What should an artist website include?

Creating an artist's website is a critical step in establishing your online presence and showcasing your work. A well-designed website not only reflects your artistic identity but also engages visitors effectively. It’s your space to connect with buyers, showcase your talent, and make a lasting impression. Here’s a guide on what your artist website should include to stand out and resonate with your audience.

1. A Stunning Homepage: First Impressions Matter

First things first—your homepage. This is where you catch visitors’ attention. Keep it simple, clean, and visually striking. Lead with one of your best pieces and a clear message about who you are and what you do and where you are based.  Check out David Lee’s Website for inspiration. It has won awards because of its sleek, impactful design, which draws you in immediately.

2. About Page: Tell Your Story

As an artist, you tell stories with your artwork and your website should do the same. On your About Page, share yours. Where you’ve come from, what drives your creativity, and why you make art. Keep it short but personal. Visitors want to connect with the person behind the art. Yayoi Kusama’s Website does this beautifully, using her history and vision to bring her art to life online.

You can check out other artist interviews and use some of these questions to help write your about section or page.

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3. Portfolio; Showcase Your Art

Your Portfolio or Gallery is the heart of your website. This is where your art does the talking. Make sure you have high-quality images, categorized by medium, style, or collection. No fluff—just your best work, front and center. Take cues from Joe Lee’s Artworks, which nails the balance between a clean, minimal design and vibrant artwork. Keep the layout simple and let your pieces shine.

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4. Make It Easy to Buy

If you’re selling directly from your website, you need a smooth checkout process. Clear prices, payment options, and shipping details are a must. If you’re not selling online, make sure there’s a way for interested buyers to contact you easily. Keep it simple—no one likes jumping through hoops to buy art!

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5. Contact information

This is key. Don’t make people dig for it. Include a Contact Page with an easy-to-use form, email address, and links to your social media profiles. You want people to reach you with ease. Look at Dogstudio for an example of how to keep things professional yet approachable.

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6. Artist Statement

This one’s optional, but it’s a great addition. A clear Artist Statement can give people a deeper understanding of your work. Why do you create? What are you trying to say? Keep it simple, but meaningful. Place it in your portfolio or on its own page.

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7. Blog & Events

Keeping your website fresh is important. A Blog or News Section is a great way to keep people engaged. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at your process, updates on exhibitions, or new works in progress, it’s worth having. It also helps with SEO—making your site easier to find

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8. Social Media Links

Social media is where the magic happens for artists these days. Make sure you’re linking to your profiles, so visitors can follow your journey and keep up with your latest work. Add the links where people can easily find them, perhaps in your header or footer.

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9. Testimonials

If you’ve worked with galleries or collectors, include Testimonials. Positive reviews give new visitors confidence in your professionalism and the value of your work. You could also include pictures of your artwork in your customers home so potential customers would see it in a home environment.

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Conclusion

1. Make a good impression, create homepage that helps you wow your customers.
2. Tell your story on an about page or section
3. Art portfolio - let your artwork speak for itself
4. Make it easy - to buy your art or to contact you about working with you
5. Contact information -  Make your contact form short and easy to use
6. Include an artist statement on your portfolio page or on a page by itself
7. Blog & Events - Keep your website up-to-date
8. Connect your social media to your website with links and integrations such as an instagram feed.
9. Build trust - Add testimonials from your greatest fans and include photos where you can

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