You're right, there's a huge amount of links on here which is why I don't click them. I simply don't have the time, and I'm on mobile mostly so having a dozen hundred windows is hectic af.
People posting their art on here absolutely works best for me. I'm not into anime and manga so most of what's on the site doesn't appeal, but every now and then someone will post a snippet of their page on the forums and I'll go out of my way- like really out of my way- to follow that person. I won't stop at tapas, I'll find their insta and twitter and Facebook and follow them everywhere I can. It's like, gimme more!
I've had an amazing time browsing the 'lucky finds' collection on the discord server. Having hundreds little pieces of art right there is so handy. A little snapshot of their style. And it doesn't even need to be technically good art, just art that's unique and comfortable in itself, if that makes sense.
I'm also a big fan of browsing other creator's reading lists on the main site. If we both like the same thing and I like your style, I'll take your reccs no questions asked.