For an artist, blogs are very important. As an illustrator you need one because art directors use them more and more these days to check the activity of their artists. If you're posting regularly, you're active and you're putting yourself out there and you generally look busy. Lets face it, after you get a job from an art director, you disappear for a few weeks while you work. A blog is a way to let the art director know you're still alive. These same reasons apply to fine artists as well. Gallery owners like to see what you're up to. It gives them a personal connection to you without all the bother of calling you daily or setting up lunches.
So how do you use a blog? Do you just ramble on about what your dog did today or how the kids are doing in math class? Do you wax political and philosophical? What work do you show here, if any?
First off, remember that a blog is an extension of your business. You're in the business to sell your art. You will not sell your art if you talk about politics. You will inevitably tick-off some art director or gallery buyer with your views.
Do talk a bit about your personal life but avoid negative comments. You want to keep it positive. It's OK to share your struggles with a model getting the right pose, but always put a positive spin on it. Superficial? Maybe, but our life is filled with turning negative into positive and your blog posts should be no different. Why depress when you could inspire?
I'm of the opinion that the perfect way for an artist to use a blog is to post personal art here. If you're allowed to by your client, you can even post process shots and works in progress pics here too. You should have a website for your portfolio and a blog for your personal artwork with a bit of personal posts to give it flavor.
So, as an artist just moving from private commissions to one working for clients, I'm following my own advice. This blog is now active and my portfolio is in progress. I'll share it all as I go.
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