Website Advice for Artist
September 19th, 2009I am an artist and therefore no expert on websites. Yet as a result of doing this blog I spend a lot of time on other artists websites and blog’s and have come to some conclusions about what makes for a pleasant visit. So here are some things not to do when designing your art website or blog that are strictly my opinion.
Blogs
No more than 10 viewable posts. This is my only complaint about certain blogs. I spend about a quarter of my web time on dial-up (it is a situation that is out of my control). When I view a site that has more than ten viewable post most of the time I just move onto something that will load quicker. If that first painting is incredible I may go get a cup of coffee and just wait it out but the point here is that it is possible to make your blog (even with many images) enjoyable for those who have slow connections as well as those who have fast connections and it is not difficult to click the “previous posts” link.
Websites
No flash introductions. Some of the best artist in the country have flash intro’s to their websites. I really don’t understand this. It is distracting and once again makes it difficult for those with slow connections to endure the wait. I have also noticed that if a website starts with a flash intro I usually am not going to see much of the artists “recent” work. Apparently they themselves cannot make easy updates due to their reliance on a web genius. “No updates” is better than “no work to view” but it is disappointing to know your not looking at what the artist has done recently. If the glorified “web business card” is needed a blog is a great secondary alternative for allowing your followers and collectors to get to know you and your work better and inform them on upcoming shows and workshops.
No flashing words or titles. This communicates you are selling cars or things that cost $19.99! Your work is beautiful, it speaks for itself, don’t distract from that beauty.
