Using Social Networking To Sell Art

One of the ways in which an artist can seek out social networking to sell art is based upon a combination of procedure familiar to artists before the advent of the web as well as connecting online.  Good starting points for art marketing is discussed on a website that lists ten social networks for artists: http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/03/10-social-networks-for-artists-2012.html

The article suggests the following networks:

1. Networking with other creative people around the world.
   
2. Connecting with art galleries, curators, and art collectors.
3. Some allow the addition of a personal portfolio, and creation of art blogs.
   
4. Most allow attachment of a website link, and in some cases, social networking profiles. This is helpful for encouraging visits to a portfolio website, and good for Google search ranking.
   
5. Listings of call for entry, art competitions, art events, exhibitions, art jobs, freelancing, and art licensing opportunities.
   
6. Keep up to date with current art news and art happenings.

A good place to network for emerging and young artists is art schools, which fall into several categories: colleges, art academies and ateliers.  Art programs at all three types of schools have built-in interactive communities of artists, critics and patrons.  Art galleries afford, through art receptions, a chance for new artists to meet and chat with established persons in the field.  Many artists hire or self-develop art websites which can allow galleries and patrons to view a large volume of the artist's work, his/her resume and artist statements, as well as prices.  As in the case of blogs, artists can link their websites as well as other source material pertinent to their work.  Finally, there are numerous websites for opportunities for artists on the web such as http://artdeadline.com/, http://www.nyfa.org, and others.  Finally, artists can keep up to date with current art news and art happenings through printed journals at books stores and libraries such as http://www.artinamericamagazine.com/ as well as topical news happenings at http://www.artsjournal.com/ and others.