Most Common Questions

What Size Images Should I be Uploading?

Q: Updates are not showing on my website. How do I refresh and/or clear my cache and cookies?
I made changes to my site in my control panel. Why am I not seeing the changes on my website?

A: The reason you may not be seeing the updates on your site is because your computer is displaying a cached (older) version of the page. This is what computers do to speed processing time, bringing the page to your screen from your computer instead of getting it from the source, the web.

To get the current, updated page, you will need to either:
1. refresh/reload the browser page
2. clear your cache
3. clear cookies

ONE:
Refreshing your internet browser window depends on which browser you are using. The browser is named at the top of your screen - for example, Mozilla Firefox.

4 common browsers are Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and Google Chrome.

Using Firefox as your browser, the page refresh is a blue arrow in a circle at the top of the screen that says 'Reload current page'.

Using Internet Explorer as your browser, it is the 'Refresh' icon (a small icon next to your web address box at the top of the screen that has 2 small green arrows).

Using Safari as your browser, the page refresh is a gray arrow in a circle at the top of the screen that says 'Stop/ Refresh'.

Using Google Chrome as your browser, the page refresh is the circular arrow icon to the right of the back/forward buttons.

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TWO: To clear the cache and cookies:

If using Mozilla Firefox:

Open Mozilla Firefox 27.
Click the Firefox button and then choose Options.
[Note: If you're using the menu bar, choose Tools and then Options instead.]
With the Options window now open, click the Privacy tab.
In the History area, click the clear your recent history link.
[Tip: If you don't see that link, change the Firefox will: option to Remember history. You can change it back to your custom setting when you're done.]
In the Clear Recent History window that appears, set the Time range to clear: to Everything.
In the list at the bottom of the window, uncheck everything except for Cache.
Note: If you wish to clear other kinds of stored data, feel free to check the appropriate boxes. They will be cleared with the cache in the next step.
[Tip: Don't see anything to check? Click the button next to Details.]
Click on the Clear Now button.
When the Clear Recent History window disappears, all of the files saved (cached) from your Internet browsing activities in Firefox will have been removed.

Note: Clearing cookies will log you out of any sites that you are 'logged in' to.

If using an older version of Firefox, we recommend that you update to the newest version. You can also do a web search for the version you are using adding 'clear cache' to the search query.

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If using Internet Explorer,

click on 'Tools' from the menu bar;
click on 'Delete browsing history';
click on 'Delete files';
click on 'Yes'.

After it finishes, close your browser and reopen it. Your cache has now been cleared.

Go to this web page for more detailed instructions on a variety of versions and operating systems:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278835

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If using Safari:

Click on Safari
Choose Empty Cache
Click Empty

Clear Cookies:
Choose Safari
Choose Preferences
Click Privacy tab
Click Details
Select one or more cookies and click Remove, or click Remove All.
When you finish removing cookies, click Done.

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If using Google Chrome:

Click on the wrench icon in the upper right corner of your browser window
click History
click Clear all browsing data
select/check:
Clear browsing history
Clear download history
Empty the cache
Delete cookies and other site and plug-in data
Set the drop down to 'The beginning of time'
click Clear Browsing Data

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If you're using another browser, we suggest a web search of the name of your browser and 'clear cache'.

Rebooting the machine may also clear the browser's cache, depending on your settings.

NOTE: Clearing cookies will log you out of any sites that you are 'logged in' to.

Q: Can I use my existing domain name?
I already have a domain registered. Can I use it with FASO and, if so, how do I POINT it to my FASO website?

A: Of course you can use your existing domain name!

Here's how:
- from FASO Control panel
- Click 'Manage Your Domains' (left menu bar)
- Click 'Click Here to use a domain name that you already own'
- Type in your domain name, as shown.
- Click GO
- Follow the instructions.

The instructions will include the following:

Login to your domain account at the company where you registered your domain.

Change the DOMAIN NAME SERVERS to our name servers:
NS1.STUDIOTOPIA.COM
NS2.STUDIOTOPIA.COM
NS3.STUDIOTOPIA.COM

AFTER you update the name servers, your off-site domain will begin working with your FASO account in about 12 hours.

