As a freelance artist, I wanted to attract an audience for character art commissions. This page outlines my strategy and execution of a targeted instagram and YouTube campaign.
My role: Concept, design, and execution of the entire campaign.
The challenge was to stand out in a crowded market and reach potential clients who might not be actively seeking an artist.
I launched a YouTube channel under the brand Bad Grin, featuring bold colors and an edgy rebellious aesthetic to appeal to young adult males.
The content includes how-to draw tutorials, process videos, and demos of character commissions. The goal is to build social credibility and grow organically.
I created a series of timelapse process videos and character art, each with a unique backstory to attract interest.
I posted 3-4 times a week on Instagram and once weekly on YouTube with a call to action to DM me on Instagram for commissions.
The result was a 12% increase in commission inquiries.
My posting schedule felt too aggressive, so I needed a quick method for creating characters. I chose a cartoonish anime style with simple cel shading and developed a straightforward, repeatable layer structure.
This process works consistently across Photoshop, Procreate, and Clip Studio Paint, ensuring I’m not limited by any specific software.
I was able to optimize commission project workflow, from initial inquiry to final delivery, resulting in a 20% reduction in project completion time per artwork.
Through this campaign, I learned the importance of creating audience-specific content and the power of consistent posting to build organic growth.
While it was challenging to attract clients without an established following, I discovered that engaging content and regular activity gradually increased my reach.
This experience taught me the value of adaptability and persistence, confirming that understanding my audience and maintaining consistency are key to growing organically and encouraging DMs for commissions.
