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51 Inspiring (Snore-Proof) Art Blog or Newsletter Topics
by Thea Fiore-Bloom, Ph.D.
Do you ever have this sneaking suspicion your art newsletter readers are not thrilled that they only hear from you when you’re promoting your art?
Well …
I say, your right.
If you’re like most of my readers, you’re what I call a heart-centered artist.
And that suspicion that you’re bugging people?
It might be the very thing that’s stopping you from sending out more blog posts and newsletters.
You may think to yourself, there has to be a better way to go.
And you’re right, there is.
Yes, marketing emails are necessary. But they’re at least two big reasons we don’t want to be all-marketing, all-the-time.
Relentless Marketing in Newsletters Can Be Bad for an Artist’s Sales
“Father Daughter Dance” by fine artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Sara Lee Hughes. Oil on linen. 36″ x 48″-2018.
First, it’s actually bad for sales.
“Ironically, if someone is attracted to your kind of art, it’s not slick selling that will close the deal.
It’s usually your quirky personal stories that make your average, modern collector feel like they know you and trust you enough to want to have a piece of you in their home,” said Emmy-award-winning video marketing expert Gina Rubinstein.
Relentless Marketing In Newsletters Can Be Bad for an Artist’s Soul
“Merry and Player,” by artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Joanne Mehl. Oil on canvas, 11″ x 14″.
Second, marketing all the time de-motivates heart-centered artists.
We know selling is part of the job of being an artist.
But we also know the reason we got up to join the dance of art in the first place was to inspire both ourselves and others via our work.
So, is there a solution for heart-centered folks like us?
Start Adding “Passion Posts” Into Your Art Newsletter Topic Mix
Yes. You could alternate every few art marketing newsletters you send out with what I call a passion post.
A passion post tells a mini-story about something you’re passionate about. Choose something you’re geekishly fascinated by that has a connection to your art and that also serves your reader in some small way.
“In Flight,” by artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Karen Northey. Acrylic on Paper. 9.5″ x 14.5″ -2019.
Fortune 100 digital marketing consultant Claire Diaz-Ortiz insists 80% of the material you put out online should be adding value to your reader’s life; only 20% should be promotional.
By sandwiching marketing posts between passion posts you gift yourself and your reader in 3 ways:
First, you’ll add value to your readers’ lives by either telling them a story or inspiring them by letting them in on how creativity works.
Second, you’ll feel better. I believe if creativity is at the center of every one of your blog post topics, you’ll send out more posts, become a better writer, and a stronger marketer.
And third, as a result, you may skyrocket your chances of having more comments, sales, and fun than you’ve had in years.
Sound good?
Need some ideas of what kinds of topics might help you do that?
I got 51 of them that came to mind this morning.
Too much coffee? Maybe.
But this is not from my caffeinated head alone.
First 10 Fresh Art Newsletter Topics for Artists
“The Last Gardner in Aleppo,” by Artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Sheryl Perry. 8”x 10” Mixed Media Collage on Arches Rough Art Board- 2016.
1. What was the most memorable live performance you ever saw and why did it connect all your dots? (My 12-year-old cranium opened up and stars flew in when I got to see Judith Jamison dance “Cry” in an Alvin Ailey performance.)
2. What’s your favorite urban place? Tell us about that restorative coffee shop, opera house, city park, or book store you love.
3. Do you live in a rural area? Is there a seasonal natural happening you could let your readers in on? An annual bird migration? A wildflower bloom? How you love it when the wetlands start to freeze over?
4. What’s the first memory you have that involved being thrilled to make art?
5. Who is your favorite poet lately? Maybe share an excerpt with your readers. Do reflections of the themes your favorite poet touches upon in their work, ever appear in your paintings? Ask readers to leave their favorite poet in the comments.
“Hope,” by Artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Sheryl Perry. 5”x 7” Mixed Media Collage on Arches Rough Art Board- 2016.
6. Got a crazy but true story that would make a good blog post topic? Savvy Painter Host, Antrese Wood’s most popular post wasn’t on art marketing. It was a story post. The first two lines were, “I punched a llama in the face today. I don’t feel bad about it either.” Get Wood’s wisdom on writing for collectors vs artists in my How Do I Write an Art Blog post.