Although this is the "fast" way to use your existing domain, we recommend that you transfer your domain to FASO. Having us manage everything for you will simply your life. Plus, your FASO monthly charge includes one domain.

***NOTE: all plans include a domain except for the deprecated Intro Classic plan, $8 monthly.

Email Concerns:
If you are currently receiving email at your domain name (such as [email protected]), before changing your name servers please review your options on our FAQ "How do I use my existing domain if I currently have email on that domain?"
faso.com/faq.asp?CATE=49#13

Note - these instructions will make your domain point to your FASO web site. This will NOT make FASO your domain registrar. If you wish for FASO to become your domain registrar please review our FAQ, "How do I transfer my domain to FASO?"
http://faso.com/faq.asp?CATE=49#15

Q: How Many Images Can I Add to My Website?
How Many Images Can I Add to My Website?

A: The Platinum and the Gold Plan (our most popular) both allow unlimited images.

You can get a complete plan comparison here:

http://faso.com/pricing-complete.html

Q: How do I add an image to my Artist Directory listing?
How do I add an image by my name in my Artist Directory listing, the FASO client list?

A: The FASO Artist Directory will attempt to pick an image to represent you in the Artist Directory.

We will select from one of three images in the following order:

1. The "Example Artwork" image that you have set in your artist Focal Point settings.

2. The "Main Page Picture" that you have chosen to appear on the home page of your website.

3. The most recent artwork that you have uploaded.

The Focal Point page is what we named the page that will come up from your directory listing.

The majority of info that appears in your Focal Point page is automatically propagated and updated according to info that you enter into your website.

To edit more info on this page:
Log in to control panel
click on About the Artist (left column)
click on Edit Focal Point Data (BETA) - top left
edit info, add photo of yourself
Click on Save Changes

Q: I'm having trouble uploading my images
I'm having trouble uploading my images, what is the problem?

A: [HTML]
1. IF YOU'RE USING INTERNET EXPLORER:
It's likely a "trusted sites" issue; Make sure both 'cloud.fineartstudioonline.com' and 'data.fineartstudioonline.com' are in your trusted sites. Using a different browser works too. More info at:
http://faso.com/blog/37202/

2. MAKE SURE YOUR IMAGE IS A JPG.
Just renaming an image does not automatically make it a JPG. If your images are not JPG files already you will have to open them in a photo editing program and re-save them as JPGs.

3. MAKE SURE YOUR JPG IS IN THE CORRECT FORMAT
JPGs must be in RGB mode (this is usually the default unless you save for print usage). JPGs must also be set to the 8-bits per channel mode. (Under Image/Mode in Photoshop). Again, 8-bits per channel is normally the default.

NOTE: For Photoshop users who have images with an 'Embedded Profile,' it is important to use sRGB mode. For more info, see this FAQ:
http://faso.com/kb/?id=221

4. MAKE SURE THAT THE .JPG FILE NAME CONTAINS ONLY LETTERS AND NUMBERS. If your file name includes non-letters and non-numbers such as '$"_/, etc., you need to remove these characters, rename the file and save the new file.

5. MAKE SURE YOUR IMAGES ARE NOT TOO BIG.
Depending on the speed of your internet connection, your uploads may be 'timing out' if your images are too large. In general, for web use, your images don't need to be any larger than 1200 pixels along the longest dimension. (They do need to be a minimum of 550 pixels on one side.)

6. Try a DIFFERENT browser. Our software has been tested on all major browsers but occasionally personalized settings or third party add-ins can cause issues. You can download Firefox from www.mozilla.org.

7. Be sure all of your security and privacy settings on your browser are set to medium or default.

8. Be sure the image is not in use or locked.
If the image is open in another program (like Photoshop) or if the computer 'thinks' it is open - sometimes it will be 'locked' and you won't be able to upload it. Make sure it is not open in another program - and if it still doesn't work reboot the computer.

9. REBOOT - this is always a good thing to try with any persistent error.
We have seen unexplainable problems just 'disappear' after rebooting.

10. WHAT IF I STILL GET AN ERROR MESSAGE?
If you've tried all of the above and still get an error message during the upload process, especially if it happens more than once, please email ONE of the images that you were attempting to upload to [email protected]. We will attempt to upload it and see if we can duplicate the problem.[/HTML]

Q: Why can't I find my site on google?
I signed up for the gold plan but can't find my site on google...why?

