The Perfect & Professional Artist Website
When someone in the art world like a gallery director, curator, or collector comes across your work on social media, a magazine, or an exhibition, they will most likely want to learn more about you before they decide whether they want to work together. So what do they do next? They search for your name online, and the first result is, most probably, your website.
The way your site looks and functions can make a big difference in whether they reach out to connect or collaborate – it’s essential to have a professional and engaging site. If your website comes off as incomplete or unprofessional, this can hurt your credibility in the competitive art market. And that’s not good!
In today's art scene, having a standout website is more important than ever. It’s not just an online portfolio; it's your personal hub that connects you to potential sales, exhibitions, and fans. So, making sure your website hits all the right notes with the industry’s best practices is crucial.
This article walks you through the must-have pages for an artist's website, complete with tips on how to create a site that truly represents your unique artistic voice.
1. Homepage
Introduction: Write a brief, welcoming statement about yourself and your work.
Featured Artwork: Display a selection of standout pieces to catch visitors' attention.
Call-to-Action: Add buttons or links to important sections, like information about your current exhibition, social media handles to stay up to date, or a form to contact about commissions.
Inspiration: Yuge Zhou
For your inspiration: This is my personal website where I highlight my writing and curatorial work!
2. Portfolio/Gallery
High-Quality Images: Showcase a variety of artwork, ideally the ones you’re most proud of.
Details for Each Piece: Add titles, dimensions, mediums, and descriptions.
Optional: Include behind-the-scenes content, process images, or photos of you with your work at exhibitions to engage visitors in a more personal way.
Inspiration: James Roha
3. Contact Information
Email and Social Links: Make it easy for potential clients, galleries, or fans to get in touch.
Contact Form: Offer an easy way for visitors to send inquiries.
Newsletter: Include a newsletter sign-up to build a mailing list.
Inspiration: Hester Brink
Join our newsletter to receive curated art, updates, and opportunities from the digital arts world to your inbox.
4. Artist Statement/Bio
Short Bio: Share your journey as an artist, clarify the medium you specialize in, write about your influences, and key achievements.
Longer Artist Statement: Explain the themes, inspirations, and purpose behind your work.
CV/Resume: This is optional, but you can include a detailed career overview with an expansive list of your education, exhibitions, awards, and collaborations. You might also offer a downloadable PDF version.
Inspiration: Connie Bakshi
5. Exhibitions and Press (Optional)
Past and Upcoming Exhibitions: Provide dates, locations, and links to more details. You can include a list of press coverage about the exhibition to convey the reception of the exhibition.
Press Features: Include links or snippets from articles, interviews, or media coverage. If you don’t have any yet, let’s change that! Apply to get featured on Digital Arts Blog for an interview.
Inspiration: Cari Ann Shim Sham*
Apply to get featured on Digital Arts Blog.
6. Shop (Optional)
E-commerce Functionality: Allow visitors to purchase artwork, prints, or merch directly from your site. Or, lead them to your Etsy shop.
Clear Product Descriptions: Include dimensions, materials, and shipping information so potential buyers can know what to expect when they shop with you.
NFTs: If you offer your art on blockchain, you can include links to your profile on NFT marketplaces.
Inspiration: Kezleigh
7. Blog (Optional)
Articles: The blog section of your website is the best place to share upcoming projects, your thoughts on art, or behind-the-scenes content.
SEO Benefits: Regular blog updates can improve search engine ranking. Meaning, if you, for instance, are an augmented reality artist and keep writing about AR art, Google might trust you as an authority for that keyword and suggest your site to people who search for AR art.
Inspiration: Patrick Lichty
If all this is overwhelming, I help creatives like you – inquire about how we can work together to create a beautiful website for your art!
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