We start the next project which is promotion which includes website, postcards and client list.

For graduating illustrators as you enter the field you have to approach it as a business and promotion is key to generating people towards your business. Over the next few weeks you'll be designing a website through the help of a website builder,  designing a 4x6 postcard and researching a client list.

Website builders are quick and easy ways to create a website without coding. All you have to do is select a template and upload information and the images. When deciding which site builder to use consider what best suits your preferences whether it's pricing, features and functionality.

Requirements for the website should include:

Splash page - The first thing visitors see, it's like a welcome to my site. It usually includes a sample of your artwork.
Scroll bar - usually on top of page and includes links to other pages
Bio/About Me - Brief explanation of who you are, work history, clients
Portfolio - 8 to 12 of your strongest artwork
Sketchbook - drawings, useful in showing your creative side. *optional
Blog - Blogs are great because it allows the visitor into your world. Whether you share your creative process, any artwork your might be currently working on, upcoming events/shows your participating in or just want to talk. * optional
Store/Shop - Where you sell artwork *optional
Contact - Very important because its the way someone will be able to reach you.

Things to avoid:
Long bio
Photos of yourself
Don't oversaturate with lots of images. Pick your strongest artwork.

For the purposes of the class only focus on splash page, bio, portfolio, contact page

Great samples of illustrator website courtesy of wix.com https://www.wix.com/blog/2015/12/15-magnificent-websites-created-by-artists-and-illustrators/


 Reviews of top rated website builder in 2017.
https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2484510,00.asp
https://websitesetup.org/website-builders/
http://www.top10bestwebsitebuilders.com

Start researching which site builder you want to use. Due next class will be your first draft of your bio, jpegs of your artwork on thumbnail or cloud. You can bring in sketchbooks as well.

Tips for writing your bio
http://www.theinformedillustrator.com/2014/01/writing-illustration-bio.html
https://www.guelpharts.ca/how-to-write-your-artist-s-bio-in-5-easy-steps