High-quality images of your artwork are essential, but large file sizes can slow down your site, leading to a poor user experience. TinyPNG is an easy-to-use tool that helps you compress images without sacrificing quality, ensuring your website remains fast and visually appealing. I am not happy with my site speed and am currently optimizing images. I thought it might help to share how to optimize images for your artist website with this tool.
According to Google’s official Search Central Blog, they prioritize faster websites as a ranking factor, stating that “faster sites create happy users” and “when a site responds slowly, visitors spend less time there.
Better User Experience
A quick, seamless browsing experience encourages visitors to explore more of your work.
How to Use TinyPNG to Optimize Your Images.
Step One: Prepare Your Files
Save your images in PNG or JPEG format. Make sure the dimensions are suitable for your website.
Step Two: Upload to TinyPNG
Go to www.tinypng.com and upload up to 20 images at once. Drag and drop your files directly onto the page for convenience.
Step Three: Download the Optimized Files
TinyPNG will compress your images while maintaining high visual quality. Download the optimized versions to use on your website or social media.
Step Four: Replace or Upload Your Images
Upload your new image or swap out the larger files on your site for the compressed ones to improve performance.
Bonus Tips
It’s Free
With a free TinyPNG account, you can compress up to 20 images at a time, each with a maximum file size of 5MB. While there isn’t a clearly defined monthly limit, most sources indicate you can compress around 100 images per month for free. To handle larger volumes or bypass these restrictions, upgrading to a paid TinyPNG plan is required.
Batch Compression
You can Optimize several images at once to save time.
File Naming
Use descriptive file names (e.g., bluegrass-musician-painting.jpg) to boost SEO.
Check Your Dimensions
Resize images to the maximum display size needed for your website before uploading them to TinyPNG. You can find this in the Help or Knowledgeable section of your platform.
Make an Impact with Your Images
By optimizing your images with TinyPNG, your artwork will look professional while your site remains fast and efficient. Use this simple tool to elevate an online presence.
This latest video reviews a comprehensive checklist to ensure your artwork shines on your website.
Weekly Video Recap
Key points include using sharp, well-lit images, clean crops, and close-up shots that capture texture and detail to give viewers the best possible experience. Proper lighting, multiple views, and optimized image sizes are essential.
We also talk about your website and maintaining consistency, organizing by category, adding descriptive details for each piece, ensuring mobile friendliness, and clear navigation for your audience. Finally, while you can shoot your artwork yourself, investing in a professional photographer can make a significant difference.
Your Assignment for This Week
Your task this week is to download and review the images on your website using the free checklist in the resources below.
Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with the artist Joseph Petry to enhance his online content and develop a press release in preparation for his current exhibition, Freeing Mind Chaos. Joseph’s art carries a profound story, and our work together focused on conveying this depth to his audience online and in person.
Freeing Mind Chaos by Joseph Petry
In preparation for this exhibition, we crafted promotional materials. In these materials, we highlighted the unique opportunity to meet Joseph in person.
Freeing Mind Chaos
ArtWorks Gallery & Studio, 236 Penn Ave, Scranton, PA
October 4 – 25, 2024
Joseph firmly believes that people experience art best in person. And this exhibition allows him to engage directly with viewers and share the stories behind his mixed-media works.We worked to translate that experience into an engaging online presence without losing the intimate connection he fosters through his artwork.
Building Confidence and Connection: Bringing Joseph’s Art and Story to Life
As Joseph explained, one of the most unexpected yet rewarding aspects of his artistic journey has been the confidence he’s gained as people experience his work firsthand. This confidence fueled his creative process. It also drove our efforts to convey that same energy and emotional bond to a broader audience. He believes that success comes when the experience of art transforms both the artist and the viewer. This belief has become central to his branding. By helping him share his story compellingly and authentically, we supported his growth as both an artist and a communicator, fostering a stronger connection between his art and those who experience it.
