Soon I will be renewing my website and I will continue to use Format for my Website Hosting needs.  So I decide to update a blog posting as it is still relevant. You can skip to the number nine  what is new with Format. 

With all the choices for a website hosting the reason I decided to go  with Format is a variety of reasons.  

1. I feel its speciality is portfolios and as an artist that’s a big plus.  You can still have a top notch store and a blog but you can set it up as you see fit and what’s important to you and how it’s laid out.

2.  The number of templates and ease of use is tremendous You should be able to see exactly what you’re looking for.

3. Availability of support.  I haven’t had to use them, but when creating your site you can do a checklist to help you create a practice site.  One of items is too click on support and they are right there to help.  You also get some emails just to check in or make you aware of some other services.  

4  Looks great on either on the computer or mobile.

5 Depending which plan you sign up for, Format will create your site for you.

6  Free trial to start  see if you like them.  

7 They have an online magazine that may showcase your site.

8 Links to the major social media sites.

9.They have developed a “Workflow” section where you can have client galleries, easily transfer files to clients and offers area where contracts can be signed. 

10. There is a cloud storage area with up to 1000GB of additional storage 

11.   There also is a ” Prints Marketplace”   where you can sell photographic prints

While some of these are geared towards photographers I’ve found they can be easily adapted to just about any studio situations.  

I’m sure I forgot some reasons but I really have enjoyed using Format and creating a professional website with Format.   To let you know I am an affiliate with Format I would appreciate you using the link below to explore Format and what they have to offer.

https://format.grsm.io/kenhorstman1651

Don’t forget to sign up for the mailing list to keep you up to date and/or contact me with any questions

Every year St. Croix Valley Potters have a studio tour and you can go visit the artists and buy so amazing pots.  Each location has multiple potters and it very cool.  Because of the pandemic the tour has gone virtual this year.  I’m not affiliated with this group but I was able to attend several years ago and have purchased virtually as well.  It’s very cool and a neat way to find some treasures to add to your collection.

Here is the link to the list of the potters as well as the  web stores Minnesota Potters participants or visit their web site Minnesota Potters

Stay tuned to Notes from the Studio as in the future I be talking about the importance of starting and maintaining a pottery collection.  Don’t forget to join my mailing list to keep up with all news or contact me with any questions.  

See you in the next blog

In my January 13, 2021 blog I spoke of getting some rough surfaces showing up when my pots dried from surface water soluble salts.  I wrote of several possible causes and  solutions.   I recently read where you can use a sponge with some vinegar and wipe them over the rough areas to correct the problem.  My experience has show this solution is some what effective and the results are varied.  But I have found while the roughness doesn’t go away in all cases.  Glaze adhesion is much better and may be worth trying.   Let me know if you have had similar results. Contact

See you in the next blog.