Monday, March 16, 2009

Online Artist Networking

Social networking sites are one of the most popular ways for people to stay connected, network and meet each other in our modern world. Some of them are meant for just socializing and connecting with friends, sharing photos, planning events and parties and other such social engagements, while others are meant as online promo packs for musicians and other media artists. However, where does the visual artist go to network with painters, sculptors, sketch artists and other artists working in visual mediums? Thankfully there is a social networking site for artists that will help you connect with other artists all over the world as well as galleries and venues that are interested in meeting artists to show at their locations.

These networking sites whether they are college social networking sites or social networking sites geared for everyone, are a great way to stay in touch with people you find that you have some type of connection with. One designed for visual artists is especially effective as an online promotional tool and can function as a virtual portfolio easily accessed by other artists, crafters, gallery owners and people who are interested in collecting and supporting the arts. The ability to create a biography about yourself, explain the medium you work in and the approach you have to your art, expound on your creative philosophy, discuss techniques and experimental aspects to your work and generally give a history and taste of what you represent is extremely valuable.

In the world of professional arts, it can become a very competitive industry. With the economy the way it is and less expendable money to go around, any edge that can be gained should be fully embraced and exploited. Every way to get the word out about the work you are doing and the projects you have underway is one more chance to be found by the right client, gallery, shop or customer.

Collaboration is another aspect of a social networking site for artists. Creating an online artist directory is a wonderful idea, and can help bring like minded creative people together to ensure that collaboration in the art world is alive and well. Getting two or more artists together to work simultaneously on a project or event is something that has fed the art world and allowed for the creation of works that would have been otherwise impossible.

Why not use the tools that are presented to us and create an artists profile to connect with other creative folks all around the world. The computer and the internet are tools that should be embraced and used to the utmost extent to bring more and more creativity and connection into our world. Many artists typically find this contradictory to the creative process, but I believe that it is just a tool like a telephone or bulletin board where people can exchange information and meet each other.

This is a call for creativity! Express yourself and share your vision with the world. Embrace the opportunities that present themselves and exploit this wonderful tool called the internet in the interest of creativity, self expression and art. It is a wonderful thing when an artist can make a living doing what they love and share their heart with people all around the world. And connecting via online social networking sites is one way you can truly ensure that you find people from all corners of the globe to make wonderful and creative connections with.

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