Etiquette
There's an unspoken etiquette when it comes to promoting yourself within Redbubble so the following is worth a read before you go 'promotion crazy'. The following is based on observations of what is viewed as acceptable behavior by the Redbubble community.
Plugging your work relentlessly and at any opportunity can work against you and can rub people the wrong way. It's worth keeping the bigger picture in mind and thinking about how you're presenting yourself as an artist.
It's also good practice to try and avoid these self-promoting faux pas:
- 'Vote for me journals' (unless wildly entertaining and different)
- Advertising yourself in other people's comments
- Bubblemail - Bubblemail and unsolicited self promotion definitely do not mix!
Be clever about how you promote yourself. Look for opportunities no one else has spotted or different ways to promote your work. Some good examples we've seen around the bubble include:
- Sharing your achievements in a journal - Had your work in a gallery or a story published? Appeared on a blog?
- An offer or cross promotion - e.g. the 20th person to buy a work wins the original art
Unique, interesting and entertaining self promotion usually goes a long way. On the flip side - if you're in doubt about how something will be received then you may want to avoid it.
Critique
Many artists on Redbubble are still learning their craft, practicing, finding their style and producing some wonderful work in the process. Some are taking their first tentative steps after not exercising their creative muscles for a very long time. This is one reason why it's important to us that Redbubble is a positive, encouraging environment for artists of all levels.
While some artists thrive on constructive criticism and critique, we recognize that others are in greater need of encouragement at this point in their creative journeys. When it comes to leaving comments, we ask that people don't offer critique unless it's requested. Some artists also prefer not to have critique posted in the comments on their works as they direct buyers to their pages.
Everyone’s opinion is valid and worthwhile. When posting critiques, explain as best you can what aspects of the image you like and don’t like in a constructive way. Let us know why you like or don’t like an image, be specific.
Artists on Redbubble are welcome to provide critique if invited. If you'd like critique on your work you can explicitly state this in your description.