10 Social Networks for Artists 2012

Listed here are 10 social networks for artists. Each of them have unique features for artists, including:

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.
   

In case you are wondering, I have a profile at each of these artist social networks, but of course do not have time to visit each regularly. At each, I make sure I have email settings set to accept notifications, so that I will only have to log in to respond to queries. When I need to add artworks, I open up separate tabs in my browser, and add the same titles, tags, and description. This, of course, saves me quite a bit of time.

 

1 - CultureInside Gallery

Culture Inside Gallery is a gallery run social network, and includes space for artists to add artworks, biography, artist statement, and an art blog. CultureInside Gallery holds a  regular call for entry where winners not only may exhibit online, but at the CI Art Gallery as well.

One innovative thing I saw here is the lightbox. The lightbox can be used to keep track of other artists, and in return, your art will be promoted inside someone else’s lightbox. This seems completely random, but is a great way of meeting other artists with similar interests.

 

 2 - LabforCulture.org

Lab for Culture is a European social network for artists and art lovers. Members may create a blog, start an art group, and add links to other profiles and websites.

Read current art news, keep track of art events and exhibitions, and find art jobs in Europe. Here, European artists can find out how to receive funding for a particular art project.

 

3 - Artreview.com

Artreview, popular for Art Review magazine, is another great social network for artists and people who love art. Artreview.com members are curators, art galleries, collectors, and artists. Artists may create their a portfolio, and include audio, video, blogs, and artwork, which can be rated by other Artreview members.

Artists can participate in forums and groups, and even create their own. Keep track of art events from around the world with Artcalendr, a public listing of exhibitions, art shows, and more. Old and recent articles from Artreview magazine may be read directly onsite. 

 

4 - Artslant.com

The free membership at Artslant.com is available to all artists. At Artslant, artists can include a profile along with an unlimited artwork slideshow… and a personal blog. Artworks are also showcased at Artshow, to be seen by thousands of daily art buyers. Artists also have the opportunity of adding events and exhibitions to the Artslant calendar.

In setting up a profile, include your artist statement and bio, and a profile photo. Ensure images have proper tags and captions, or they will not be displayed at Artshow exhibitions. Include your best artworks, as this is an exceptional place to receive art world connections.

 

5 - Artbistro

Join Artbistro to network with other artists, participate in art groups, and benefit from the many resources for artists. Choose a username, and upload a profile photo. Fill in your profile with an artist website, bio, and other info.

 

Artbistro is filled with resources for artists, which include listings of creative jobs, art schools, and art tools. The article section has tips on art careers, freelancing, art galleries, art marketing, portfolio tips, and art licensing.

 

6 - Artlog.com

Artlog is a place for following contemporary fine artists from around the world, as well as museums and galleries. It is a community to oversee current art trends. Click the +Add button to add a certain artwork to your collection. (similar to repinning at Pinterest).

Artlog has a listing of current art events, resources, and articles.  The Artlog Magazine includes regularly updated current art events and contemporary artists. Artists may add a short bio, and an artist website, but no artwork. This site seems to be strictly for keeping up to date with gallery shows and exhibitions.

 

7 - Artists2Artists.net

Join Artists 2 Artists to socialize with artists, art gallery owners, curators, art collectors, and more. Members may exhibit a portfolio of their art, and create forums, blogs, and groups. Portfolios may be shared elsewhere (ie Facebook, Twitter, etc), or embedded in an art website or blog. Artists2Artists also includes recent art news, and listings of artist opportunities.

To become a free member at Artists2Artists, artists must submit proof, in the form of a website link. Simply include a link to your art website, artist statement, or portfolio.

 

8 - Rhizome.org

Rhizome has an active community of artists. Rhizome.org free members may add a portfolio, and submit artwork to Artbase. The site includes discussion forums, calls for entry listings, an art jobs board, and listings of events and exhibitions. The blog articles feature contemporary art issues and happenings.

In the personal info section, artists may add social media links, rss feed, artist website, and affiliations. Include a bio, and upload artworks to the portfolio as well.

9 - Artrise.com

At Artrise, artists may build their own portfolio site and network with other artists, galleries,  and collectors from around the world. Fill out a personal profile including artist website links, experience, ambitions, awards, projects, and recommendations.

Join art groups, find galleries, apply for calls for entry and art competitions, and search for art jobs and careers directly from Artrise.

 

 

10 - Behance

At Behance, members may create their own personal Behance portfolio and projects, and add social networking services, as well as links to personal art websites and blogs. Behance also includes records of art employment, art competitions, artist organizations, art schools, and groups.

Receive freelance jobs at Behance by filling out work experience. Include a summary of experiences, skills, education, languages, and art awards.

 

Enter information within Career Manager to let companies know you are available for freelancing and consulting work. If you would like to list artworks as for sale, search for instructions in the Sell my Products section.

 

Are you a member of any of these social networks for artists? How would you rate them? Which art social network is your favourite?