Email List Matters

Why Signing Up for Your Favorite Artist’s Email List Matters (Especially When Social Media Could Drop Us at Any Moment)

The Social Media Illusion

Why sign up for yet another email list, especially when social media is ever present these days? Most of us think of social media as the trusty friend who’ll always be there. But, surprise! Social media has a bit of a mischievous side—kind of like that one friend who loves “ghosting” everyone. As an artist, I’ve had a firsthand experience of this—getting booted off both Facebook and Instagram in 2022! No reprieve. I was just out. Before I was completely ousted, I was put in the dreaded “Facebook Jail” for things as scandalous as posting a video of a cat pushing a bowl off a counter and sharing a Monty Python quote (yes, that actually happened). Let’s just say that social media isn’t the rock-solid foundation we think it is when it comes to business. It is important these days, but completely unreliable.

So, why am I telling you all this? Because I want you to know that the best way to keep in touch with me (and other artists you love) isn’t through an app that might delete us on a whim—although that still has its value. It’s through a good, old-fashioned email list. Think of it as a direct line, no algorithm required!

Email Lists: The Digital VIP Club You Didn’t Know You Needed

When you sign up for an artist’s email list, you’re joining our inner circle. And this inner circle has perks! Unlike social media, emails don’t go “poof” in the middle of the night or hide behind 47 other posts in your feed. Nope, emails arrive right in your inbox, meaning you get a direct update from me to you without any middleman.

Why sign up? Here’s a little secret: most artists are way more relaxed and real in email. So, while social media is busy shuffling our posts, emails are where we share exclusive stuff—think new series sneak peeks, early access to prints, invites to shows, and maybe even a bit of behind-the-scenes silliness.

The Real Deal About Social Media Ownership (Spoiler: It’s Not Ours)

Here’s the truth: social media doesn’t actually “belong” to us. The platforms can boot you out at any time, at their discretion. Our profiles are at the mercy of algorithms, ads, and those mysterious community guidelines. If my account ever goes up in smoke again, I want you to still know where to find me. I NEED for you to be able to find me. I’ve been working on rebuilding my art business for 2 years since I was booted, and have yet to reach the level I was at before. That’s why email lists are golden—they’re the digital equivalent of swapping addresses with a friend before you move. We’re in each other’s contacts, and that’s solid.

When you’re on my list, you’re just agreeing to give me a way to reach you if my Facebook and Instagram accounts go south again. Why sign up? It’s just a simple way to keep you in the loop without worrying about platform drama. I promis I won’t email you constantly. I’ll drop you one email a week. That’s it.

What’s in It for You? (Besides a Great Decision-Making Moment)

Now, I get it—you might be wondering, “Why sign up to join another email list?” Here’s the deal: when you join an artist’s list, you’re supporting their work in a big way. And I’m not talking about spam or endless emails—just friendly updates and exclusive looks into the art you love. When you’re on my list, you get:

• Early access to new artwork (because nothing’s worse than discovering it after it’s sold out)
• Invites to exhibitions or events (without algorithms hiding them)
• Stories and insights about the art process, the inspiration, and sometimes a cat story or two
• Special offers and discounts just for my email family

So, if you’ve been enjoying my work on social media, come join the email list! It’s like the best seat in the house—minus the disappearing act. And thank you for being part of this journey with me. Here’s to staying connected, one email at a time.

Books by Kellie Snider