When Instagram entered the playing field, it was a totally new medium of communication. It was a social media platform…but just for pictures – like what do you mean I don’t have to update my AIM status or come up with a witty Wall post to let everyone know what I’m doing? Personally, I think it was more innovative than Twitter and now it’s become the number one application for photo sharing and digital content creation.
We know we are more and more drawn to physical images – an attention grabber – than a long body of text. So if you have an idea or a product you want to get promoted, you should create an Instagram account – and a pretty aesthetically pleasing one. With filters at our disposal, everyone is a professional photographer these days.
But Instagram is more than a way to market a cool product or idea – it’s a way to market ourselves. By sharing these little snippets of our lives, we are forming a collage that shifts and grows as we shift and grow.
I love to scroll through Instagram first thing every morning and I encourage you to do the same thing. I follow my friends of course, but I also follow accounts that inspire me, give me something new to try or make me laugh. Before I read the morning news and delve into the world of cynicism, I want to wake up inspired. By following the right Instagram accounts, I can do this any time anywhere.
Here are 5 Instagram accounts I follow that inspire me every day. Check them out if you’re looking for something new!
1. @Zoe_and_Riley
As the owner of a golden retriever and a sad college student who can’t take her dog to school with her, this account is like a safe haven. These two pups are too stinkin’ cute and I guarantee there won’t be a post where you won’t let out an audible “Awww” (unless you’re a cold-hearted human being #sorrynotsorry).
2. @Instabraid
This account is dangerous because I can spend hours just looking through old posts. I’m not a crazy talented braider or anything, but the stuff these people can do with hair is incredible. And they take outside submissions and love to feature other accounts, so if you’re a master of braids, check them out… and also come braid my hair, please and thank you.
3. @tal_peleg
I know…another beauty account #feminism – but this isn’t your typical run of the mill makeup artist. She draws cartoons and remakes famous drawings on PEOPLE’S EYELIDS. Honestly, this is artwork and it blows my mind. Slightly creepy at times but the detail work…my word.
4. @yoga_girl
Even if you’re not a yogi, or even if you’ve never stepped foot inside a yoga studio, this account is just a whirlwind of inspiration and self-discovery as you follow the story of the account owner, Rachel Brathen. She puts so many things into perspective because she’s an amazing writer and knows how to make the perfect picture/caption combo to make all the feels come out. She’s not afraid to pour her heart out and has created such a supportive Instagram community just through the raw honesty she radiates in her posts. Who knows? You might get into that Namaste groove after a view or two.
5. @gdax
A Tibetan monk, who is ruling the social media game. This account is a beautiful demonstration of two worlds colliding and collaborating – it embraces the power of social media and reminds us that sharing photos is about the story we tell and the impact we can have on others through shared experiences. Since the owner’s captions aren’t typed in English, we get to create our own stories behind the pictures. It’s all about peace, love, and social media.
I hope you found at least a couple new points of inspiration from these accounts! Going to college is thrilling and all, but sometimes it’s an adventure just to look at other people’s journeys for an intsa minute or two.