I was in a creative mood today, but still had to work. If I can’t actually be artistic today I shall at least blog about art, so here are some thoughts about how an artist can use social media effectively.
Feast for the Eyes
People love to look at art. And it is important that they get to look at art in a format designed to compliment it.
Example: Flickr: Flickr has everything you could ever desire for photos. Some of my favorite features are…
- Tags, a way to describe the elements of a photo. This is also how you search for photos.
- Sets, a way to group your photos according to whatever theme or criteria you set.
- Nuanced privacy controls, including type of copyright license, viewing privacy controls, and ability to turn off downloads of photos.
How can a visual artist use Flickr?
- Portfolio
- Boosting of search engine returns by distributing images through Creative Commons
- Secure cloud storage of photos
- Proofing of orders for customers
Flickr Tip: The best way to get is to give. The more you comment on other people’s work the more attention your work attracts. You’ll find the Flickr community to be a warm and welcoming crowd.
Personalize, Customize, and Switch it Up
People love to consumne media in a customized format. Any piece of art is more fun when it can be interacted with by putting it in our own frame with original commentary.
Example: Pinterest. Pinterest is the digital equivalent of cutting pictures out of a magazine and gluing them into a notebook. My favorite features are…
- Boards which allow you to categorize everything. It’s an organization dream–nothing can be out of place!
- Ability to like, comment on, or repin any pin. Express your level of rapture precisely!
- Share to other social networks as much or as little as you want.
- Post your own original content or just enjoy everyone else’s.
How can an artist use Pinterest?
- Reach out to a niche customer
- Target women consumners (vast majority of Pinterest users are female)
- Promote all styles of your work without diluting any section
Pinterest tip: Watermark all your pins with your web address or Twitter handle. Original creator information is easiy lost on Pinterest due more to format than carelessness or maliciousness.
Open-Door Studio
People love the secrets of the back stage. We appreciate the process of creation almost as much as we do the final product.
Example: YouTube. I doubt I have to tell you what it is. 😉 Best features…
- Free
- Easy to use
- Linked to the mighty Google search engine
- Opportunity for monetization
Let’s think outside the typical watercolor artist or photographer. Who else can use YouTube for a glimpse into their studio?
- Fiber artists
- Sculpture artists
- Florists
- Hairstylers
- Makeup artists
- Stage designers
- Prop makers
- Refurbishers and restorerers
YouTube tip: Edit, edit, edit, and then edit again. We want to see behind the scenes, but we don’t want to watch the paint dry.
Go Live
Everyone wants a piece of face-to-face interaction with the star. They want a personal touch.
Example: Hangouts the video chat feature of Google+. Features…
- All the cool video elements of Skype but for free
- Chat with up to 9 other devices.
- Broadcast and record events on YouTube
- Take the intimacy of a private back-stage tour global
What can artists use Hangouts for? How about?
- Concerts–intimate feel of just 10 people but still able to reach as many as a stadium would hold.
- Comedic acts–guaranteed audience interaction
- Portraiture, caricature, and cartooning
- Interviews
- Business meetings
- Collaboration and brainstorming with a shared Google Doc or Doodle
Hangout Tip: Involve all 9 people in the conversation and don’t forget the chat box on the left hand side.
Tags: Art, Boards, Cartooning, Categories, Comedy, Flickr, Google+, Hangouts, Musicians, Photography, Photos, Pictures, Pinterest, Portfolio, Portraiture, Recording, SEO, Tags, Video, Visaul Artists, YouTube
Magic Bottle Marketing 