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Punkt Digital

Handcrafted websites for artists and the organizations that support them.

April 20, 2019 By Alison Wilder

DIY WordPress Part 4: How to Build Your Own Artist Website

Congratulations! Your new site is hosted, installed, and you’re already familiar with basic layout of the WordPress platform. You’ve probably been thinking about how you want your site to look for a long time now, and choosing the right WordPress theme is the best way to get what you’re after. But, third-party themes aren’t created equal, so we’d like to offer a few theme-related tips for your new artist website.

building-facade-detroitA WordPress theme is like the façade of a building — it plays the largest role in determining how your site will look and feel to visitors. While the other stuff is all about functionality, the theme is what people really see and notice. This is where you get to make aesthetic choices about your online portfolio … and knowing about potential pitfalls before committing to a particular theme can prevent frustration and save tons of time in the future.

As with choosing the right host, finding the right theme for your site can be daunting. There are loads of designers and developers out there trying to make a living selling WordPress themes, and the quality of their work varies drastically. Although we develop our own themes in-house, we’ve always been impressed with the setup at ThemeForest to help in your search for a premium WordPress theme. (That link will take you directly to the WordPress themes and templates sorted by highest rating on ThemeForest.)

wordpress-colors

What to Look for When Picking a Premium WordPress Theme

Tip 1: You Get What You Pay For

It’s often worth the $30-$75 it costs to buy a premium theme instead of going with a free theme. This has to do not only with the quality of the theme itself (lots of free themes are actually really well-built, although there are plenty that aren’t), but also with the ability to get support from the theme developer if something doesn’t work as advertised.

Tip 2: Looks Can Be Deceiving

Look beyond the pretty pictures in the demo at the underlying design and layout of the theme. It’s easy to think a theme looks great, but what truly useful features are lurking behind the awesome pictures they loaded up in the demo?

Unless you’re a photographer or you have loads and loads of professional photos that work well together, you may have a hard time achieving the cohesive look of a photo-heavy theme. Look at the other elements: buttons, fonts, colors, etc. Is there plenty of visual interest there *without* the photos?

Tip 3: To Customize or Not To Customize

Decide at the start whether you want a theme that offers lots of customization or one that you plan to use out-of-the-box. These are two very different approaches to theme-building, and they both offer distinct advantages, but if you intend to heavily customize a theme that’s not built for it, you’re probably going to be in for a rude awakening.

Read through the theme documentation carefully, and ask the developer questions about your intended use for the theme before you buy. (Be sure you tell them that you’re considering buying their theme — theme developers are naturally wary of providing support to people who obtained their themes illegally.)

Tip 4: Listen to Other Customers.

Read, read, read before you buy. One of the things we love most about ThemeForest is having access to the user comments. You can see how quickly the theme developer responds to requests, what sorts of trouble people are having, etc. Try to read between the lines — if you’re trying to build your website around a cool filterable portfolio and you see lots of people having trouble with that feature of the theme, steer clear.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve tried to help you with some of the first-time hurdles you’re likely to face when creating an online art showcase on your own. But these topics are only the beginning.

Stay tuned to Artist Web School as we continue explore the larger challenges all artists face when displaying work online. And as always, send us your questions and thoughts about what you’d like to see discussed here at Artist Web School! #WordpressForArtists

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: websites, wordpress, wordpress plugins, wordpress themes

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What Our Clients Say

  • Peter Erskine, legendary drummer

    Working with Punkt Digital has been an enjoyable and productive experience. Communication with the design team was timely, fluid and responsive. My website’s design and functionality exceeded my expectations. While the site has a totally professional look and feel, the add-on/editing process is very “hands-on” and easy for me to do whether I am traveling or am at home. And, for those moments when gremlins come to visit, the Punkt Design team deals with them swiftly and effectively. In short, we are 100% happy with Punkt Digital, and I’m very glad that I made the switch to entrusting my website to them.

