Posted in: From the Studio | By Sophie Czark Lee
If you've come across the term "snail mail club" and wondered what it actually means, you're not alone. A few years ago I had never heard of a mail club. Then one day, my roommate received a colorful envelope in the mail, a hand-packed letter from a small artist featuring original illustrations, stickers, and goodies.
She suggested that I look into starting a snail mail club of my own. As an artist, I am always looking for new way to get my art out in the world and this seemed right up my alley! I can confidently say that starting Bunny Mail Club has been the the most fulfilling project of my artistic career.
But first, what is a mail club? Why would you subscribe to one? Let's talk about it!
What is a Snail Mail Club?
A snail mail club (sometimes called a snail mail subscription) is exactly what it sounds like: a recurring service where you receive physical mail — usually a letter, postcard, or small package — on a regular basis, typically once a month.
Some snail mail clubs are simple, like a single postcard from a pen pal. Others (like my mail club!) are jam packed with goodies like a personal letter, original art, stickers, poems, and small surprises that change every month.
Why People Join
It's a small, reliable moment of joy
In a world of digital notifications, getting something physical in the mail feels different. It's tactile. You can hold it, save it, stick it to your fridge, or tape it into a journal.
It supports independent artists and makers
Most snail mail clubs are run by individual artists, illustrators, and small creative businesses — not big companies. Joining is a direct way to support someone's creative work, often for the price of a coffee each month.
It's a great gift
Because it arrives repeatedly, a snail mail club membership keeps giving long after a birthday or holiday has passed. Many people gift them to long-distance friends, family members, or anyone who loves ephemera.
It encourages slowing down
Reading a handwritten letter, looking at an illustration, or working through a journaling prompt is a small built-in pause. We all need a few minutes away from a screen!
What to Look For in a Snail Mail Club
If you're considering joining one, here are a few things worth considering:
- Who makes it — is there an artist you love or want to support?
- What's included — will you find a use for the contents whether they are postcards, bookmarks, or sticker sheets?
- Flexibility — can you pause or cancel easily? can you gift to a friend?
Bunny Mail Club: A Snail Mail Club Made by an Artist, for People Who Love Mail
Bunny Mail Club is my very own snail mail club. I love receiving real snail mail but I love sending it even more! As an artist, my mail club is the perfect way to get my original art out in the world. Plus, I've never been more motivated to create new work every month. I'm beyond proud of this project. It means the world to me to have pen pals all over the country (and hopefully soon the world)!
Bunny Mail is a monthly envelope hand-packed in Brooklyn, NY, with original illustrated art, a heartfelt letter, a vinyl sticker, an illustrated poem, and rotating bonus items. Every month is different, from bookmarks to sticker sheets, to recipe cards.
If this sounds like something you (or someone you know) would love, Bunny Mail Club starts at $8/month, ships from NYC, and can be paused or cancelled anytime.
Curious what's inside a typical month? Check out our other posts on From the Studio for behind-the-scenes peeks.