What to Share in Newsletter vs a Blog Post

When I started my current weekly e-newsletter (click here to subscribe) I was so confused about what the difference would be between what I would share there vs what I share on my blog.

It was such a mystery to me, so I hunted and hunted in every corner of the Internet for the answer. What kind of content do you share in a creative newsletter as opposed to a blog.

Surprisingly, it was hard for me to find any specific guidance, which lead to procrastination and stress. I just couldn't wrap my head around what the difference was between the two.

Add to that the occasional "artist" self doubt, creating the thoughts "What does it matter anyway? …and why would anyone care about what I have to say or be interested in me and my process? Why would someone want to read both?"

It took looking a little outside of my creative niche but I did more research and started to cull together some ideas and suggestions that I will share below. These have helped me stay within certain parameters when planning and creating content for each platform. Maybe they will help you too!

Suggestions for both a creative newsletter and a blog:

1. Keep it brief. Readers are busy and there is a lot of content competing for their attention.             
2. Be professional but don't be afraid to write in your personality. After all, these tools are for people to get to know you.
3. Read and reread your posts and writing. Edit and check for typos.

Blog post tips:

1. Share content that is less time sensitive. Remember, this information might be found by someone a year or more from now when they search your topic.
2. Share more universally interesting topics and content. Gearing your content to a wider audience.
3. Create posts that are useful, like tutorials or tips. Share your expertise or process in a way that can help others searching for guidance.

Newsletter content tips:

1. I guess my biggest (and most surprising) take-away is that the most popular and successful newsletters are not geared towards "selling" anything. It is more about connecting with your readers and developing a relationship.
2. The writing in a newsletter can be more conversational, like a visit from a friend. People that subscribe are interested in what you do and who you are, so honor that with an authentic connection.
3. Share time sensitive information, special events, new releases, exclusive deals and even a glimpse into your personal life. Reward your readers with something special for subscribing and reading.

My number one tip to organize my content:

I keep a running list of topics and ideas in one centrally located place. Right now, that place is the app "OneNote". OneNote works across all of my devices, making it available for a quick idea add at any time.

I have two file tabs in the app. One is titled "Posts in the works" and the other is "Used posts".

In the "Posts in the works" tab I create a new "note" for each idea and start the title of the note with "B" (for blog) or "NL"  (for newsletter). That way I know which direction the writing needs to go and can easily access ideas for both. As I use each topic I move it to the "Used posts" tab.

It's super simple and very functional.

As of this writing I have 15 blog ideas started, 4 newsletter ideas started and 2 that might be able to go either way. It makes sense that there are so many more ideas for my blog because those are not time sensitive. There are fewer for my newsletter because those are more current.

CLICK HERE to read my post on 101 places to find content inspiration.

Do you have guidelines you use for blog or newsletter post content?

Do you have a useful way to organize and store your ideas?

I'd love to know what works for you!

Until next week,

Pam

Making Changes, One Minute at a Time

Do you think one minute can change your life?

Recently, my husband shared something that he had read about a Japanese practice called Kaizen. The principal of the practice is to choose something to do for one minute, at about the same time, every day. The task can be something for self improvement or even work related.

It made me think about all of the artists that I see participating in daily challenges and projects. I love seeing what other creatives do on a daily basis to build their skills and stoke their creative fire. I follow many that sketch or paint every day for a set amount of time or that focus on a specific medium. How wonderful to be able to look back and see your progress and growth. It also provides lots of new material for future jobs and projects.

I have always liked the idea of having daily rituals or joining a creative daily activity  but honestly, I usually start off great and then end up forgetting about it. I do "create" something every day (usually painting or drawing) but I don't count that because it's my love and usually my work.

It makes sense that doing something every day (no matter how small) will help to build a strong foundation for a new habit so, I started thinking about how I could use the tool of Kaizen in my personal and professional life and what habits I would like to establish.

The first thing that came to mind is that I really like the idea of meditating every day and always feel better when I'm done. The problem is that I often forget or don't chose to make the time for it. I might do it daily for a week or two and then forget about it for a month.

I find that meditation helps stimulate my creativity, so this habit would benefit me both personally and professionally.

One minute a day? I think I can handle one minute a day.

I am about a week in to my experiment and only missed one day…because I forgot. Agh! It seems that in the beginning, I might have to set an alarm.

I am interested to see where this goes, as right now it feels a little like a chore (defeating the whole purpose of meditation) but I am going to give it a chance and keep an open mind.

Is there anything you would like to incorporate into your daily life that the Kaizen, one minute a day practice could help with?

If you do a web search for "Kaizen, one minute practice" you will find a lot of reference material and can also read about the history of it.

Until next week,

Pam

It's Only January 3rd, Do You Already Feel Behind?

Have you noticed that along with the new year comes a flood of social media posts of resolutions and new work.

We are only a couple of days into the new year and already my feeds are full of new drawings, gym "check-ins" and projects started…all by other people.

