Whether you’re into 90s grunge culture, the iconic British hun, or the cringe fashion of three decades past (think Tammy Girl, Skechers, and velcro wallets), there’s a spot on Instagram for it. As well as being the place for anyone to explore their creativity and individual aesthetics, it’s also where subcultures can thrive, ideas and micro-trends catch fire – and each user can impact culture in their own way.

To show how they source their inspiration, a group of emerging creatives and activists are explaining how they use IG to create, share, and explore. Below, a musician, drag queen, pedal biker, make-up artist, and environmental activist let us into their creative mindsets.

London drag star and nightlife mainstay Charity Kase is currently starring in Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, and she’s using Reels to share where the inspiration behind her fantastical, magical, and sometimes grotesque, looks comes from. “On my Instagram I like to post all of my mad drag creations and fantasy creature looks!” she says, while transforming herself into a furry Grinch-like being with faun ears. She takes us into her studio, showing off some pieces she’s working on, as well as a mural of a dragon she’s painted. Charity’s favourite accounts to follow on Insta? @beaujanglesdrag and @sadiesinner. 

When he’s not tearing up Hackney’s tarmac, pro pedal biker Shaden is also a model, and the East Londoner uses IGTV and Reels to share some of the serious stunts he performs. “I share challenges that I do on my bike, recording it, uploading it, everyone showing love,” he explains, while popping a wheelie on a bike with no front wheel. “Where do I see myself in the future? Working in the biking community, supporting everyone, trying to get younger kids into biking.”

Dominique Palmer is a climate and environmental justice activist using her platform to speak truth to power, while studying at university. Attending strikes, events, and attending conferences as well as filming documentaries and organising campaigns, her goal is “save our planet, basically!” she says. “It’s such an amazing tool to get the word out to so many people about different environmental issues,” she says about using the social platform. “You can just tap into the environmental community that exists on Instagram and all of these different spaces.”

South East London singer-songwriter and one of pop’s next gen Josie Man likes to post videos of her “singing, and the odd catwalk in my living room,” she says, giving a visual snapshot of her daily routine that involves journaling, taking vitamins, and cups of tea. “I’m inspired by vulnerability on Instagram,” she continues. “I use Instagram to explore my own identity by following accounts that help me understand myself.”

For Black queer artist and model MYLA, her Instagram feed is for displaying immaculate make-up looks – think bold graphic liner, cow print lids, and applying literal pearls to her face. Scrolling through IG is an act of inspiration for the Ghana-born, Manchester-based MUA. “I look on either my Instagram Explore feed or watch music videos to get some wonderful inspiration to create looks with,” she says. “I’m currently working on trying to showcase my personal style and taste.”

Above, watch Charity Kase, Shaden, Dominique Palmer, Josie Man, and MYLA describe what makes them and the role of Instagram in their explorations.

Share your creative explorations on Instagram Reels with #YoursToMake; For a chance to be part of a HERVISIONS x Yours To Make art installation at the Saatchi Gallery in London from November 4 to 9