    Peter Erskine, legendary drummer
  • David Balakrishnan, founding member of the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet

    As we enter our thirtieth year of music making, we are well aware how important it is to keep a close eye on the current trends in the wide world of internet media. Working with Punkt Digital has been exactly what we needed to retain our pole position in the forefront of the chamber jazz music scene. We have our sheet music sales going strong, we can do our own updates on our site with ease, it looks great, works great, simple, no fuss, Turtles swimming smooth in the digital sea, thanks Punkt!!!

    David Balakrishnan, founding member of the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet
  • Adam Roberts, Composer

    I went to Punkt Digital because I wanted to revamp my site, make it sleeker, more user friendly, and easy to update myself. Alison and Greg surpassed all of my expectations in terms of both product and process. Finally, the price is extremely reasonable. In summary, I couldn't recommend Punkt Digital more highly.

    Adam Roberts, Composer
  • Jeremy Gill, Composer

    I love my new website. Punkt Digital does brilliant, efficient, and sensitive work, and was able to integrate all my needs into a cohesive and aesthetically compelling whole. They also prepared detailed notes to guide me through the process of updating my site — something I have to do regularly. Truly an invaluable product!

    Jeremy Gill, Composer
  • Tamara Roberts, Musician

    I had a great experience working with Punkt Digital. Being not-so-tech-savvy, Alison and Greg were great at talking me through the site building process and thinking creatively about my unique needs. The site is beautiful and perfectly captures my style and personality. And it’s a breeze to update whenever I get new gigs or have media to share. I’d recommend Punkt Digital to anyone, especially artists who have a hard time fitting their work into existing one-size-fits-all platforms.

    Tamara Roberts, Musician
  • Adam Vidiksis, Composer

    Punkt Digital listened to my ideas and incorporated them brilliantly in their design. They are thorough, creative, and consistent. Punkt produced a site that really embodied the artistic vision for my music. I am very happy with the result.

    Adam Vidiksis, Composer
  • Joel Friedman, Composer

    Working with Punkt was a delightful collaboration from start to finish and I couldn't be happier with the result. In a market crowded with designers how many can boast being active artists, serious tech mavens, and have a terrific aesthetic sensibility to boot? This means they have the firepower to imagine, successfully execute, walk in your shoes, and shepherd your design from beginning to end. They earned my trust and appreciation. Wow.

    Joel Friedman, Composer
  • Jon Russell, Clarinetist

    Excellent on all counts. Punkt was always very responsive, in both the speed and thoroughness of their replies to any questions or requests. They also struck just the right balance between aiming to understand and fulfill my vision for the site, while also using their own expertise to offer suggestions for alternatives. They were also very patient and responsive when I (frequently!) changed my mind about what I wanted partway through the process.

    Jon Russell, Clarinetist
  • Deborah Sherr, Executive Director
Avaloch Farm Music Institute

    Let me sing the praises of Punkt Digital! Absolutely every aspect of their work has exceeded my expectations. From the first inquiry they have been extraordinarily responsive, positive, and SO smart. They understand every request, have a great eye for appropriate design, listen and guide with equal patience, and have created tutorials which are easy and intuitive. The platform they have created for adding and editing is terrific, so that even an amateur can maintain the website with ease. I have been extremely impressed with their commitment to an ongoing relationship, even months after they finished creating the actual website. Alison and Greg are the greatest!

    Deborah Sherr, Executive Director Avaloch Farm Music Institute
  • Judith Jennings, Art x Culture x Social Justice Network

    I love working with Punkt Digital! First, Alison and Greg Wilder are thoroughly grounded in the latest technology and constantly upgrading their skills and services. Secondly, they are visual artists with keen aesthetics and strong design talents. Most of all, they are great people who care deeply about the quality of their work and the satisfaction of their client and are willing to take extra time and care for the best possible results.

    Judith Jennings, Art x Culture x Social Justice Network
  • Peter Erskine, legendary drummer

    Working with Punkt Digital has been an enjoyable and productive experience. Communication with the design team was timely, fluid and responsive. My website’s design and functionality exceeded my expectations. While the site has a totally professional look and feel, the add-on/editing process is very “hands-on” and easy for me to do whether I am traveling or am at home. And, for those moments when gremlins come to visit, the Punkt Design team deals with them swiftly and effectively. In short, we are 100% happy with Punkt Digital, and I’m very glad that I made the switch to entrusting my website to them.

