Need web builder recommendation

jcommin · jcommin's Garage

I think this maybe my first post on the off topic forum.

I have an art hobby. I paint in pastels and black and white pencil. I have been doing this a very long time and belong to several art guilds in Chicago. I complete in national art contests and would call myself an emerging artist.

I'm finally at a point I would like to create a web site for my art. I got the paintings, bio, personal statement: I know what I want to do. What I need is a builder site in which to do it. Googling which is the best builder for artists yielded Squarespace, Weebly, Wix, Duda and GoDaddy. Honestly I don't have a clue which one to use which is why I'm reaching out to the Pelican brain trust. Any recommendations? What do I need to be aware of? Any help is appreciated.

MBAtarga · 02-28-2020, 11:10 AM

Have you considered using Etsy instead? Maybe that isn't your market though.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Yeah, I think you'd be better off with Etsy rather than trying to invent a new wheel

jcommin · jcommin's Garage

I appreciate the Etsy comments. I'm one of the few artists who doesn't have a web site. Social media is a powerful tool. I do have an Instagram account which is dedicated to my art work. It's been live for about a year it is commij28- and it's powerful because of the hashtag which increases exposure. I'm still learning how to use Instagram and am somewhat cautious because this can go anywhere.

Web sites sometimes serve as a common talking point in the art community
To me, a website serves more like a resume - in terms of:
Vetting: who /where have you studied with, education, art experience.
Credibility: awards, recognition: who/what/where has your work been recognized
Finally publications/blogs: I'm not there yet and I'm not sure this is for me.

sugarwood · sugarwood's Garage

First step is to register a domain name like
jcommin.com or jcomminart.com

get that done then come back

id10t · 02-28-2020, 03:14 PM

+bazillion on hurry up and get your domain name - google does 'em cheap ($12/yr for .com).

I could actually host your stuff, or configure your own VPS to do it, but I don't do CMSes (content management system - this is what you want) so while I could get one installed I'm not up on the fine details of secure configuration, etc. or doing much with them once they are installed.

I would recommend looking at using a hosted WordPress install. As to who to host I'm not really current with who is out there ... but ionos.com (formerly 1and1) used to have a great reputation for doing it right and doing it cheap. And I would avoid godaddy (prices on DNS registration just kept going up). A quick check shows ionos/1and1 offers hosted wordpress and other CMS packages but they also offer plain old hosting (you create and upload html/php/whatever files) and a "website builder" which is probably a in-house CMS with a builder wizzard to pick themes and such.

I would be certain to purchase your domain elsewhere and then point it to 1and1 or whoever you end up choosing to host your stuff, this way you aren't stuck being unable to move your domain elsewhere at your whim.

Brando · Brando's Garage

Get your domain name, look at ecommerce platforms like squarespace or shopify.

I am working with a few different clients that are on WooCommerce (WordPress plugin), Square, and Shopify. So far shopify has been doing great, even with its limited customization options.

If you need help send me a PM and we can chat!

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

I use Godaddy and like it. Pretty simple to setup. Even easier when your S.I.L does web page design, sets it up for you then tells you how to maintain it.

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

Are you going to sell your artwork on the website, or call for info, or just show it?

drcoastline · 03-02-2020, 03:52 AM

Sub'd. I'm in the market for an Ecommerce upgrade on my webpage. It's stuck in 2005.

jcommin · jcommin's Garage

An update: I have a domain name. Got it thru Google. I's jimcomminosart.com

I spent a brief amount of time looking at builder sites. I'm leaning toward squarespace but I need to spend more time on this search. Thanks to all of you for pointing me in that direction.

I primarily paint for me, mostly cityscapes and nocturn scenes. I haven't agressively tried to market and sell my art. I don't produce that much annually. I know some artists that produce 150 -200 pieces/yr. But that is their full time occupation. I'm lucky to do 15-20 pieces a year (I have a full time job). More than half of what I paint, I sell. I have given them as gifts too. I do some comission work, but I'm picky - if it doesn't speak to me, I will take a pass on it.

My primariy focus is information / display / recognition in the art community. If their is an interest to buy, everything is for sale.

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

How many pages do you think you would need? Or do you want more of a shell type frame and then a photo album type of site? Do you want a site that you maintain and can be able to upload pictures to yourself? (with a GUI interface) or would need to get with someone when you want to upload new content? How often would it need to be updated?

Send me a message if you want, I can probably build something for you depending those and some other questions.....