Do social media followers actually lead to new work? These designers say yes.

For many designers, Instagram has become more than just a showcase for their portfolio—it’s also a networking platform that provides direct access to potential clients across the world. Once the domain of young people, the platform now attracts users of all ages (and budgets)—a prospect that can make it worthwhile to answer when a follower asks, “Who makes the lamp?” If you haven’t given Instagram much thought lately, it might be time to give your feed a second look.

Marie Flanigan connected with reality television star Whitney Port via Instagram—and ended up getting hired to design her Los Angeles home, including this master bath.Julie Soefer