Artful Blogging

Artful blogging is a popular way to network with other creative Internet users, helping artists from all walks of life share their work while receiving inspiration from others. Read on to learn more about this unconventional form of blogging, as well as some resources to help you get started.

The word "blog" has become synonymous with journaling in our culture. While it is still wonderfully fulfilling to keep a spiral bound diary at the bedside to record life’s most precious of moments, online journaling definitely has its advantages. It is quick and simple, and also has room for creativity. Those with fickle personalities appreciate being able to revamp their blog interface with new templates and designs on a whim, while others enjoy the technology of being able to quickly transmit an update from their cell phone.

However, what draws people into blogging most of all is the fact there is an audience. While we wouldn’t dare share our personal journals with the world, many people are willing to accept a certain level of vulnerability on the Internet in order to enjoy the camaraderie that comes along with expressing thoughts, feelings and passions in cyberspace. The newest form of this virtual self-expression is "artful blogging." Artists are starting blogs to share photographs, paintings, sculptures and any other artistic work they are particularly proud of. In turn, the pages of these blogs are inspiring others and helping to promote the world of artistic expression in new and innovative ways. Through artful blogging, one can not only share their works with the world, but they can also find out about regional art galleries and events, as well as form communities focusing on specific genres.

If you are an artist looking for an online outlet, there are plenty of places to post. One favorite is Deviant Art, which is one of the largest art communities on the internet. Signing up is free, and you can display your artwork while also keeping track of your favorite artists that you discover as your surf the site. There is also room for commentary on your photos. Additionally, the community also supports writers and animators.

The Art News Blog is another fun read, and has archives going back as early as August 2004. The site also lists online art resources, as well as a connected community of readers so you can get in touch with those who share similar tastes as you do.

If you already have a personal blog that you’ve been using to share family news or event information, you can post your artwork on these as well. Livejournal, Xanga, Blogspot and Wordpress are just a few interfaces that allow you to publish photos of artwork into your blog entries. You’ll need a separate site to upload your photos in some cases. If this is needed, check out Tiny Pic, which provides you with a huge amount of storage space and permanent links to your personal photos.

In the fall of 2008, Stampington & Company published Artful Blogging magazine. Filled with hundreds of photos taken from bloggers around the world, this publication celebrates the world of self discovery and artistic expression through online means. The magazine is available for order online, and they also accept submissions for those who think they’ve created a photograph or other art form worth sharing with the world.

While artful blogging is a fun pastime and a creative way to showcase your work to the world, remember you are doing just that – giving something to the world for free. If you are concerned about your work being stolen, take the appropriate precautions before displaying it on the Internet. You can design a watermark via Adobe Photoshop or other photo editing programs.

You can also set many journals to a private setting, if you prefer to only share your pieces with friends and family, or perhaps a very small community. Lastly, find out about Google searches and how to keep your blog address from being indexed on this massive search engine. It is possible if you’re willing to jump through a few hoops.

Protect your work however you see fit, but once you’ve advertised it to an impossibly large community, it will be there for everyone to enjoy.

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