Tutorial Description
WordPress is the fastest growing content management system on the internet. It is easy to use and allows non-experts to maintain their own websites, without having to learn or understand programming code, like HTML and CSS. This course will enable you to manage your own website using WordPress.
Customized for artists, I have stripped away the jargon and techie talk to present tutorials that make visual sense. Each section has written instructions, along with image markups and videos (that can be paused), which makes it easier to learn WordPress.
Tutorial Organization
WordPress for Artists is a self directed tutorial site, where you will find detailed step by step instructions for adding content, image galleries and managing your website and/or blog with WordPress.
The tutorials cover the basics in each section, trying to take a progressive approach so that each section builds on knowledge and skill acquired earlier in the guide. That said you can access any section of the guide as needed to accomplish specific tasks or simply to refresh your memory.
All the screenshots and usage come from WordPress installed on this site, but they apply equally to WordPress installed on any site. Since WordPress periodically upgrades its functionality and adds new features, this course will be updated when there are new WordPress releases. Even if you feel you have it all under control, check back from time to time for information on new features, tips and tricks.
Learning Objectives
The intention is for you to learn how to manage your online portfolio, as well as administer your site. By the end of the course you will be able to:
- administer and backup your content
- change the appearance of your site
- add functionality through the use of widgets
- make your site content more interesting and engaging
- format your text content and images for search engines
- understand the basics of blogging
- manage your portfolio and images online
- resize your images for the web
It is the objective of Artbiz at WordPress for Artists, to introduce artists to a community of like minded individuals that share a common goal: self sufficiency through the use of WordPress.
Tutorial Topics & Site Content
Currently there are 5 sections of tutorials. Each section provides a snap shot of the topics covered with a short description and a direct link to the lesson page.
Also on this site you will find a growing list of resources to help you with WordPress and with your art marketing. The Members Area, exclusive to School Members, offers free downloads from art marketing courses and discounts on instructional art videos.
Tutorial Requirements
You need to have WordPress installed on a suitable hosting site. If you need help installing, migrating or upgrading your WordPress installation, please get in touch.
Your ideas, evaluations, etc
In general, your ideas, comments, suggestions, questions, challenges, etc. are welcome. Your discretion in these matters is expected, however.
Suggestions for Success
For most of you this course will not be difficult. The best success can be achieved by following the steps as laid out.
Comments are enabled on all tutorial pages, where you can search for answers. Also, use the form to post questions or provide answers for other members. You can be as anonymous as you want but I encourage you to participate, as perhaps someone can learn from your experiences.
You are also encouraged to take advantage of WordPress Support posting questions or comments using the comment form.
Read More about WordPress, including FAQ
What is WordPress?
WordPress is an open source CMS, often used as a blog publishing application powered by PHP and MySQL. It has many features including a plugin architecture and a templating system. Used by over 12% of the 1,000,000 biggest websites, WordPress is the most popular CMS in use today. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WordPress
Yeah, so that explanation probably doesn’t mean a lot to you. In layman terms WordPress is an application that is installed on a hosting server, that provides users an interface where they can create and maintain content for a website.
What is a CMS?
A web content management system is a software system that provides website authoring, collaboration, and administration tools designed to allow users with little knowledge of web programming languages or markup languages to create and manage website content with relative ease. A robust CMS provides the foundation for collaboration, offering users the ability to manage documents and output for multiple author editing and participation. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_content_management_system
Okay, so WordPress is great for all types of authoring etc, but I just want a website.
What does this all mean?
Simply put it means that you can have a website to show your artwork, which you can manage yourself, with out having to know HTML code? There is a Blog available if you want to use it, but you don’t have to.
What is HTML code?
HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the main markup language for web pages. HTML elements are the basic building-blocks of web pages.
HTML is written in the form of HTML elements consisting of tags enclosed in angle brackets (like <html>), within the web page content. HTML tags most commonly come in pairs like <h1> and </h1>, although some tags, known as empty elements, are unpaired, for example <img>. The first tag in a pair is the start tag, the second tag is the end tag (they are also called opening tags and closing tags). In between these tags web designers can add text, tags, comments and other types of text-based content.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML
How much does your course cost?
Essentially the course is free to all Artbiz clients. When you sign up for any one of my website packages you will be automatically enrolled in the course. You can still use the site even if you’re not an Artbiz client for as little as $36 by becoming a site member
I already have a WordPress site. Can I use your course even though I did not set up my site with Artbiz?
Using the WordPress Tutorials if you are not an Artbiz client
I love artists; I’m one too and I want to help in anyway I can. That’s why I created the WordPress for Artists tutorials and that is why I’m not keeping it exclusive to Artbiz clients. If you are not an Artbiz Client, you still register for the Tutorials by choosing a membership option. All packages include the perks.
Saying that, it is important to note that the tutorials at WordPress for Artists are written for installations of WordPress, done Artbiz style, targeting Artbiz clients. That doesn’t mean that they won’t make sense to everyone; you just need a few added plugins. Please make contact and we’ll see what we can do to get you set up Artbiz style.
How do the tutorials work?
The tutorials starts from the very beginning, from when you receive your login credentials. Then step by step in logical order you will learn how to add all your content and images. The site is set up for self study so you can progress at your own speed. There is a comment form on each tutorial where you can search for answers from other users as well as post your own questions. You can be as anonymous as you want but I encourage you to participate in the forum as perhaps someone can learn from your experiences.
FAQ on WordPress for Websites
Q: I am not very good on the computer, can I do this?
A: Absolutely! I usually tell people that if you can save and attach a jpeg to an email and type a letter, then you have all the necessary skills. If you do get stuck, everything that you need to know is here at the School. But, you can always call or email me for friendly help and answers to any question.
Also, should know that you do not need to know any code in order to manage your site.
Q: What can I put on my website and how many pages can I have?
A: Pretty much anything that you need to present your art. Recommended navigation for artist sites includes CV, Bio, Reviews, Artist Statement, Events and Contact and of course your gallery images. Have a look at Prepare for Your Website.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of images and galleries that I can have?
A: You can have as many images and galleries that you need. Bear in mind; your website is your brochure to the world, and is meant to show the best of your best work, and not necessarily an archive or storage facility.
