10 Photographers and Artists to Follow on Instagram

Image via Complex Original

Apps like Instagram seem to have made everyone with an iPhone think they're a photographer, but we all know better. It's kind of like when blogging made it's debut: anyone with hands and a computer thought they needed to blog, even if what they had to say was about as appealing as reading an IKEA instructions manual.

With an influx of digital attention-seekers joining the photo-sharing app, it might be a little difficult to navigate the masses and sift through who's worth following and who to altogether ignore. If you're into art, tattoos, graffiti, graphic design, photography and/or architecture, then YOU'RE WELCOME, because here's our picks for the 10 Photographers and Artists to Follow on Instagram. 

(follow the author on instagram @briannegarcia)

Handle: astrodub

Followers: 59,732

What to expect: lots of graffiti, street art and abandoned/decaying buildings

Why you should follow: She snaps pics of buildings we walk past without noticing, tracks the work of NY-based street artists like jillyballistic, and is not stingy when it comes to a constant stream of uploading. You'll never be bored, and you'll find out where all the ill artwork is thanks to that handy little thing called geotagging. Enjoy. 

Handle: 13thWitness

Followers: 8,600

What to expect: NYC-focused scenery (bridges, buildings, beaches) with emphasis on pattern 

Why you should follow: If you have a thing for architecture and appreciate the repetition found in man-made structures (think stairs, windows, columns), this dude's photos are superb and even borderline sublime. Nike also recently named him as the first guest photographer for their Instragram #makeitcount campaign. 

Handle: 12ozProphet

Followers: 2,581

What to expect: Graffiti (mostly in NY) from the eyes of those who've been following it online since 1993. 

Why you should follow: The expert eye knows what to capture. The crew over at 12oz doesn't fuck around when it comes to following graffiti beefs, who's making waves and who's resurfacing. They also post some awesome archive images that may or may not have been taken before you were even born. 

Handle: anasbarros

Followers: 26,974

What to expect: architecture, shadow play, diminishing points, landscape

Why you should follow: She's a Portuguese, Vienna-based architect whose Instagram feed could read like a coffee table book. She snaps ornate buildings, skylines, her personal sketches, street art and doors, but her specialty is in diminishing points, where the scene disappears into infinite. A must follow. 

Handle: kunleirak

Followers: 1,078

What to expect: 

Why you should follow: Aside from the fact that he wrote with one of the most notorious crews in graffiti history, Kunle (aka Earsnot) has one of the most entertaining twitter feeds ever. His instagram feed is just as visually stimulating, with lots of IRAK references and graffiti to go around. 

Handle: davesurber

Followers: 12,174

What to expect: signs, old buildings and houses, street art, lots of color

Why you should follow: He's an NY-based video, photo & media production freelancer with a thing for signage, typography and lot's of intense color. Just like some of the others on this list, he's included because of his eye for things we often overlook, like the typography in old hotel and motel signs. 

Handle: osgemeos

Followers: 9,159

What to expect: Graffiti and street art from the twins and their crew

Why you should follow: It's easy to get caught up in graffiti in and around the NY and the States, but these twins from São Paolo have some of the most colorful and recognizable work out there. Another fun fact: many of the pieces shown were likely finished en tandem by the twins with no words passed between them. They often pass sketches back and forth or complete murals together with little communication as to what each other wants. It's a twin thing.  

Handle: frankxcarter

Followers: 5,605

What to expect: Tattoos on real people, tattoo sketches, skulls, his cat

Why you should follow: If you're into tattoos even in the least bit, this dude's work is worth a follow. His sketches and sources of inspiration make up 3/4 his feed, while flicks of his terrifying cat make up the other 1/4. 

Handle: yimmyayo

Followers: 2,991

What to expect: cool shit.

Why you should follow: This dude's blog is a staple for all the comeup kids who consider tumblr their Bible, though he  His Instagram feed is equally entertaining and just as inappropriate, serving up a balanced meal of everthing from runway flicks to graffiti around NY...both part of a complete breakfast.

Handle: williamyan

Followers: 1,709

What to expect: street style, NYC-focused scenery

Why you should follow: William Yan is the man when it comes to street style photographer in NYC, but his Instagram feed shows another side of the city. While you'll definitely get a daily dose of street style, his eye for detail and pattern in the mundane (think intersecting lines in concrete) makes you realize how this crosses over into fashion. No filters needed.