Here goes, I’m on the high board and ready to dive in. After existing under the sonar for many years I’ve finally decided to launch a website. Word of mouth has worked for a long time but now for several reasons I’m ready to grow up and jump into the water.
One reason is to fulfill my personal mission of helping others become more creative. If they don’t know about me then how can they come to my workshops and retreats? The more people I reach the more successful I’ll be in carrying out my mission. I encourage my students to give it their all, try different things and when ready share it with others. But was I really doing that myself? By doing my own site I’m setting an example and swimming the swim.
Another reason I’m starting a site is because when I meet someone new and they hear I’m an artist, they want to know about my work. The mosaics I make incorporate found objects and can be difficult to explain in words. So I am often asked for my web address to see examples. Embarrassed I would need to tell them I don’t have one. It made me feel like a sham, as if I wasn’t really an artist.
I’m also creating my website so that when I go to sell my novel agents and publishers can learn more about me. (If any of you reading this are agents or publishers I’m ready for you to make me an offer). Query letters only fit a little bit of information.
What I discovered while going through the website development process.
- Friends and family were very supportive and enthusiastic. (Thanks!)
- Articles on how to write a website were conflicting. It seemed as if anything goes; length, depth, content.
- Several designers from across the country were considered but I ended up contracting with one who lived right across the street.
Recommmendations:
Expert Web Designer: Stacey Szabo
Question for you
What did you learn when creating your website?
When I created our website I learned that it takes time and patience to get it to where you feel it should be and then just when I thought it was just right someone told me they saw a typo on line for everyone to see!!!! It’s a constant ebb and flow 🙂
Jennifer – I’m sure if you look closely there’s a typo somewhere on my site too!
Congratulations, Jill!
Thanks, Seema. And congratulations on your grant! I’m so excited for you.
Hi Jill…Thanks for sharing…Terrific and interesting website. Have you ever used milagros or religious figurines in your mosaics? I’m trying to create stand alone artwork by using doll parts, etc. Any ideas…Found some wonderful antique glass eyes and hope to find some old doll heads. Ron thinks I am a bit creepy, but then I like Talking Tina from the Twlight Zone.
Good luck…you do great work…..love the frog mosaic piece..
Marcia – Yes, I love to use milagros in my work. Especially ones I’ve purchased in mercados in Mexico. Figurines are also a favorite of mine. Love your desire to make stand alone mosaics using doll parts. Come on down and take a workshop with me and I’ll show you how. Talking Tina is my very favorite Twilight Zone too!
Very nice and good for you Jill. Websites are a terrific marketing tool. I know because many of the classes I have taught have come from those who have seen my site. And that is very cool. May all good things come to you. The best is yet to be.
Josie – Thank you for your positive comments. You’ve set such a good example by being so dedicated to your own growth as an artist and teacher. You are the best!
Yay!!! Your webpage/blog will be on my morning radar to jump start my day into thinking creatively. You have been a wonderful guide and facilitator in my own creative journey. Now, all I have to do is click on a few buttons to get reconnected with the creative world out there.
Lisa, you are so sweet. I’m glad you’re continuing to follow your creative path. Bless you!
Jilll,
So excited to receive your new blog! the workshops sound like a lot of fun!!
Best,
Debbie
Thanks, Debbie. I look forward to seeing you at a workshop soon!
Congratulations, Jill. I know you’ve been looking forward to having a presence on the Internet. And what a splash you’re making. I really love your “header” with your work and using the typewriter keys. What I learned making my website: to relax and have fun; to know that it’s cyber not concrete, so you can change the pages, post new stuff, add new images; and that it will never be finished. So have fun with the process.
Good advice, Judy! Thanks so much for your support. It’s all about having fun.
Jill, your site is great. I am so glad to have your class info at my fingertips. When is your book due out- the prologue drew me in, it looks as if it will be a good read.
Lea,
I look forward to seeing you in another one of my workshops soon! I’m so glad you like my site and delighted you want to read my novel. All I need to do now is finish this bajillionth draft (by the end of the summer), find an agent (could take as many as 75 queries) who will then try and sell it to a publisher (?). The important thing is that I try to keep a positive attitude and enjoy the process along the way.
Congratulations Jill! Great website. I just added you to my bookmarks on my new computer!
XO Virginia