How to Use MySpace to Create Your Portfolio

Many artists use MySpace to create personal portfolios of their work. MySpace is an attractive option for artists, because it allows a wide segment of the Internet community to get a glimpse of their artwork for free. MySpace also works as a networking tool to allow artists to contact people, businesses and groups they might never reach using conventional means. With a little time and effort, you can use MySpace to create your portfolio.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Images
• Computer
• Third-party software to customize your site

1. Create a user account at the MySpace home page. You will need to have a valid email account to use as your “Sign In” name, as well as a password to access your account. Setting up an account only takes a few minutes.

2. Customize the look and feel of your site to set it apart from others, especially if you are using it to display your art portfolio. There are many free tools online to help you customize your site.

3. Prepare digital scans or photos of your work in .jpg or .gif format. Keep the size at medium so they won't take too long to download.

4. Create a moving, interactive or flash-based portfolio to use on MySpace. There are many free tools online to help you. These programs take your digital images and turn them into a slideshow portfolio that you can have on your MySpace site.

5. Upload 12 to 16 digital images for free on your “Pics” page. These help complement your main homepage featuring your artwork.

6. Use a third-party Web server to host additional images and link to them on your MySpace personal page, if you want more artwork on your site than MySpace will host. A free MySpace page editor will allow you to do the simple HTML needed for this task.

7. Get your name and portfolio public recognition by joining a MySpace group related to art. In addition, as you meet new people on MySpace, request to add them as a friend to your site.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your images and information handy as you create your site, so you can get a functional site up and running within your first visit.
• Keep your picture files at a medium size, so people visiting your site don't have to wait for long periods of time to view your images.
• Do not plagiarize material or host art on your site that is not your own unless you have permission. MySpace will remove your account for this infraction.
• Do not post your personal email address on your profile page unless you don’t mind sharing it with the public.

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