In the past couple months, I’ve been noticing a big increase in the use of video on the Internet. I myself have been using a bit of video on this blog and video will figure into a redesign that I’m currently undertaking for my own website (more on this later).

Did you know that 52% of all web traffic video-related? Or that over 70% of people surfing the web watch online video? Or that on average YouTube visitors spend 27 minutes watching video? So what does that mean for you as the average artist or crafter working away in your studio? It means that if you don’t have video on your craft website, you are missing out on a huge opportunity.

Crafts actually are the perfect subject for video. Those who buy craft or those who collect art love to watch artists at work. Those who attend craft shows say that meeting the artists and talking with them about their artwork is part of what makes the whole experience fun. If you sell exclusively to galleries or exclusively online…this is an important piece of promotion that you are missing.

Having a video of yourself working on your art or a video of yourself explaining what your craft is all about is a great way to duplicate this experience on your website. Those who visit your website get to see you at work in your studio…they get to see that what you are selling on your website did not come from a factory. Plus, they also get a better idea about who you are as an artist by hearing your voice and seeing your face. Instead of a lifeless image on the web, you and your craft becomes an actual person that they can make a connection with. And it’s that connection that art collectors love when they are purchasing art.

So how would you get started? In the past online video used to be a huge undertaking. But now with the availability of tools like iMovie and Vegas Video, the spread of high speed Internet, and the ability for even the smallest cellphone to take video any artist can get video on their website with just a little effort.

Here are ways you can use video to promote your art on the web:

  • Remember that the videos don’t have to be a huge production. Short videos of 1 to 3 minutes are usually perfect for the web.
  • Be yourself…craft lovers are interested in the real you. Don’t think you need to become an actor in order to make your video.
  • Take a small video tour of your art studio. If you don’t hold open studios, this is a fantastic way for your customers to see where you make your art.
  • Take video of you working in your studio. People love to watch craft being made.
  • Create a video artist’s statement where you talk about your creative philosophy. Even though you may have a written copy of your artist statement already, people are more likely to watch a short 1 to 3 minute video than they are to read your artist statement.
  • If your craft has historical roots, create a video where you explore the history of your craft.
  • Did you know that you can make video without owning a video camera? Choose photos you and your craft and record audio narration to create a video slideshow.
  • Don’t restrict yourself to posting your art video just on your website. Open an account at YouTube and post your video there. And don’t stop at YouTube. While they may be the most popular there are other video sites out there as well. Open accounts at Dailymotion, LiveVideo, and Blip.tv and post your videos there.
  • Share your video link with craft bloggers. Links to videos make great content for those who blog about crafts.
  • Remember that the more places people can find your craft video, the more people can find your website. So be sure to share your video with everyone you can think of!