Where will you build your site? Where will you buy your domain name? You’ll need these to go live, and the services will have monthly or annual plans. Research possible platforms and then sign up to begin.

Find and organize all the images, videos, text, links, etc. that you might want to include. You may not use everything, but it’s helpful to have content ready to add -- from bio photos to descriptions of work, links to social media and process videos.

What are your goals as an artist? What are your priorities in order of importance? Who do you want to see your site, and what do they need from you? Use these answers to guide the choices you make on what to include and how prominent to display things.

What actions do you want your audience to take on your site? What’s most important? If they don’t do that, what alternative moves could they can make? Give them clear next steps starting with action verbs like Discover More, Get In Contact, Book Me, Join the Action, etc.

Brainstorm all possible content, then think through what can go where. Do this on paper, so it’s easy to make changes. Draw basic forms like rectangles, lines and arrows to envision everything from photos to forms, buttons to large blocks of text, and even where a link goes to. Label each element and decide the names of pages and section headers.

Browse other sites for inspiration and write down key takeaways from layout, flow, features and brand identity. Using your page plan, try to imagine your own content there. Once you have decided your design direction, pick a template to edit or design a layout from scratch.

Refer to your page plan. Start by creating each page and the main navigation menu. Add page and section headers, then place elements -- text, graphics, buttons, links, forms, etc -- in each section. Once everything is on each page, fine-tune the layout and check for continuity through the site. Lastly, modify design elements like spacing, colors and fonts.

Make a list of people you can get feedback from -- fellow artists, collaborators, mentors, contacts at institutions you’ve worked with, etc. Ask specific questions about their first impression, experience, nagivation, if anything is confusing or missing, or whatever else you need to know.

Reflect on the feedback you received, try to understand the main messages, then decide what changes to make. Make the revisions that are in line with your goals and priorities; some suggestions aren’t critical or can wait until after you launch.

Click every link, fill out your forms, sign up for your own newsletter and ensure you can receive payments for sales.

Pay for your host and connect your domain. Congratulations, you’re ready to launch! Easy as that. Now go live!

You’ve got to let people know you’re out there, so don’t forget to announce your new website to your audience online. Post to social media, email your subscribers, and update your print materials.