her daily illustrations. These delightful drawings are paired with feel-good words — usually as a list or a cute lifestyle infographic. From quarantine survival tips to different acts of modern love, it’s definitely the sort of content that helps brighten your day! Every so often, you might even find a post that makes you say, “wow, so it’s not just me who feels that way.” Yes, you’re definitely not alone.
Also read: 12 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In a platform that normally gets flak for enabling toxic materialism, the artists behind these creative accounts are a breath of fresh, non-superficial air. And yep, we are all for it!
So, which of these has captured your interest the most? Or better yet, do you follow some of ’em already? Let us know!
Featured image credited: Tetiana SHYSHKINA | Unsplash.
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