A: Google re-indexes on a schedule known only to them. So depending upon when you signed up for the gold plan, it may take a few weeks before your listing appears on Google. This is generally true for the other search engines as well.

Also, google needs a link to your site to follow to find it in the first place. Make sure you are not excluding yourself from the FASO artist directory which automatically links to your site (you are included by default, so unless you changed it, you should be in it).

It's also a VERY good idea to get other sites to link to your site. Ask a few of your artist friends who ARE showing in Google to link to your site so that Googlebot has a link to follow.

Lastly, consider blogging with your FASO blog. Googlebot LOVES blogs and it may increase your chances of getting indexed.

Q: How can I Get Better Search Engine Results?
How can I get better search engine results and more traffic to my site?

A: 1. Get Other Web Sites to Link To You
This is the number-one thing you can do to increase your search engine results. Why? Search Engines use the number and quality of links to your site to determine your site's popularity. Ask your artist friends, your galleries, your art clubs and anyone else related to art you can think of to link to you. Make asking for a link part of your regular routine. If you don't do anything else on this list, PLEASE get other web sites to link to you.

2. Use Keyword-Rich Text
Write a paragraph or two for each page on your web site. Be sure to 'work in' your most important key words into the text. The magic number seems to be four times. If your name is the keyword you are targeting, use your name naturally in your paragraph four times.

3. Keep each page focused on one major theme
Don't try to use all your keywords on every page. Focus on one or two keywords on each page of your site. For most artists, this happens naturally. Focus your main page and your 'about the artist' pages on you as an artist and what you mostly create. Then focus each artwork detail page on the particulars of that piece.

4. Use Descriptive Page Titles that Contain your Key Words
Page Titles are weighted heavily by search engines. Be sure to title each artwork with a very keyword rich, descriptive title. 'Old Courthouse in Steamboat Springs, Colorado' is a MUCH better title (for search engines and humans) than 'Landscape #23.' FASO uses the artwork title as the page title for artwork pages. In the Marketing Center of your control panel, you can override the default Main Page Title we use if you have specific keywords you want to use.

5. In the MARKETING CENTER, add keywords and a site description.
Log in to your control panel
Click on Marketing icon (top row, 2nd from right)
scroll down to Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
click on Change Your Search Engine Settings
Click Edit Home Page Metatags
Type the Keywords you want to add separated by a comma
Click Save Changes when you are finished

NOTE: Don't spend a lot of time on keywords - none of the big search engines use them anyway. The search engines now look at the actual visible text on the page. Meta keywords were a great idea that never worked out in the real world.
Google doesn't use the keywords tag so it's one of those things that won't hurt, but (according to them) won't help. It might help a tiny amount, but using the keyword NATURALLY in the readable text of the page does so much more.

The site description is the description of your website that will appear when your website is found through a search engine. So you want to think about what people will learn about your site in a brief overview and this is what you should place in your site description.

It appears under the link to your web site in the search engine results. Here is an example from one of our clients. He has written his meta description tag to read, 'Contemporary Texas landscape paintings, original oil on canvas, western paintings.' - A pretty good description of who he is and what he does.

If you don't use a site description, the search engines will use the first couple of sentences of text from your web page. However, sometimes the first text on your web page has navigation links and other elements that are not actual content. It's best to just take control and add a meta description.

6. Build an ever increasing 'library' of content
Over time, you need to create more and more text content that search engines can index. If you do, you will capture, over time, more and more smaller "niche" keywords. There are two ways to do this for most artists:

a. Write a good, descriptive paragraph to go with each artwork and KEEP MOST ARTWORKS ON YOUR SITE INDEFINITELY (this is why we have an 'archive' feature).

b. Set up a Blog - it is better if the blog is integrated with your web site (as with FASO)

7. Build word-of-mouth 'buzz'
Tell people about your web site! Put your Web Site Address on your business card. Put it on your letterhead. Put it on the back of EVERY SINGLE ART WORK. Send email to your friends. Ask your friends to send email to their friends talking about you. Submit comments in online forums. Advertise your web site in any print ads you run. Tell people at shows about your site. Tell people when they lament missing out on a sold piece, that they can get 'previews' on your web site. The list goes on and on and on. . .

