Navigating Your Digital Presence: A Guide for Artists and Art Professionals

In the digital age, having control over how you present yourself online is crucial for artists and art professionals. While not all steps may apply to you, considering each one can greatly enhance your digital literacy and presence. Here’s how:

1. Understand Your Digital Footprint: Start by searching for yourself online. See how you are currently perceived as an artist or art professional. What aspects of your career are visible, and what’s missing?
2. Define Your Goals: Ask yourself what you aim to achieve with your digital presence. Is it to showcase your work, find opportunities, spark discussions, or sell your art? Your goals will shape your online activities.
3. Assess Your Resources: Take an inventory of your digital assets. Evaluate how effectively you create content, share it, engage with your audience, and measure the impact of your efforts.
4. Know Your Audience: Who are you trying to reach? Understanding your audience is key to effective communication. Consider where they spend their time online and what you hope to achieve by connecting with them.
5. Tell Your Story: People connect with stories. Think about how to convey your art practice and experiences in a way that resonates emotionally with your audience. Tailoring your story to different groups can enhance its impact.
6. Build Your Digital Profile: A professional profile focused on your art is essential. Platforms like Axis offer a respected space to showcase your work, helping to build your reputation and increase visibility.
7. Maintain Consistency: Your online persona should be consistent across platforms to avoid confusion. Regular updates ensure your digital profile accurately reflects who you are and what you do.
8. Select Suitable Social Media Channels: Not all social media platforms will be right for you. Choose those where your audience is most active and which align with your communication style and goals.
9. Curate and Share: Digital engagement isn’t just about promoting your work. Sharing curated content can extend your influence and contribute to the wider community, supporting your goals in the process.
10. Streamline Your Workflow: Develop a workflow that makes managing your digital presence efficient. This might involve creating content, scheduling posts, engaging with your audience, and then analysing the results to refine your approach.

Embracing these strategies can empower you to take control of your digital self, ensuring that your online presence serves your artistic and professional goals. Remember, your digital footprint is an extension of your creative identity; manage it with the same care and intention as your art.