Getting your art seen on the internet.

I make art because I enjoy it. I also like my work to be seen. (I care less for trying to sell work these days, believing the profit never matches the labour.) So, bearing in mind there is a world wide audience out there on the Internet, where are the best places to hang your work in this virtual display space? Firstly, try Googling your name PLUS “art”, then click on the “images” tab and see what (if anything) comes up. You will see at a glance, under each thumbnail, where the Googlebot found that particular image. Here’s my experience: PINTEREST is by far the images site most favoured by Google, perhaps because the site lacks the distraction of text. Google also likes themes, so when it says in their results “86 Best Paintings, drawings of Nottingham, Ian Gordon Craig”, I promise you that wasn’t my opinion! THEY did that, via Pinterest. The drawback with Pinterest is that the public have to sign in to look through your work. In other words, they have to be a member. TWITTER comes a very close second to Pinterest in getting images seen in Google search results. I have NO interest in getting into the debates and comments on Twitter, but one can simply post pictures there. Hashtags will bring a guaranteed audience, #Inktober being the current trend, but #Art or #thedailysketch are always popular. The “Likes” button is FAR more active than here on PoL, and the public can view without signing in. FLICKR is the personal photo host site most favoured by Google search. Amazingly, Google seems to all but ignore its own Google Pics and Blogs. So here’s a tip, “Pin” your pictures from Flickr into Pinterest. Also, Flickr currently requires no sign-in and no Yahoo account, so the public can easily view your work. FACEBOOK. I have no family, and I am never going to be so close to anyone as to need to know what their dog had for breakfast. I have a Facebook page to keep track of local gallery exhibitions. My art is there, set to “public”, but Goggle search will only ever list your account name and you’re never likely to get a follow-back from a gallery page. INSTAGRAM. I am not on Instagram. Google will very effectively pick up your images from there but do be sure to use your real name as your user name, otherwise you won’t be properly credited. The “Likes” and “Follow” facility is well used, and it can automatically send your pictures to other sites like Picpanzee or Gramho (it’s an endless list!) As the name implies, Instagram is for the fun and fast, but people do have to sign-in to view. Also, it currently requires a smart phone. All the above opinions are based on my own personal experience of simply getting my art seen as opposed to general social interaction. But all the above do offer a sense of “community” and communication with fellow travellers if desired.

Hi Lewis. Yes, I made my own boards on Pinterest. Seven of them, and quite specific regarding techniques or fave places to paint: Ian G on Pinterest.

Hi Lewis. It was your question about Instagram that "inspired" me to relate my experiences. Here is a sheet of examples of art trends on Twitter which have been going for years. Using the hastag brings a large audience and many followers if you reciprocate their following you. It is not my work. Credit goes to Anthony Greentree. Talented and friendly guy.

I'm not on the site too much, Lewis, but I've given you a "follow" to help get you going.