8. Submit Your Site To Google
It seems like this should be the number one recommendation doesn't it? Well, it's not. Why? Because if you follow our advice given in number 1. and get other web sites to link to you, Google will find you anyway. However, it never hurts, so to submit your site to Google, visit the following url: http://www.google.com/addurl

9. Be Realistic
Selling art takes marketing. Real marketing. You must be willing to build contacts, build a mailing list, communicate with prospects, etc. Search Engine marketing is important but please don't think it is a substitute for other forms of marketing. Many artists are shy and prefer to be in the studio and have little contact with prospects. This makes 'substituting' search engine optimization for 'physical' marketing a strong temptation for some personality types. In the real world, it takes both types of marketing.

Q: How do I group my artworks into Collections?
How do I group my artworks into different categories (we call them collections)?

A: Many artists wish to organize their works into distinct groups such as 'wildlife' and 'figurative' or 'New Works' and 'Sold Works.' How can this be accomplished on a website with FineArtStudioOnline.com? It is easy with 'Collections!' You can create an unlimited number of collections in which to group your artwork. This tutorial explains how to create the collections, how to place artwork into each collection, and how to display the collections on your website.

[NOTE: When you decide to use collections, ALL work needs to be assigned to a collection in order for collections to function properly and have all artwork show on your website.]

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A. Set Up Your Collections
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1. Login to your control panel
2. Click Artwork icon
3. Click 'Add/Edit Collections'
4. Click 'Add a New Collection'
5. In 'CollectionName' field, type in the name of this collection (ie Landscapes, Wildlife, etc).
6. In the 'CollectionDescription' field, type in a short paragraph to describe the collection. This is NOT mandatory. This can be left blank.
7. For 'CollectionPicture' option, select a picture to associate with the collection.
8. Click Add and Save Now

Repeat steps 4-8 for each collection you wish to add.

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B. Assign artwork to a collection
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1. Login to your control panel, click on Artwork icon
2. Click 'Edit' to the right of the artwork
3. For the field titled 'Collection', use the drop down arrow to select the correct collection from the list.
4. Click Save Changes
5. Repeat for each artwork.

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C. Display the collections on your website's art work portfolio
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1. Login to your control panel, click on Artwork icon
2. Click 'Edit the Works Display'
3. In the field titled 'Default Portfolio Page', change from 'Default' to 'Collections'
(This will group your portfolio into your collections)
(Selecting 'default' displays ALL of your artwork together)
4. Click 'Save Changes'

Note - you can change the order in which the collections display in your artwork portfolio by clicking on 'My Artwork Portfolio', clicking 'Add/Edit Collections' and then clicking 'Change the Collections Display Order.'

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D. Display individual collections as categories on your navigation bar
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1. Login to your control panel, click 'Edit Navigation Bar'

2. Pick one of the categories (1-12) and drop down the box. You will see your collections toward the end of the list in the drop down box. Select the one you wish to display on your navigation bar.
3. Click 'Submit'

Q: I can't log in! What do I do?
I can't Log In to my FASO acccount! Help! What do I do?

A: If you can't log in to your FASO account here are some things you need to do:

1. Be SURE you are using the correct username and password.

2. Don't rely on your browser to auto fill the username and password - type them in again to be SURE.

3. If you are unsure what your username and/or password are, click the "Forgot Password?" link on the login screen.

4. Make sure your browser is accepting cookies.

5. Try not blocking pop ups.

6. Try our alternative login screen at:

http://data.fineartstudioonline.com/login

7. Make sure (especially in Internet Explorer) that your privacy setting allows our site.

Using Internet Explorer as your web browser, you may need to add the setting in TWO places:

ONE:
a. In Internet Explorer, click the 'Tools'
b. Click 'Internet Options'
c. Click the 'Privacy' tab
d. Click 'Sites'
e. add the site exactly as follows: data.fineartstudioonline.com
f. click 'Allow'
The large text box should now contain the site 'data.fineartstudioonline.com' and read 'Always Allow'
g. Click OK
h. Click OK

