Artist Website
I hate to say it, but in today’s technology era it is important for artists to have websites. I know, I know…just because you are a creative mind doesn’t mean you can design a webpage…I’ve been there too. In all honesty, for me, this is the most dreaded aspect of being a professional artist. Many exhibition and employment opportunities ask to see a website so not having one may put you at the end of their lists. Also, your website is the best way for galleries, curators, collectors, and the press to find quick, accurate information about you. This is one of the few places where you get to choose how your work is viewed, take advantage of this opportunity.
It is important that you make a site that is easy to update and maintain since artists are always working. Being able to post new works or talk about an upcoming show is important. You may not think you have fans yet, but people want to see what you are up to in your studio. Remember that keeping your website up to date tells interested people that you are professional and still working.
Here are a few web providers that I like.
WordPress.org – I’m a bit biased, but this site as well as my personal website are created through wordpress. I like this provider because it’s free (unless you want a special domain name and in that case it’s less than $10 a year)! There are many options for free site layouts and if you know html script you can customize your site even more. Also you can use webpress sites for blogs, thus making your news section into posts. You can view my site and my friend Brandon’s site for examples.
Blogs – Beyond WordPress there are other blog type website that artists have used. These types of sites may not have an obvious portfolio section, but they are easy to maintain and are usually free. Some good providers include Tumblr and Blogger. What makes blogger extra useful is that it is linked to your google account so information is easily transferred from your gmail or google calendar. Mostly I see artist use blogs as creative forums where they can talk about art, both their own and others, as well as build political conversations. An example would be Carlie’s Where I Swoon blogspot site.
Website services – The third option is going through a provider that has artist specific designs. Unfortunately these are not free sites, however they look really nice and you don’t have to do much work for them. Friends use OtherPeoplesPixels for their professional portfolio websites. The layout is very viewer friendly. One issue I see with these sites is that you have limited custom options which results in sites looking the same, but the web creation ease may be worth it. Check out Nicolette‘s and John‘s websites.
These are only a few of the many options to building your website. Just pick whichever system works best for you and your work. A website is like Rome…do not try to build it in a day. It is easy to get frustrated with technology so make sure you give yourself a few weeks to make it. Remember to try out the site on other computers. Colors and formats can look different depending on screen calibration and size. Once you feel happy with the site share it with friends through social networking sites or emails. You never know who might be interested in showing or buying your work.
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