Unleash Your Inner Artist: Mastering Drawing on Instagram Story Templates

So, you want to draw on an Instagram Story template? It’s surprisingly straightforward! Simply open Instagram, navigate to the story creation screen, select your desired template (either one you’ve created or found), and then tap the drawing tool icon (it looks like a squiggly line). From there, you can choose your brush type, color, and start doodling, writing, or creating custom designs directly on your template. It’s a fantastic way to add a personal touch and make your stories truly stand out.

Diving Deeper into Instagram Story Drawing

Instagram Stories have evolved from fleeting snapshots to powerful communication and creative canvases. And at the heart of that evolution lies the ability to draw directly onto your stories, especially when combined with templates. Templates provide structure, branding, or simply a starting point, while the drawing tools offer the freedom to inject your personality, highlight information, or create captivating visuals.

Step-by-Step: Drawing on a Template

Let’s break down the process into digestible steps:

1. Open Instagram and Access Stories: Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device. Tap the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen, or swipe right from your main feed to access the Story creation screen.

2. Select or Create Your Template: This is where the magic begins. You can either select a pre-designed template from various sources (including Canva or dedicated Instagram template accounts), or create your own using photo editing apps. Save the template to your phone’s camera roll.

3. Upload Your Template: In the Story creation screen, tap the camera roll icon (usually located in the bottom left corner). Select your chosen template image from your camera roll.

4. Access the Drawing Tools: Look for the drawing icon at the top right of your screen. It typically resembles a pen or a squiggly line. Tapping this icon opens the drawing toolbar.

5. Choose Your Brush: Instagram offers several brush options:

   • Classic Pen: A solid line, great for outlines and general drawing.
   • Marker: A thicker, slightly transparent line, ideal for highlighting.
   • Highlighter: A translucent line, perfect for emphasizing text or areas.
   • Arrow: Creates arrows of varying thicknesses.
   • Eraser: To correct mistakes.

6. Select Your Color: Below the brush options, you’ll find a color palette. Tap on a color to select it. You can also long-press on a color to access a full-spectrum color picker for precise color selection. A recent addition is the ability to select any color from the image itself using the color picker tool (looks like an eyedropper).

7. Start Drawing!: Now for the fun part! Use your finger or a stylus (if you have one) to draw directly onto the template. Experiment with different brushes, colors, and techniques to achieve your desired effect.

8. Undo and Redo: If you make a mistake, use the undo arrow (usually located in the top center of the screen) to reverse your last action. You can also redo actions using the redo arrow.

9. Add Other Elements: Don’t forget you can also add text, stickers, GIFs, and polls to further enhance your story. These elements can work seamlessly with your drawings.

10. Post Your Story: Once you’re satisfied with your creation, tap the “Your Story” button at the bottom left to share it with your followers.

Tips and Tricks for Stunning Story Drawings

• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different techniques. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at drawing on Instagram Stories.
• Use a Stylus: For more precise and detailed drawings, consider using a stylus.
• Plan Your Design: Before you start drawing, sketch out your idea on paper or in a separate app. This will help you visualize the final product and avoid mistakes.
• Embrace the Eraser: The eraser is your friend! Don’t be afraid to use it to correct mistakes or refine your drawings.
• Layer Your Drawings: Use multiple brush strokes to create depth and dimension in your drawings.
• Use a Consistent Color Palette: To maintain a cohesive aesthetic, choose a consistent color palette for your drawings.
• Take Advantage of Templates: Templates can save you time and effort by providing a starting point for your designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 common questions about drawing on Instagram Story templates:

1. Can I use my own templates or am I limited to Instagram’s built-in options? You are not limited to Instagram’s built-in options. You can absolutely use your own templates, created in other apps, or downloaded from the internet. Simply save the template to your camera roll and upload it to your story.

2. What’s the best resolution for an Instagram Story template? The ideal resolution for an Instagram Story template is 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall (9:16 aspect ratio). This ensures your template looks crisp and clear on most devices.

3. How do I change the size of the brush in the drawing tool? While Instagram doesn’t offer precise brush size control, you can simulate different line thicknesses by varying the pressure you apply to the screen while drawing. The harder you press, the thicker the line.

4. Can I add a background color to my template within Instagram? Yes, you can add a solid background color! After selecting your template, tap the drawing tool and then tap and hold down on any color in the color palette for a few seconds. This will fill the entire screen with that color, covering your template. You can then use the eraser to reveal portions of the template underneath.

5. Is there a way to draw straight lines on Instagram Stories? Instagram doesn’t have a dedicated straight line tool. However, you can draw a line and hold your finger or stylus down at the end for a second. Instagram will automatically straighten the line for you.

6. How can I use the color picker tool effectively? The color picker tool is located on the bottom left corner of the drawing screen, resembling a dropper. Tap the icon to select a color from your template image, and use this color for your drawings to maintain color consistency.

7. Can I save my drawing as a separate image? Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t offer a direct “save drawing” feature. However, you can take a screenshot of your story before posting it to save your drawing as an image.

8. Are there any third-party apps that enhance Instagram Story drawing capabilities? Yes, many apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Sketchbook offer advanced drawing tools and features that can be used to create more complex and professional-looking drawings for your Instagram Stories. You can create your artwork in these apps and then upload it to your Story.

9. How do I make my drawings look more professional? Use consistent branding elements, take advantage of the color picker tool to match your brand colors, and practice regularly. Consider using pre-made templates to maintain a professional look.

10. Can I add music to my Instagram Story with drawings? Absolutely! After you’ve created your drawing, tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen and select the “Music” sticker. You can then choose a song and add it to your story.

11. How do I use templates with interactive stickers (like polls or questions)? Place your interactive stickers (polls, quizzes, question boxes) in areas of the template where they don’t overlap with important visuals. Consider using the drawing tool to highlight the sticker and make it more noticeable.

12. What’s the best way to keep up with Instagram’s drawing tool updates? The best way is to follow official Instagram accounts or reputable social media marketing blogs and resources. They often announce new features and updates as they roll out. Regularly explore the drawing tools to discover any hidden features.