The Rickie Report receives numerous emails and phone calls from readers asking a variety of questions. We’ve invited Caren Hackman, author of “Graphic Design Exposed”, to be a guest columnist to answer some of them.  Today’s topic is on-line resources to share your portfolio.  

Sharing Your Portfolio On-Line

Question:  I am not represented by a gallery or agent. How can I increase the number of people looking at my portfolio?   Mary N., West Palm Beach

Caren Hackman says, “There are so many options for you to show your work that I can only scratch the surface in this column. I hope that the list of resources mentioned here will serve as a jumping off point for you to find the best possible way to display your portfolio and extend exposure for your artwork.”

“A well-rounded multi-media approach will help your work get seen. Be prepared for publicity opportunities by using a combination of print and web media. Your print arsenal should include a business card, printed samples of work, a CV and/or personal statement. The web arsenal should include samples of work, CV, personal statement, email blast capability and regular interaction with at least one social media outlet.”

Caren will address some web related outlets today and discuss print in the near future.

“Having a website that showcases your work is essential. Content management solutions such as wordpress offer the advantage of having a customized website that can be easily updated. For artists who find the task of building their own site intimidating there are many free online portfolio sites.  Check out this list taken from design instruct.com (http://designinstruct.com/roundups/free-online-portfolio/).

Being able to send out mass emails, be they media releases or invitations to openings, should always be done using an email client. Never, never, never send an email to multiple recipients from your personal email account. Protect the privacy of intended email recipients and protect yourself from being categorized as a SPAM sender by using bulk email programs. Many of these programs are free or low cost and easy-to-use.  A few that you might like to research are mailchimp.com, constantcontact.com, streamsend.com and madmimi.com.”

“Blogging and social media sites such as Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Pinterest are avenues for artists to help collectors keep current on their work.  If working all social media sites seems a little daunting try concentrating on developing a following on just one or two of the sites. Consider using a feed program to automatically send updates from a blog to your favorite social media outlets.”

 Please send your questions, no more than 250 words to:

rickie @therickiereport.com.

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420