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| A Medley Of Pansies by Marian Fortunati 8"x16" Oil on RayMar Panel |
When I First Started Sending Newsletters
I first started sending out a newsletter because it was available on my Fine Art Studio Online (FASO) website and I had read that it was an important way to get your name and your work "out there". I was pretty consistent... Sending one out just about once a month and I always had people who would follow up with nice notes or suggestions. Sometimes they would put a show opening on their calendar and come out to see me and the work. Sometimes, happily, they would follow up with requests to purchase a painting.
Slow Times
In recent months, family issues have slowed my painting down and I was more sluggish about putting out newsletters. I didn't have much work in shows and didn't have a lot of new paintings to "announce". However, last Saturday I forced myself to sit down to do a "short" newsletter... just to stay in touch. I decided to go with a theme for the paintings I displayed on the newsletter and I went through a lot of my older florals. They were paintings I'd liked but which have languished in the "room" with all of my others. I think I picked florals because they are bright and happy and I wanted to cheer myself up. (HERE IS MY STILL LIFE AND FLORAL COLLECTION) -- They also seem to sell better than the landscapes and seascapes that I most love to paint. I'm not sure why that is... but it is. I'm not going to stop painting landscapes and seascapes because it gives me a great deal of joy to paint them... but they don't fly off the walls as fast. (Landscape Collection) (Coastal Collection)
Exceptional Response
The newsletter went out Saturday evening.
By Sunday I had some of the most WONDERFUL responses from people I've never met who live in New York, in Brazil, in Northern California -- and all over! I also heard from virtual friends and from "in-the-flesh" friends from around the world. Then by Sunday afternoon I had two requests to buy paintings and on Monday I received another. So I'm here to say that newsletter marketing works!
I will say that for some reason THIS newsletter has resulted in more sales than any other, but the benefit for me goes far beyond that. This is just ONE of several beautiful heartwarming notes I received from people I've never met:
"Dear Marian, Your website, blog and art are incredibly inspiring. I found your site by accident and signed up a month ago. When I received your newsletter/blog for the 2nd time, I felt every bit as excited about seeing your work and reading your blog/newsletter as I did the first time I saw it. You inspire. Thank you for sharing and providing an opportunity for me and others to join in your learning and exploration as you share your beautiful art. I, too, am a retired school teacher, principal and spent 15 years also at the University/college level. Now, as a retired woman, I have this "pulling" to spend time painting. and studying art. I am in the beginning stage and am hoping that I have enough years to learn all that I want to learn. Finding your website gives me hope and lots of inspiration. Your site is beautifully organized, your writing warm and inviting and your art is stunningly beautiful. Thank you for continuing to teach through this wonderful site. You inspire!"
To me, her NOTE was inspiring. Sometimes we all feel "un-noticed". It was uplifting and reassuring to read these thoughts and know that we're all in this together... One helping another.
NOW HERE'S what I'm wondering:
To be sure, most of the people who sign up for my newsletter are other artists. I know that I sign up for other artists' newsletters... I get inspired, awed and I get ideas. Of course every once in a while I buy a painting ... but I think that usually paintings are bought by "non-artists". At least most of the people who have purchased my work are not artists.
SOOOO ... How does one get information about signing up for an artist's newsletter to people from OTHER walks of life? ... to the librarians, or the park rangers? How about to mountain bikers or those gardeners who love flowers? Is there a place where people who like to sail or back pack or just enjoy our beautiful outdoors go to see what's happening? How about campers and adventurers.... What do THEY google to find out places to go?? Wouldn't it be great to be able to market to them??
Who has an idea???
....... And of course.... if haven't already signed up and you'd like my free almost-monthly newsletter now's your chance!
NEWSLETTER
....... And of course.... if haven't already signed up and you'd like my free almost-monthly newsletter now's your chance!
NEWSLETTER
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