Networking The work of an artist is generally solitary, and anyone engaged in this occupation should consider the occasional need to network with other artists.

 

The benefits of networking

There are a number of benefits to networking, but briefly it allows the sharing of ideas, knowledge of best practice, and prevents feelings of isolation.

For example, you might need occasional technical advice, want to know how others deal with routine administrative tasks (say packing and posting pictures), or maybe just let off steam - to someone that understands!

 

Internet forums for Artists

There are a number of different means by which networking can be accomplished, but the simplest, and most accessible, is to find and join an Internet artist’s forum.

When choosing a forum, there are two broad considerations: the size and activity of the membership, and the forum’s focus.

The number of members, and number of posts, is usually detailed at the foot of the forum’s home page. A sizeable membership (1000s) is normally an indication that the forum is a lively hub. Small memberships (a few 100) tend to indicate a less thrilling and responsive community.

Membership of a forum with a reasonable level of members/activity, and a narrower focus, can be the most gratifying. You are more likely to feel a kinship with, and derive a benefit from communicating with people who share your particular branch of art. Conversely, with a more general forum there is a greater possibility of meeting people with radically different ideas (the realist and the abstract expressionist struggle to share ideas, or knowledge of best practice).

 

Health & Safety

 

Resources

	Wet Canvas is the largest Internet forum focused on the visual arts, with claims of 2,000 new members each month, and 4,000 new posts every day.
	ArtPapa is a large forum (circa 15,000 members) run under the auspices of artist Alexei Antonov.
	The Artists Web offers web site development, the online promotion and sale of artwork, and a resource centre. There is a free forum, which has in the region of 3,600 members.
	ArtForums.co.uk is another generalised visual arts forum with less than 2,000 members.
	The Pet Portrait and Wildlife forum is a small specialised forum (less than 700 members) run under the auspices of artist Melanie Phillips.
	Other more specialised forums can be found via an Internet search, e.g. life drawing forums.

 

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Article date: 02 September 2009 ¦ Suggest an amendment or a new resource