Artist newsletters are one of the most personal and effective ways to connect with your audience. Whether you’re an illustrator, painter, or mixed-media artist, a newsletter allows you to share your work, process, and story in an authentic and intimate way. For beginners, understanding what to include and how to write a newsletter can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through real examples of artist newsletters, key email ideas, and ways to make them feel genuine—not like spam or an ad.
Key Points
- Start with a Welcome Email: Introduce yourself, share what subscribers can expect, and set the tone for your newsletter. This should be automated.
- Share Your Story and Process: Use your emails to tell your artistic journey and give behind-the-scenes insights into your work.
- Focus on Real Connections: Make your newsletters feel like personal emails by keeping the tone conversational and simple.
- Include Key Email Types: Ideas include project updates, inspiration sources, and stories behind your creations.
What Makes a Great Artist Newsletter
A great artist newsletter doesn’t feel like an advertisement. Instead, it feels like a heartfelt letter from you to a friend.
Imagine writing to someone who genuinely loves your work and wants to know more about your creative journey. Authenticity is at the core of this connection. When crafting your newsletters, focus on being personable—share stories about your art, give glimpses into your process, and speak in a way that feels conversational and relatable.
This approach makes your emails feel less like marketing and more like meaningful dialogue.
Examples of Artist Newsletters
An artist’s newsletter is like a bridge between you and your audience, creating a space for meaningful connection. Newsletters allow you to share updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work—all while fostering a sense of community.
In the following examples, we’ll look at various types of emails you can send to engage your subscribers and keep them excited about your creative journey.
1. Welcome Email
The first email sets the stage for your newsletter. Here’s an example:
Subject Line: Welcome to My Studio
Body: Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
Thank you for joining my newsletter!
I’m [Your Name], an artist who loves exploring [your medium or theme]. Through these emails, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my work, my creative process, and the stories that inspire my art.
You can expect an email every [frequency, e.g., two weeks], so keep an eye out for updates!
To start, here’s a bit about me: [Short introduction about your work and passion].
I’m thrilled to have you here. Feel free to reply to this email and tell me a little about yourself or what drew you to my art. I’d love to hear from you!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
2. Storytelling Email
Use your newsletter to tell a story that resonates with your audience. Here’s an idea:
Subject Line: The Painting That Almost Didn’t Happen
Body: Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
Last month, I started working on a piece that felt… impossible.
Nothing was coming together the way I envisioned. But then, inspiration struck in the form of [specific event or moment].
This piece, now called [Artwork Title], taught me a lot about [lesson learned]. Here’s what it looks like:
[Insert image of artwork]
The journey behind this piece reminded me why I love creating: it’s not about perfection, but persistence. Have you ever faced a challenge that turned into an unexpected triumph? I’d love to hear your story.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
3. Process and Inspiration Email
Sharing your creative process builds trust and engages your audience. Here’s an example:
Subject Line: How I Bring My Sketches to Life
Body:
Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
I often get questions about my creative process, so I thought I’d take a moment to share a more detailed look at how I bring my sketches to life. Each piece starts with [specific method], where I focus on capturing the essence of an idea. From there, I move into [next step], refining and layering details until the work begins to take on its own personality.
One tool I couldn’t live without is [tool or material]. It’s what gives my work that [specific effect], and it’s been a game-changer in my artistic journey.
Here’s a sneak peek at something I’m currently working on:
[Insert image of WIP]
If you’re curious about the materials and tools I use, I’ve put together a detailed guide that you can check out here: [LINK].
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this work-in-progress or answer any questions you might have about my process. Feel free to hit reply—your feedback and curiosity mean the world to me!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
4. Updates and Announcements Email
Keep your audience informed about what’s happening in your art career:
Subject Line: Exciting News from My Studio
Body:
Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
I’m thrilled to share that my latest piece, [Title], is now available as a limited edition print! Here’s a preview:
[Insert image of artwork]
You can grab one here: [Link to product, such as [LINK].
Thank you for your support—it means the world to me.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
5. Announcing Your Events
Keep your subscribers informed about the events and exhibitions you’re excited about. By sharing details and personal notes, you can build anticipation and create connections with those who attend.
Subject Line: Upcoming Exhibition and Sneak Peek
Body: Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming exhibition, [Exhibition Name], opening on [Date]! The show will feature [number] of my latest works, including this piece:
[Insert image of artwork]
I’d love for you to come by and see it in person. Here are the details: [Location, Time, and RSVP Info]
Your support means so much to me. Let me know if you can make it!
Warmly, [Your Name]
6. Reflecting on Your Journey
Sharing reflections on your artistic journey can be a powerful way to connect with your audience. It’s a chance to showcase personal growth and invite your subscribers to share their own stories, creating a sense of community.
Subject Line: Reflecting on a Year of Growth
Body: Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on some of the moments that made this year so memorable.
It’s been a year of growth, challenges, and unexpected breakthroughs in my creative journey.
One of the most pivotal moments for me was [specific event or milestone]. It taught me that even the toughest challenges can lead to profound growth and new perspectives.
This piece, titled [Title of Artwork], captures the essence of my year: [Insert image of artwork]
Creating it wasn’t easy—there were moments when I almost gave up. But pushing through those doubts reminded me of the resilience we can find in our creative practices. Have you ever had a moment like that, where persistence led to something you’re proud of?
