It's All About The Art :: Tips on creating your online artist portfolio

Just like when you create something wonderful on canvas, out of stone or metal, or a great design for an advertisement...your online portfolio can be an artistic creation and extension of your work.  I know that many artists don't embrace the idea of marketing but it really is a necessary part of your business.  Artists and designers should have at their command both a hard copy book and an online portfolio.  This post addresses the online portfolio and will provide tips to make the process as painless as possible.

1.  An online portfolio will serve you well because it is a display of your work that is available on a 24-hour basis and can be viewed by interested parties locally, nationally and internationally. Proper marketing will drive gallery directors, collectors, and potential new clients to what you can consider your own personal gallery.

2.  Get a domain name.  Yes, you can upload your work images to a free web hosting service but an actual top tier domain name is a far more professional presence and shows your audience that you are serious about your art and your business.  Domain names are so inexpensive...only about $10/year.  Web hosting can also be obtained for usually around $10-$15/month.

3.  Use only your best work.  It's ok if you only choose to use 5 images.  It's better to have only 5 great pieces rather than 20 mediocre ones. Do try to choose work that reflects your personal style but also try to include examples that show your range.

4.  Ensure that you have quality photographs.  Spend some time on this folks.  If taking the photos yourself is not something you are suited to, make the investment in a professional photographer.  The investment will serve you well both for your online portfolio and your hard copy book. Make sure that photos are high resolution (suited both for web and print) and crystal clear.  Keep clutter out of your photos.  Don't prop up your work on chairs or photograph your art in your garage.  If you are displaying paintings or drawings crop the work as accurately as possible.  Paintings/drawings should be displayed in your online portfolio without frames or background distractions.

5.  Always include the title, the medium, and the size of the piece.

6.  In designing your portfolio, remember...It's all about the art.  A professional but simple design should be employed which enhances your work, not detracts away from it. A rule of thumb in graphic design is to use elements of design that are relevant.  No matter how fantastic an image or element is, if it's not pertinent to the marketing message...don't use it.  The same goes for your online portfolio.  Don't have flashy elements, animations and excess text or embellishments in your portfolio.

Good luck! 

Comments

[Igor Polyakov]

Very informative article.. thank you for sharing!