Create your own Website
Buy a Domain Name
Find Hosting
Create Web Pages
Create Web Images
Alternatives
Buy a Domain Name
There are lots of places to purchase domain names, it's important to go with a reputable company, but you can transfer your name later if you end up not liking your first choice or if you find a better deal.
I like GoDaddy.com, they're usually having a sale and I've seen names go for as low as $1.99 per year. Even if there isn't a sale happening now, it's still less than 1 dollar per month to have your own domain name.
When choosing your domain name keep in mind that a .com is best, .net is second best, .org is okay, and anything else is not recommended. Most artists use their name, JaneDoe.com, or if that's taken you might try JaneDoeArt.com, or something like that. If all of your choices are taken, you might consider changing your name to something more unusual or use a phrase.
If you choose to use a phrase, just make it something short that's easy to spell and remember. A few examples of phrases that artists have used for domain names include SillyPinkBunnies, VoodooVelvet, InkyDreadfuls, WorriedShoes, and SamPaints.
Try to avoid using numbers or dashes. For example MaryJaneDoe.com is better than JaneDoe2.com or Jane-Doe.com. Last of all, if you have an idea for a name, go get it today because it might not be there tomorrow.
Find Hosting
Basic hosting should run you around ten dollars a month. The number of companies offering hosting services is overwhelming. Rather than wading through endless lists and basically guessing whether a company is good or not, try getting a recommendation from a friend or email some artists and ask them where their sites are hosted and if they like the service.
You can also find out where any site is hosted by running a whois search at Whois Source.
Free hosting is not recommended. Free hosts serve unwanted banners and pop-ups, your site will appear unprofessional, and search engines will mostly ignore you.
Create Web Pages
You have several options when it comes to creating the actual web pages. You can learn html, use a web page editor, use pre-made templates, or hire a web designer.
For information on learning HTML and other helpful tips: Web Design Help
For pre-made gallery templates: Free Website Templates
Examples of web page editors include:
Adobe Dreamweaver
CoffeeCup
Wikipedia: List of editors
When your pages are complete you will need to upload them. Your host will give you a username, password, and host address so that you can upload your files with an FTP program.
A few examples of FTP programs include:
WS FTP
CuteFTP
Core FTP
If you need help try the following:
WebMasterWorld Forum: Help with web page editors
WebMasterWorld Forum: Help with HTML
HTMLHelp Forums
Your local technical college is also an excellent resource for web design help. Students may work for reduced rates or for free in order to gain experience and build their portfolios, and instructors are occasionally searching for people who need websites so that they can assign a real world project to their students.
Create Web Images
As an artist your images will be the most important part of your site, so you may want to invest in professional Digital Imaging Software. You can also try using your computer's paint program, search the web for free photo editing software, or search for online editing software.
For more information see: Put your Photos on the Web
Alternatives
As an alternative to having your own website you could try starting a blog or setting up portfolio at a site offering gallery space online.