7. Maybe let readers know about what you do/did for a living in the “real world,” and how it has informed your art practice. I interviewed a jeweler who learned precision from her service as a Navy helicopter mechanic. People would love to know what other worlds you inhabit, no matter how mundane, as long as you share the wisdom you gained from that work.
8. So many people in your audience suffer from chronic pain or other challenging health conditions. If you do too and you want to talk about it, I bet many folks will identify with you. Your readers will appreciate, not castigate you for sharing a story related to your own struggles. I talk about why this is so powerful in, Frida Kahlo: 7 Meaningful Tips for Artists.
10. Tell readers about your all-time favorite museum, or museum store.
Ten More Great Art Newsletter Topics
11. Share the book you loved most as a kid, or as a young adult. What in that book still rings true for you today?
12. One rich source of blog post topics are your favorite reads. Make a post that lists your favorite books on a single subject you’re obsessed with. What are the 5 best reads (fiction or nonfiction) you recommend on say, dollhouse miniatures or Balinesian mythology? Maybe include images of the book covers.
13. Choose your current favorite painting by a famous artist. Tell your readers why it enchants you. Did you see it in person? If so where? Ask readers about their favorite paintings.
15. Talk about your favorite movie, why does it move you? What part of your personal philosophy does it reflect? Ask readers to tell you their favorite movie in the comments.
16. Do you use tea to companion you as make art? What’s your favorite? Do you have a little ritual? I was scared to publish my post on tea because I thought it might be too frivolous but my readers really responded to it. People need a break from heavy stuff sometimes.
17. If you feature any plants, flowers, or trees in your work, create blog post topics on the history or mythology of plants you love. Include your own paintings but also consider illustrating posts with your own simple, fun drawings to accompany planting instructions.
“Pink Dreams,” by artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Viktoria K. Majestic. Oil on linen, 11″ x 14″.
18. What do you love to cook and why? Give a recipe. Illustrate it. Here’s a nice example of a heart-centered recipe post from artist Linda Shoults.
19. If you don’t cook but you enjoy eating, write about the culinary life of an artist you love. 7 Lush Beach Reads About Artists To Take on Vacation lists several books that focus on the fabulous food life of great artists like Proust and Monet.
20. If you’re a Plein air painter and you just stayed up till 3 a.m. last night reading The Hidden Life of Trees, or some other great book, tell us why you couldn’t put it down.
“Twisting,” by artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Lee Schiring. Watercolor 9″x 12.”
Still Haven’t Found It? Ten Mostly Domestic-Centered Art Newsletter Topic Ideas
21. Did you have a favorite childhood tree? Do you have a current favorite tree? Any stories there?
23.Or stay closer to home. Let us in on that patio window box you planted to help butterfly populations.
“Messenger” by artist and Charmed Studio subscriber, Jocelyn Ducheck. 12″ x 12″ x 2″, Encaustic on Panel.
24. Here’s a fun art newsletter topic. Do you have a favorite writer’s house or artist’s garden you’ve visited? Why is it inspiring to you? Share your own images. Or if you need copyright-free illustrations of gardens, museums, or anything else for your passion posts, visit 70+ Image Hacks: A Cheat Sheet for Finding Awesome Images Online For Free.
25. What was the most amazing wild animal you’ve ever seen? (Or the pet you’re most partial to.)
27. If you are environmentally conscious, a good blog post topic might be you sharing how you recycle in the studio or how you clean your brushes to go easy on the earth.
“Summer Blessing,” by artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Linda Shoults. Oil on canvas, 36″ X 36.”
28. What’s one of your favorite travel memories? Can you share an image you drew, maybe from a travel journa l about a special place? Ask your readers to share theirs in the comments. Or better yet set up a group for readers to share their travel journal images on your Facebook page.
29. Who is a hero of yours? Are they a singer, scientist, human rights advocate, UFC fighter, or humble neighbor?
“Appreciation for Being,” by artist and subscriber Rebecca E Bangs. Acrylic on Canvas, 36″ x 36.”
