A deluge of  “promotional” artist newsletters, possibly spawned by the 2009 Artist’s and Graphic Designer’s Market Guide, have recently inundated my in-box. A few important tips for artists and creative professionals:

• Research your mailing list.
• Introduce yourself and explain why you thought I should be on you mailing list in 2 – 3 sentences.
• Make it clear what you want to happen. Is this an announcement? A “hire me” promo?
• Keep images small and links that relate your blog/website/etc. together as part of your signature.
• Fonts and font color should be legible and logical. Avoid multi–colored text or other annoying visual word EMPHASIS.
• Include a text note and link for those that wish to be removed from your mailing list.

I think e-mail is a great free way for artists to promote themselves. If you want to create an e-mail promo or newsletter – keep it professional, concise and relevant. By adhering to basic e-mail etiquette and craft … you vastly improve your chances that I will read, click on and forward your missive.