You need a Newsletter for your Art, and here is why.

Snapshot of sketches in the work in our Studio

I'm an illustrator who has been making a living of my artwork for 15+ years. If you're a new illustrator/artist, you need a newsletter for your art, here is why:

1. You need a newsletter because Social Media platforms are ever-changing, which means you have no control. When you're on a social media platform, its algorithm decides who gets to see your posts. They can close your accounts, change their algorithms, and do whatever they please at any time. With a newsletter you own your audience, you're not subservient to a company's whims and you can always contact your audience, no matter what.

2. So how do you go about this? First, figure out the purpose of your newsletter. Your newsletter needs a clear focus to attract and retain subscribers.Pick a theme you're passionate about. Is it going to showcase your finished art? Your process? Share tutorials? Promote products? Whatever it is, note it down so you can stay on point. Subscribers like knowing what to expect when they sign up for something.

3. It's never too early to start building an email list, the sooner the better because it takes time to build a subscriber list. Use a simple sign-up form on your website, have a sheet for people to sign up at shows, and promote it on social media and in your shop. Offer an incentive to sign up, this can be a set of phone wallpapers with your art, a digital sketchbook, a discount, an exclusive art tutorial, or whatever you would love to see as a gift from your favorite artist.

4. Pick a platform. There are a variety of services out there, just pick one you like. I'm personally a fan of Flodesk, but you can use whatever you fancy, Mailchimp is a popular one, as is ConvertKit. Make sure is offers you analytics.

5. Consistency is key when it comes to newsletters. Decide on a schedule you can stick to, this builds up trust and anticipation in your audience. It doesn't have to be weekly, you can share one once a month or bi-weekly. Even quarterly. Remember when people sign up for your newsletter they WANT to hear from you. Otherwise they wouldn't sign up. So don't feel like you're spamming then by showing your art.

6. Focus on good content. Your subscribers need a reason to stick around so make sure you put effort into your content. Include a good clear resolution of images of your work, add context with text, and don't just say "I had so much fun making this" (Most boring caption ever) - Tell them your WHY! What inspired you? What's the purpose? Why did you make the choices in the art that you did?

7. Keep it visual. You're an artist after all. Your audience expects to see art! But do ensure your emails load quickly and look good on mobile devices.

8. Personalize your emails. Why? You should care about your audience, so show them you care. Otherwise, why should they care about you? Use your subscribers’ names in greetings, segment your list (e.g., collectors vs. fellow artists), and tailor content to their interests.

9. Include clear CTAs (Calls to action). For every email you send, include one clear CTA. Readers need direction on what to do next. These can be links to visit your shop, follow you on social media, sign up for a workshop, or whatever you have going on. Make it easy to follow through.

10. Lastly, promote your newsletter everywhere! People can't subscribe if they don't know it exists (it's the same with your art, by the way. Show it everywhere). Mention your newsletter regularly on social media (once a week or more), add it to your website footer, as a pop-up, and during events. Put a signup link in your bio, and thank new subscribers publicly!

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