50 best creative accounts to follow on Instagram in 2017

With 2017 fast-approaching, you might want to start thinking about all the latest designers, photographers and makers to follow on Instagram for fresh inspiration after the festive break.

The following suggestions include some obvious classics, but we hope you'll discover some unknowns and fill your feed with some of the best art, crafts, design and photography from talented individuals and studios across the globe.

Art & Crafts

1. Craft Council

When compiling a list of the best “craft” themed Instagram accounts to follow, the Craft Council is a must.

2. Handmade in Britain

An account dedicated to supporting, promoting and celebrating British craft and design.

3. Royal Academy

The Royal Academy’s official account is dedicated to sharing exhibited art for discussion and debate.

4. Tate Liverpool

Home to the national collection of international modern and contemporary art in the north of England, the Tate Liverpool’s account is filled to the brim with inspiring imagery.

5. The Whitworth

Last year’s winner of museum of the year, and the jewel in Manchester’s cultural crown, The Whitworth alternates its posts between exhibitions and events.

6. British Ceramics Biennial

For fans of ceramics, the BCB Festival’s account provides a year-round behind-the-scenes look into the ceramic art scene.

7. Contemporary Ceramics Centre

Follow the London-based gallery for the latest updates from its exhibiting artists.

8. V&A

Follow the world's leading museum of art and design for inspiring imagery. And check out user's photography via the hashtag #vamuseum.

9. Bauhaus Movement

The unofficial account of the Bauhaus Movement, expressive art combining design and technology provides the theme for this engaging feed.

10. A Beautiful Mess

From crafts and design inspiration to recipes, A Beautiful Mess is a must-follow for pastel fans.

Graphic Design

A photo posted by Hey (@heystudio) on

11. Pantone

Follow the worldwide standard for colour communication and inspiration, brought to you since 1963.

12. Seb Lester

With over a million followers, Seb Lester is one of the most inspiring graphic designers on Instagram, sharing hypnotic videos of his reinterpretations of the world's most famous logos.

13. Hey Studio

A graphic design studio in Barcelona, Hey Studio delivers inspiring work and internal updates that will fascinate and delight.

14. Anthony Burrill

Want to know what inspires one of the world's most famous graphic artists and print-makers? Anthony Burrill shares his work, discoveries and inspirations on his popular Instagram account.

15. Design Everywhere

Follow the latest updates from Design Everywhere, a blog focused on showcasing carefully selected graphic design works from around the world.

16. Mike Kus

Mike Kus is a UK-based photographer and graphic/web designer whose Instagram account is filled with inspiring imagery, family life and work. Not one to be missed, he boasts over 840,000 followers.

17. Daniel Aristizabal

Describing himself as an image baker and cookie maker, Daniel Aristizabal is a Columbian digital artist, graphic designer and illustrator whose work consists mainly of retro colours and cool geometric shapes.

18. Stefan Sagmeister

The one and only Austrian designer Stefan Sagmeister shares his work, inspirations and life in New York.

19. Aries Moross

If you love candy colours, Japanese culture and bright pop art, get a load of Aries Moross – a graphic designer not to be missed on Instagram.

20. Design & Art Direction

The Instagram home of D&AD – this is the account to follow to discover the talented and skilled, the imaginative and the curious, restless and the bloody-minded.

Photography

21. Michael Kenna

Best known for his black & white landscapes, Michael Kenna is a British photographer who has won numerous awards for his distinctive work. An absolute must.

22. Franck Bohbot

The NYC-based photographer is the king of capturing kitsch. With a split focus between people and places, expect old school cinemas, diners and black and white portraits.

23. Martin Parr

Martin Parr is a chronicler of our age. In the face of the constantly growing flood of images released by the media, his photographs offer us the opportunity to see the world from his unique perspective.

24. Rankin Archive

Fans of Rankin will love the archive account, capturing both his latest and most iconic works.

25. Mario Testino

The don of celebrity portraits, Mario Testino, exudes glamour and sophistication from his Instagram feed – a Hollywood who's who.

