Do You Hide Your Work?
Here’s something I’ve been wondering about…
There’s the not uncommon sentiment among people who make jewelry, that one should keep one’s designs close to one’s vest, and especially not ever, ever, publish images of one’s work online.
I understand this to a certain degree, but, then how do you sell your work online? How do you have articles written about you and your work? How do people find you?
I’ve noticed some people have a very out-there, online presence, while others, I assume, sell completely off-line. I assume this because they maintain a complete media black out when it comes to the internet.
What do you do? Are you online or off, and why?
6 comments Elaine | Selling Online
I’m all about the open book. Art is about sharing beautiful things. If you give out, you get back.
Those that hoard their designs for fear of theft often get their ideas stolen and never get the credit, because no one knew it was theirs in the first place!
Ah, good point Cindy.
I like to have work published first in a magazine or book, and then on the web.
Other folks use Flash on their site to make it harder to copy a picture.
I guess it’s obvious that I’m out there for all to see. I have had so many wonderful teachers that share everything they know and I think that what you put our there in the universe…good or bad….comes back to you.
Thanks for the comment Gail!
You can read more responses to this question on Orchid, where I also posed the question. Pick up the thread here:
http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive/200811/msg00342.htm
I thought artists had big egos and wanted their work to be seen!
well, I guess there are different ways to get exposure. I love the internet method. It works well with the mom & family lifestyle.
I think you have to get past the fear of people ripping off your work. Today you really need to have an online presence – the first thing I do when I come home from an art fair is try to find the people I liked online. You’re really missing out on repeat business if you don’t have some sort of a website. Plus, you shouldn’t be making the same thing forever anyways, so if something gets ripped off, move on to something else!