Emerging Artist: Steps to a Strong Online Presence

Contents

1. Create a unique artist website
2. Establish social media profiles
3. Build an online portfolio
4. Share your work on art platforms
5. Engage with your online community
6. Keep your online presence updated
7. Use search engine optimization
8. Promote yourself and your art online
9. Respond to comments and messages
10. Measure your online success

Imagine being an artist today—without the Internet. Sounds challenging, doesn't it? Today, building an art brand and online presence is just as important as the art you create. With the right moves, you can showcase your work to the world and build a fan base that loves what you do. Let's start this exciting journey with the first step: creating an artist website that is uniquely yours.

Create a Unique Artist Website

Starting the process of building an art brand and online presence begins with creating your own artist website. This is your online home, where you can showcase your work, share your story, and connect with fans and clients.

Choose a good domain name. This is the address people will type in to find your website. It should be simple, easy to remember, and related to your art. Using your own name or the name of your art brand is a good start.

Design matters. Your website should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. It's like your online art gallery, so make it count. Use clear, high-quality images of your work, and keep the design clean and simple to let your art shine.

Make it personal. Your website should reflect you and your art. Include an about page where you share your story, your inspiration, and your process. This helps visitors connect with you on a deeper level.

Keep it updated. Just as you continue to create new art, keep adding fresh content to your website. This could be new pieces, blog posts, or updates about shows and exhibitions. This keeps your site interesting and gives people a reason to come back.

Remember, a well-designed, personal, and regularly updated website is a key step in building an art brand and online presence. It shows the world that you take your art seriously and helps you stand out in the crowded online art market.

Establish Social Media Profiles

Social media is not just for selfies and food pictures anymore. It's an important tool for artists looking to build an art brand and online presence. It's where you can reach new audiences, engage with fans, and even sell your work. So, let's talk about how to establish your social media profiles.

Choose the right platforms. Not all social media platforms are created equal. Some, like Instagram and Pinterest, are great for visual content, making them a natural fit for artists. Facebook and Twitter can also be useful for sharing updates and engaging with your community.

Create a consistent brand. Your social media profiles should reflect your art brand. Use a consistent name, profile picture, and style across all platforms. This makes it easier for people to recognize you and your work.

Share your work. Use social media to showcase your art, share your process, and give followers a peek into your artistic journey. The more you share, the more people will feel connected to you and your work.

Engage with your audience. Social media is not just about broadcasting—it's about conversation. Respond to comments, ask questions, and show appreciation for your followers. This engagement builds a stronger connection with your audience and helps grow your online presence.

By thoughtfully choosing your platforms, presenting a consistent brand, sharing your work, and engaging with your audience, you will be well on your way to building a strong art brand and online presence on social media. Remember: it's not just about the number of followers, but about the quality of your connections.

Build an Online Portfolio

You've got the skills, you've got the talent, and now, it's time to show it off. When you're an artist, your work speaks for itself. And what better way to let it do the talking than with an online portfolio? Building an online portfolio is your chance to showcase your art in a way that captivates your audience.

Go for quality over quantity. It's tempting to include everything you've ever created, but resist that urge. Instead, select a handful of your best pieces that represent your skills and style. Remember, you want to impress, not overwhelm.

Make it easy to navigate. Your online portfolio should be a breeze to get around. Organize your work by category or medium, and make sure that each piece is easy to view and appreciate.

Include detailed information. For each piece, include a title, the medium used, the size, and any other relevant information. You could also consider including a short description or story about the piece. This gives visitors more insight into your work and process.

Make it easy to contact you. Don't forget to include contact information or a contact form. If someone is impressed by your work, you want to make it easy for them to get in touch with you.

Building an online portfolio is a key step in building your art brand and online presence. It's your personal gallery, open 24/7, inviting the world to see what you can do. So make it count!

Share Your Work on Art Platforms

Now that you've built your online portfolio, it's time to take the next step: sharing your work on art platforms. This is a chance to get your art in front of a wider audience and really start building your art brand and online presence.

Choose the right platforms. There's a plethora of art platforms out there, so do your homework. Look for platforms that align with your style and target audience. Websites like DeviantArt, Behance, or ArtStation could be a great start.

Show off your best work. Much like your online portfolio, you want to put your best foot forward. Choose pieces that you're proud of, and that represent your brand.

Engage with the community. These platforms are not just for showing off your work—they're also a chance to connect with other artists and potential customers. So don't be shy! Comment on other artist's work, join discussions, and reply to comments on your own pieces.

Stay consistent. Regularly update your profile with new work, and keep your presence consistent across all platforms. This helps to build brand recognition and keeps your audience engaged.

Sharing your work on art platforms is a fantastic way to gain exposure and build your art brand. It's like setting up shop in a bustling global art district, where the world can see and appreciate your talent.

Engage with Your Online Community

A big part of building an art brand and online presence is about more than just sharing your work—it's about engaging with your audience. Think of it this way: you're not just an artist, you're a storyteller, and your audience wants to be part of the story.

Be Authentic: Authenticity fosters trust, and trust is the cornerstone of any successful brand. Be genuine in your interactions, share your journey, and let your passion for art shine through. People connect with authenticity, and it makes your brand stand out.

Start Conversations: You don't have to wait for your audience to come to you—reach out to them! Ask their opinion on your latest piece, share a behind-the-scenes look at your process, or simply wish them a good day. Small gestures can make a big difference.

Listen and Learn: Pay attention to the feedback you receive. Your audience can provide valuable insights that can help you grow as an artist and as a brand. Remember, communication is a two-way street!

