9 Artist Bulletin Ideas to Delight and Excite Your Fans

Newsletters can be an incredibly powerful tool for artists. sells a painting from every monthly newsletter it sends out. It's a way for you to tell stories and give your fans an exclusive window into your creative life. But come off too corruptly, and people will unsubscribe in droves. Stop being too boring and you'll send people to bed. Find the winning balance with these nine themes!

1. Gifts for hosts

If you're running a raffle - who doesn't like them? - create it for your mailing list. They'll feel special because it's only available to them, and you'll have a chance to build buzz around your brand. You can ask them to participate by submitting a title for your new work (include an image and instructions in your newsletter). The one who chooses the best title wins and gets a free copy of the artwork. Get creative and have fun!

2. Channel your inner world

The artist makes sure that her newsletters are not about her only and always add an educational component. She did step-by-step demos or gave her fans an inside look at what goes into a commissioned portrait.

“I'm sure it's not just me. I want to write something that will be of interest to my readers." —

3. Create a VIP artist club

It's funny to treat your newsletter list as exclusive. Make them feel like VIPs and be the first to see all your new artwork. Let them know that it will only be available to them for a limited period of time, like a week before you post it anywhere else. They feel appreciated and the time limit gives them a subtle sense of urgency to buy your artwork.

4. Include snapshots from the artist's life

If you don't know what to write, get your camera out! Newsletters are not just words, and time and time again images take precedence over text to keep people interested. Take pictures of your studio, your work in progress, your beautiful messy palette, your clay-splattered apron, or your rough sketches.

5. Mention residencies or creative trips

Finished an amazing residence in Petrified Forest, Arizona, how? Did you go to Venice and draw the Grand Canal? Say your mailing list! Who knows? They may adore Venice and want to get their hands on your visualization of Santa Maria della Salute. And people are always interested in seeing a few travel photos — there just aren't many of them.

6. Renew exclusive invitations

It's always nice to see art in the exhibition space and not online. Make your mailing list A-list and send a special invitation to the next show. You can even ask them to respond and take part in a free printable drawing. You can then select a winner at the event.

7. Share a public archive page of your work

Keep your mailing list updated with all your available work! This is a great way for your fans to see everything there is to buy. It's as easy as adding a unique public page link to your newsletter.

8. Tell me about your latest inspirations

Art lovers love to explore the stories behind works of art. Let them see the world through your eyes and share what inspired you to create your latest collection. There is always more to a work of art than aesthetics. Let people in and let them connect with your art on a deeper level.

9. Demonstrate Social Proof

Your work is hanging in a gallery, someone just bought your work, did you just win an art exhibition? Say your mailing list! People desire a work of art even more when other art lovers desire or appreciate it. If you're concerned about your buyer's privacy, keep the details vague. But still show a picture of the item and maybe mention the city the collector is from. If your buyer agrees, you can even include a photo of him with his new piece of art.

Read more about social proof in.

Need more ideas to make a difference?

offers even more ways to share your creative life with fans. Here are some of her many ideas that she can discuss in her newsletter: "before and after art [photography], visit a local art exhibition, before and after hanging out in a gallery, discovering yours or someone else's, your favorite classical artist and what inspires in their art." Read more in the comments to Alison Stanfield's excellent article.

Not sure how to set up an artist newsletter? To read .