35. Consider interviewing someone. You can do it via email. It’s not as hard as you think and it will add depth to your blog. Limit yourself to five questions. Make the fifth question: “Is there anything you wish I’d asked about this topic?
36. What is something that used to stress you out in your studio that you’ve now mastered? Could that story help other people too?
37. What was the best idea you ever had?
38. How about the worst one?
39. When did you first (or finally) begin calling yourself a writer or calling yourself an artist? Is there a story behind it? Can you verbalize your wish for your readers and their relationship to their own creativity?
40. Describe the best reaction someone ever had to your work. Why did it hit home for you? How did it relate to your unique mission as a creative?
“Dad and His Girls,” watercolor by artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Lorraine Brown.
41. Tell us the weirdest reaction someone had to your work. How did you deal with it? Do you have any advice for young artists on how to bounce back after rejection, criticism, or encountering a troll?
Last 10 Art Newsletter Topic Ideas
42. Tell readers the 5 creatives you most look up to; be they fashion designers, classical musicians, graffiti artists, dancers, magicians, writers, or actors. Go on Wikipedia to search for fair use or copyright-free images of each person to snazz up your art newsletter topic or post.
43. Do you take long walks often? So did many famous artists and writers. O’Keeffe and van Gogh for starters. What does walking do for you as a creative? This New Yorker article on how walking helps us think might give you more ideas.
44. Has your art helped you develop a nurturing community online? Art Marketing for Introverts, tells the story of how artist and subscriber Anvil Caitlin Williamson created valuable community offline as well.
45. Can you verbalize your wish for your readers and their relationship to their own creativity?
“Impronte di Natura/3,” by artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Cristina Dalla Valentina. Mixed media su tela, 70cm x 70cm.
46. Has your art helped you heal your life? How exactly?
47. Tell a story about one of your readers (with their permission of course.) Darren Rowse of Problogger tells bloggers, if you want more reader engagement, share your stage. Try to make your readers famous; it’s a heart-centered, win-win strategy that I live by.
50. What would you recommend your collectors do to take the first steps to begin writing or making art themselves? What realization helped you take the leap?
51. For our final art newsletter topic, I want you to think about a personal object you have in your studio or on your desk. Why is it important to you? What memories or meaning does it hold? Share a photo of it with readers.
Final Thoughts on Art Newsletter Topics: Being Yourself is Revolutionary
Some of these art newsletter topic ideas may feel too revealing.
I get that.
Remember, only share up to your own limit.
Artist Sheryl Perry working on illustrations in her Charmed Studio.
But keep in mind, a lesson I’ve learned from writing The Charmed Studio blog.
Your most popular posts aren’t the ones that make you sound smart or respectable.
This post is dedicated to Veronese artist and subscriber Cristina Dalla Valentinawho wrote in and suggested the idea of blog post topics. Grazia Cristina!
_______________________
What are your thoughts?
Which one of these ideas sounds exciting to you?
I’d love to know if this helped you at all in the comments below.
“Frida’s Flowers,” by artist and Charmed Studio subscriber Debbie Gallerani. Mixed media on wood.
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Thea
The Charmed Studio is a new online sanctuary where artists and writers can find encouragement, inspiration and rejuvenation. We want to help creatives remember why they started making art in the first place. Remember your unique WHY. :)
Thank you, Thea. I do care about my customers and newsletter readers, so thank you for these reminders. I also agree with your thoughts on taking the time to respond to people’s comments on your blog. I feel it is invaluable. It’s such a great opportunity to connect with another person, as well as honor them for giving their precious time and energy to connect with out work. PS. I love the audio version of your posts. It’s great to hear your voice!
Misty what a wonderful website you have created. Thanks so much for your kind words about this post and the idea of honoring commenters. I don’t think all bloggers realize how unusual it is for someone who does not know you to have the guts to leave a comment. It is a big ask.
And thanks for liking the audio. They are so fun to do and I am trying to find a better way to include audio so I can have it on each post but if the post is longer than 1000 words the file size gets too large all hell breaks loose. Anyway, I wish you continued success on your new life journey.
Keep helping others with your art and kind heart.
