to link or not to link...

[sea minus]

Hi, I couldn't find a tread about this so I think it's safe to ask. What are the pros and cons of putting a big list of links on your site. Let me be more specific, this is purely a business question. I'm trying to make it as an illustrator, is it to my advantage to have links to other artists or not? Or does it matter? I understand that google will place you higher the more links there are going to you. So having recipricle links would be to my advantage then, but techniclly they are my competitors, an art director could find some one else by looking on my very on site. You see? Is it better to be well conected or solo?

Most "pros" dont have links to other artist but some like Jon Foster do. And a lot of the asian guys do as well.

[arghmisfit]

well im not a "pro" myself but if you do add links to your site ALWAYS redirect your links into a new window. (if u know what i mean)

[S.C. Watson]

Okay, coming from a web design angle, which I did for about 6 years being self employed, the first thing I asked a client when they wanted to link to someone is "are you sure that you want to provide an exit from your site?"

That said, it's entirely up to you. There's nothing wrong with linking to other site and other artists, *but* choose your links wisely. If you honestly feel someone is your competitor, don't link to them.

Also, keep in mind that just because you are linking to *them* (whoever *them* is) dosn't necessarily mean that they are going to link to you. In most cases, they *won't*.

With other artists and illustrators, my rule of thumb is 1: They have got to be DAMN GOOD before I even consider linking to them, and I'm talking Todd Lockwood or Michael Whelan level. 2: If they aren't damn good, they at least have got to be a friend.

Links are a personal choice. No one says you have got to have them, or how many you need to have, if you have any at all. Your web site is your one shot outside your physical portfolio to really strut your stuff. You don't need to go showing anybody else off unless you've got a reason to.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[Hagac]

Excellent reply. Personally I do not link to other people's sites. Does McDonalds link to Wendy's on thier website? 'Hey Customers, please visit our competitors website so I can lose business.'

Keep your business-self and your personal-self seperate!

[Leopoldo]

I agree Hagac, I don't link from my site either.

/L

[Eric UNSL]

Hey sea minus you answered your own question. They are your competitors, an art director could find some one else by looking on your very own site.

Even if it is a friend, if they do the same type of work you do then DON'T link. The art director doesn't know or care if you guys are buddies and if your link's stuff is better than yours....

I have no artist site link on my web portfolio that does anything similar to what I do. If you do link friends make sure their stuff is not in direct competition to you.

Guys like Jon Foster can link to whoever he wants because he's established. A.D.'s are comfortable working with him and know what quality product they will receive. Word of mouth and work history, self promotion etc. keep his phone ringing.

[tj_frame]

I think it's a bit paranoid and pointless not to link to other artists, even ones who do what you do.. Part of the cool thing about the internet is the free exchange of ideas and information and the sense of community created. It's that same sort of "I don't want anyone to know my secret techniques" crap that some people foster.. Great masters are generally the first ones to share their insight and knowledge.. I worked with Iain McCaig last year, and in additon to being one of the nicest people you could ever meet, he goes out of his way to teach, tutor, and mentor other artists, many of whom he is in direct competition with.. that's what it's all about.. Not to sound new-age or anything, but put out a postive vibe into the universe and it will reward you many times over..

My advice would be worry less about who to link to and more about creating a kick ass body of work. For every employer you might loose from a link, you may gain from someone else who was kind enough to link to you. It all works out in the end..

- TJ
www.tjframe.com

[Jason Manley]

Originally posted by sea minus
Hi, I couldn't find a tread about this so I think it's safe to ask. What are the pros and cons of putting a big list of links on your site. Let me be more specific, this is purely a business question. I'm trying to make it as an illustrator, is it to my advantage to have links to other artists or not? Or does it matter? I understand that google will place you higher the more links there are going to you. So having recipricle links would be to my advantage then, but techniclly they are my competitors, an art director could find some one else by looking on my very on site. You see? Is it better to be well conected or solo?

Most "pros" dont have links to other artist but some like Jon Foster do. And a lot of the asian guys do as well.

this site is founded by professionals who literally foster and train their own competition. Trust me, I now compete with the same jobs as many of the people who entered the industry through this community. I also get to work with many of them.

We are better off united than isolated.


I agree with mr frame. art is not top secret. our art improves by sharing what we know and trying to take in all that we do not and put it to use.

i find it amusing to worry about putting up links to your competition when you are on a site founded by equal competitors in the industry.



j

[Eric UNSL]

Originally posted by tj_frame

My advice would be worry less about who to link to and more about creating a kick ass body of work. For every employer you might loose from a link, you may gain from someone else who was kind enough to link to you. It all works out in the end..

- TJ
www.tjframe.com

Links are actually the last thing I think about as far as my work goes. I'm all on top of working to produce a kick ass portfolio and it seems to finally be paying off. I'm actually going to be really busy with illo work for the next few months. That's a great feeling. With all that said, would you be kind enough or would any of you be interested in exchanging links? We are better off united than isolated.

[Aerythes]

Just be nice and link to everyone. If the person so happens to clinch a job through your links because his work is better, well, then he deserves the job. Don't let your life be led around by selfishness & greed.

[Hjelm]

I'd say, whatever you do as far as links, make sure that YOUR portfolio comes first. Sure, you can help get jobs for your friends, or people you admire, but make sure your potential client sees you first. :)

[Silently Roaring]

E-mail some sites (that aren't huge) that have link pages and ask if they want to link exchange