Instagram is an amazing platform to share your art and get feedback, likes, and followers. You gain exposure and popularity, which can be exciting. But there is another side to the coin: the risk of getting hypnotized by these “virtual like statistics of glory” and losing sight of why you sketch in the first place.
The Danger of Chasing Likes and Followers
Posting your work online can motivate you, but it can also become a form of procrastination. At first, you might share one or two sketches just for fun. Then, as likes and followers start to grow, you may unconsciously start sketching to increase those numbers instead of for your own love of drawing.
When engagement drops, self-doubt can creep in. This cycle can sap your creative joy and turn sketching into a stressful competition.
Sketching for Your Own Pleasure: The True Value
Sketch not for virtual glory, but for the pure joy of creation. Sketching is for your own eyes first—the magical, innocent moment where you get lost in your drawing, like my friend Roy Pallas says: “when you sketch till your mind goes into that bubble where nothing else counts.”
“Useless sketching” means enjoying the process with no expectations or pressure. It reconnects you to your feelings and creativity without caring about results or approval.
Embrace Your Artistic Passions Alongside Design Sketching
If you love manga, urban sketching, watercolor, or sculpting, keep exploring those fields alongside your design work. All art techniques relate and enrich each other.
Merging what you love with design sketching helps you become the unique designer you truly are, not a replica of someone else.
Tips for Healthy Sketching Habits on Instagram
- Sketch with tutorials for progress, but also sketch just for fun.
- Release pressure and perfectionism by allowing yourself to be imperfect.
- Don’t let likes or followers be your creative compass; your authentic passion should guide your art.
Conclusion: Keep Your Artistic Heart Intact
Focus on improving yourself, being true to your unique style, and enjoying the process above all. Like when you were a kid, sketch for the love of it, not for the numbers on a screen.
While Instagram provides connection and inspiration, don’t let it define your worth or control your creativity. This mindset keeps your artistic journey rewarding and true to why you started drawing.
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
PS: Ego can motivate, but let’s sketch with humility too.
PSS: The bonus? You’ll naturally sketch more, progress faster, and enjoy it more — no pressure included!
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I am a product designer with systems engineering major. I have had the attitude of sketching right from my early year. There was a period of my life when i actually stopped sketching for like 5 years. I only picked it up in my penultimate year when I decided i wanted to go into car design. Trust me, It has been blood and sand as i noticed i have lost a lot. Only regenerating now.
i need this as it helps me to get back on track, for product design
All the best Jide ! 🙂
Enjoy the challenge. I am sure you will rediscover your lines in a refreshed way !