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. Â
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:Â 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!
Weekly Video Recap:Â Establish Your Online PresenceÂ
This step aims to create an online space to showcase your art and connect with your target audience. This space will serve as your home base, where you direct people from your marketing efforts such as through social media or QR codes at events. Setting this up sooner rather than later is crucial for your niche marketing efforts.Â
Your Options for Setting Up a Platform for your Art BusinessÂ
The term “platform” can refer to various things—it might be your entire website, a part of your website, or even an online portfolio that functions as a website. The key is to have a space that effectively shares information about you and your art.
What if You Already Have a Website? Â
If you already have a website or platform that works for you, you’ll want to build on it as we move forward in our process. Â
Soon, we’ll discuss the essential elements of every platform. Until then, review your current online presence or start building your platform. Remember, your online space should showcase the quality and creativity of your art.
A note about affiliate links: Â Some of the links provided are affiliate links, meaning that I make a small commission if you buy through my link. For more info, check out my Terms page.
Are you interested in organizing your art marketing efforts? Â Could you use a better system to find and reach out to your fans, followers and customers?
The Build Your Art Marketing Hubprogram helps artists transform their website into the centerpiece of an art marketing system that supports their business and career goals.
This program teaches artists how to make their websites the hub of a practical and strategic art marketing system while making it easier to deal with technology and save time. It suits artists working with different website builders like Square, WordPress, or Wix, as well as those who have yet to build a website.
The Pilot program is a precursor to a three-part web-based program – Foundations of an Art Marketing System. This Pilot will take a small group through the first part of the program. The feedback from the Pilot will help in the final creation of the three-part program.
The program will offer live teaching sessions every two weeks, with supplemental materials and assignments to complete between the live sessions. Artists will also receive a recording of the live sessions.
Benefits of Participating in the Pilot Program
As a pilot participant, you will enjoy the following benefits:
Discounted Pricing
You will have access to the program at a special discounted rate of $199, compared to the Course price of $495.
Direct Assistance
The pilot program has a limited enrollment of 15 artists, allowing me to assist you directly as you build your hub during the eight-week course.
First-Dibs at Future Pilot Programs
Participation in this Pilot guarantees you a spot if you want it in the following two-course pilots,
By participating early on, you not only avail yourself of valuable insights and strategies to enhance your art marketing but also contribute to the refinement of the program for future artists.
Program Format
Live Presentations Every Two Weeks (Recordings provided)
Every two weeks, a live presentation will kick off each module. Between the live presentations, you will have access to resources and supplemental material to complete the action steps for that module.
Weekly Office Hours
I will be available via Zoom for live Q&A and hands-on help every week.
Email Support
I will be available via email to answer questions from 8 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday.
Timing
The pilot program kicks off on Friday, February 9th. This will be the date for the first class. You will have access to the recording if you cannot attend on the 2nd.
To secure your spot as one of the participants, please register below. I will provide further details closer to the date to ensure you have all the information you need to prepare for the course.
Blogging is an invaluable tool for you to make a connection with your audience. Yet, deciding on blog topics often poses a challenge. Here are twelve ideas to try on your artist blog.
1 – Artistic Process Insights
Reveal your creative journey from inception to finished artwork. Share materials, techniques, and emotions that drive your art. For example, Artist Amy D’Apice showcases her process on the Art Conspiracy Blog.
2 – Art Tutorials
Educate your audience with step-by-step tutorials or video demonstrations, empowering followers to enhance their artistic skills. Check out tutorials like those by Maria B. Paints and Katrina Crouch.
3 – Artist Interviews
Collaborate with fellow artists, spotlighting their work, experiences, and creative philosophies. This content introduces readers to new talent and expands your network. Â Here is an example from Auntie Betty Illustration. Â
4 – Artistic Challenges
Document your exploration into new styles, mediums, or themes. Share the journey and growth this challenge brings, like Scott Young’s Portrait Challenge.Â
5 – Art in Daily Life
illustrate how art influences your everyday life, from home decor to fashion, reflecting your artistic perspective.
6 – Art History and Influences
Write about artists, art movements, or historical periods that inspire your work. Explore the connections between your art and the broader artistic world such as this post by Adrian Reynolds.
7 – Exhibition and Event Updates
Keep your audience informed about upcoming exhibitions, art fairs, or events. Share experiences and thoughts about each event, like those these by Mea Rhee, and Sarah Soward.
8 – Art Book and Product Reviews
Offer honest insights into books, tools, or products that have impacted your artistic journey.
9 – Personal Growth and Reflection
Share personal stories shaping your artistry. Explore how art has facilitated personal growth and learning experiences.
