Top 10 Online Art Blogs and Sites Making a Killing
There are a ton of artists out there trying to get noticed. There are also a shitload of them out there who may be too afraid to put their work on display in the event that they'll be criticized. We all know how hard it is to lay it all on the line for everyone to see, especially on the internet where Joe Schmoe and his horrendous nitpicking mother can anonymously spill their two sense about our creative endeavors. Woof. So is life.
"We all deserve to use our talents during this short time on Earth instead of letting them sit stagnantly inside of us. I guarantee you no one is going to walk up to you and say, “Hey, you look like you could be the next Picasso!” You have to unabashedly put your talents out there over and over again until they get noticed. If you have the passion and desire and willingness to do so, they will be noticed. Anything is possible. Trust me."
I wrote this last passage in a book I'm writing about following your dreams... it's true, you may not be the BEST artist out there, but you can do something with your talents. I'm sure that Michael Jordan wasn't really the best basketball player in the whole entire world, but he probably had the most motivation, the most drive and the most determination to stick with it and he made things happen. I'm sure that the highest paid actor wasn't the best actor in the world, but they stuck with it despite failures, despite all the Joe Schmoe's out there that gave them flack and kept putting their work out to the universe.
What I've learned is, there is always going to be someone out there better than you. Competing with you. Trying to bring you down. Competition is GOOD. It will make you a better business person, will give you better character, and will keep you honest. You can't worry about what other people think... I know, easier said than done. That's why you should support each other, work together and stay true to yourself!
I've compiled a list of art blogs to help inspire you. It's to help you feel good about your talents and know that there are people out there making a living on ART and their dreams even though we have all been told growing up that you absolutely can't make money like this. Pssssh.
This site helps artists to get noticed. You can start a free account and feature your high resolution images for sale as prints, products and merchandise. You can even sell the rights to your images for use to other websites around the world. If you aren't able to build your own website, this is a handy tool for selling your original artwork as well! This gets your name out to buyers from around the world. It is also a handy tool for galleries.
2. Society6.com
Similar to FineArtAmerica.com, Society6 promotes artists from around the world and allows them to sell prints and merchandise. Geared towards a younger crowd, this site features artists making a statement in the hipster generation.
Illusion magazine is a great resource for artists and a hub for inspiration!
4. Artist A Day
Artist A Day features emerging artists and keeps readers up to date on art news. A really fantastic place to read about how artists like us are working hard to get noticed and live out their passions.
Similar to Society6 and FineArtAmerica, CafePress allows you to upload an image and they do the rest! Sell merchandise with your art!
6. Etsy.com
If you haven't heard of Etsy, you're missing out! Sell your handmade, handcrafted works of art to your customers. Create an online shop and get selling.
A place for artists to be featured and to feature their work.
Art Stack allows you to upload art and to "Stack" it. You can compile your list of artists and works that you love for your followers to view. If you're an artist you can also upload your own art. It's a great way to discover others and to get noticed.
This is a husband and wife team that teamed up to archive street art across the country. Inspiring couple. Inspiring for the rest of us.
10. TheArtLeague.org
A great organization with a TON of content.