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OVERVIEW

Art On The Web is a workshop series presented by ARTDOC CHICAGO and hosted by the Chicago Art Department. It will guide artists through the entire process of creating and launching their websites. The participants will have access to expert advice and a community of artists who can provide feedback on their website each week. By the end of the 6-week program, participants will have a fully functional website tailored to their artistic needs!

SESSIONS

  • In Week 1 of the Art On The Web workshop, participants will delve into the fundamentals of website design. The session will begin by explaining essential concepts such as domain names, website hosting, and content management systems (CMS). Participants will also learn about the key elements of effective website design, gaining a foundational understanding necessary for building their own sites.

  • In Week 2 of the Art On The Web workshop, participants will focus on strategy and copywriting for their websites. The session will cover identifying audience personas, defining website goals and objectives, and crafting engaging written content, such as an artist bio, artist statement, and more.

  • In Week 3 of the Art On The Web workshop, participants will delve into wireframing and site styles. The session will introduce various page types and help participants understand site hierarchy and the basics of responsive design. They will learn key layout design principles, as well as how to select a cohesive color scheme and font that align with their artistic style.

  • In Week 4 of the Art On The Web workshop, the focus will be on creating an effective portfolio. Participants will learn how to build a cohesive body of work and understand art documentation standards to ensure their work is presented professionally. The session will also cover web standards for images, emphasizing the importance of quality and consistency. Additionally, participants will explore strategies for creating a compelling portfolio that effectively showcases their artistic talents. To support their portfolio, they will learn how to prepare a comprehensive image list, ensuring each piece is well-documented and easily accessible for online viewing.

  • In Week 5 of the Art On The Web workshop, participants will learn how to set up and manage an online shop for their artwork. The session will cover the essentials of creating an online store, including how to handle limited and special edition items. Participants will explore various payment processing options to ensure secure and smooth transactions. Additionally, the workshop will address the logistics of shipping and fulfillment, providing strategies to efficiently manage orders and deliveries. Finally, participants will gain an understanding of the tax implications related to selling art online, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle financial aspects of their online shop.

  • In Week 6 of the Art On The Web workshop, participants will focus on preparing for and executing their website launch. The session will begin with guidance on populating their websites with the final content, ensuring everything is in place and ready for visitors. Participants will then conduct a UI/UX test to identify and address any usability issues. They will also complete an SEO checklist to optimize their sites for search engines and perform a performance check to ensure fast load times and smooth operation. By the end of the week, participants will be ready to successfully launch their websites, equipped with all the knowledge and tools they need to maintain and grow their online presence.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Dylan Yarbrough is an artist, photographer, designer, and educator based in Chicago. His extensive experience spans a decade in commercial website design, three years as an Art Director at a marketing agency, and two years as a curatorial assistant at the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP). This diverse background equips Dylan with a unique perspective for mentoring artists.

Currently, Dylan is a lecturer in photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College Chicago. Dylan’s artwork is held in prestigious collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Photography, Joan Flasch Archive, and Center for Creative Photography, among others.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • A: No, you don't need any prior experience in website design to participate in the Art On The Web workshop. This series is designed to guide you through the entire process, from start to finish, regardless of your skill level. However, we do recommend that you have basic computer literacy.

  • A: A sliding scale cost means that the price of the Art On The Web workshop can vary based on your financial situation. This approach allows participants to pay what they can afford within a certain range. The goal is to make the workshop accessible to as many artists as possible.

  • A: Yes, participants in the Art On The Web workshop will have access to expert advice, which includes opportunities for individual mentorship. Additionally, the community of artists participating in the workshop will provide valuable feedback each week, ensuring you receive both personalized guidance and peer support throughout the 6-week program.

  • A: Don't worry! Each session is recorded, and the video files will be made available to you. This way, you can catch up on any missed content at your own pace. Additionally, you can still benefit from the community of artists and mentors, who can provide feedback and support.

  • A: Yes, there are additional fees. All websites on the internet require a domain name and website hosting. These are mandatory third-party fees and can vary in price. If possible, it's recommended to wait until the workshop begins, as we will walk through purchasing these together.

  • A: While it's certainly possible to create a website on your own, the Art On The Web workshop offers several advantages. You will receive expert guidance, structured learning, helpful resources, and community feedback. The workshop process will help you avoid the common mistakes and pitfalls that can happen when you “DIY.”