    Peter Erskine, legendary drummer
  • David Balakrishnan, founding member of the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet

    As we enter our thirtieth year of music making, we are well aware how important it is to keep a close eye on the current trends in the wide world of internet media. Working with Punkt Digital has been exactly what we needed to retain our pole position in the forefront of the chamber jazz music scene. We have our sheet music sales going strong, we can do our own updates on our site with ease, it looks great, works great, simple, no fuss, Turtles swimming smooth in the digital sea, thanks Punkt!!!

    David Balakrishnan, founding member of the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet
  • Adam Roberts, Composer

    I went to Punkt Digital because I wanted to revamp my site, make it sleeker, more user friendly, and easy to update myself. Alison and Greg surpassed all of my expectations in terms of both product and process. Finally, the price is extremely reasonable. In summary, I couldn't recommend Punkt Digital more highly.

    Adam Roberts, Composer
  • Jeremy Gill, Composer

    I love my new website. Punkt Digital does brilliant, efficient, and sensitive work, and was able to integrate all my needs into a cohesive and aesthetically compelling whole. They also prepared detailed notes to guide me through the process of updating my site — something I have to do regularly. Truly an invaluable product!

    Jeremy Gill, Composer
  • Tamara Roberts, Musician

    I had a great experience working with Punkt Digital. Being not-so-tech-savvy, Alison and Greg were great at talking me through the site building process and thinking creatively about my unique needs. The site is beautiful and perfectly captures my style and personality. And it’s a breeze to update whenever I get new gigs or have media to share. I’d recommend Punkt Digital to anyone, especially artists who have a hard time fitting their work into existing one-size-fits-all platforms.

    Tamara Roberts, Musician
  • Adam Vidiksis, Composer

    Punkt Digital listened to my ideas and incorporated them brilliantly in their design. They are thorough, creative, and consistent. Punkt produced a site that really embodied the artistic vision for my music. I am very happy with the result.

    Adam Vidiksis, Composer
  • Joel Friedman, Composer

    Working with Punkt was a delightful collaboration from start to finish and I couldn't be happier with the result. In a market crowded with designers how many can boast being active artists, serious tech mavens, and have a terrific aesthetic sensibility to boot? This means they have the firepower to imagine, successfully execute, walk in your shoes, and shepherd your design from beginning to end. They earned my trust and appreciation. Wow.

    Joel Friedman, Composer
  • Jon Russell, Clarinetist

    Excellent on all counts. Punkt was always very responsive, in both the speed and thoroughness of their replies to any questions or requests. They also struck just the right balance between aiming to understand and fulfill my vision for the site, while also using their own expertise to offer suggestions for alternatives. They were also very patient and responsive when I (frequently!) changed my mind about what I wanted partway through the process.

    Jon Russell, Clarinetist
  • Deborah Sherr, Executive Director
Avaloch Farm Music Institute

    Let me sing the praises of Punkt Digital! Absolutely every aspect of their work has exceeded my expectations. From the first inquiry they have been extraordinarily responsive, positive, and SO smart. They understand every request, have a great eye for appropriate design, listen and guide with equal patience, and have created tutorials which are easy and intuitive. The platform they have created for adding and editing is terrific, so that even an amateur can maintain the website with ease. I have been extremely impressed with their commitment to an ongoing relationship, even months after they finished creating the actual website. Alison and Greg are the greatest!

    Deborah Sherr, Executive Director Avaloch Farm Music Institute
  • Judith Jennings, Art x Culture x Social Justice Network

    I love working with Punkt Digital! First, Alison and Greg Wilder are thoroughly grounded in the latest technology and constantly upgrading their skills and services. Secondly, they are visual artists with keen aesthetics and strong design talents. Most of all, they are great people who care deeply about the quality of their work and the satisfaction of their client and are willing to take extra time and care for the best possible results.

    Judith Jennings, Art x Culture x Social Justice Network

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