When I asked earlier in the week why you're not blogging, Kathy Eyster commented:
Why don't I blog? Well…I'm an introvert and I don't necessarily *want* to tell everyone what's going on with me! 😉
She may have been halfway kidding because she said more than that, but the plain fact is: You don't have to tell everyone what is going on with you! This blog certainly doesn't do that! I would quickly lose my loyal readers if I wrote too much about how much time I spend trying to find good gluten-free recipes. They'd surely leave if they knew how often I break to play with my kitten, Tofu. And who wants to hear about how sore I am after yoga class or how much I cried during the recent episodes of Grey’s Anatomy? Or how frustrated I am because my husband’s broken ankle means he can’t even carry a plate to the table?
Nope, my readers are here to find out more about the business of being an artist. Sure, I personalize stuff every once and a while. You'd be disappointed if I mentioned Tofu and didn't post a picture of her right here. But the truth is, that's not why I blog. I blog to connect with you.
If my blogs are too personal–too much about me–you wouldn't come back. Likewise, if I try to sell you something every time you visit, you'd quickly get bored.
My blog has purpose, focus. It’s not a personal journal. It’s a business-building tool.
And a picture of a cute kitten goes a long way any time, anywhere. 🙂
Top Image: Kathy Eyster, Shades of White, Philipsburg, Montana. Photograph.
Bottom: Tofu in dryer.
4 thoughts on “Blogs don’t have to be personal”
Hi. I use my blog as just another venue to get my work on the web. My challenge has been attracting hits. How do you get the word out there and hopefully develop a following?
I’ve found that art-loving non-artists are expecially interested in the art process. People ask me if they can watch me paint. They have questions but are afraid to ask. With my blog, I created a page called “The Artist’s Studio” and have devoted it to showing people the process. They are able to get to know me – not on a personal level, but as an artist. I think that’s a comfortable distance for both writer and audience. If people feel like they know you, your paintings will mean more to them, and it may result in a later purchse and a devoted collector. But, I understand that there is a line between being personable and too open. Tofu is very cute. Yes, kitty pics go a long ways.
Overpersonalization is something I was afraid might come off as less than professional. I’m glad to read that it’s perfectly ok to keep a blog as strictly artistic! I came to enjoy blogging and connecting with others. So much so that I keep two. One is strictly business with just a touch of personal, that is the one linked to from my website. From there I list new art, plug gallery matters, upcoming shows, etc. The other is personal, and mostly friends-locked. That’s the one I’ve built friendships with over the last few years, mostly with artists. With that one, we bounce ideas back and forth, brainstorm, encourage one another, discuss family matters, etc. Although I put art in that one too, it’s a nice outlet just to keep up with E-friends and to get a fresh perspective.
Thanks, Alyson, this answers a lot of questions for me. ….and I’ll remember to hold back on those Kittie pictures!!