The Artist’s Digital Toolkit
June 29, 2011 at 8:24 pm Michael Royce 5 comments
Online Resources for the Creative Process
One of my goals with this blog is to provide vital information and resources for emerging artists in formative stages of their careers. To this end, I have put together a series of posts examining the digital resources available for various stages of the creative process including:
- Connecting
- Collaborating
- Funding
- Sharing
- Selling
Each post will explore recent trends and developments in one of these areas and provide a review of online tools available to artists.
With the shift away from traditional methods of making and selling art, artists are faced with greater logistical obstacles in almost all aspects of their creative process. These burdens, once shouldered by management companies, PR firms, and record labels, have fallen to artists who are frequently ill-equipped to navigate complex issues like copyright law and non-profit regulations. Negotiating this new territory can be difficult and prohibitive for many artists. Additionally, time spent tackling administrative and legal issues is time that could be spent making art.
As a solution, artists have increasingly turned to small, web-based start-ups to outsource various parts of their arts production process. In her 2004 report, Mary Madden points out that many artists have welcomed the use of digital resources in creating, promoting, and selling art. These new tools provide a wealth of previously unavailable resources to large numbers of artists at a significantly lower cost. For example, using the internet and social networking, artists are able to create and connect with global communities of fellow artists and fans.
Artistic Networking
The first topic that I will examine is the changing face of how artists connect with each other and with their communities. An essential component of any creative process is finding an environment in which artists are inspired to create. Artists have historically gravitated towards public spaces like cafés and pubs where they can meet like-minded people and share ideas in an open forum. This model is increasingly being supplemented by online communities where artists can share ideas and information quickly and without restrictions.
Websites like Artists Forum, NewMusicBox, and Empty Easel provide a wealth of information and resources for young artists, as well as discussions on a wide range of topics. These sites offer a stimulating blend of tutorials, reviews, articles, and user discussions. The real benefit of online communities like these is the universality of access they provide; anyone with an internet connection and a passion has the power to access or create a thriving community of peers.
Recently, more selective ‘members only’ groups have sprung up as a solution for artists who seek small, like-minded communities. Pelime (People Like Me) is an invitation-only group that provides a network of creative professionals working in fifteen different creative media. Members present digital portfolios of their work which they share with other members and the public. In addition to providing a unique online experience, the creators also host real-life events for members to network face-to-face.
Of course, the established platforms of social networking also serve to effectively foster communities for artists. In a previous post, I looked at some of the ways that creative people are using Facebook creatively. At NYFA, we also provide more selective community resources through members only Facebook groups for artists participating in our professional development training programs.
Not only are online communities effective tools for connecting with other artists, but they also facilitate dialogue between an artist and her audience. This forum gives artists direct access to new and existing fans while simultaneously providing audience members with an intimate look at artists’ creative processes. This model can help inspire artists and provide a foundation for collaboration and fundraising, which I will address in later posts.
As you know, part of the mission of this blog is to foster an active and engaged community with our readership. Tell us how technology has impacted your life as an artist. Are online communities an essential part of your creative process? How do you connect with artists or community members using the internet? Do you find online communities limiting or liberating? Inspirational? Irritating?
In my next post, I will take a look at some of the ways artists are incorporating collaboration in their artistic process…
More links: Art-Support, Pixiq, WetCanvas, Artists Network.
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Entry filed under: Professional Development. Tags: Art, Artist, Facebook, Professional Development, Social Media, Technology.
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