As I look forward to the year ahead, I’m setting my intentions to embrace new challenges and keep exploring fresh ideas. I’d love to hear about a highlight from your year, or perhaps a goal you’re excited to work towards in the coming months.
Hit reply and share your thoughts—I always enjoy hearing your stories.
Wishing you a wonderful end to the year and an inspiring start to the next.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
7. Sharing Inspiration Through New Work
Introducing new series or themes in your work is a great way to keep your audience engaged. Use your newsletter to share the thought process and inspirations behind your creations, encouraging your subscribers to follow your evolving journey.
Subject Line: A New Series Inspired by [Theme or Subject]
Body: Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
I’ve been working on a new series inspired by [specific theme or subject]. This idea came to me during [specific event or moment], and it has been such a fulfilling experience to see it come to life, piece by piece. Each work in this series has its own story, reflecting [specific detail about the theme or subject] and my personal connection to it.
Here’s a first look at one of the pieces from the series: [Insert image of artwork]
This project has challenged me in unexpected ways, from experimenting with [specific technique or material] to diving deeper into [aspect of the theme or subject]. It’s reminded me of the joy and growth that come from stepping outside of my creative comfort zone.
I’ll be sharing more pieces and stories from this series over the next few weeks, and I’m genuinely curious to hear your thoughts on this direction. What emotions or ideas does this piece spark for you? Feel free to hit reply and share your thoughts—your input means so much to me.
Thanks for being part of this journey! Your support and interest continue to inspire me every day.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
8. Telling Your Story
Your subscribers want to know about you, not just your art. Share stories about how you got started, pivotal moments in your journey, or challenges you’ve overcome.
Here is an few example of storytelling emails:
Subject Line: Reflecting on a Year of Growth
Body: Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the highlights from my creative journey this year. One of my favorite moments was [specific event or milestone]. It reminded me how much growth can come from embracing challenges.
Here’s a piece that symbolizes this year for me: [Insert image of artwork]
What was a highlight of your year? I’d love to hear about it.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
9. Sharing Inspiration
What inspires your work? Maybe it’s nature, personal experiences, or other artists. Writing about these influences helps subscribers connect with your creative vision.
Subject Line: A New Series Inspired by [Theme or Subject]
Body: Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
I’ve been working on a new series inspired by [specific theme or subject]. This idea came to me during [specific event or moment], and it’s been so exciting to see it take shape.
Here’s a first look: [Insert image of artwork]
I’ll be sharing more pieces from this series in the coming weeks, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this direction.
Thanks for being part of my journey!
[Your Name]
10. Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Everyone loves a peek behind the curtain. Show your workspace, explain your materials, or talk about the evolution of a specific piece.
Subject Line: How I Bring My Sketches to Life
Body:
Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
A lot of people ask me about my process, so I thought I’d share a quick look into how I bring my sketches to life. I start with [specific method], then move to [next step]. One of my favorite tools is [tool or material], which helps me achieve [specific effect].
Here’s a sneak peek at a work in progress: [Insert image of WIP]
If you’re curious about the materials I use, I’ve written a guide here: [Link to resource].
Thanks for being part of my creative journey!
Best,
[Your Name]
11. Announcements and Offers
Use your newsletter to share updates, such as:
- New artwork releases
- Upcoming exhibitions
- Workshops or classes you’re teaching
Subject Line: Upcoming Exhibition and Sneak Peek
Body: Hi [Subscriber’s Name],
I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming exhibition, [Exhibition Name], opening on [Date]! The show will feature [number] of my latest works, including this piece:
[Insert image of artwork]
I’d love for you to come by and see it in person. Here are the details: [Location, Time, and RSVP Info]
Your support means so much to me. Let me know if you can make it!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
How often should I send my artist newsletter?
The frequency of your newsletter depends on your content and audience. A common schedule is biweekly or monthly, which provides enough time to create meaningful updates without overwhelming your subscribers. If you have lots to share, weekly newsletters can work, but always prioritize quality over quantity.
What should I include in my newsletter?
Your newsletter should include updates on your projects, stories about your creative journey, and behind-the-scenes insights. Add value by including tips, inspiration, or links to resources that your audience will find useful, such as this guide on artist bios.
How do I grow my newsletter subscriber list?
Offer something valuable to your audience, such as a free printable, exclusive content, or discounts on your work. Make it easy to sign up by placing a form prominently on your website or linking to it from social media. Collaborating with other artists or sharing your newsletter on community platforms can also help.
How can I make my newsletters feel personal?
Write your newsletters in a conversational tone, as if you were speaking directly to a friend. Share personal stories, use your subscriber’s name when possible, and invite replies to create engagement. Highlight your unique voice, which sets your newsletter apart from generic updates.
What tools can I use to create and send newsletters?
For newsletters, I highly recommend Email Octopus. It’s a user-friendly platform with excellent features for designing, scheduling, and automating your emails. Unlike other platforms, it offers great value and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for artists just starting out.
Your artist newsletter is just one piece of your art business that tells your story and connects with your audience. Alongside your newsletters, tools like an authentic artist bio, a polished portfolio, and a compelling artist statement are key to showcasing your creativity and professionalism.
Explore examples of statements, and proposals to craft materials that resonate. For a complete professional touch, check out our guides on artist resumes, and business cards.
Building a consistent narrative across your professional materials and newsletters strengthens your brand and deepens connections with your audience.