The Creative SociaList

by Nettie Boivin

May 1st, 2008 in Art, Creative, Design, Digital, Newsletter, Talent, The SociaList Issue

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From crafty DIYers to entrepreneurial graphic designers, these sites bring you unprecedented access to artists, photographers, designers and their work in Michigan and around the globe.

1. Flickr - One of the most popular social networking sites around, Flickr shares pics from vacation shots to award-winning works of art. Do a search for Detroit or Michigan, and you’ll be amazed at the number of beautiful images by local talent. Discover your new fav photographers, learn about them on their profiles and start following their work. Many provide links to a more personal sites with larger online galleries where some are for sale. And it’s a great way for amateur and pro photogs to network and exchange ideas, tips and techniques.

2. ImageKind - A very cool site to buy and sell art from photographers, artists and graphic designers. I typed in Michigan and found local artists Michelle Calkins from Holland and vintage photography from Scott Buel from Marine City within 950 search results. Try typing in you city and see what comes up.

3. ArtBreak - There are sites like art.com and posters.com that offer a giant selection everything you’ve seen before. Then social media comes along and creates a virtual gallery like ArtBreak, where artists and photographers showcase their work and post a price while you peruse from your couch. Whether you’re a casual or serious art collector, take some time to discover a range of talent, compliment your new fav artists and vote for pieces that speak to you. Want to support local talent? Search “Michigan” to find artists like Daniel C. Boyer from Houghton and Keemo from Grand Rapids.

4. Etsy - Same concept as ArtBreak, Etsy is for crafters. Etsy is like a well-organized global boutique for all those one-of-a-kind items. Best part: Use the Shop Local app and search for artists by state or city. We found more than 100 “stores” from Michigan here.

5. Zazzle - Create T-shirts, posters, mugs, postal stamps, cards, aprons, bumper stickers, etc. with your own photos, designs or artwork and get it in like 24 hours. Seriously. I haven’t tried it - but was fascinated by the possibilities. Got an impossible project at work to turn around. Do it here. Artists can even set up their own retail stores. Create a product and use Zazzle widgets to sell through your own site, or social network like Facebook or MySpace.

6. Decorati - This social site caters to high-end interior decorators to showcase their portfolios and “get discovered,” buy/sell sample items and antiques, participate in forums to share design ideas and questions.

7. 99Designs - Need a new look? This site offers you access to a global network of graphic designers ready to whip up logos, websites, invitations, posters or promotional materials all in a bid to win your contest. Designers like it for the new business opportunities and access to peers readily sharing tips, techniques and styles. You pick the winning design at the price you’re willing to pay.

8. Threadless - Another design contest type of site, this one supporting creativity through the essential T-shirt. You can submit designs, vote on your favorites, and order unique styles to match your personality.

9. Deep Canvas - A brand new social networking site launched by Elemental in mid-April to connect and fortify Detroit’s “creative class.” I love the concept and have already signed up.

10. Facebook for Michigan Creatives: A couple of us at BrainGain created Facebook groups to rally Michigan’s creative talent to 1) come together at the upcoming Creative Cities Summit 2.0, and 2) advocate for a stronger creative culture as one influential sector within CreateMichAgain. (Links only work if you have a Facebook login.) Hope to see you inside each!

Know of more networks for artists and creatives? Leave a comment and let us know!

After a five-year stint in Chicago, Nettie returned to her native Michigan to discover the state's infinite production of creativity. As editor of MiLifeMiTimes.com and Media Mix Director for BrainGain, Nettie spends her time writing about and promoting Michigan's reinvention through its outstanding arts, culture and creative talent.