How to Use Email Newsletters as an Artist: Your Complete Guide

Hey artist friends! Let’s talk about something super important but often overlooked: email newsletters. I know, I know!!! When we hear “newsletter,” it can sound kind of boring or old-school. But trust me, having your own email list is one of the most powerful tools you can use to connect directly with your audience and grow your art career.

Think about it. Social media is amazing, but algorithms change all the time. You don’t own your followers there. With an email list? That’s YOUR space. No weird algorithms, no fighting to be seen. Just a direct line to the people who truly care about your work.

Today, I’m walking you through everything you need to know to get started and actually make it work, step by step, in simple words. Ready? Let’s go!

What Is an Email Newsletter and Why Does It Matter for Artists?

Let’s start with a super simple question: What is an email newsletter?

In the easiest words, an email newsletter is just a regular email that you send out to a group of people who’ve signed up to hear from you. It might be once a month, once a week, whatever works for you. The whole idea is to keep your audience updated about what you’re working on, share news, and stay connected in a personal way.

Now you might be thinking, “Do I really need one? Can’t I just post on Instagram?” Great question. And here’s why email newsletters matter SO much, especially for artists:

• You own your list. Unlike social media, where the platform controls everything, and your followers can disappear overnight if the algorithm changes or your account gets hacked, your email list is 100% yours. No one can take it away from you.
  
• It feels personal. When someone gets an email from you, it feels like you’re talking directly to them. That kind of one-on-one connection is super powerful and helps build real relationships with your fans and collectors.
  
• It gets real results. Whether you’re launching a new collection, promoting a workshop, or sharing exciting news, emails are way more likely to get noticed and clicked! than social posts that can easily get lost in the feed.

So, even if it seems a bit “old-school,” email newsletters are still one of the BEST tools out there for growing and nurturing your art career. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Newsletter

Alright, now let’s move on to the main part of our guide today, setting up your very own newsletter. I promise, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Let’s break it down step by step, nice and easy.

Pick Your Email Platform

First things first, you need a place to create and send your emails. This is where an email platform comes in handy. Don’t worry, you don’t need to know any techy stuff. These tools are designed to be super simple.

Here are a few great options you can check out:

• Mailchimp: This one’s super popular and beginner-friendly. It’s free for up to 500 subscribers and gives you nice templates to work with.
  
• Substack: Great if you just want to write and hit send. It’s super minimal and feels more like a blog that lands in people’s inboxes.
  
• ConvertKit: Loved by creatives, it’s easy to use and has a free plan to get you started.
  
• Flodesk: If you’re into beautiful designs and want your emails to look super polished, Flodesk is amazing, plus, very artist-friendly!
  

Pick one that feels right for you, sign up, and boom!! you’re ready for the next step.

Build Your Email List

Now comes the fun part: getting people to actually sign up! I know this might feel a bit scary at first. We all start with zero subscribers, by the way, but here’s how to get things rolling:

• Add a signup form to your website. Almost every email platform gives you a simple code or link you can pop onto your site. This is where people can type in their email and join your list. If you don’t have a website yet, don’t stress, your email platform usually gives you a free landing page you can use instead.
  
• Offer a little freebie. People LOVE free stuff. You can offer something simple like, “Get a free digital print when you join my newsletter!” or even “Download my exclusive studio playlist.” It doesn’t have to be fancy; it’s just a nice way to say thank you and make signing up more exciting.
  
• Spread the word on Instagram and everywhere else!. Add your signup link to your Instagram bio. Post a story saying, “Hey, want behind-the-scenes updates and first dibs on new art? Join my newsletter!” You can also mention it in your captions, and even at art fairs, markets, and workshops.
  
• Don’t forget the small spots. Add your newsletter signup link to your email signature, your business cards, and any place where people might be curious about your art.
  

And here’s a little reminder: even if only 10 people sign up at first, that’s 10 real people who care about your art. Every list starts small, and it grows bit by bit.

What Should You Write About?

Here are some simple ideas:

• Behind-the-scenes of your creative process.
  
• New work announcements.
  
• Special offers or early-bird access.
  
• Personal stories and inspiration.
  
• Event invitations and updates.
  

How Often Should You Send?

• Monthly: Perfect for most artists.
  
• Every 2 weeks: Great if you have lots to share.
  
• Quarterly: Totally fine if you’re keeping it light.
  

Quick Tips for a Great Newsletter

• Use your natural voice.
• Add beautiful images of your art.
• Keep it simple and focused.
• Always include a call to action like “shop now” or “reply to this email.

Don’t Forget the Legal Bits

Before you hit “send” on your first newsletter, there are just a couple of quick legal things to keep in mind, but don’t worry, it’s super simple. First, you need to make sure that everyone on your list has actually given you permission to email them. This means you can’t just add random people or email addresses you’ve collected over time. They need to opt in, usually by signing up through your form or link.

Also, every email you send needs to have an unsubscribe link, that little line at the bottom where people can click to stop getting emails if they want to. But here’s the good news: your email platform, whether it’s Mailchimp, Substack, or any of the others, automatically adds this for you, so you don’t have to worry about it at all. Super easy, right?

Track and Improve As You Go

Once you’ve sent a few emails, you’ll want to keep an eye on how they’re doing. Luckily, your email platform will show you helpful stats like how many people opened your email and what they clicked on. This is gold because it tells you exactly what your audience loves! For example, if you notice that a behind-the-scenes studio tour got lots of clicks, you might want to do more of that. It’s all about learning as you go and tweaking things to keep your subscribers excited and engaged.

Example of a Simple Artist Newsletter

Subject: New Collection + Studio Peek!

Hello creative friends,

I’m so excited to share my new botanical print collection, it’s officially live in my shop! As a little thank-you for being on my email list, you get early access + 10% off this week only. [Shop Here]

Also, here’s a little behind-the-scenes peek at my studio this month. I’ve been experimenting with new textures and colors, you can check out a quick video here [Watch Video]

Save the date: I’m part of a group show opening on June 10th at Green Gallery. If you’re local, I would love to see you there!

Thank you so much for being part of my journey.  Your support means everything.

With love and paint-covered hands,
Hadees

Last Thing Before We Go!

Honestly, starting your artist newsletter might feel like a big step, but even a small list of loyal fans is golden. Over time, that list can become your strongest, most supportive community.

So go for it!! Set up your first email, invite your people, and share your beautiful work. You’ve got this! Last but not least, don’t forget to visit the Arts To Hearts project for amazing opportunities and great artist guides. See you soon!!