I decided I needed a website a while ago, however it's really hard to choose, and I wasn't sure until now what I even needed it to do. The nature of my art makes it a real pain in the butt and wallet to ship, so I want to avoid selling canvasses online. Therefore I didn't need a store. I've been blogging on Blogger for a bit, and also Tumblr. Both are fun, but not good for much more than blogging.
I wasn't even sure I needed a website. Surely a Facebook page is enough? I am all over the place with various social media pages, as well as trying to vlog relatively consistently (Not happening), and actually produce the art I want to get out into the world.
I watched this podcast from Jenna and Julien. They were sponsored by Squarespace that week, and used that as a starting point for a rambling chat about websites. At this point in time, any business or businessperson who wants to have a presence online needs to have a website. Even if it's just a single page with contact details, what you do, and relevant information (E.G. a menu and store hours if you're running a restaurant), it provides a place for people to jump online and find you.
They also discussed how the creation of websites have changed a LOT. To build a website one used to need to be able to use code, or hire someone to do it for them. I personally would not have a CLUE about coding.
This is going to sound like an advert, but Squarespace is SO EASY. I didn't have to code a single thing. It hosts the page and provides a wide range of different templates, sorted into what type of website you need. I chose this one because I want the colours of my art to shine bright against the muted grey tones, and the layout is appealing to me. It has SO many insert-able functions, like the social media links, the newsletter box, and pretty much anything I can think of needing is right there.
They also have a tool for designing logos! I had been putting off doing that for ages because it's so complicated, and I didn't really know what I wanted. The logo builder here gives you a choice of fonts and symbols. you can also move them around in relation to each other. What else do you need?
This week I am buckling down to get three more pieces of art finished for my art show on the 27th. Next week I will be installing the picture rails to hang it all from, hopefully without injuring myself.
I feel like this is the start of a very easy, useful website and blog. Have a great week!