Do you ever feel like you are behind and everyone else is way ahead of you?

Comparison paralyzes me.

It's sort of subtle at first and I might not even realize I am comparing myself but then I notice that I don't feel good about what I am doing…or I'm critical of myself or my work…or worse yet, I procrastinate, really badly! That is actually my first sign.

Because I have a creative profession, comparison can completely stop me in my tracks and make me wonder why I am even trying when everyone else seems to be better, further along, more successful, more creative or more talented than me.

When I feel like this, I have three things that help me.

First, inspirational quotes can get me back in my own lane and help to remind me that I am enough they way I am.

One of my favorites is…

“…there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique.

And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”

― Martha Graham

Second, with work, looking at my past projects can help break the cycle of doubt that comparison can create. I find that I can easily forget how far I've come. A lot of times this can also spark new ideas making me forget about the doubt altogether.

Third, getting off of social media for a bit can help me to put the focus on my own creative voice and not what others are doing.

Do you ever feel like this? 

What do you do to stop the critical inner dialogue from killing your creative spirit?

Until next week,

Pam

Happy Holidays!

A vacation is having nothing to do 

and all day to do it in.

  - Robert Orben

Have a wonderful Holiday!

Until next week,

Pam

101 Places I Find Creative Inspiration

Are you stuck staring at blank paper? Need inspiration?

Here are a 101 of my favorite inspiration generators.

See if one will spark something for you!

Until next week,
Pam

1. Create new Pinterest boards, search your topic or browse their "popular" category
2. Flip through trade, home décor and craft magazines like Somerset Studio, Digital Studio, Anthropologie and Better Homes and Gardens.
3. Flip through fashion and lifestyle magazines like Architectural Digest, Vogue and Travel and Leisure
4. Flip through shopping catalogs like Crate and Barrel, Sundance and Garnet Hill
5. Google random topics and scroll the "images" tab
6. Watch your favorite TV show
7. Watch a new TV show
8. Watch a foreign TV show
9. Watch a vintage classic TV show
10. Listen to your favorite music
11. Listen to International music
12. Listen to Holiday music
13. Watch an MGM movie musical
14. Go to theater to see a play
15. See a movie
16. See a concert
17. Read a new book
18. Reread an old book
19. Browse independent boutiques 
20. Wander a mall
21. Shop a department store
22. Go to an art gallery
23. Visit a college gallery
24. Go to a Children's Film Festival
25. Go to an International Film Festival
26. Take a nature stroll
27. Go on a hike
28. Wander a toy store or toy department
29. Search other artist's websites
30. Search online art galleries 
31. Visit a museum
32. Look through your clothing accessories
33. Look through your jewelry
34. Wander a craft store
35. Wander a furniture store
36. Wander a fabric store
37. Search topics on Instagram
38. Look up artists on Behance
39. Visit a plant nursery
40. Arrange loose flowers in a vase
41. Visit a historical site
42. Take a long drive 
43. Go somewhere new
44. Wander the makeup isle in a drug store and look at the ads
45. Look up the flags of the world online
46. Visit a library
47. Wander a book store
48. Flip through random magazines
49. Look through greeting cards
50. Join a coloring group
51. Google "the meaning of colors"
52. Google "exotic destinations" and click on the images tab
53.  Visit your local Audubon Society
54. Look at scrapbooking papers at your local art store
55. Look at the yarn isles at your local craft store
56. Go to a sporting event
57. Look at your favorite Facebook pages
58. Write in a journal
59. Interview someone
60. Go to the gym
61. Meditate
62. Do yoga
63. Take an online class
64. Take an in-person class
65. Gift wrap something
66. Take pictures
67. Take a sketch pad and sketch at the beach, the park, the mall
68. Find inspiring blogs online
69. Learn something new
70. Make a list of things you would like to do or try
71. Make a mood board with pictures and drawings
72. Look at past work
73. Make a list of your favorites…color, song, trip, food, etc…
74. Do something "just for fun"
75. Do something nice for someone else
76. Do something nice for a stranger
77. Browse "print on demand" sites like Redbubble, Zazzle and Café Press
78. Browse artists product sites like Teefury and Threadless
79. Call a friend
80. Find inspirational quotes online
81. Keep a dream journal
82. Try a new recipe
83. Bake
84. Sleep
85. Watch YouTube videos
86. Set a timer and write…5 minutes? 3 minutes? 10 minutes?
87. Play with a child
88. Have a cup of tea or coffee
89. Learn about another culture
90. Go to the water…ocean, lake, pool
91. Start an artists group
92. Try a new medium
93. Keep an idea journal or scrapbook
94. Join a group sketchbook project
95. Search for artists studios online
96. Doodle
97. Get new art supplies
98. Clean and reorganize your creating space
99. Look through old photo albums 
100. Learn  about different customs
101. Create something (anything) for a set time (30 minutes? 60 minutes?) EVERYDAY.
      

