How to Create a Digital Footprint as an Artist
Art is a wonderful medium enabling a person to not only express themselves but also use their talents to make something that can bring joy to others. One of the amazing things about art is that it allows an artist to make something brilliant out of basically nothing. Being an artist of course can be very challenging, and the term “starving artist” was coined for a reason: making money from your art can be very difficult, and yet one still needs to buy art supplies to make more art, so artists would say, forego food, in favor of supplies. In today’s world however selling art and using art skills to earn a living has become a different game altogether as an artist can essentially present their work to the whole world via a website and social medial, and find other ways to make a living such as teaching art online, or creating made-to-order products from a product design company.
Where does the concept of a digital footprint fit into this picture? A digital footprint refers to one’s unique set of traceable digital activities, actions, contributions and communications manifested on the Internet or on digital devices. The strength of that footprint is what ultimately determines how successful an artist will be at getting their work out there. This article is a quick guide to creating a digital footprint as an artist, so have a look and give it some consideration, after all the world is waiting to see what you’ve been up to! Note to self: stop dreaming about being an artist and work on your digital footprint!
Here are some tips for making a digital footprint a reality, and presenting yourself to the world as an artist. Go for it!
Make a Portfolio
As an artist, you need to have a website that is essentially an online portfolio where others can review your work, and where your style and abilities are well represented. You’ll find many artist portfolio website templates that allow you to make your website with no tech background needed. This will help build a professional image and you’ll keep photos of all your work in one place, as well as any other information that helps to present yourself.
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
While your website showcases your work, you can help drive a lot of traffic to it, or at least get more people familiar with your work through social media. Social media is also a great way to increase your digital footprint and constantly updating your social media platforms with your work is a personal way to make contacts. Use social media to keep your audience informed of your latest projects, events, or any collaborations you’re doing as an artist. And don’t disappear! Maintain your presence in order to keep your footprint strong.
Through social media you can create a voice in a personal way which helps others identify and relate to not just your art, but also to your story and you, thus helping them connect with your art even more.
Get in Touch with Online Publications
Because the digital world is so influential, online publications can help your career thrive as an artist or at least shed a spotlight on the story behind your art. Getting featured will help your audience and fan base grow and can also direct more traffic to your website and social media platforms. Often you’ll even find that when one publication reaches out, several others start to keep an eye on you and will also follow.
Collaborate with Other Artists or Brands
Another great way to gain exposure and leave a digital footprint is by collaborating with other artists. This creates an interesting project that even more people will take notice of and will also allow your artwork to spread in numerous places. Or, you can also work with brands and use your creative voice for their marketing needs. The more places or mediums to which your art is spread, the wider your digital footprint will be.
With everyone focusing on the digital world, an artist must have a solid digital footprint to help communicate their personal story and showcase their work. Professionalism is key, so every artist must have their own website that is simple and easy to navigate. Of course that is just the first step, spreading your work across different channels will help with your recognition and exposure, as well.
I hope this introduction to the idea of a digital footprint doesn’t have you running in the opposite direction, just be happy that you have so many options other than peddling your art on the street, selling at craft fairs or on your front lawn. Truly, there are many opportunities today that artists of the past simply did not have, so embrace technology and use it as a tool to further your art career, just don’t get so caught up in it that you don’t have time to make art! Here’s to your success, you can do it!
