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!
Resources
7 Steps to a Niche Art Marketing Strategy