Website Design for the artist requires an understanding of the special needs of creative professionals. Artwork should be displayed tastefully, the artist's accomplishments and talent need to be highlighted and the entire site should reflect the personality of the artist.
In addition, consideration for the purposes of the website are essential for it to meet your goals. Will it be an online portfolio, a place to display your latest work, perhaps to sell your work or services, a means to attain gallery representation or perhaps something personal. These issues will help determine the structure of your website.
"I found his pages simple, dignified, professional and easy to use." -- MJV
Artist websites tend to be image heavy, and so they should be optimized for quality and quick loading, it should have easy navigation, clearly defined sections, key word inclusion to maximize searchs by visitors, perhaps some feedback method to cull a mailing list.
Hosting of your site should be done so that you can easily update it, and provide statistical tracking to evaluate how your site is used by visitors. It should have a registered name that is easy to remember and associate with the artist and their artwork. Name registration and hosting can be done separately or as a package when creating the site. The site should be regularly maintained so it remains fresh and active.
"The website has helped significantly with recognition for my artwork." -- CS
These features should be included in every artist's website. As an artist myself, I feel a special obligation and challenge in creating unique sites that fit the needs of each artist. Here are links to some of the websites I've designed... |
LandscapesArtStudio.com
The site you are now viewing is for the online studio-gallery which I share with my painting partner. It includes a shopping cart, pages for each of our functions, and a section for each of us as artists.
PleinAirFlorida.org
This group website includes a member sign-up form, links page, internal anchors, and individual artist webpages within the site.
MaryJaneVolkmann.com
This artist website reflects her diverse talents with bio, resume, exhibits, galleries, projects and contact info. It is a rather complex site.
SchaeferArtStudio.com
Here is a simpler artist website with bio, galleries, resume and contact info.
GardinerArtStudio.com
This site covers all the basics, and is still in development. More features are gradually being added as the artist needs increase and she can afford.
SassyAndTwisted.com
This site includes sections for the designer, news, and artwork. A custom logo, shopping cart and form for submitting responses adds the personal touch.
JohnJLarner.com
The artist wanted a simple site to show and sell his paintings, and that would be easy to update.
AnOriginalHitt.com
A fairly complete site that features the artist, artwork with a shopping cart, events and class schedule, and a contact form.
CFPAartists.org
Another group site for painters with information about membership and activities.
CarolynMolder.com
This artist wanted to improve her website to assist in her advancing art career. It is getting improved coding, a more uniform layout, new features and updated info and images as it is gradually redone.
If you'd like to explore having your own artist website, I'd like to discuss it with you. Send an eMail explaining your needs to David Johnson
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