Pinterest style/ inspiration boards can be a really useful tool for creative businesses.
For artists, Pinterest is the ultimate virtual way to collect and organize inspiration and creative motivation. Style boards help tell a story- your story- your artwork’s story (and the story you are trying to sell). Boards can be curated based upon themes, seasons, colors, etc. I tend to create beads and jewelry in themed collections. My inspiration boards reflect that. The multi-media aspect of creating style boards is so true to life. As artists, we draw inspiration from so many sources: places, experiences, clothes, paintings, photography…Pinterest boards help capture that complexity.
In a single glance, visitors get a ‘feel’ for the artist’s work- which I love. Peek into the brain of an artist.
Boards are a way to keep inspired, keep motivated and share in the inspiration of others by following their boards.
Pinterest is also a business tool. In creative businesses, making connections and fostering relationships is key.
Having style boards, creates opportunities to connect with like-minds.
{Someone searching for a vacation spot in Fiji may happen upon a photo on my ‘take me to the sea‘ board. While perusing my board, they might spot a whale bracelet they can’t live without, or a starfish necklace they love, or… you get the picture.}
The possible connections are vast.
Pinning a variety of things is important for drawing more (and new) people in and keeping them interested. Sharing resources, where you found a cool supply, cross promoting other jewelry/ bead makers and pinning other relevant things, gives people (and potential customers) a reason to keep following along. I like following other style boards to stay current on trends, this season’s colors and the styles that are ‘hot’ (since I am not. read: new baby (i.e. I don’t get out much)).
The changes beyond our control to sites like Etsy and Facebook, that make it increasingly difficult for our artwork to be found, make resources like Pinterest a valuable (and fun!) way to diversify and promote our creative businesses.
AND this blog post has just justified all those hours you’ve spent pinning. You are welcome 🙂
Have a great week!
Kylie
p.s. feel free to follow my boards and the Art Bead Scene boards!
(We are re-publishing this post due to a scheduling error. I think it’s fab enough it deserves repeating. Share your favorite jewelry mood board in the comments!)