The internet is a great way to get work out
there, to be seen and meet new clients. However, the internet is flooded with
artist’s new portfolio websites so it is important to stand out and create an
effective self-promotional platform. Another good thing about having an online
presence is the ability to connect to other people from all over the world;
Social networking can be an effective means of meeting other artists as well as
potential clients.
Portfolio Sites:
The most effective portfolio sites I have
found are the simple ones. With white backgrounds, reminiscent of gallery
spaces, and easy navigational tools, these sites focus solely on the artwork of
the illustrator.
For example:
Blogs:
Sites such as Blogger and Tumblr are great
for artists to share their work and gain followers but in a less restrictive
environment than a portfolio site. Blogs allow you to add artwork that may be
not be finished yet, work you are doing for personal use or for collecting
inspirational images from other artists. Although this wouldn’t be the primary
site I would show a potential client, I recognise that it would be a great way
to show thought processes etc and other things you may want to communicate to a
client but wouldn’t necessarily be able to on a professional portfolio space.
Social Media Sites:
Websites like Facebook and Twitter are a
great platform for meeting new people. Not only are friends on Facebook but
also more and more professionals, agencies and artists are using these sites to
communicate and, sometimes, talent scout. The ability to personalise these
sites is greater now and it is an easy way to collate some images together.
A good thing about Facebook Pages for
illustrators is the ability to leave comments on work etc. It’s a good way to
see what people are responding to and what images they like: an easy way to do
a bit of market research! Also these sites, as well as blogs, allow people to
‘share’ artwork and pages that acts like a ripple in that your work just grows
and spreads, reaching people who you may not have been able to reach before.
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