Hello, mujahid, I have several things about this subject on the forum at my website located http://www.creativesculpture.com  I have also written about this subject in the last two issues of sculptural pursuit magazine.  Websites for artists are a great way for them to get their artwork out to many, many people.  In the olden days we had to have galleries to represent us.  Now we can show our work to the world!  My husband and I are both artists and we receive 99% of our work through the internet.  For us our web sites are our bread and butter.  Check them out if you like. http://www.creativesculpture.com  http://www.godsword.net http://delaflor.com

Potential clients were asking if I had a web site they could view; as a portfolio.  When I started my web site, after much reading and research, I intended it to be a means to validate myself as legitimate.  I assumed that I would write it off as a financial loss to advertising.  Although I am not making my living from my web site alone, I am thrilled that it has paid for itself with some profit.

K I S S (Keep it simple stupid) is No. 1 rule.  Second biggest mistake is all the extra bangs and whistles. (You are selling images not your abilities as a web designer.)  Another major mistake I see is the use of black.  Just because you photograph on black does not mean you should display on black.  Keep the background plain, simple and a neutral color.  Be sure it is easy for a visitor to navigate your site.  Offering a secure shopping cart tells the viewer that "Yes, Margaret, these are for sale." Make it personal: add a photo of yourself to show the viewer they are relating to a real person. Keep the text to a minimum of what is important and direct.  People will not read volumes and become discouraged when they see a lot of text. This is a major rule of advertising.

Right now, I am working on major changes on my web site for 2008. After 2 years, I find that now I must go from using my site for advertising to showcasing a gallery of items for sale over the inter net and validating myself as a professional artist of 40 years with a satisfied client base. My goals for my site have changed and I must change the web site.

I recommend my web host company to everyone. These guys know what they are doing, are professional, honest, helpful and update the system regularly.  Best of all, I have full control over changes and content 24/7. If you can maneuver through this site, you can use their system. Check out my site at rousart.com to find out who they are.