Whenever an artist client asks me how they can drive more traffic to their website (after they have created a well-designed and functioning website) and set up their social media pages, I frequently recommend they start an art blog and send a monthly email newsletter. They inevitably gasp, “Oh no! What will I write about?” Surprisingly, during our discussion it doesn’t take them long before they gather a long list of ideas.
Yes, writing art blog posts is easier than you think. This article includes topic ideas for your art blog posts.
Write About Your Art and Professional Achievements
This may seem obvious but it is often overlooked. I often have to remind artists to “toot your own horn”. If you just choose this topic alone you could be busy writing posts. Did you just finish a new work of art or an art series? If so, write about what inspired it. Did you recently win an award or get reviewed in an art publication? Describe it and share a quote from the sponsor or writer. Did you sell one of your works of art to a private collector or public institution? Share this news with your readers.
Invite Your Audience to Ask You Questions
Encourage your art blog readers and social media followers to write comments on your blog. The feedback and questions can serve as clues for your art blog posts. For example, you could ask your Facebook friends to provide reactions to a new work of art and request their permission to use their (positive) quotes in your art blog. Then post the link to the art blog article on Facebook. This will attract attention to your art blog and increase visitors for a long time to come.
Share A Positive Memory
One way to connect with your followers and engage with them is to share a positive memory you experienced as an artist and its influence on how you see the world as an artist. Whether it’s from your early days as a student, your first art award, when you first knew you wanted to follow your artistic passion… And, then, connect those events your current artwork. Look for common and complementary threads that have been instrumental in weaving your past with the present.
Expand Upon A Quote or Phrase From Your Artist’s Statement
One of the most popular pages on this website is Inspirational Art & Quotes by Famous Artists. People love to read inspirational quotes and they want to learn more about what inspires you. Take a phrase or sentence from your Artist’s Statement and expand upon it in greater detail. For instance, describe why a particular quote by a famous artist resonates with you because of how in sync you are with it. Or, take an important feature in your artwork and explain your choice of it in terms of colors, forms or subject matter. Read How to Write Your Artist’s Statement.
Select A Question and Answer From Your F.A.Q. Page
If you read my article about the importance of having an F.A.Q. Page and created one on your Art Website, then take a point or two from that page and expand upon it. Perhaps it is an explanation of how one may order a commissioned work of art from you and how long it takes, or the high quality archival materials you use and why you believe it is important…
Interview a V.I.P.
This is a simple way to generate good will. Do an interview with an individual you know and respect such as a fellow artist, instructor, or gallery owner, or a non-profit organization leader. Send them questions by email to simplify the process. Ask them to share it after it’s published for an additional bonus to increase traffic to your blog. Also suggest they do a reciprocal interview with you for their blog.
Share Your Art Buyers’ Comments
Write a blog post that includes follow up comments from one or more buyers of your art after a specific time period. Ask them how they are still enjoying your art. You may be pleasantly surprised with the variety of replies you’ll received. Add their comments to your praise page. This is also a good reason to reach out and stay in contact with previous art buyers to find out if they want to see new artwork. It is a way of letting your buyers’ words applaud the benefits of owning your art.
Share Praise You’ve Received from Art Professionals
Gather the letters and emails you’ve received from gallery owners, curators, art writers, and the articles that have featured you and your art. Ask these individuals for permission to use their words of praise for your art blog posts. Also, don’t be shy about reaching out to leading experts in the art field for their quotes about your art. Ask me to write an Art Review for you. 🙂
Connect Your Art with Holidays and Current Events
Follow the news for clues and you’ll never run out of ideas. Your art blog can tie to current holidays and events in your art market niche. For instance, if you create figures of women promote that vigorously before Mother’s Day. Or, if your inspiration comes from social, political or environmental issues let those be your guides. An environmental news topic could tie in with your nature-inspired painting that celebrates and promotes conservation. After you write the post contact the organization and/or writer that you mentioned in your article and this may generate new powerful relationships.
Get Ideas from Other Artists’ Art Blogs
Although I prefer you focus on your own natural inclination, it may be helpful to spend some time visiting the art blogs of the most popular artists you know. Reading the material they created will provide ideas and inspiration. You can learn a lot from more experienced artists; however, when writing your own blog posts remember to give them your own personalized voice. Make them your own unique expressions of your artistic passion.
Begin With A Headline Help You Get Started
Although when I write I often start with a concept or idea and then the headline is the last step that encapsulates the article. However, inspiration often comes from an idea that is so strong that it writes itself. That may be enough to get you going. Here are a few: “The Painting on My Easel”, “My Sculpture Found A New Home!” or “Photographs from My Recent Travel to Italy”. And, an important note to add about your headline is make it compelling and accurately descriptive as to increase SEO ratings.
