Tutorial: Publishing options for art/craft content

How to share your art/craft ideas with others?  And meet like-minded people?  And get inspired along the way?

Below are several publishers (zines, carnivals, blogs, etc.) that accept all kinds of art/craft-related content.  They’re also worth browsing/buying to generate ideas and inspiration!  Most do not pay cash, but they either link to your site and/or publish a brief biographical blurb with your article and/or send you a complimentary issue.

Mix Tape is zine out of Melbourne, Australia about “craft, eco/green living, parenthood, DIY, and pop culture.”  The current issue features “10 Ways to Green Your Wallet,” an interview of crafty lady Christina Gordon, recipes, and eco book reviews.  Published (roughly) quarterly in black and white with a color cover.  Issue 2 featured my article on resources for raising bilingual children.

Make It From Scratch is a delightful carnival where you can “share the things you make from scratch!”  The carnival is posted each Tuesday morning - see the latest edition of Make it From Scratch for examples of what you can submit (my article on recycling crayons is at the top).

Whip Up – “a community of artists, crafters and makers and ideas in a central space” - is currently accepting thematic articles and tutorials to fit within the monthly themes (February:  alternative crafting, March:  ephemeral art and craft).  Timely articles on exhibition and pattern reviews are also considered.  Read the submission guidelines for more information.

Croq is a zine focusing on “the DIY crafty community with a craftivism edge.”  Both pitches and articles are welcomed as are illustrations that compliment the content.  Articles form the most recent issue include: “Make Your Own Lingerie,”  “Crafts on the Go: Best Portable Projects,” “10 Things I Never Knew Until I was Vegan,” and “Crafty Mama: Summer Reading.”  Published every other month in black and white, roughly 50 pages. 

Associated Content is a platform that enables everyone to publish their content in any format on a wide variety of topics and then distributes it to various audiences through its website and content partners.  AC is the only publisher that offers any kind of monetary compensation – you can choose to submit for an upfront payment and/or performance payments.  (neither of which will pay the rent, but might buy you a decaf latte)   I have published two reviews and one city-guide through AC.

Skirt is a social media ranking platform (similar to Digg/Stumble) that is skewed toward women’s interests.  The current front page articles are on politics, health, parenting, sewing, giveaways, and web how-tos.  Their Design & Craft category is always full of fun, stylish, and interesting ideas.  Read more about how Sk-rt works.

I will be adding to this list as I come across new publishers so if you have any to add, leave a comment!