Joseph’s story continues to unfold, and I’m honored to help him grow creatively and professionally. His journey reminds us that great art is not only about creating beautiful works but also about sharing an emotional bond that enriches both the artist and the audience.
Using Your Online Portfolio or Gallery to Connect with Your Audience
This week, we are still working on your online presence, and we begin to focus on one of its most important features: your portfolio or gallery.
Why Your Web Presence Matters
Your website is where potential buyers, collectors, and art professionals first interact with your work. This space must be well-organized, accessible, and strategic. While your About page shares your story, your portfolio or gallery is where your art takes center stage, allowing visitors to explore and engage with your pieces.
Weekly Video Recap
Online Portfolio vs. Gallery: What’s the Difference?
Although we often use the terms “portfolio” and “gallery” interchangeably, they serve different purposes:
Portfolio: If your primary goal is to attract gallery representation, commissions, or professional opportunities, a portfolio is your best bet. It showcases your range of skills, techniques, and versatility, giving curators or agents a comprehensive view of your work.
Gallery: An online gallery is more appropriate if you’re focused on selling artwork. This format is designed to display finished, purchasable pieces and is ideal for art collectors, buyers, and enthusiasts.
You don’t have to stick with “portfolio” or “gallery.” Depending on your site’s goals and the type of work you offer, you might choose other names. For example, if you’re selling prints or reproductions, you could use the title “Shop.”
Who Is Your Audience?
The format you choose depends on the action you want your audience to take:
For gallery owners or agents – Use a portfolio to display a wide range of work, highlighting your versatility.
For collectors or buyers, an online gallery is more appropriate, as it makes it easy for them to find pieces to purchase or inquire about.
Understanding your audience and goals will help you determine which format best supports your objectives.
Your Assignment for This Week
Your task this week is to decide what to call your art display area. Is it a portfolio, gallery, or something else? Whatever you choose, make sure it’s easy for visitors to find.
And if you don’t have a website or need to organize a large body of work for different audiences, consider a platform like Artwork Archive to get started.
Next week, we’ll dive deeper into how to organize your portfolio or gallery, so stay tuned!
This week’s video is about building your artist About page. If you’re an artist working on having an effective web presence, this is a strategic component.
Weekly Video Recap
Why Your Artist About Page Matters for Marketing
Your About page isn’t just a collection of random facts; it’s a powerful tool to connect with your audience. When someone is curious about you as an artist, this is the first place they’ll look. It’s your personal spotlight, and it should reflect your story, goals, and the unique vision behind your work.
Think of this page as part of your broader marketing strategy. As you craft this narrative, you’ll need to consider your ideal audience.
Tips for Writing Your About Page
Engaging Introduction
Start with the basics—your name, artistic discipline, and a brief introduction. If relevant to your audience, include where you’re from or based. Keep it engaging right from the beginning to draw readers in.
Your Story
Your story is where your personality comes through. Share your journey as an artist—how you started, important experiences, and the moments that shaped your artistic career. Make this section personal and relatable to connect with your audience more deeply.
Your Vision
What drives your creative process? Talk about your artistic philosophy, themes you explore, and why you create your work. This will help people understand the emotion and purpose behind your pieces.
Your Work
Get into the specifics of what you create. Discuss the materials, techniques, or processes that make your work unique. This will help buyers, curators, and galleries appreciate your art’s distinct qualities.
Your Accomplishments
Briefly mention any notable exhibitions, awards, or recognitions. If your work is featured in collections or represented by galleries, include that information here.
Images
Add at least one high-quality photo of yourself, ideally in your studio or while working. Images of you add a personal touch and help potential buyers or collaborators feel more connected to you.
Call to Action
Don’t leave your visitors hanging—invite them to explore your portfolio, sign up for your newsletter, or follow you on social media. Make it easy for them to stay engaged.
The video also discusses how your artist statement and bio fit in and some other tips for building and maintaining this page.
An Essential Page
Your About page is essential to your artist website and marketing strategy. When done right, it connects you and your work with your audience.
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