Benefits Of An Online Portfolio
An online portfolio provides a way for an artist to showcase their best artwork to potential art collectors, recruiters, agencies, and galleries at any given time.
Your digital portfolio will be the first impression people will have, so you want to make sure you get it right so they will be inspired to go forward and purchase an original from you.
The good news about an online portfolio is that you can easily customize and update your online portfolio and feel confident that viewers worldwide always see your best work.
So how do you design a professional portfolio for your art business?
Follow the tips highlighted below, and you will have a portfolio live you can be proud of.
What Should Be In An Online Portfolio
A portfolio does not have to be complicated, but you need to focus on the basics, or you could end up looking like an amateur and tarnish your name.
So many times, emerging artists get so excited that they rush the process to get it done quickly.
They spend so much time enhancing their artistic skills, they become impatient to share their artwork with everyone, and doing so could lower their work value.
Why not spend the extra time to get the job done right the first time?
You have worked so hard to get to where you are, use the outline below and make a professional portfolio everyone will admire.
Portfolio Basics:
- Headshot
- Short Bio
- About Page
- Best images of your artwork
- Links
- Contact Form
Headshot
A professional headshot will enhance your portfolio and put a face behind your artwork. As an artist, it is essential to focus on personal branding.
Including a professional image of yourself is one way to build name recognition.
Short Bio
Include a short bio with your headshot. Your short bio is similar to your elevator pitch.
Write a few sentences that explain your artwork and art business so people will know what to expect when they look through your portfolio.
- Start with answering, “What type of art do you create?”
- Think of a couple of adjectives accurately describe you and your artwork. Use the online Thesaurus if you get stuck.
- Add a call-to-action at the end.
Short Bio Example:
“Having been an art student for 12 years, I constantly explore various disciplines to broaden my own artistic pursuits, integrating a fine art background with design studies and illustration. My current areas of interest and exploration are my Taiwanese culture, human-centered design, and branding. I begin projects by thoroughly researching and then developing my ideas through creative thinking.”
About Page
An about section is the most visited section of an artist’s portfolio and website. People will visit your “about page” to learn more about the artist, creating the art they admire.
Your about page will be a complete bio that explains in more detail everything about your art career and your art business.
Include the mission and values of your art business, along with rewards and education.
To read more about writing About Pages, turn potential art collectors into raving fans, visit How To Write An Artist About Page That Attracts Art Collectors.
Best Images Of Your Artwork
Your artistic skills are going to continue to progress as the years’ pass. Showcasing the best work on your portfolio is easy to manage because you can update it whenever you think it is appropriate.
The objective of your portfolio is to highlight your range, technique, and experience as an artist. That is why it is crucial only to promote your best work.
To learn how to photograph your art like a pro, visit How To Photograph Art To Sell.
Take pride in all of the time you invest in creating your masterpieces.
Invest in some quality photography gear or hire a professional photographer to photograph your paintings.
We highly recommend not to post images that are fussy, distorted, lousy lighting, and distracting backgrounds.
Art Descriptions
Include an art description with every piece of art you are showcasing.
The description should have the title of the artwork, dimensions, medium, date it was created, a short story about what inspired you to create it, the price, and you might also want to include a link to where a collector can make a purchase.
The short story behind your creations will connect your viewer on a personal level witch might turn a looker into a loyal art collector.
To learn how to write art descriptions that sell, visit How To Write Art Descriptions That Sell Art.
Links
A portfolio is an excellent way for new people to learn more about you and your work.
Including links to all of your social media accounts, newsletter signups, art websites, and contact information will allow interested people to keep up-to-date with your art business.
Your portfolio’s objective is to allow people to know more about you as an artist and what type of art you create. Social media marketing is a way to connect with your following in realtime and keep them up-to-date with your business.
Contact Form
A contact form can help you boost your business and keep your visitors coming back.
A contact allows customers to contact you 24/7 and is more secure than just putting your email address.
Best Contact Forms For WordPress :
More Things To Add To The Portfolio
The list above is the basics every online portfolio should have.
Here are a couple of extra things you can include.
FAQ Page – You might want to consider adding a FAQ page to your portfolio to make it easier for buyers, agencies, and recruiters an easy way to find answers they might have.
Events – Add a page with a list of all your upcoming events, including exhibitions, art talks, art shows, and open studio events
Art Portfolio Websites
Your online portfolio should mirror the look of your website. It should look professional, clean, and easy to navigate.
The colors and font style should complement your art, not distract your work.
Frequently update your site with new and available paintings. You do not want visitors to seel old creations that have already been sold. That is one way to lose a sale.
Art Portfolio Examples
Here are some beautiful online art portfolio sites to take a look into for more ideas.
- Gayle Saunders – is a New York-based photographer.
- Deborah Gregson – is a London-based painter.
- Darren Cranmer – is a London-based painter.
- Dianne Bennet – is a California-based artist.
- LuAnn Dunkinson – is a Jacksonville-based watercolorist.
Studying how other successful artists build a portfolio will help you to make a better decision.
Write down everything you like and don’t like, so when it is time to design yours, you will have a clear vision of how you would like it to look.
Best Portfolio Website Builders For Artists And Photographers
Now that you have a blueprint for your online portfolio, you will need a website builder to create it.
Here are the most popular website builders used by all types of creatives.
WordPress – I use and recommend WordPress, especially if you are going to sell your art online. WordPress offers everything an artist needs, including a portfolio, e-commerce solution, and a blog to drive traffic to the site. Launch your artist portfolio for $3.95 per month with BlueHost.
Wix – Offers 100s of templates to choose from, and prices range between $14 per month – $39 per month.
Format – Created for serious photographers. Prices range between $12 per month – $25 per month.
Smugmug – Created for photographers. Prices range between $55 per year – $360 per year.
Share Your Portfolio
Congratulations, you have created a professional portfolio that:
- Showcases your best artwork
- Connects potential buyers emotionally with the stories behind your creations
- Puts your face art journey behind your paintings, which will build name recognition
- Provides a way for a buyer to make a purchase
- Answers common questions
- Provides a way for collectors to contact you
- Highlights your upcoming events
The last thing you will need to do is share your portfolio with everyone.
Here are some ways to get the word out.
Newsletter – Start by sending a newsletter to you on your email list, highlighting your new online portfolio.
Business Cards/ Brochures – Include the web address on your business cards and brochure. You never know who will be your next buyer. You can get professional business cards printed at affordable prices at Vistaprint, Moo, OvernightPrints, and Office Depot.
Artist Website – If you have an artist website built on WordPress, you can create a WordPress portfolio and add it to your menu bar. If you are using a different website builder for your portfolio, add a link to your artist website and include a link on your “About Me” page.
Email Signature – your email signature is an excellent real estate for your website and portfolio. Make sure you include a link to both sites.
Social Media – announce your portfolio periodically on all of the social media channels you are marketing your art business on and include a link in your bio section.
Final Thoughts On How To Make An Online Art Portfolio
Marketing 101 is all about getting your art in front of as many people as you can. The more people who see your artwork the more paintings you will sell.
O professional portfolio makes it easier for people to see your creations and to learn more about you.
Keep your Portfolio up-to-date, clean, and professional looking. Only showcase your best work.
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