Waste of an Artist’s Time and Talent?
If an artist is represented by a Gallery and the Gallery is marketing the work of the artist, is a website really necessary? Isn’t the Gallery in charge of marketing and why would the artist need to go to the time, trouble and expense of creating a website.
I can certainly understand that an Artist hasn’t the time or interest in creating websites. It’s also expensive and takes away from the Artist’s primary interest – creating their art. Here come the BUT… (yes of course there’s a but) – But if the artist wants a broader audience and some control over their career they may want and need to get their work onto their own (controlled by them) website. It is, however, the ultimate rabbit hole and it has a steep learning curve involving graphic design, photography, internet hosting, domain naming, etc. Many new skills to learn, which takes time away from creating art. Yuk. Do I have to?
Unless the Artist has the technical capability and interest, the only real option is to hire or coax someone to do the job of creating and maintaining the site. Ideally the artist will have a family member who may be able to do the job. If not, where does the artist get the money to hire a web designer, marketer, web maintenance, etc.? From selling art. How can you sell more art and make more money? By getting your artwork in front of more potential buyers. How? Create and promote a website. Vicious circle? Yep. The tail you’re chasing is your own.
Elizabeth has a family member involved in her website and marketing…me, William, the husband of nearly 50 years. I can tell you for sure that she’s a better artist than I am a website designer or marketer but I’m learning. I’m her biggest fan and want more people to discover the amazing art she’s created over a lifetime of joyful painting. I’m honoured to be involved and I hope to meet many more of her fans in the coming years.
Next post: Adventures in art print creation and marketing. Why we created the EA Evans Art website.