Stay Active: Try to post regularly and respond promptly to comments and messages. This shows your audience that you're dedicated and approachable, and it keeps your brand fresh in their minds.

Building an art brand and online presence is like hosting a never-ending art exhibition where you're not only the artist but also the curator, guide, and guest. So, engage, interact, and let your art brand be more than just a name—it's a community.

Keep Your Online Presence Updated

Keeping your online presence updated is a fundamental step in building an art brand and online presence. Consider your online presence like a garden—it needs regular nurturing and attention to flourish.

Consistency is key: Consistency in terms of style, tone, and frequency of content can help establish your brand's identity. It reassures your followers that you're active, involved, and committed to your art.

Keep evolving: As an artist, your work will evolve over time—your online presence should reflect that growth. Update your portfolio, tweak your bio, or give your website a fresh look to reflect your current artistic direction.

Share the journey: You don't have to wait until a piece of art is finished to share it. Post work-in-progress updates or share a glimpse of your sketchbook. Sharing the journey can be as engaging as sharing the finished product.

Create a schedule: Having a content schedule can help you plan out your posts in advance and ensure you're posting regularly. It doesn't have to be rigid—you can always adjust it as needed, but it provides a useful guide.

Remember, your online presence is your brand's digital heartbeat. Keeping it updated and vibrant is an integral part of building a strong art brand and online presence. It’s your virtual studio—keep the doors open and the lights on!

Use Search Engine Optimization

Have you ever wondered how to get your art noticed by more people online? The answer lies in the realm of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)!

SEO is like the secret sauce in building an art brand and online presence. Let's break down how you can use it to your advantage:

Keywords are key: Think of SEO as a matchmaker. It pairs up what people are searching for with the most relevant content. So, if you're an artist who specializes in watercolor landscapes, make sure to use those terms in your website's text, photo descriptions, tags, and so on.

Don't forget about your images: Search engines can't 'see' images, but they can 'read' the descriptions. When you upload your artwork, use the alt text field to describe the image using relevant keywords. This can help your art show up in image searches.

Link it up: If you reference a technique, concept, or art movement, link it to a relevant page on your site. The more internally linked pages you have, the better search engines can understand and rank your site.

Quality over quantity: While it's important to use keywords, remember that your content should be engaging and valuable to your audience. Stuffing your content with keywords might please search engines, but it won't impress your visitors.

SEO might seem complex at first, but once you get the hang of it, it can be a powerful tool in your toolbox for building an art brand and online presence.

Promote Yourself and Your Art Online

When it comes to online art promotion, it's all about showcasing your unique style and connecting with your audience. Here are a few ways you can start promoting yourself and your art online:

Share your journey: People love stories. Sharing your creative process, your inspirations, and even your struggles makes you relatable and adds depth to your artwork.

Collaborate with others: Working with other artists or influencers in your field can help you reach a wider audience. You could co-create art pieces, host joint exhibitions, or even just share each other's work on social media.

Join online art contests: This is a great way to get exposure and build your reputation in the art world. Plus, it could lead to opportunities like gallery shows or commissions.

Offer exclusive content: Provide something extra to your loyal fans, like limited edition prints, behind-the-scenes videos, or early access to new work. This can encourage people to follow your work and share it with others.

Remember, building an art brand and online presence is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, consistent, and true to yourself, and your online presence will grow over time.

Respond to Comments and Messages

Let's talk about communication. As an artist, it's easy to get so caught up in creating that you forget about the people who are consuming your art. But don't forget: they’re a big part of your journey in building an art brand and online presence.

Engaging with your audience isn't just good manners — it shows them you care about what they think. Their feedback can help you grow as an artist and as a brand.

Here are some ways to engage with your online community:

Respond promptly: Take time each day to respond to comments and messages. You don't have to write an essay — a simple thank you or a heart emoji can go a long way.

Be positive and polite: The internet can be a tough place, but remember to keep your cool, even when faced with negative comments. Stick to the old saying: if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Ask for opinions: Your audience will love to share their thoughts if you ask. You could ask them to vote on the color palette for your next artwork, or ask for their ideas on what you should draw next.

With these tips, you can foster a more engaged community and build a stronger online presence. Happy interacting!

Measure Your Online Success

Building an art brand and online presence isn't just about posting your work and hoping for the best. It's about setting goals, tracking your progress, and adjusting your strategy based on what works and what doesn't. So, how do you measure your online success? Here are some points that can help:

Track Your Followers: This is a simple way to measure your growth. You can check how many new followers you're gaining over time. Remember, it's not just about the numbers — the quality of your followers matters too. Are they engaging with your content? Are they potential buyers or fellow artists who can help you grow?

Analyze Engagement: Look at the likes, comments, and shares your posts receive. These are clear indicators of how engaging your content is. If a post doesn't receive much engagement, try to figure out why. Was it the content itself, or was it posted at a time when your followers weren't active?

Monitor Traffic to Your Website: If you have a website (and you should!), use tools like Google Analytics to track visitor activity. How many people are visiting your site? Where are they coming from? Which pages are they spending the most time on?

By paying attention to these metrics, you can gain a better understanding of your online presence and make informed decisions to improve it. Remember that building an art brand online is a marathon, not a sprint. So don't be discouraged if progress seems slow — every artist's journey is unique.

If you're an emerging artist looking to strengthen your online presence, don't miss the workshop 'Create Your Brand Inside & Out' by Karen Oldhoven. This workshop will guide you through the process of crafting a powerful and consistent brand, both online and offline, to help you stand out in the competitive world of art.