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Dilemma.
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Message
Posted
A couple of people are trying to encourage me to set up a website, they even said they would do it, I'm no techno. The thing is, when I started painting and I am still on a big learning curve and journey, I didn't think in a million years that people would request a painting from me and offer to pay for it. I never considered it, not in a heart beat did I ever think of such a thing when I started. It's a totally new concept for me really and that's why I'm in such a dilemma about it. Another thing is, I'm not totally sure I want to use my time painting for other people while I am still trying to learn so much. I'v done two painting for people and it took me away from what I was doing. Don't get me wrong, it's flattering being asked to do a painting for someone but at the moment, I'm a bit overwhelmed, I've got a mixture of people asking for landscapes, flower stuff, children's paintings and so on. I never considered earning money from painting and now I find myself in this peculiar position. I guess when we paint, we all want it to be understood or admired my someone I think but I never really thought anyone would ever want any of my art, that is the truth. I don't really know how websites work in these matters. Your opinions will be valuable in me considering if it's a road I want to go down. Thanks.
Posted
Wow Denise
That's great though. Although I get how your feeling with it and sure you feel its very overwhelming. It hard to take in when you have been learning and having fun and no pressure, then oh people are noticing your work and want to buy. Sorry I can't help you with website as I haven't a clue and I have not got one set up either. I am aware peeps are not fans of Facebook, twitter, Instagram etc and personally I am not a fan either. Although I have gone on to Instagram to get a feel of what people like and see my work which has been my next step to get more confidence. I wish you all the best and I think your a great artist. You're get lots of good advice from others who in which will help you. 😉
Posted
Wow Denise
That's great though. Although I get how your feeling with it and sure you feel its very overwhelming. It hard to take in when you have been learning and having fun and no pressure, then oh people are noticing your work and want to buy. Sorry I can't help you with website as I haven't a clue and I have not got one set up either. I am aware peeps are not fans of Facebook, twitter, Instagram etc and personally I am not a fan either. Although I have gone on to Instagram to get a feel of what people like and see my work which has been my next step to get more confidence. I wish you all the best and I think your a great artist. You're get lots of good advice from others who in which will help you. 😉
Edited
by Faye Patrick
Posted
Ask yourself 'What would a website do for me?' Will it enhance your life and well-being, or would it be a burden or a hindrance? You do not strike me as a 'blogger'; one who tells the world the minutiae your everyday activities, so if you're not intending to advertise and sell your work, what would be the point of it? You have an outlet here for display and critique.
Like most of us, you paint for fun, and have given inspiration to many (certainly to me, for which I thank you). Accepting a few commissions from friends is one thing, but might the pressure of 'going public' spoil the fun?
Just my two twopenn'orth, since you ask. :)
Posted
A good twopenorth Colin . Denise I’m sure you will do your own thing…I always have . You are enjoying what you are doing I paint for me and if someone likes it and is happy to want it ,great.
I have done the very odd,very odd pet pic at silly money to be told by one pet owner what he thought of my efforts. It was not a happy experience and that’s not why I paint and draw…
Do what you are happy doing and enjoy it.
Posted
Denise you must do what is the best for you, you are a very capable artist and would I think run a good website.
You always put 100% into your art work, and seem to love variety of subjects and mediums, my fear for you is that this would be lost with the demands of your customers. If you are in a position to do the occasional commission do that and use it to gain experience before taking on the bigger project . The best of wishes whatever you decide x.
Posted
Hello Denise,
I've had a basic website for about 4 years now, it's just an online gallery of my work, with a 'message me' facility. I don't do much with it, and I have no idea if it has contributed to my art sales in any great way! I get a few messages through it - even enquiries about gardening! (my other life)
But, my aim was to make a part-time living from my art, so at the time I thought a website was expected.
It costs me about £75 a year, then there's domain name fees which is about £30 every 3 years.
I get more activity/enquiries via social media, (which is free of course, but full of annoyances!). I'm not a blogger at all, and don't post particularly often.
'Word of mouth' is definitely where most of my work comes from.
I keep the website and social media going (ticking over, rather than being well oiled!!) as all things combined help in some way.
Posted
It's already been said, but I can't help but reinforce it, the question to ask is what do you want from a website. If it's a showcase, what does it bring that something like POL does not? If you want it to be a gateway from where people can discover you and your work, then, if you want the search engines to pick you up more readily, then you have to keep posting new 'stuff' so that the content frequently updates. Otherwise the only people who will find you will be those who already know you. Given the interest shown already in commissioned paintings, if you are considering a potential commercial portal, ask the question would you buy a painting based on internet images alone or would you want to see the artists work first hand? That will tell you where you need to put your paintings. Above all, pat yourself on the back. To have got to the position of even considering the option you have done really, really well.
Posted
Thanks for your input, I think I am quite happy doing what I'm doing and on balance and reading your comments, I can't see that a website will be any use to me at the moment. I am happy doing the odd painting for someone and entering the odd competition here and there. I intend to carry on learning and gaining as much experience at the moment. I like just mulling along doing my own thing. Thanks again everyone.
Edited
by Denise Cat
Posted
Denise, have you tried Instagram or Facebook, they’re free. And if they go okay, then consider a website. I’ve only done one commission and I found it stressful, therefore I don’t do them anymore. However, I’ve sold a couple of paintings off Facebook, fortunately they were sold locally, so the buyer collected. I’m also lucky enough to be represented by a small independent gallery.
Posted
Denise, I have a website through Jackson’s which I find extremely frustrating to operate and update and therefore it’s more or less on hold at present. I’m not a computer idiot but in hindsight I wish I had either chosen something else with more help (obviously more expensive too) or gone the FB route, though I actually don’t do that but some people seem to find it helpful.
It seems to me you’re happy, learning and productive, and enjoying your art without a website. My advice for what it’s worth would be to keep going as you are and maybe reconsider in 6-12months. I’m sure you will continue to get commissions and of course you can actually sell on this site, though I’m not sure how successful that is. Maybe someone will let us know!
In the meantime good luck and keep up the very good work.
X
Tessa
Posted
Thanks Ellen and Tessa, I've not considered Instagram. Maybe it's something I'll look into in the future. I did get some news, the competition I was semi finalist, although I didn't win, I got an email from The Artist's Lounge to say they have published a soft back book and I'm in it. It's on amazon apparently. I'm supposing it's a pic of my entry I guess along with the others. I certainly didn't Imagine that, not in a million years.
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