Everything you need to know about Building your Art website

In today’s digital era, your artist portfolio website is more than just a digital gallery, it’s your personal corner of the internet where you share your passion, story, and creativity with the world. Whether you’re looking to attract gallery shows, commissions, or simply connect with fans, having a well-designed website is key. Here’s a guide packed with essential elements every artist portfolio website should have, plus a look at some fantastic platforms - including a bonus tip on why starting a newsletter might be one of the best moves for your art career.

Quick Tips for Building Your Art Website (TL;DR)

• Prioritize mobile design – Over 80% of visitors will be on their phone. Make sure images, text, and menus look great and are easy to navigate.

• Keep it simple – Avoid clutter. Let your work shine with clean layouts and clear categories.

• Update regularly – Add new pieces or news at least monthly so people know you're active.

• Make contact easy – Include an email link or contact form. Don’t make people hunt for it.

• Use good photos – High-quality images are non-negotiable. Natural light or scanning helps avoid blurry shots.

• Tell your story – Include an About page that shares your background, influences, and approach in a personal, approachable way.

• Organize your portfolio – Group by series, medium, or theme to help viewers understand your body of work.

• Include pricing or sales info (if selling) – Be clear and upfront. Make it easy to buy or commission.

• Check load times and analytics – Optimize images so your site loads quickly, especially on mobile.

• Link your social media – Make it easy for visitors to follow you and stay connected.

Essential Elements for Your Artist Portfolio Website

1. Homepage

Your homepage is the virtual front door to your work. It should immediately capture your visitor’s attention with one or two striking images of your best art. Keep it clean, simple, and inviting. A short tagline or introduction helps set the tone and tells your audience at a glance who you are as an artist.

2. About Page

This is where you share your story. Write about your background, artistic journey, influences, and what drives you to create. Be authentic! Let your personality shine through - after all, people are drawn to real stories and genuine passion. This page isn’t just about your credentials; it’s your chance to build a connection with your audience.

3. Gallery

Your gallery is the heart of your portfolio website. Organize your artwork into categories or collections so visitors can easily navigate through your creative universe. For each piece, include a high-quality image along with details like title, medium, size, and a brief description or story behind the work. This not only informs but also inspires your viewers.

4. Studio or Behind-the-Scenes

Sharing behind-the-scenes content adds depth to your portfolio. Include photos or short videos of your studio space, your process, or even little moments from your creative routine. It offers fans an intimate peek into your creative world and strengthens the personal connection between you and your audience.

5. Commissions Page

If you’re open to custom projects, dedicate a section that explains your commission process. Detail how potential clients can request work, outline pricing guidelines, your workflow, and typical turnaround times. A clear and friendly commissions page helps set expectations and encourages more inquiries.

6. Contact Page

Make it easy for people to get in touch. Your contact page should include a simple form, your professional email address, and links to your social media profiles. Whether someone is interested in commissioning a piece or wants to collaborate, clear contact details create opportunities for connection.

7. Testimonials or Press

If you have positive feedback, reviews, or press mentions, don’t be shy about showing them off. A dedicated space for testimonials or media coverage builds credibility and reassures potential clients or galleries that your work speaks for itself.

8. Blog or News Section

A blog isn’t just a space for SEO—it’s a great way to keep your audience engaged by sharing updates, upcoming exhibitions, creative process insights, or even thoughts on art trends. Regular posts can add personality to your site and help you stay connected with your followers.

9. Online Store

Thinking of selling prints or even original pieces directly from your website? An online store makes it possible. Make sure your e-commerce setup is secure and user-friendly, complete with detailed product pages that include images, descriptions, pricing, and shipping info.

Keep things simple, often the best designs, are the ones that are clean and straightforward.

Platforms to Build Your Artist Portfolio Website

Choosing the right platform to build your website is crucial. Here are a few popular options - ranging from free to premium, that many artists swear by:

Wix

Wix is a crowd favorite for its simplicity and flexibility. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can create a visually stunning website even if you have little technical know-how. Wix offers a variety of art-focused templates and features like galleries, blogs, and e-commerce capabilities. There’s a free plan available, with paid upgrades for added features and more customization options.

Squarespace

Squarespace is known for its sleek, modern design templates that give your portfolio a polished look. It’s great if you want a site that looks professional right out of the box. With built-in tools for portfolio galleries, blogging, and online stores, Squarespace operates on a subscription basis and even offers a 14-day free trial so you can test drive the platform.

WordPress

For those who want more control over design and functionality, WordPress is a robust option. It comes with a range of customizable themes and plugins that let you tailor every aspect of your site. While there is a free plan, premium plans allow for greater flexibility and custom domain integration - ideal if you plan on expanding your website’s capabilities over time, but it is slightly more complex to navigate and get the hang of.

Weebly

Weebly is another beginner-friendly platform with a straightforward, drag-and-drop design system. It offers both free and paid plans, making it accessible to artists at any stage. Weebly’s templates are easy to work with, and it provides e-commerce options if you decide to sell your art directly from your website.

There are other platforms available that you can use to create your website. We do recommend getting a premium version and a dedicated domain if you can afford it, mostly so you get rid of watermarks and your website looks as professional as possible.

Starting a Newsletter

You can start a newsletter and host it through your own website. Platforms like Mailchimp can help you stay organized when you have more readers, and many web building platform offer their own integrated newsletter services you can use. It's a great way of staying connected with all the people who visit your website - the people who found your work exciting and may convert to buyers.

One more way to connect with your audience is through a newsletter—an excellent tool for building a community around your art. Platforms like Substack make it easy to start a newsletter. Here’s why you might consider launching one:

• Direct Connection: With a newsletter, you can reach your audience directly in their inbox, bypassing the noise of social media.
  

• Share Your Journey: Use your newsletter to share behind-the-scenes stories, updates on new projects, upcoming exhibitions, or even insights into your creative process.
  

• Build a Community: A regular newsletter fosters a sense of intimacy and loyalty among your subscribers, turning casual viewers into dedicated fans.
  

• Monetization Opportunities: Over time, if you build a substantial following, newsletters can open up avenues for paid subscriptions or sponsorships.

Combining a dynamic online portfolio with an engaging newsletter can provide a dual approach to showcasing your art and expanding your reach.

Don't forget to optimize your site for mobile and tablets

To wrap up..

Building your artist website can be a vital tool in today’s digital landscape - it’s where you showcase your work, share your story, and invite the world into your creative journey. By including essential elements such as a captivating homepage, an engaging About Page, a well-organized gallery, and other key sections, you create a space that reflects who you are and what you do. Coupled with selecting the right website platform and leveraging the power of newsletters, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Remember, your website, blog and newsletter are living projects. Keep them updated, keep them personal, and keep them true to your artistic vision. Happy creating!