When you told me you’d make a post with a series of ideas for topics to share about a newsletter, well, I didn’t imagine you would have come up with 51 ideas!
And one more beautiful than the other!
Congratulations Thea, a wonderful and very useful post!
Especially when you say that sharing what we love is the real revolution… oh yes, I feel this so deeply!
Thanks for the advice and also for the dedication, which I carry in my heart…
A big hug,
Cristina
I told you you had a good idea there girl!!! Perhaps I got carried away after I received your email suggestion, 🙂 But the ideas just kept popping up and out. I was scribbling them out on post-it notes and sticking them to the cabinet above the sink as I washed the dishes and they didnt stop until the whole kitchen was clean. I think when something is meant to serve others it just flows. I am so happy if even one of those ideas triggers, supports or affirms you to put more of you out into the world- more of your beautiful art, thoughts, energy, essence, and ideas. The world needs your take on things, especially in these challenging times.
This is a wonderful blog post. What a wonderful resource you are. Great ideas! And I love how you showcase your subscribers. That’s generous of you and the pieces are beautiful.
Thanks for your support Denise, I thought of you while writing this post. Especially the first topic which asks: which live performance did you see that blew you away? I wanted to ask you that. Was it an actor in a play? And thanks for mentioning the showcasing of the art of subscribers.
I realize I love letting my readers into the studios of my other readers by including their art on the site, I guess I am making a kind of big open studio day. 🙂 Hey let’s post a pic of you out with your Thera-Trumpy booth on the blog.
Wow that’s a tough one. I’ve seen some pretty amazing performances. I’ll think of what live performance that blew me away but I did see a performance on film recently that blew me away. As disturbing as Joker was Joaquin Phoenix was absolutely brilliant. I think one of my favorite performances was Liv Ullman in A Doll’s House. I would be honored to have my picture on your blog. Should I send you one?
What a great article! I think you read my mind. I dread dealing with the marketing aspect of art. I’d rather be painting or planning another art project. But, what I discovered recently while participating in a library book festival is that I really enjoyed visiting and meeting with the people who were looking at the children’s books I illustrate. They were fascinated with the background stories of the characters and how the illustrations were created. Your article gives me more ideas to pursue with the idea of stories about paintings and collage pieces. Thanks for including my artwork in your blog and making it part of the story!
OOOOOH that sounds like a delightful rich vein of gold to pursue! Yes, come to think of it I too would love to know how children’s book authors and illustrators develop a character or settings, or destinations….cool Sheryl. I get especially curious with books I read to children at the library, because I read those more than once, allows me to really appreciate the art more, and get curious as to it’s origin process.Also your comment reminds me of the importance of literally getting to know one’s audience. Makes all the difference in the world. You get to see exactly what lights them up— no guessing. You get to see what is working well so you can do more of that if you choose to.
What a great read and so many ideas. I really struggle with the whole concept of marketing and I keep reading it needs to be more about the artist than the art (which doesn’t make it any easier!) so it was really useful to read tangible ideas. And thank you so much for including my artwork! Was such a special treat opening the email and seeing it there. 😊
Yipee! Glad it could give you concrete examples. Carol Tice, a writing mentor of mine who runs The Writers Den, teaches her students this: Every time you make a major point– include an example of what you are talking about. I don’t always remember to do it. But it really helps click things together for readers. It allows the reader to visually picture what you are saying instead of just struggling to intellectually try to get the point through words alone.
Your artwork shines. So happy to have it as part of the blog. (And your blog already includes lots of juicy non-marketing creative writing.)
Thank you for writing this. Love that you’ve chosen topics that are about sharing the artist self and being authentic. Definitely going to use several of these!
You are so welcome. 🙂 I have learned so much about keeping the balance between the business of art and the pursuit of authenticity from you since we met.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Melissa. I always enjoy reading your posts because you have the courage to talk about what is important to you at the moment. Inspiring.
Love this article Thea. It sparked so many ideas for my online journal.
I noticed that most of the ideas I added were about stuff I make that is NOT art. I bet that all the artists and writers reading this article are creative in all aspects of life too. A rich pool of ideas!
