Having a personal website offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase your art! Here are some suggestions for ways to do that (with the emphasis on free).
The easiest thing to do is set up your own blog. “Blogs” or weblogs are online journals which can used by artists to share their thoughts and promote their work. An example of a local artist is the Nancy Standlee Art Blog. Blogs are easy to use — they’re much like composing an email message. Digital photos and images are uploaded easily. You can set up a subscriber service so that interested parties receive your latest posting automatically. Some examples of free blogs:
Blogspot http://blogspot.com
LiveJournal http://livejournal.com
TypePad http://www.typepad.com/
WordPress http://wordpress.com
An informal artist gallery can be constructed by using an online photo site. Editing of images is not required but, of course, they would look better if you do. Many of these sites actually have online photo editing tools. Negotiating payment with a buyer can be tricky. Payment may be arranged by email or phone; PayPal is a useful resource for this. Some free sites:
Flickr http://flickr.com
PhotoBucket – Photobucket will link to eBay or blogs http://photobucket.com
There are many free sites where you can build your own gallery — your own telecommunications host may offer you one. If you don’t know how to do web design, look for a site that offers templates or website creation software. To find a local webmaster, check out the websites of other local artists. If you wish to sell art directly off your website, you can employ several payment methods: PayPal, credit cards, cashier’s checks and communication by phone or email. Many web hosting services offer free templates, as well as fee-based graphic services, shopping carts, and credit purchasing support. To find free websites, just do a search on “free websites”, but be aware features are usually minimal. The cost of a small website is usually $5 - $15 per month. The IAA website itself is hosted on Ipower.com
Other free possibilities are collective artist galleries such as AbsoluteArts.com or online art stores such as RedBubble.com or ImageKind.com.
If you create your own blog, gallery or website, please inform the IAA Webmaster (sgiles@irvingart.org). One of the perks for IAA members is inclusion in the Member Gallery, which serves as a directory of member websites.
Some ability to edit images of your work is usually needed. The standard image type used on the Internet is called a “jpeg” or “jpg”. You can do a minimal amount through free online photo editing sites: Fotoflexor.com or Picnik.com. Also, you can download free or trial graphics software at Downloads.com (a safe site.)
If you would like a further overview on collective artist gallery sites, online art stores, and auction sites, see the guide on ArtGroupsDFW:
Selling Your Art Online: a Guide to Artist Websites, Online Galleries and Stores, and Auction Sites
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