Be Inspired, Art for a A Day Well Lived

Artwork by Pam Vale

Several years ago, I was introduced to a man with a vision, that also happened to share a Birthday with me. 

His mission was to help as many people as he could, appreciate their daily lives and celebrate "a day well lived" in whatever way that mattered to them.

We worked together and based on his thoughts, I created the art above to represent his new venture.

Recently, I was super excited to be scrolling on social media and spot my art translated into a beautiful piece of jewelry! (Which is now available on his site)

Below is a description of his mission and some links to see what's it's all about.

What would make a "Day Well Lived" for you?

Get involved. Get Grateful. Connect in this wonderful community.

I love creating art for positive, inspiring companies!

Until next week,

Pam

Gratefully Inspired! A celebration of a day done authentically & with gratitude. 

Please sign up for our weekly newsletter

Http://www.adaywelllived.com

About:

A Day Well Lived was created in February 2012 to celebrate the events, people and experiences that, upon reflection, allow us to feel like we "did the day right." 

It's a reminder to appreciate things we might take for granted - like a walk with the dog, or simply sitting quietly in sunshine. A Day Well Lived is about being true to ourselves, and remembering that even on those days when everything doesn't go as planned, we can still feel good that we reacted authentically. Even the toughest days can be A Day Well Lived.

A Day Well Lived is personal, as we all have different ways to find our center. But, by sharing our own thoughts and experiences, we can learn and inspire. And doing that...is A Day Well Lived. 

If you're interested...you may read the blog post about why "A Day Well Lived" was created: http://toddlieman.com/2012/02/29/a-day-well-lived/

Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/adaywelllived

OneNote, One Perfect Little Organizational Tool

Over the years, I have managed to develop organizational strategies that keep me on task and on time. These work really well in all areas, except one.

I am a note jotter but I am not great with little scraps of paper. I'm a bit of a "pile-person", meaning that I am great at making piles of paper that I am sure I will look at… but never do.

Sometimes, trying to override that failed system, I will group small scraps of papers with notes into some kind of container…an envelope, a plastic pouch, a small bowl, a file folder, a binder pocket, etc.

This also never works.

I have tried to organize myself electronically but that had pitfalls too. I would email myself notes and then they would get buried in my inbox. I began to get organized with an app called Evernote and then they changed their service terms. I had a bad experience with their changes and lost faith in them.

Then…I got a new computer. I actually blogged about the new computer last week. I am in love.

I ended up with a Microsoft Surface Pro (amazing) and it had the full spectrum of Microsoft apps including a little gem called OneNote.

Being an optimistic person and a little desperate I decided to give it a try. I'm only about 6 weeks into my relationship with OneNote but I have to say that it has been kind of great so far.

Here are some of my personal likes:

1. It works seamlessly on all of my devices and computers
2. It was very easy to install on all devices
3. It's free!
4. There is virtually no learning curve and it is intuitive
5. It's simple, user friendly and looks the same on all devices
6. It updates almost in real time across all devices
7. It's super fast and allows me to jot notes, create files and add content quickly and without a lot of effort. For me, this is key as ideas come to me rapidly and at inconvenient times

All that in only the first 6 weeks!

OneNote does a ton of other cool stuff that I haven't even explored yet but so far, I am really pleased with it.

CLICKHERE to visit the OneNote Facebook page for more information

Below I have also included their "official" description of what the app does. Check it out.

Do you have a favorite productivity app or program you use?

Until next week,

Pam

Official Description

OneNote is your digital notebook for capturing and organizing everything across your devices. Jot down your ideas, keep track of classroom and meeting notes, clip from the web, or make a to-do list, as well as draw and sketch your ideas.

TYPE, WRITE, AND DRAW • Write anywhere on the page and unleash your imagination • Use your device's pen or your finger to write and draw with multiple types of pens and highlighters • Take notes on a white background, or add a grid or ruled lines for easier drawing and writing

CAPTURE ANYTHING • Quickly take a note by clicking the Note button in the Action Center and on supported pens* • Send websites, recipes, documents, and more to OneNote using the Share Charm, Microsoft Edge, Clipper, Office Lens, and dozens of other apps and services

GET ORGANIZED • Search and find anything in your notes, including handwritten ink and the text in pictures • Quickly access your most recent notes, complete with visual previews of each page • One-click access to to-do lists with check boxes

MADE FOR TEAMWORK • Easily share your notebooks and notes with colleagues, family, and friends • Plan vacations, share meeting minutes or lecture notes with people around you • Edit notes together and see changes in real time

ALWAYS WITH YOU • Your notes travel with you whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go • Notes are automatically saved and synced in the cloud, so you always have the latest on all your devices • Your notebooks look familiar on all your devices, so you can pick up where you left off on your desktop, tablet, or mobile device

Check out the website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit the blog for the latest news: onenote.com facebook.com/onenote twitter.com/msonenote blogs.office.com/onenote *Some accessories sold separately; hardware dependent.