I rushed outside after reading this to photo document all my current projects. Gathering walnuts for making ink and dye, picking herbs for my own tea blend, plants needed for making rescue oil, chopping up Japanese Knotweed for a tincture, and that’s just some of the garden stuff.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Cheers,
Laura
OMG!!! Genious. I can’t wait to read every one of those posts you are going to do! Seriously. So many people who love art, also love gardening, herbs, homesteading, healing, nature-oriented types of things. I know I do. I write for herbal magazines when I am not blogging about art. Writing about those things in The Enchanted Journal will let people in to your magical farm world.It will calm them and excite them at the same time. Go girl go.
I love this post! There’s so much advice about how to market products and oneself and, frankly, it’s repetitious and boring to me so I can imagine that potential buyers feel somewhat as I do. There’s also lots of advice about staying in your lane. In other words, write FOR artists or FOR buyers, but not both. The imposed limitations stifle creative thinking. So, thank you for writing and sharing this one.
Thank you so much for writing in and telling me, that makes me smile. I love your expression, “stay in your lane.” So apt. In my post on How To Write An Art Blog I talk about the idea of letting oneself write for both collectors and artists. Maybe you already read that one Sharon. Anyway, yes, Happy bloggers jump lanes!! I think you are already doing this in your lovely blog. You write about things that resonate with readers, it’s not just about your paintings. I think most artists would benefit from getting to know more people on their list and see what their interests are. It makes a writer feel much more confident and open to know who they are talking to. It lets an art blogger know how best to give folks on their list something that will enrich their life when they open each email.
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Thank you, Thea. I do care about my customers and newsletter readers, so thank you for these reminders. I also agree with your thoughts on taking the time to respond to people’s comments on your blog. I feel it is invaluable. It’s such a great opportunity to connect with another person, as well as honor them for giving their precious time and energy to connect with out work. PS. I love the audio version of your posts. It’s great to hear your voice!
Misty what a wonderful website you have created. Thanks so much for your kind words about this post and the idea of honoring commenters. I don’t think all bloggers realize how unusual it is for someone who does not know you to have the guts to leave a comment. It is a big ask.
And thanks for liking the audio. They are so fun to do and I am trying to find a better way to include audio so I can have it on each post but if the post is longer than 1000 words the file size gets too large all hell breaks loose. Anyway, I wish you continued success on your new life journey.
Keep helping others with your art and kind heart.
When you told me you’d make a post with a series of ideas for topics to share about a newsletter, well, I didn’t imagine you would have come up with 51 ideas!
And one more beautiful than the other!
Congratulations Thea, a wonderful and very useful post!
Especially when you say that sharing what we love is the real revolution… oh yes, I feel this so deeply!
Thanks for the advice and also for the dedication, which I carry in my heart…
A big hug,
Cristina
I told you you had a good idea there girl!!! Perhaps I got carried away after I received your email suggestion, 🙂 But the ideas just kept popping up and out. I was scribbling them out on post-it notes and sticking them to the cabinet above the sink as I washed the dishes and they didnt stop until the whole kitchen was clean. I think when something is meant to serve others it just flows. I am so happy if even one of those ideas triggers, supports or affirms you to put more of you out into the world- more of your beautiful art, thoughts, energy, essence, and ideas. The world needs your take on things, especially in these challenging times.
This is a wonderful blog post. What a wonderful resource you are. Great ideas! And I love how you showcase your subscribers. That’s generous of you and the pieces are beautiful.
Thanks for your support Denise, I thought of you while writing this post. Especially the first topic which asks: which live performance did you see that blew you away? I wanted to ask you that. Was it an actor in a play? And thanks for mentioning the showcasing of the art of subscribers.
I realize I love letting my readers into the studios of my other readers by including their art on the site, I guess I am making a kind of big open studio day. 🙂 Hey let’s post a pic of you out with your Thera-Trumpy booth on the blog.
Wow that’s a tough one. I’ve seen some pretty amazing performances. I’ll think of what live performance that blew me away but I did see a performance on film recently that blew me away. As disturbing as Joker was Joaquin Phoenix was absolutely brilliant. I think one of my favorite performances was Liv Ullman in A Doll’s House. I would be honored to have my picture on your blog. Should I send you one?
