Artists are becoming more reliant on the internet and websites for sharing and selling their work and getting their name out there. But there’s also a lot of new software and platforms that can help with the creative process too – whether that’s finding print companies, using graphic design software or turning hand-drawn artwork into something they can use in the digital space.
With sharing this kind of creativity and individuality, though, comes the need for more security and privacy so things don’t get leaked before they’re ready to be showcased or get into the wrong hands so artists lose out on money. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can help provide numerous benefits for this and help artists out in a more secure and efficient way.
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Upping security levels
With a VPN, your security levels are already more advanced than without one, especially if you’re sharing sensitive information or your own assets and intellectual property over the internet. There’s a huge potential for cyber threats which isn’t great for creative artists, whether that’s artwork or music.
VPNs have the ability to encrypt traffic from the internet and add a stronger layer of security, the benefits of which are:
- Increased privacy
- Security of intellectual property
- Security from data theft
By deploying and using a VPN, it’s a lot harder for hackers to intercept and steal valuable property. Images, music and collaborations from those you trust are protected from unauthorised access and can help avoid breaches of data and assets.
Gaining access in different countries
Many artists will need access to a lot of resources for inspiration, tutorials or software to create and share their work. Some of these may be restricted to certain occasions and not always accessible in the country they live in.
Using a VPN, artists can gain access to these sources and connect to people internationally to access tools and a wider audience to get their work seen.
For example, an artist in the UK might want to access a digital art course available only in the US. By using a VPN like Surfshark VPN, the artist can easily:
- Connect to a US server
- Gain access to the course
- Broaden their skill set
- Expanding their creativity
Artists may also be able to get prices for software depending on the location. For example, an artist looking to purchase a subscription to a design software might find that the price is lower when viewed from a different country. Using a VPN to make the purchase at a reduced rate can result in significant savings over time – handy if you’re a struggling artist.
This is particularly important for artists who collaborate with international teams or clients, as it ensures that sensitive project details and intellectual property remain confidential.
Privacy protection
Privacy is a significant concern for many artists, particularly those who share their work online. A VPN masks the artist’s hardware IP address, making it difficult (if not impossible) for third parties to track their online activities.
This anonymity is crucial for artists who may be concerned about:
- Censorship
- Cyber stalking
- Harassment
This is particularly important for artists working on controversial or sensitive subjects, who may face backlash or threats from private individuals, corporations, organisations or governments..
By using a VPN, artists can maintain their privacy and continue to express themselves freely without the fear of being monitored or targeted.
Improving internet performance
Not every country or household has access to super fast broadband to enable great internet performance. Internet speed and stability are critical for artists who rely on cloud-based applications, video conferencing, and online marketplaces to share, create and collaborate on work. VPNs can improve internet performance by reducing bandwidth throttling, which occurs when internet service providers slow down the connection based on user activity.
Artists can use VPNs to avoid throttling and maintain a stable, fast internet connection, ensuring that their workflow remains uninterrupted. This is especially beneficial during large file uploads or live streaming sessions, where a stable connection is essential for quality and efficiency. It can also help if there are more people in the household using the same internet bandwidth, so multiple people can do their work, schoolwork, and stream shows all at the same time.
Ensuring Safe Public Wi-Fi Usage
Artists often work in various locations, including cafes, co-working spaces, or studios. Public Wi-Fi networks, although convenient when you’re on the go, are known for not being the best at security and a potential hotbed for cyber-attacks. VPNs provide an extra layer of security when using public Wi-Fi, encrypting the data transmitted over these networks and protecting it from potential threats.
It’s more flexible and ensures artists can draw inspiration and work from anywhere without being subject to any threats.
Artist pseudonyms
An artist may not want to be known by their real identity for a number of reasons. I mean, most of us have heard of Banksy. But this could also be true for portfolios, personal projects vs. working for a business or even anonymous work
VPNs can help manage these identities by providing separate IP addresses for each persona. This separation ensures that the artist’s different identities do not overlap or interfere with one another, maintaining clear boundaries and privacy.
For instance, an artist who creates politically sensitive work under a pseudonym can use a VPN to ensure that their real identity remains concealed, allowing them to explore controversial subjects without personal risk.
Boosting international audiences
Working internationally isn’t just about accessing cheaper prices or software, but can also help to sell work across the globe and expand to a wider audience. With a VPN artists can
Connect to servers in various countries, create a broader online presence and brand but in a way that appears local and they can access your work too.
It can boost your local and global reputation, all at the same time.
Conclusion
VPNs offer a multitude of benefits for artists if you’re a beginner or looking for a wider audience. It protects privacy, and digital assets and gives a much-needed enhanced level of security.
From improving internet speed at home to remote collaboration worldwide, VPNs are a valuable tool for artists.
For artists seeking a reliable VPN solution, Surfshark VPN is a noteworthy option. It provides robust security features, a wide range of server locations, and user-friendly functionality, making it a suitable choice for artists looking to safeguard their digital activities and enhance their creative processes. By integrating VPNs into their workflow, artists can confidently explore new opportunities, collaborate securely, and maintain their privacy, and ultimately, have a much better artistic journey and opportunities.
