Connection Progression - Visual and Media

With the economy where it is now I began thinking about how artists go about marketing themselves or connecting with galleries, other artists and prospective buyers - for networking or just as means of social media

MySpace connected musicians or let me re-phrase that, connected music lovers to bands that they might have never had a listen to before. Twitter came into popularity by people "twitting" about new artists at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas a few years back. But I had never really heard of social media sites for artist until I did a little bit of research. I came across several sites that seemed pretty credible although I'm not really one to judge.

The site VisualProgression is one of the many I came across and seems to provide an environment that makes digital art accessible for artists to sell their work and for buyers. Its an environment for graphic designers and digital artists where they can learn from others and share their knowledge, upload portfolios, blog, ask and answer questions and discuss equipment.

I also came across a list Nicholas Forrest of artmarketblog.com recently put together of the top ten social networks that would be of benefit to art collectors and art investors. Below is his list of the top ten social networking sights that cater specifically to people interested in visual art:
http://www.myartspace.com/ is an online community with more than 50,000 artists, collectors, students, teachers, gallerists, curators, critics and art appreciators across the world.

http://www.artreview.com/ is a new social networking site for the artworld, "creating a global forum for discussion, interactivity and debate. artreview.com is a unique blend of editorial and community content, combining the insight and critical weight of some of today’s most important art world voices with the input and opinions of everyday enthusiasts from around the world."

http://www.artmesh.org/ is an inspiring and innovative network for those who live and love the fine arts. The difference to other art communities is the fact that "artmesh is about communication and collaboration, about inspiration and the exploration of the boundless possibilities of a progressive and innovative virtual art network."

http://www.artslant.com/, is the #1 contemporary art network, launched in Los Angeles in February, 2007. It is a sophisticated website that brings a local and in-depth focus to the contemporary art scene.

http://www.artlog.com/ "Artlog is the place for you to connect with folks, share your work and discover innovative new art & design". Artlog is for art makers, insiders, organizations and art lovers.

http://www.independent-collectors.com/ is an online tool targeted at modern and inquisitive collectors. It makes building a personal network and sharing information about topics like artists, galleries or events much easier and faster.

http://www.artselector.com/ The artselector contemporary fine art collective was originally set up by MA Fine Art graduates of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art.

http://www.rhizome.org/ community includes thousands of artists, academics, curators, critics, and other new media art enthusiasts.

http://www.labforculture.org/en/labforculture/browse brings members of the visual art community together to network, advance careers, and to foster a community with exclusive benefits where information about artists and designers is provided by artists and designers.