TWO:
a. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
b. On the Security tab, click Trusted Sites, and then click Sites.
c. Under Add this website to the zone, type in data.fineartstudioonline.com
d. Click Add, and then click Close.
To have this list of trusted domains accept mixed (both secure and non-secure) content:
e. From the Security tab, click Custom Level
f. In the "Miscellaneous" section, under "Display mixed content", click the Enable radio button.
g. Click OK

If Firefox is your web browser:

a. From Firefox, Click 'Tools'
b. Click "'Options'
c. Click 'Content'
d. If 'Block pop-up windows' is checked, click 'Exceptions'.
e. add the site exactly as follows: data.fineartstudioonline.com
f. click 'Allow'

If you are using another web browser (or a different version of IE or Firefox), you will need to find the privacy settings within the browser menu and add 'data.fineartstudioonline.com'.

8. Try Clearing your Cache:

In internet explorer, go to tools/Internet options.

Click on Delete Files, Click "Delete all offline content" then click OK.

After it finishes, close your browser and reopen it. Your cache has now been cleared.

In Mozilla Firefox:

click on 'Tools'
click on 'Clear Private Data'
make sure 'Cache' is checked
click the button 'Clear Private Data Now'

Here is a comprehensive list on how to clear your cache: http://data.fineartstudioonline.com/clear_cache.html

9. Clear cookies on your browser.

For Mozilla Firefox:
Go to 'tools' on the menu bar
click 'Clear Private Data'
make sure 'Cookies' is checked
click 'Clear Private Data Now'

For Internet Explorer:
click on Tools
click on Internet Options
under General tab
under Temporary Internet Files
Click Delete Cookies

The only thing you need to be aware of when you do this is that it will log you out of any websites you are logged into. Of course you can always log back in to them.

You may need to REBOOT your computer after clearing cookies.

FINALLY:
If none of these resolutions solves your problem, please contact support (or contact them again if they provided this info to you). If it is necessary to re-contact support, please provide us with the following info:

1. What operating system are you using SPECIFICALLY (Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OSX Panther, etc)

2. What BROWSER (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, etc)

3. What VERSION of the browser (6.0, 7.0, 2.0 etc)

Without this info, we really can't troubleshoot in more depth.

Q: How do I transfer my domain name to FASO?
I have a domain that I registered through another company. How do I transfer my domain to FASO?

A: 1. Log in to your FASO control panel
2. Click 'Manage Your Domains' - left column, under 'Domains:'
3. Click on 'Transfer Your Domain to FineArtStudioOnline Wizard (BETA)'
4. Follow the instructions

Our software will ask you for your login info for your Manage Domain Registration Account at the company that currently holds the domain registration.

If you are unable to provide this info, please contact tech support.

Depending upon the complexity of the domain transfer, a transfer can take several days to weeks.

Complexities may arise from the following:
1. If you used a 'middle man' company to register the domain.
2. If you do not have access to the login info.
3. If you have a privacy setting on the domain, we may need login info for the Privacy Registration Company (like Domains by Proxy) as well.

NOTE: We only process domain transfers for activated accounts, not those still in a free trial period. The good news is that if you activate your account & become a paying member before the end of your free trial, you will not lose any of your free time. Your next billing date will pro-rate forward automatically to ensure this.

Q: What Size Images Should I be Uploading?
What Size Images Should I be Uploading?

A: For the majority of people using a digital camera to photograph their art, images direct from the camera are a perfect size. Most digital camera images are under 3MB and will upload just fine (with high speed internet service).

HOWEVER please understand that if your camera is set to take RAW photos, RAW photos are HUGE and will never upload.

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-The MINIMUM size for image uploads is 550 pixels (px) on the smaller side.
-You do not need to upload images larger than 1200 px on the long side.
-The MAXIMUM size for image uploads is 10MB (best size under 5MB)
-The larger your image file, the longer the upload process will take.
-We recommend 72dpi (higher resolution can be uploaded - the system will re-size for online use).
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The larger your image file, the longer the upload process will take.

We recommend 72dpi (higher resolution can be uploaded - the system will re-size for online use).
We recommend uploading images that are 5MB or less.

Images must be .jpg (jpeg) image files, in RGB mode (specifically sRGB mode for those of you who edit images in Photoshop or similar image editing software).*

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*For more info on sRGB mode, see this FAQ:
http://faso.com/kb/?id=221

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