Hidden Art Gems: Platforms for Inspiration & Education

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

When it comes to finding artistic inspiration or honing your skills, there's a goldmine of resources available online. The Internet is brimming with hidden gems of art blogs that uncover lesser-known platforms for artistic inspiration and education. So, whether you're an aspiring painter, a digital artist, or simply someone who finds joy in art, this guide is for you. Let's dig into these treasure-troves and see what they have to offer.

Explore Online Art Platforms

Online art platforms serve as a bustling marketplace of ideas, inspiration, and creativity. They're not just places to showcase your work; they're communities where artists can connect, collaborate, and grow. Here are three powerhouse platforms that every artist should know about.

ArtStation

ArtStation is akin to a digital art gallery. It's a hub for professional artists, game developers, media entertainment artists, and students. This platform boasts a blend of inspiring art pieces and informative blog posts, making it a perfect balance of inspiration and education. ArtStation is a wellspring of talent, and it's a fantastic place to admire the work of others and pick up tips from the best in the business.

Behance

Next up, we have Behance, a platform owned by Adobe. Now, that alone should tell you a lot about its credibility in the artist community. Behance is a platform where artists showcase their work and companies scout for talent. The site is home to a vast variety of art forms from graphic design to fashion. And the best part? You can learn so much from this diverse community. So, if you're looking to broaden your artistic horizons, Behance is the place to be.

DeviantArt

Last, but certainly not least, is DeviantArt. This platform is one of the oldest and most diverse art communities on the web. With over 61 million members and more than 45 million unique visitors each month, DeviantArt is a place where you can find just about any style or medium you can imagine. Here, you can share your work, engage with other artists, and even take part in community events. DeviantArt is truly a testament to the power of online art communities.

These platforms are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the hidden gems of art blogs. So, let's keep exploring and uncover more lesser-known platforms for artistic inspiration and education.

Learn from Educational Art Websites

Creating art is a lifelong learning process. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics, or a seasoned artist hoping to refine your skills, educational websites are a great resource. Let's take a look at some of these hidden gems of art blogs that provide high-quality artistic education.

Coursera

First up is Coursera. This platform offers a huge variety of art courses from renowned universities and institutions around the world. From graphic design to art history, Coursera provides comprehensive, structured learning experiences for artists of all levels. The best part? You can learn at your own pace. Whether you're squeezing in lessons between projects or dedicating a whole weekend to learning, Coursera has got you covered.

Udemy

Next, we have Udemy. This platform is known for its vast catalog of courses on virtually any subject you can think of — and art is no exception. Udemy boasts courses on digital painting, character design, animation, and so much more. What makes Udemy stand out is its community-driven approach to learning. Courses are created by passionate experts who are eager to share their knowledge and inspire others.

Khan Academy

Lastly, we have Khan Academy. This non-profit educational organization is committed to providing free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. Their art history section is an incredible resource for anyone interested in the cultural, historical, and philosophical aspects of art. If you're the kind of artist who likes to delve into the deeper meanings behind art and its evolution, Khan Academy is a treasure-trove of knowledge.

With these educational websites in your toolbox, you're well-equipped to continue your artistic journey. But the exploration doesn't stop here. Let's uncover more hidden gems of art blogs and platforms where you can find artistic inspiration and education.

Find Inspiration in Art Forums

Art is all about expression and communication. And what better way to grow as an artist than by interacting with other artists? Art forums provide a platform for artists to share their work, get feedback, and get inspired. Here are a few online forums that are the hidden gems of art blogs.

ConceptArt.org

ConceptArt.org is the go-to forum for anyone interested in concept art. Whether you're into character design, environment art, or vehicle design, this is the place to be. It's a vibrant, active community where you can share your work, get constructive feedback, and be inspired by some amazing art. Plus, the forum often hosts challenges and competitions, perfect for pushing your limits and improving your skills.

CGSociety

If 3D art and animation are your thing, then you'll love CGSociety. This forum is a gathering place for professionals, hobbyists, and enthusiasts in the field of computer graphics. From 3D modeling to digital painting, you can find discussions on a wide range of topics here. Not only can you learn a lot from the technical discussions, but the work shared by members is sure to inspire and motivate you.

WetCanvas

For those of you who prefer traditional art, WetCanvas is a must-visit. This forum is all about painting, drawing, and other forms of traditional art. You can share your work, participate in challenges, and join in-depth discussions about techniques and materials. WetCanvas is a supportive, active community that encourages artistic growth and exploration.

Remember, art isn't created in a vacuum. By engaging with other artists, you're not only getting critical feedback, but also exposing yourself to new ideas and perspectives. So, don't hesitate to join these forums and begin discovering these hidden gems of art blogs. Next, let's dive into how social media can be a powerful tool for artistic growth.

In today's digital age, social media platforms have become much more than just a place to catch up with friends. They've evolved into platforms where artists can showcase their work, learn from others, and even get discovered. Here are a few social media platforms that are hidden gems of art blogs, perfect for artistic inspiration and education.

Instagram

Instagram is a visual platform that has become a haven for artists. With its focus on images, it's a great place to showcase your work and build a following. But don't just use it as a digital gallery — make the most of Instagram Stories, IGTV, and even Instagram Live to share behind-the-scenes looks, demos, and more. Look for other artists to follow too; their work can serve as a daily source of inspiration.

Pinterest might not be the first platform you think of when it comes to art, but it's a gold mine of inspiration. From art tutorials to mood boards, you can find almost anything here. Plus, Pinterest's visual search and "boards" feature make it easy to save and organize the content you find. It's a lesser-known platform among art blogs that's definitely worth exploring!

Tumblr

Tumblr's blogging format makes it a fantastic platform for artists. You can share your work, follow other artists, and even engage in discussions with your followers. Tumblr's community is known for its creativity and diversity, making it a great place to uncover new ideas and styles.

So, you see — social media isn't just for selfies and food pictures. It can be a powerful tool for artistic growth. Try these platforms out, and you might just find your next big idea or technique among these hidden gems of art blogs.

Next, let's look at another way to uncover lesser-known online platforms for artistic inspiration and education — through educational art websites.

If you're inspired by our blog post on "Hidden Art Gems: Platforms for Inspiration & Education" and want to explore a career as a self-taught artist, don't miss the workshop 'Navigating A Career As A Self-Taught Artist' by Maayan Sophia Weisstub. This workshop is designed to provide you with valuable insights and guidance on how to successfully navigate the art world and thrive as a self-taught artist.