10 – Artistic Challenges from Readers
Engage your audience by encouraging them to suggest themes or challenges for your artwork.
11 – Artistic Philosophy
Delve deeper into the meaning behind your art. Discuss themes, symbolism, and messages embedded in your work.
12 – Share Awards and Accomplishments
Celebrate business milestones, awards, or media features to showcase your achievements like Robin Maria Pedro.
Remember, consistency is essential in blogging. Establish a posting schedule that suits you and engage with your readers to build a supportive community around your art.
Your website’s home page is like the front door to your online presence, and making a great first impression is important. If you’ve attended any of my art marketing programs, you know that I always encourage artists to add a blog page to their website. Â If you have a blog page on your site, you need to decide if it will serve as your home page or if you will use a static welcome page. Â For example, artist Robert Yonke uses his blog page as the home page on the WordPress.com platform. Â Or, using the same platform, artist Carolyn Haas has chosen a static page as her home page and her blog is found on “The Stories” page.Â
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when deciding between a static page or a blog page for your website’s home page. It depends on your goals, content strategy, and audience. Let’s explore the advantages of both options:
Benefits of a Static Page as Your Home Page
Clear Brand Identity
A static home page can prominently display who you are as an artist and what you offer. It’s ideal for an artist looking to establish a strong online presence.
Focused Call to Action (CTA)
You can direct visitors’ attention to a single, prominent call-to-action (CTA). Â CTAs might include signing up for a newsletter, attending an event, or contacting you.
Timeless Content
A static page can offer content that doesn’t require frequent updates, making it a good choice for information that doesn’t change frequently.
Benefits of a Blog Page as Your Home Page
Fresh Content
A blog page showcases your website’s latest content, including new work, demonstrating that you are an active artist. And it also shows that your website is updated frequently, which can improve search engine rankings.
Engagement
Your blog offers an opportunity for interaction with your audience through comments and social sharing, fostering a sense of community.
Demonstrate Experience and Credibility
By showcasing new work, news, accolades, and projects, a blog helps to build credibility over time, which can grow your audience base and open up opportunities.
The Good News
The good news is that most  website platforms allow you to switch between different page types easily.
Choosing between a static or blog page as your home page hinges on your website’s purpose. A static page may be the way to go if you prioritize a static, clear brand message and a focused CTA. However, a blog page is the better choice if you want to engage your audience with fresh content and build credibility regularly. Consider your goals, audience, and content strategy to determine which option aligns best with your website’s purpose and mission. Â If your strategy changes, you can always switch your home page.
This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using the link. For more information, see my full terms here.
Join in An Art Marketing Roundtable about Blogging for Your Art Business
As a visual artist, you pour your time, energy and money into your creations. But how do you get people to notice your work? Consider adding a blog to your marketing mix, where you can share your work, connect with your audience, and ultimately boost your art business.
Blogging is an often overlooked and misunderstood tool for artists.
Blogging isn’t just about writing—it’s about weaving a narrative around your art and creating a digital space where your creativity can flourish.
Many artists need help deciding what to blog about. But, in reality, artists have many worthwhile things to share with their audience. Sometimes, it takes a little time and thought to hash them out to develop a content plan.
Maintaining Consistency
Starting a blog is easy, but maintaining a consistent schedule is harder. With some simple planning, you can avoid writer’s block and stay on track with your blogging tool.
Fear
Sharing your personal stories and creations can leave you feeling vulnerable. How do you conquer the fear of putting your work out there?
Time!
Amidst the commitments of an artist’s life, finding time to blog can be challenging. How can you balance your studio time with your marketing efforts.
The impact of these challenges can be profound. Inconsistent blogging may lead to an unclear online presence, a lack of engagement with your audience, and slow business growth.
Overcoming the Challenges
Here are some strategies we will discuss to help overcome these challenges.
Creating an Editorial Calendar
Plan your blog posts ahead of time. Set achievable goals and maintain a consistent posting schedule to engage your audience.
Build Credibility Through Blogging
Your unique perspective as an artist is valuable. Sharing events, accomplishments, and new work consistently with your audience helps to build credibility.
Time Management
Block out specific time in your schedule for marketing, including your blogging, just as you do for your studio time. Prioritize tasks and eliminate distractions to stay focused.
Find Tools and Resources
Arming yourself with the right tools can make your blogging go smoother. At this roundtable, we will cover all these topics and some simple tools that can help the process.
What’s An Art Marketing Roundtable?
Art Marketing Roundtables are casual but informative events where artists join together around a topic to help their art business. You can participate as much as you like or just listen in.
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