.ART

Key Takeaways from Anna Dianova and Jordan Bruner

Last week, we hosted the July installment of our monthly webinar series, Meet the .ARTists. We collaborated with Name.com to speak with professional artists Anna Dianova and Jordan Bruner, each with distinct styles and extraordinary career paths. They told us of their journeys, their projects, their aspirations, and their inspirations. Our viewers left knowing very intimately the personal accounts of two incredibly distinguished professionals. We were endowed with nuggets of their wisdom which we wanted to immortalize on our blog. Here are some of the highlights:

Anna Dianova’s Insights on Personal Branding and Promotion

“No one else knows better what you’re doing, what you’re reflecting, what you’re feeling, what kind of feeling you’re sharing. Each person you meet, you share your story. Each person you meet who is interested in your art, you show your art.”

Promoting yourself can feel like a daunting task, but it is important work when it comes to making a name for yourself and getting your work out there. Remind yourself of your core values as an artist and creator, and make these aspects known to those you connect with. Your story is what makes you standout, so don’t be afraid to share the journey that made you who you are.

“The best success is from building relationships–that’s your best promotion, and your collector is your best promoter.”

These connections often lead to repeat sales, recommendations, and valuable collaborations that can define your professional path.

“Branding and marketing is everything right now. You have to be really good in person, but then you have to really package it. People have to really remember your name…I think this is the number one must-have right now–to have the right website and right platforms to be associated with.”

Pitching yourself in person is undeniably important, but in the modern digital era, so is your online presence. Streamlining your personal brand and packaging includes hosting your portfolio online–whether that’s on social media or on a .ART website. Need some help setting up a portfolio? Check out our tips.

“Try different things. Just never stop.”

Step out of your comfort zone by experimenting with different mediums and techniques. This not only broadens your skill set but also opens up new avenues for creative expression and innovation.

Jordan Bruner’s Advice on Rejection and Building a Career

“Getting really comfortable with rejection will lead you to the opportunities that actually do manifest.”

Each rejection contributes to your growth as an artist. It sharpens your skills, refines your approach, and strengthens your resolve.

“We’re inundated with so much information online that if you have that human connection, I think it goes a long way.”

The internet is a wonderful tool, but in-person connections can create a more meaningful network. Consider going to art events and openings or reaching out to artists/creators based near you for in-person meet ups.

“[You should have] a consistent presence and a clean website that’s really easy to read…There’s just so much information out there. I think you really have to get across what you’re doing really quickly. So, the more direct and clean you can be in your presentation, I think that’s really important.”

Having a professional online presence is of major importance today. Jordan Bruner uses a .ART domain to quickly and efficiently display her identity as an artist. Make sure you have a website or a social media page that hosts your portfolio. By registering a .ART domain, you gain access to our free website builder, for example.

“I think when I first started out, I was just so hungry to have things happen really quickly. And it does take time to build up a career. Don’t stop. Be patient.”

Recognize that consistent effort and persistence are key. Rather than looking for quick wins, focus on making steady progress. This approach builds a strong foundation and often leads to more sustainable success.

Watch the livestream here.

Stay tuned for our next webinar in August.