To interact directly with an artist (leave comments, make connections, support, features, etc.) I use DeviantArt almost exclusively. Honestly, I try to avoid social media as much as possible, Lol.

I've heard that one way to gain recognition is to offer people something valuable that makes you memorable to them. For instance, an artist on Youtube, Lachri Fine Art, has fantastic colored pencil tutorials. As another example, I just bought a commission here on DA from an artist who does unique digital portraits.

A major factor though is simply personality. I've met artists here who are talented but just not very friendly, or too self-oriented, or don't want to learn, and it makes it hard to want to support them. But a good personality paired with good artwork makes you really want to see them succeed.