Falling In Love With The Problem
ENSOhello was created to help artists share their work without disrupting creative flow. Here’s why it exists — and the problem it was built to solve.
We’re Testing ENSOhello — And I’d Love to Invite You Into the Process
ENSOhello is entering its testing phase, and I’m inviting artists to help shape it. This early version isn’t about perfection — it’s about listening, learning, and building something together.
Finding Your Creative North:
This New Year, try a gentler approach to setting art goals, one rooted in inspiration, clarity, and creative direction. From pop-up shows to new mediums to visibility opportunities, even the simplest goals can help guide your art practice in meaningful ways.
A Gift That Keeps On Giving
This holiday season, consider giving yourself a gift that fuels your creativity: an art workshop. Whether close to home, online, or abroad, workshops spark new ideas, connect you with fellow artists, and offer a refreshing break from studio isolation. It’s a meaningful way to invest in your growth as an artist.
ENSOhello App Update:
The first version of the ENSOhello app is officially complete, and our founder, Sue, is spending December testing it on her own art accounts before opening it up to early adopters in January. In this behind-the-scenes update, Sue shares what’s working, what still needs refining, and the very real doubts that show up in the early stages of building something new.
A Season of Learning
Over eight weeks in American Underground’s Idea to Entrepreneur Cohort, I learned to dig deeper into the real problem ENSOhello is solving, refine my customer discovery work, and strengthen the foundation of the app. The program pushed me, taught me, and ultimately affirmed that I’m on the right path. And I’m excited to share that ENSOhello was chosen as one of the cohort’s winners.
Analog Artists in a Digital World
Artists aren’t inconsistent on social media because they’re lazy or unmotivated. Far from it. The shift from the slow, tactile world of artmaking into the fast, digital world of marketing is a huge mental leap, and no one taught artists how to navigate it.
Refresh · Re-use · Recycle
When your studio is buzzing and your schedule’s full, creating new content can feel impossible. The good news? You already have great posts waiting for an encore. This guide shows artists how to reuse their best-performing social content, refresh it with small tweaks, and understand what their analytics are really saying. All in less time than it takes for your paint to dry.
The Art of Saying Thank You:
As the year winds down, there’s one powerful marketing tool that costs nothing but means everything: gratitude. Whether it’s a simple thank you post, a quick note to a collector, or a creative way to show appreciation on social media, a little thanks goes a long way. This guide shares easy, heartfelt ways to express gratitude that feel genuine, personal, and true to your artist voice.
Behind the Scenes…
Things are moving fast behind the scenes at ENSOhello! Founder Sue Pendleton shares what it’s been like participating in American Underground’s Idea to Entrepreneur cohort. She also offers a peek at the nearly finished ENSOhello app: the first version is almost ready for testing! Find out how to get involved in early testing.
A Holiday Posting Guide for Artists:
The holidays can be one of the busiest, and most overwhelming, times of the year for artists. Between shows, commissions, and family commitments, staying consistent on social media can feel impossible. This quick guide offers simple, time-saving tips to help you plan ahead, batch content, and keep your feed active (without burning out). You’ll even learn how to create an Instagram Highlight to share key info like show dates or shipping cutoffs—all in one easy place.
Facing Your Fears About Marketing
For many artists, marketing feels scarier than a haunted house. New tools, constant changes, and the pressure to “get it right” can be overwhelming. But just like in the studio, you don’t have to master everything at once. Small, steady steps, like watching a short tutorial or trying one new idea, can turn fear into confidence.
Tapping Into October Vibes
October is full of energy and atmosphere, but that doesn’t mean your posts have to scream “pumpkins and sales.” Seasonal content works best when it feels natural. From cozy studio vibes to autumn-inspired palettes, here are 5 ways to tap into October without feeling salesy.
How to Build a Digital Portfolio
A digital portfolio isn’t the same as your website. It’s a focused collection of your best work, ready to share when someone asks: “Can you send me examples?” Whether it lives online or as a simple PDF you update in Canva, having one makes applying for opportunities, reaching new buyers, and saying yes to collaborations a whole lot easier.
Is There a Place for Artists on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn might not be the first place artists think to show their work, but if your art belongs in places like offices, hotels, or healing spaces, it might be worth a second look. We explore how artists can show up on LinkedIn in a way that feels genuine, not corporate. We offer five clear, practical tips to help you connect with the right audience (without adding another social media headache).
How My Mom (and a Black Sharpie) Shaped ENSOhello
Our founder reveals how sharing her own imperfect sketches on the ENSOhello website was scary. As artists, every piece we show feels personal, but showing something unfinished felt even more vulnerable. In the end, that honesty became the very heart of ENSOhello: embracing process, not perfection.
LinkedIn for Arts Professionals
LinkedIn plays a unique role: it’s where decision-makers, business leaders, and other arts professionals go to connect. If you’re in the business of the arts, it’s worth showing up here with intention and following some do’s and don’ts.
Engaging the Next Generation
Many galleries excel at reaching established collectors but struggle with younger audiences. Discover strategies to make art spaces feel welcoming, from student-led content to emerging artist showcases, and build lasting connections with tomorrow’s collectors.
When the Canvas is Blank:
Feeling stuck with a blank canvas—or a blank caption? Discover practical ways to beat creative block, from experimenting with fun ideas to revisiting the basics. Inspiration for your work as an artist and for creating social media content.
WIP: ENSOhello in Development
ENSOhello is a work in progress, just like any piece of art. Here’s an inside look at how we’re developing a tool to make social media and content creation easier for artists.