5 Reasons to Start an Artist’s Blog

Blogging is not something that used to exist when I was growing up. In fact, the internet was basically in its infancy. The very concept of someone being able to have their own corner of the internet to write about whatever they wanted to write about, have a potentially international audience, and in some cases make a living off it would have seemed crazy at one point, but here we are! (I’m suddenly feeling like I sound super old by saying all of that, but it’s true!)

Admittedly, I once thought the idea of a blog was ridiculous as well. Why would anyone care about what I had to say? Do I even have anything to say that’s worthwhile? Perhaps worse, what if people react negatively to it? All of this is par for the course when you’re putting yourself out there, but I’ve found an enormous amount of enjoyment in something I once scoffed at.

As an artist, there are a few reasons why taking up blogging is a great idea. Let’s look at my top five reasons that you should start your own blog.

It’s a Great Way to Practice Writing About Your Art
Artists are often required to explain their art or write about it for either grants, proposals or simply an exhibition they are submitting work to. Writing doesn’t always come naturally to everyone so having a blog gives you a consistent way to practice talking about your art. The greatest part is, that you are the expert on your own artwork, so there’s no right or wrong when you are describing what inspires you or how you created it.

It’s Another Way of Exposing Yourself to a Different Audience
I’m a big fan of Instagram but I’m also a little chatty. Long captions on Instagram posts aren’t always ideal, so a blog allows me to go into more detail on something I want to share. On a platform like WordPress, for example, other WordPress users can search and discover your blog who may never have found you otherwise, and likewise, you may discover someone else new too.

You Don’t Have to be a Writer to Become a Blogger
One of the great things about a blog is that there’s no degree or prerequisite to starting one. I’ve been lucky enough to have my writing published monthly in Colored Pencil Magazine for the last almost 2 years, but I by no means consider myself a writer in the traditional sense. Oddly, enough it was this blog that in part helped establish me as a candidate when I was approached to write for the magazine. At the time I wasn’t sure that many people were even really reading my blog nevermind the editor of a magazine! It goes to show you that you never know who might be stopping by to check things out, or what opportunities may come from it. Sometimes just having an honest and passionate voice about something is enough to get you noticed.

Practice Makes Better
Maybe you don’t think you’re that great at writing but want to get better. A blog is a great way to practice doing that. It stands to reason the more you do something that you are bound to improve and there are many resources out there to help you improve the quality of your writing. If you’re really serious about it you can even take a class. The point is, just get started doing it. Most people understand that your primary goal is to be an artist, not necessarily a professional writer.

It Keeps You Consistently Connected to Your Audience
Perhaps social media isn’t your thing, or like me, you need a platform that can handle more in-depth explanations when necessary. Having a blog linked to your website is crucial in showing that you a current and active artist even if you aren’t always posting new artwork. It gives those interested in following you and your work the ability to see another side of your process as well if that’s something you choose to share. You can even use it as a platform to give back to other artists following you with tips and reviews of things that you love and work for you. The key here is consistency. If the type of art you create takes a long time to produce a completed piece, then blogging in between with process updates or other things that might be going on in your world is a great way to show you haven’t just dropped off the planet.

Blogging can be a really rewarding experience for an artist who is looking to share a more in-depth experience of who they are and their work. It doesn’t have to be complicated and there are many platforms out there that can help you get started. You may not find your voice right away, but just getting that post out is half the battle. Believe that your unique experience is worth listening to, and soon you will find others who will share in that as well.

Have you been thinking about starting your own artist’s blog? What’s holding you back?

Share with me in the comments below!