I’ve been using Pinterest more and more lately, and it’s fascinating to see what actually drives clicks, saves, and interactions — especially when you’re sharing art, illustrations, or design work. If you’re an artist, designer, or creative entrepreneur looking to grow your audience, here are my key Pinterest optimization tips to help your pins perform better and reach the right people.

1. Make Sure Your Pins Are the Correct Size

Pinterest favors vertical images. The best pin size is a 2:3 ratio — for example, 1000 x 1500 pixels. Taller, vertical pins naturally take up more real estate in the feed and catch more eyes, which is essential when showcasing artwork or visual design.

2. Upload Fresh Pins — Don’t Just Repin

Pinterest’s algorithm loves “fresh pins” — meaning new images or graphics you upload directly. Even if it’s existing artwork, create a new mockup or change the text overlay to keep it fresh. Repins help, but fresh content is key for Pinterest SEO and higher reach.

3. Save Pins to Relevant, High-Traffic Boards

Where you save your pin matters. Always pin your artwork to boards that are relevant, well-named, and active. For example, if you have an illustration of summer florals, save it to boards like “Botanical Art Prints,” “Summer Wall Art,” or “Whimsical Home Decor.” High-quality boards with clear themes help Pinterest understand and rank your pins.

4. Use Strong Keywords Everywhere

Pinterest is a visual search engine. Use clear, relevant keywords in your pin title, description, and even the image text. Think about what your ideal audience is typing in the search bar — terms like “summer artwork,” “boho wall decor,” “whimsical illustration,” or “watercolor floral print.”

Pro tip: Add keywords naturally. Don’t keyword stuff — write clear, helpful descriptions instead.

5. Lean Into Seasonal Trends

Pinterest users plan ahead, which means seasonal and holiday content performs really well. For example, if it’s July, share pins that connect with summer, vacation, or back-to-school themes. If you create holiday art or giftable prints, pin them at least 1–2 months before the season starts.

6. Design Visually Engaging Pins

Eye-catching design is everything on Pinterest. For art and design, make sure your pins are bright, clear, and have a strong focal point. Many high-performing pins include a text overlay that explains what it is (“Printable Wall Art,” “Free Summer Wallpaper,” etc.).

Use your best photography, mockups, or styled images to help your work stand out in the feed.

7. Build the Engagement Loop

Pinterest’s algorithm rewards pins that get clicks, saves, and link taps. The more people interact with your pin, the more Pinterest shows it to new users — creating a snowball effect.

Encourage this by writing clear calls to action in your pin descriptions (“Tap to shop the print,” “Save for later inspiration,” etc.).

8. Pin to Boards With Good Reach

If you have group boards or boards with lots of followers, save your pins there too. The more eyes on your pin in the first 24–48 hours, the better chance it has to gain traction and be distributed more widely.

Final Thoughts: Pinterest for Artists and Designers

Pinterest can be a powerful tool to grow your art business or share your creative work with the world. By using these Pinterest SEO tips — creating fresh, well-designed pins, writing keyword-rich descriptions, and pinning with strategy — you’ll set yourself up for more clicks, saves, and website traffic.

Happy pinning!