I am starting a new tradition this year. I am going to make my own Christmas cards and send them out to family, friends, art buyers, and contacts. This year, I am sending them out to around 350. I feel that it is a very subtle marketing idea without being overly pushy.

Each year, I will paint a new holiday scene and take it to the nearby printer. I ordered 500 of this year's Christmas Angel and it cost me less than if I had purchased 500 retail cards. So, it's quite a savings. On the back of the card, I have included a little history of the Christmas Angel, my copyright, and my web site. On the front page of my web site, I am encouraging people to send me their name and address if they would like to receive a card in the future.

I think it will become a fun tradition and I recommend it to any artist who wants to build up their clientele. Whether it will bring me more business has yet to be seen.

Another fun idea for an up and coming artist to try out!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.