26. Peter Lindbergh

Black and white photography doesn't get much better than this. Close up frames capture every line and freckle of Lindbergh's celebrity subjects.

27. Annie Leibovitz

A photographer that needs no introduction, Annie Leibovitz's Instagram feed is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her daily work.

28. Almost Matthias Heiderich

Although it might not be the official account of photographer, Matthias Heiderich, for fans of his work it's certainly one to follow. Expect pastel colour palettes, and stunning architecture.

29. Simon Bramante

Simon is the one to follow if you can't get enough of magical landscapes and appealing symmetry. His Instagram feed is simply beautiful with image after image of incredible places around the world.

30. Dirk Bakker

This Amsterdam photographer loves to travel and share images of art, design and architecture that he comes across. He's also founder of SeeMyCity, a global initiative to encourage people to share images of their city.

Fashion

A photo posted by Vogue (@voguemagazine) on

31. Paul Smith

Designer and all-round creative aficionado, Paul Smith, shares the findings from his extensive travels. Both inspiring and heart-warming in equal measures.

32. Wallpaper*

The quintessential guide to all the latest architecture, art, design, travel and lifestyle – along with its popular fashion section – Wallpaper's Instagram feed is dripping with style finds and inspiration.

33. Alfie Douglas

If you love minimalist style, then Alfie Douglas – designer and maker of unisex luxury leather accessories – won't disappoint. Follow their Instagram account not just to enjoy their latest products, but get inspiration for the more simple things in life.

34. Burberry

As visually delightful as its classic clothing collection, Burberry’s official Instagram account is simply stunning.

35. Vogue

We believe that inspiration crosses all the creative industries, and when it comes to gaining insight into the world of fashion, there’s no better place than Vogue.

36. British Fashion Council

During London Fashion Week, the British Fashion Council’s account should be kept open, and ready to be refreshed, to ensure you don’t miss a beat.

37. Alexander McQueen

Combining architectural cuts and unique embellishment for cutting-edge fashion design, the Alexander McQueen brand has innovation at its heart. A must follow.

Interior Design & Architecture

A photo posted by Homepolish (@homepolish) on

38. The Design Museum

The newly re-opened Design Museum in Kensington provides a visual delight through its beautifully curated account.

39. Apartment Therapy

With a mission to "save the world, one room at a time", Apartment Therapy is the guide to stylish apartment living in cities everywhere. Its Instagram account will have you reaching for your credit card as you try to replicate their shared interior inspirations.

40. Wallpaper*

The quintessential guide to all the latest architecture, art, design, travel and lifestyle – along with its popular fashion section – Wallpaper's Instagram feed is dripping with style finds and inspiration.

41. Design Milk

One of the oldest blogs on the web dedicated to modern design, Design Milk's Instagram account is full of the latest interior and architectural projects, bursting with sought-after design.

42. The Spaces

Presenting a mixture of interiors, architecture and design, The Spaces takes simplicity to dizzying new heights of beauty.

43. Dezeen

The world's most influential architecture, design and interiors magazine, sharing the world's biggest and best projects.

45. The House That Lars Built

Described as “a whimsical design studio and DIY blog”, Brittany Jepsen’s The House That Lars Built shares novel ideas for the craft lover.

46. Material Lab

For all the latest surface materials, Material Lab in London is your go-to resource for inspiration. Created by leading tile manufacturer Johnson Tiles its Instagram account is full to the brim with interior inspiration.

47. Home Polish

This isn't about dusting your frames and furniture; Home Polish offers over 500 interior designers worldwide and then shares their stunning projects on its blog and Instagram feed. If you love contemporary design, be prepared to be wowed.

48. RIBA

The official account for the Royal Institute of British Architects shares all manner of A&D projects, from the current and contemporary, to the occasional blast from the past.

49. 2LovelyGays

London-based interior design duo, 2LG, is certainly one to follow on Instagram. The award-winning pair, Jordan and Russell, shares daily musings and creative inspiration.

50. I Have This Thing With Floors

Always spotting unusual floors? This Instagram account encourages you to take a self-feet when you see a nice floor, and then share using the hashtag #ihavethisthingwithfloors.

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