Oh I will have to check those out. Yes send me a few photos okay and I can pick.
What a great article! I think you read my mind. I dread dealing with the marketing aspect of art. I’d rather be painting or planning another art project. But, what I discovered recently while participating in a library book festival is that I really enjoyed visiting and meeting with the people who were looking at the children’s books I illustrate. They were fascinated with the background stories of the characters and how the illustrations were created. Your article gives me more ideas to pursue with the idea of stories about paintings and collage pieces. Thanks for including my artwork in your blog and making it part of the story!
OOOOOH that sounds like a delightful rich vein of gold to pursue! Yes, come to think of it I too would love to know how children’s book authors and illustrators develop a character or settings, or destinations….cool Sheryl. I get especially curious with books I read to children at the library, because I read those more than once, allows me to really appreciate the art more, and get curious as to it’s origin process.Also your comment reminds me of the importance of literally getting to know one’s audience. Makes all the difference in the world. You get to see exactly what lights them up— no guessing. You get to see what is working well so you can do more of that if you choose to.
Thanks so much for the blogging ideas! I always struggle finding topics to post about.
You are very, very welcome. I’m curious what topics looked like they would be a good jumping-off point for you? Nature, music?
What a great read and so many ideas. I really struggle with the whole concept of marketing and I keep reading it needs to be more about the artist than the art (which doesn’t make it any easier!) so it was really useful to read tangible ideas. And thank you so much for including my artwork! Was such a special treat opening the email and seeing it there. 😊
Yipee! Glad it could give you concrete examples. Carol Tice, a writing mentor of mine who runs The Writers Den, teaches her students this: Every time you make a major point– include an example of what you are talking about. I don’t always remember to do it. But it really helps click things together for readers. It allows the reader to visually picture what you are saying instead of just struggling to intellectually try to get the point through words alone.
Your artwork shines. So happy to have it as part of the blog. (And your blog already includes lots of juicy non-marketing creative writing.)
Thank you for writing this. Love that you’ve chosen topics that are about sharing the artist self and being authentic. Definitely going to use several of these!
You are so welcome. 🙂 I have learned so much about keeping the balance between the business of art and the pursuit of authenticity from you since we met.
Ooh I love these ideas ! Thanks for this post – much needed and timely too.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Melissa. I always enjoy reading your posts because you have the courage to talk about what is important to you at the moment. Inspiring.
Love this article Thea. It sparked so many ideas for my online journal.
I noticed that most of the ideas I added were about stuff I make that is NOT art. I bet that all the artists and writers reading this article are creative in all aspects of life too. A rich pool of ideas!
I rushed outside after reading this to photo document all my current projects. Gathering walnuts for making ink and dye, picking herbs for my own tea blend, plants needed for making rescue oil, chopping up Japanese Knotweed for a tincture, and that’s just some of the garden stuff.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Cheers,
Laura
OMG!!! Genious. I can’t wait to read every one of those posts you are going to do! Seriously. So many people who love art, also love gardening, herbs, homesteading, healing, nature-oriented types of things. I know I do. I write for herbal magazines when I am not blogging about art. Writing about those things in The Enchanted Journal will let people in to your magical farm world.It will calm them and excite them at the same time. Go girl go.
I love this post! There’s so much advice about how to market products and oneself and, frankly, it’s repetitious and boring to me so I can imagine that potential buyers feel somewhat as I do. There’s also lots of advice about staying in your lane. In other words, write FOR artists or FOR buyers, but not both. The imposed limitations stifle creative thinking. So, thank you for writing and sharing this one.
Thank you so much for writing in and telling me, that makes me smile. I love your expression, “stay in your lane.” So apt. In my post on How To Write An Art Blog I talk about the idea of letting oneself write for both collectors and artists. Maybe you already read that one Sharon. Anyway, yes, Happy bloggers jump lanes!! I think you are already doing this in your lovely blog. You write about things that resonate with readers, it’s not just about your paintings. I think most artists would benefit from getting to know more people on their list and see what their interests are. It makes a writer feel much more confident and open to know who they are talking to. It lets an art blogger know how best to give folks on their list something that will enrich their life when they open each email.