Artist Advice- Working in the Digital Age
Believe it or not, there are still artists out there who do not have an email account; it’s strange but true! 15 years ago this was the norm, but times are a-changing more quickly than ever, and with the KounterKulture focus falling firmly in the realms of brand-new and innovative technologies, we'll be the first ones to encourage anyone and everyone, especially all the budding artist out there, to get online! The internet's a big place, and an indispensible tool for getting your name out there and generating interest in your work! Don't you want to show it to the world!
All galleries do things slightly different, but as with any business now, the internet and emails especially are key communications tools. Everyone knows the imorptance of punctuality in such a fast-moving industry, so the ability to connect instantly with other people, replying to questions and messages in seconds, cannot be underestimated! If you are asked for a sample of your work, a biography, CV, exhibition history, or anything else, you can email it over immediately (of course after you've checked that everything's up-to-date and in good order)- it might just be your lucky break!
So if you still do not have an email get one and follow this advice:
· Be professional! 'sexywhore@yahoo' and 'pinkunicorns@hotmail.com'... or '(insert explitive)@'... just wont cut it if you're trying to appear reputable! I'm sure you'll agree it's hard to take 'crazychick99' seriously....
· (first name)(last name)(#)@whatever.com is the best format for an email address. It makes it easy for people to remember, and that’s half the battle.
· Check your email regularly - there's nothing worse than sending a message and feeling that it's been ignored! Many people expect a response within hours, if not minutes!
· If you need help at first, ask. You are not the first person to have trouble setting up an email and you will certainly not be the last.
In addition to emails, a website devoted to your work can be another key tool in making yourself and your work accessible, so that nobody can miss how wonderful you are! Here are some tips:
* If you can, set up a website or arrange a contract with a brilliant place like KounterKulture who'll do the hard work for you!
* Try to own your own domain name, such as www.johnsmith.com. You can purchase a website address at www.register.com or www.lcn.com, for example.
* If you do not know how to set up a website ask your friends - we're sure they're more than just pretty faces!
* Finally, never underestimate social networking sites! Have a look at our Facebook page here. Doesn't it look good? So get yourself one! The likes of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and others are an excellent way of letting people know what you're up to, and that they can't possibly afford not to be involved.
So go on... the world (wide web) is your oyster!