Quick and Simple Storefront Solutions for Artists

Without a doubt, this is the best time for up-and-coming artists to be working for exposure.  Many industry leaders like Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead and others actively creating new models for music distribution outside the grasp of major record labels.  Current internet trends are also doing wonders for unknown artists, as artists can get material onto the internet on a variety of platforms with little to no cost, and with a much larger audience to target. 

Right now there are multiple platforms offering free ways to promote and sell music.  MySpace, of course, is one of the larger venues through which artists can allow users to sample and purchase tunes directly from the website.  But let's be honest — MySpace is a decrepit and unnattractive social platform.  

Marketing one's own art can seem like a daunting task for someone trying to break out.  CybaSumo, a recent social startup, is entirely built upon the concept of artists being able to simply and efficiently create a venue for marketing their material.  CybaSumo requires new users to register and have a PayPal or MoneyBookers account, and then those users can market their material directly from the CybaSumo website, or install a store front widget directly to their personal sites.  

 All transactions go through CybaSumo, with all transactions, balances, and purchases being recorded.  CybaSumo will take 2.5% of sales, not including a 2.9% fee artists lose when buyers use Paypal.  That isn't a horrible rate, but CybaSumo doesn't come off initially as polished and well-designed.

 A quick visit to the site, which admittedly is still in beta, reveals a design that looks much more like a framing than a finished product. The home page is modestly appealing, but a search for CybaSumo users' art reveals pages that are less than attractive or user-friendly.  If I, as an artist, am going to market my material on your venue, I want my buyers to have an enjoyable, attractive experience…especially since you're taking my money.  

That isn't to say that the site won't catch some remodeling.   As a model for directly marketing one's own art, this seems like a convenient little solution for those who are computer-savvy enough to set up their own sites and install the widget.  With a little sanding, some paint splashed on the walls, carpet put down and an electrical outlet or two installed, CybaSumo might just have something going for it.