Graphic Designers and Social Media: Top Sites To Utilize

The internet is expanding.  We’ve probably heard this over and over growing up in this high-tech, fast-paced world.  As we begin to populate more and more of the world, our way of staying in touch with one another is vital and has to expand, as well.  If someone asked you, how do you stay in touch with people, you’re most common response would be a simple phone call or text or resorting to the rapidly viral social networking sites.

These social networking sites can connect with anyone from anywhere in the world.  It is a never-ending chain of communication that we have become so accustomed to that we could almost call it an addiction.  As a graphic designer, in order to stay ahead of the pack you first have to go where the pack is going when referring to social networking sites.  The more you utilize these sites and have a constant stream of communication that is appealing to the audience you’re aiming at (ex: clients, design firms, art fanatics, etc.) you will gain a great following and therefore better recognition.

Below is a list of the most commonly used sites by designers that connects with their audience.

1. Facebook:

The most widely known social networking site.  It is so popular that it has become a part of our vocabulary.  We can’t seem to go anywhere without having to “Facebook” something.  This social networking site can be a powerful adversary for you as a designer.  You can make a Facebook page that your fans can use to stay up to date with everything going on and now with Facebook’s new Subpage feature in Timeline, you can include pages that can look identical, at least similar, to your own website.

2. Twitter:

The second most popular site out there on the web.  This is similar to Facebook in the exception that instead of lengthy messages, you can send snippets of information along with a link to a site you want your followers to visit.  This helps give your followers information that is clear and right to the point.

3. Youtube:

Surprisingly, some of the best recognition artists can get is when they are easily able to be viewed.  Pictures are great and all but sometimes your fans might be interested in exactly how you made your artwork.  Popular artist Agnes Cecile uses Youtube to showcase her talent and to give her viewers a bird’s-eye-view of how she works.

4. Pinterest

This new site has been quite the range for some time.  Users can “pin” images from different sites of their interest on their “pinboards.”  This would be a great site where you can connect better with our audience to show where you get your inspiration and in return they see some of your own creativity.

5. Instagram:

You might be familiar with Instagram, the most popular phone app.  It has an amazing ability to turn any picture into a treasured work of art.  You can utilize this to your advantage, especially if you have a phone that can download Instagram, because your followers can even view your photos not only on places like Twitter and Facebook but there is a website totally dedicated to Instagram called Followgram.  Viewers can view your managerie of photos in one page and can decide to comment or share your photos.  This is helpful because this shows that you are able to take documentation of your process and showcase your work and everyday life.

6. Forrst:

If you never heard of this site, you need to be on it now.  This site is a community of artists that help give feedback to each others’ work.  This means that you are more likely to get noticed not just by your own following but popular artists in the art world.  This could mean a possible job or freelance work for you.

So, what do you think? If there are any other sites that you want us to take notice of, comment below! Thank you!

Written by: Katherine Harding