It really guides and helps me in customizising my blog. Thank you.
Great article, Renee! This was very helpful.
I try to keep a list of ideas for posting but there are some new ideas I can add from your list. Many of these, I hadn’t thought of.
This will help me very much!
Thank you Renee for your suggestions. I have been a self-taught artist since 2001 and since retired in 2020 and am concentrating on my art. I found since I have a bit of adult ADHD, I’ve had to set a schedule for my art and marketing. I create art Mon-Fri mostly in the mornings because I have more energy then. In the afternoons I do my postings and professional development watching mostly YouTube art tutorials. Sundays I write my art newsletter (using MailChimp which I think is great), and I send it out every Monday morning. Tuesdays I post to Facebook, Wednesdays I post to Pinterest, Thursdays I post to LinkedIn, and Fridays I update my website to include new works and my “on my easel” section. Hope you can visit my website and I appreciate any feedback. Hope this might help your audience. I just started the routine in Jan this year and it’s still evolving!
Dear Jo, I’m glad you enjoyed reading “Topic Ideas For Your Art Blog Posts”. I enjoyed viewing your portraits and irresistible pets! I very much like how you share your Recent works-in-progress in your Outside the Lines Art Newsletter and you are smart to link back to your gallery pages. I wish you continued creative bliss! And, if you ever decide to schedule a more in-depth consultation regarding feedback about your art check out my services for artists. All the best, Renee
Thank you Renee. Very helpful tips for the art blog. My next small step forward in my artistic journey is to write art blogs and your article is very helpful in that. Thank you
Kanak
These are all great ideas, Renée! I started blogging in April 2019 and have committed to posting weekly articles. I am retired and passionate about teaching art to children, seniors, and dementia patients. Now that I am in isolation, you’d think I would turn to making my own art, but I haven’t yet. Getting inspired, for me at least, requires getting out there, in public, and experiencing the world around me. No travel, just walking the dog!
Anyway, my 74th post was about my 1st year of blogging. I’m stumped about what to write about next. I plan to read more of your articles about what other artists are doing during the pandemic.
Thanks again!
Hi Ken, it sounds like you have found a new creative passion and will have a positive impact on so many people who need your influence. Bravo! This article was written in 2017. You have reminded me that I need to do an update — post pandemic. Here’s an article you might like on my other website: In this article you’ll see new art created by some of the artist members since COVID-19 pandemic and their statements about how they have been affected. https://manhattanarts.com/new-art-created-by-artist-members-since-covid-19-pandemic/
Your suggestions came at just the right time. I am trying to be more consistent with my blog. Very hard, though, to write about creating while the world is falling apart around us daily. Thank you for the tips.
Linda, I’m so glad you found this article helpful. I look forward to seeing what blog topic ideas you come up with.
I know this time is challenging. If you find yourself feeling hopeless, limit your exposure to the mainstream news that is focused on negativity. Seek alternative positive news outlets that refrain from stimulating fear. And, now is a wonderful opportunity to create your own positive changes.
I also recommend you read a recent article Artists Who Are Sharing Positive Messages
And here’s another favorite: Ways For Artists to Be Optimistic
Take good care!
Renee!
Your suggestions are very helpful to me, thank you very much for the idea of making an art blog
Great idea to choose a FAQ and expand on it in a blog post. I’m always struggling to come up with new content. Appreciate your article!
Christina, Thank you. The FAQs on your home page is wonderful, so is your website and blog. I love the Funky Town Photography and your concept! Best wishes to you and Derek for continued success!
The FAQ’s idea has given me some ideas to play around with too. Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome Kelly Ann. I visited your website and your art is beautiful. I’d like to offer some advice: Please consider moving your website from wordpress.com. My first impression was I saw those awful third party ads on your site — for weightloss, cars, etc — nothing to do with your artwork and a distraction! I recommend you consider instead creating a website on any of the free more websites that most artists use: wordpress.org; squarespace.com; wix… They offer many free themes to choose from and options to show off your art in a much better way — without those annoying ads!
For anyone planning or updating your website — Please read How to Get Started With Your New Art Website and Does Your Art Website Pass This Test?
Thank you Renee, I like your list of Ideas. I am a new blogger and try to post 3 times per week. I will definately be using the tips in this article.
Thanks Renee, there are some good ideas in here.
You’re welcome Ruth. I love your latest blog post. You’re a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading more of your blog articles.
Thank you Renee, Iused to write in my blog every day but my computer had some issues and I got out of the habit. I will begin again as I know I had visitors from all over the world on my blog.
Elaine, Bravo! I’m delighted that you have an art blog and that this article reminded you to get back on track soon. I look forward to reading your blog posts. I’m sure they’ll be inspiring. Best wishes , Renee