Episode 122: The Necessary Evil, Artists and Their Websites

Valerie Allen and Armin Mersmann talk candidly about the artist website struggle and why it matters for visibility, professionalism, and sales. They compare website upkeep with social media, break down what a website actually needs to do, and argue that an imperfect website is usually better than no website at all. In this episode, Valerie and Armin share practical advice for artists who feel stuck on the admin side of promoting their work. They cover everything from domain names and image updates to newsletters, shop pages, and why your website should support your art instead of overpowering it.Key topicsThe “elephant in the room” for artists: keeping a website currentWhy Instagram and Facebook are useful, but not a substitute for a real websiteHow website maintenance becomes part of the artist’s job, not separate from itThe frustration of image sizing, order, page structure, and keeping old work from taking overWhy a website can help turn visitors into email subscribers through a newsletter signupThe value of having a shop or direct purchasing option on the siteHow galleries, collectors, and jurors use websites and resumes to judge professionalismWhy clean design matters more than flashy design on an artist websiteThe importance of current CV details, exhibition history, and juror namesWhy artists should reserve a strong domain name early, even if the site is unfinished