The best way to get your name out there is to design a website. Here a few things to keep in mind. Look in a unique domain name. Avoid using

any third-party advertising on your site (basically, they're a distraction). Your website needs to be mobile-friendly and one that looks the same in all browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.). You

need to link it to all of your social media platforms (definitely make sure you have an IG for it). And more than anything, it needs to be well-designed. Web

platforms like Wix have some artist templates that are relatively easy to create on your own. But if you know a professional, it’s not a waste of money

to hire them to do it. As an artist, your site needs to be as eye-catching as your work.

Even if you already have a personal Facebook page (and you probably do), you still need to have a fan page so that you can drive more potential clients and

business to your own site. One thing to remember here is that you shouldn’t post the same content that’s on your website. Make the visitors of your fan page feel

like they are getting exclusive opportunities. Make sure to engage them as well. When they make comments, comment back and also use that page for discounts and thank you messages

too. Click here for some fan pages to get a few ideas.

There are close to 20 million different artists on DeviantArt, so yes, you absolutely must get on the site! It’s second-to-none when it comes to networking with other

artists and instructors. There are also opportunities to share your work on there that you probably won’t see anywhere else on the web.

Speaking of networking, another way to do that is to write guest posts for other artists. At first, this might seem counterproductive (you know, rubbing shoulders with the competition). But

if you offer to write something for free (like maybe a how-to article or tips for new artists) in exchange for sharing a picture or two and/or your website, that

exposes you to a broader audience. It’s a smart marketing move.

If you know of events in your city where artists get together and hang out, go to some of them. Word of mouth is extremely effective, especially in the art

community. The more people you get to know, the more things you’ll be invited out to. Soon you’ll be name dropped as an artist in town. 

This might be the thing that scares new artists the most. Don’t be. Having your own art show can be a really exciting experience, and it doesn’t have to cost

a lot of money to pull it off. Seek out a gallery or place of business that supports artists and ask them how much they charge. Based on when you

want to do it and how much of a heads up you give, sometimes it’s very inexpensive. If you don’t mind sharing the evening with another artist or two, it

might even be free. You’ll need to bring in a few pieces leading up to the time so that your work can be advertised. You’ll also need to print up

some business cards, price out your work and a few other things. Click here for a pretty detailed to-do list.

You can’t expect someone else to believe in you if you don’t! Your work is a representation of you and that’s something to be super proud of! For every piece

that you create, it’s your way of bringing more beauty and making a real statement in the world. Whether you realize it or not, being an artist is already transforming

you and the atmosphere around you. Be bold. Be unapologetic. Be you. THE ARTIST.