Not everyone can be a photoshop whiz, but if you are presenting images of your artwork online you'll find this information very helpful! Simple image tips that are important to know when creating images for the web.

When creating an artists website or using images online there are a few common mistakes often made. The important things to look at when creating a graphic or image for a website are:

• Correct Image Dpi - Only present images that are 72dpi (dots per inch) this is the maximum a computer screen can display. Higher dpi is required for quality printing. If you present images online with a higher dpi than 72 they'll simply just have a larger file size and therefore cause a longer download for the visitor without actually improving the visual image quality they are seeing.
   
• Image Thumbnails  - When displaying a thumbnail always present a separate image file to the enlarged version. Never simply change the dimensions of it in the HTML code to present it smaller. This is a common mistake! This will cause visitors a much longer download simply to view the small thumbnails. This may not appear to be happening for you as the images are likely to be cached in your computers memory and therefore appear quickly for you, but not for others. Always resize the actual image and save a separate copy for thumbnails.
   
• Image Enlargements  - When displaying a enlarged image of your artwork its generally good to be no wider than 600 pixels wide. This comfortable width to view easily and the file size should not be excessively large if you desire a larger image 800 pixels wide can still be viewed reasonably easily by most people too.
   
• Color Values - As an experiment try enhancing an images; color balance, lightness, darkness and saturation levels. These and many others tools can often make a good photo even better. If you are not familiar with these functions, search online for 'free Photoshop tutorials'.
   
• Image Copyright - If you are concerned that people may be able to copying an image of your artwork. We have more information on how to prevent that here: Image Copyright Issues.
   
• File Names for images - Use simply, immediate but descriptive words for your images. Don't just number your images. People commonly use Google's image search to locate artworks so appropriate naming can help there. Eg: painting1-blue-sky-horizon.jpg or charcoal14-nude-figure.jpg are better names than: p1.jpg and nude14.jpg.
   
• Image Copyright - If you are concerned that people may be able to copying an image of your artwork. We have more information on how to prevent that here: Image Copyright Issues.

By following the above your online art portfolio will be easier and faster for visitors to browse, which ultimately presents you and your artwork more professionally. With a good web presence built be sure to spend time doing some Online Marketing too!

Learn how to edit Photos
If you don't know how to edit photos on a computer. There are lots of helpful free tutorials online, alternatively you can do a short course learning programs such as Adobe Photoshop at your local Design College or Community College or perhaps enrol in a digital photography course. The basics are easy to learn and easily remembered!