Web design for art groups
The Website Design Studio (Studio Websites) designs websites for art groups and societies ranging from small groups consisting of three or four members to large groups with over twenty plus members. Managing a large group of artists can be quite challenging as members need to submit work by certain deadlines and send images to us for inclusion on the site and feedback comments of the various design phases. But we think we have got quite good at it now! Below is some information that you might find helpful if you are thinking of opening up a website for your art group.
Why does our art group need a website?
The web is coming more and more significant as an information resource and communication tool. Individuals, groups and small businesses are using the internet to advertise their presence to a world wide audience.For an art group, the main benefits of having a website are:
1. Helps create group identity
2. Can be used to assist communication within the group
3. Helps promote group exhibitions and events to a wide audience
3. Can provides an opportunity to sell art
4. Individuals in the group can use the address of their web page as a showcase for their work instead of a personal website
What pages should we have on our art group website?
Typically, an art group's website has the following pages:1. A home page – includes a text introduction to the group, contact details and links to the events page and list of members pages.
2. An events page – lists planned, current and previous events.
3. Individual artist showcase pages – presents the artist’s biography and source of inspiration, and about four signature pieces with links to enlargements of each of the pieces (each of these enlargement pages counts as a separate page), contact details.
4. Contact – displays the group contact details.
Optional pages can include:
A links page – links to other art groups, suppliers, magazines etc.
Blog
Programme of events
Press release page
News
How much will our art group website cost?
Each website is different. The cost of a website depends on the number of pages and the complexity of the design. Once we have received a full, brief, we can give you a full written estimate. However, to give you some idea, here are some typical costings for a ten person art group website.Initial layout design of pages (determining the look and feel of the site) £100
Site build (based on agreed layout) £50
10 artist showcase pages (including enlargement pages for each image) £35 each =£350
Total basic cost of a ‘bespoke’ art group website = £500
Note in the above example, each showcase page will have the same basic look and feel, text and graphic positions etc.
Unique website pages can be designed for each artist (i.e. the layout of each showcase page is different) at a cost of £150 per page.
On-going costs
You also need to take into account on-going costs which are hosting from year 2 (from £48 per year), domain name renewal (£10 for a .co.uk name and £15 for a .com name).Optional extras
Any optional extras can be added to the site specification (visitor statistics, contact forms etc) for a small charge.Updates
Typically, art groups need to update the site once or twice a year. Updates are charged on an ad hoc basis of £35 per hour. So the cost depends on how much needs changing (images, text and so on). An average update (update of events page, replacement text and images for say 2 showcase pages) will take about an hour to implement, so the charge is about £35. We will ask you to provide an update brief and will give you a quote before we do any work. Very minor text changes can be implemented free of charge throughout the year.Managing an art group website
Dealing with a group of ten people or so has obvious logistical problems. We recommend that each art group appoints a website coordinator who will be the main contact. Typically, the website coordinator will:1. Liaise with us on all matters relating to the website
2. Liaise with members on matters concerning up dates and provide update briefs when appropriate
Individual members should be responsible for providing us with text and images needed for their showcase pages.
What happens if an art group member leaves or a new member joins?
There is no charge for deleting a member. Additional members can request a showcase page for an additional £35 (or £99 if bespoke).Managing the finances of an art group website
Different art groups fund their websites in different ways:1. The art group pays for the site – membership fees cover the cost of the website
2. The group funds the basic set up costs, and asks individuals for contributions to showcase pages (either the full cost, or a %)
Other pages that may be of interest
If you are an artist or maker considering a website, you may find the following pages helpful (click on a link):ART GROUP WEBSITE PORTFOLIO
► Art group website portfolio - click here
OTHER PAGES THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST
THE NEXT STEPS - CONTACT US NOW
Send us an email outlining your requirements
studiowebsites@googlemail.com
Tel: 01903 879362
Or fill out our online enquiry form
