Print Club. journal
Snail Mail: What It Is, Why It Matters & How to Get Started [2026]
Snail mail means physical mail: from a letter to art through the letterbox. I explain how to get started yourself, what you can send, and how to receive art mail through my Print Club.
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⏱️ 6 minute read
A letter you want to keep. A card that arrives at just the right moment. An art print you take out of an envelope and give a place in your home. These are different forms of snail mail. I am Jordy Koumans, the artist behind KOJO Art. Here I explain what the term means, how to get started yourself, and how receiving art mail fits into that.
What is snail mail?
Snail mail is an informal English term for physical mail, such as letters, postcards, and packages, as a counterpart to email. Literally, it means ‘snail mail’: the name alludes to the slower delivery compared to digital messages. Snail mail does not have to be handwritten or decorated. As a creative hobby, it often revolves around personal letters, beautiful paper, drawings, and small surprises.
The spelling snailmail is also used. It means the same thing. So a regular postcard is also snail mail.
Send it yourself or rather receive it? You can make mail for someone you know, exchange letters with a pen pal, or receive art mail. At KOJO Art, I offer the latter form via Print Club.: a signed A6 art print by post every month, with worldwide shipping. It is not a pen pal platform or a stationery shop.
Table of contents
What forms of snail mail are there?
A letter or card to someone you know
A thank you note, birthday card, or letter without a special occasion is a simple start. You do not need an extensive kit. A concrete memory or a few thoughtful sentences make the mail personal.
Make creative mail yourself
Think of a collage, a small drawing, a photo with a story, or a letter with stickers. Choose one idea that suits the recipient. My 10 creative snail mail ideas will help you get started. Looking for guidance on the layout? Check out the letter examples and layout ideas.
Exchange mail with a pen pal
With a pen pal, it is all about back-and-forth correspondence. You can, for example, look at r/penpals, PenPal World, InterPals, or Snail Mail Friends. Check the terms yourself and do not share your address publicly. On Instagram, you can look for inspiration via #penpalsearch and #snailmailpenpal.
Receive art mail
You do not have to craft yourself or look for a pen pal to enjoy snail mail. Art mail is about receiving and discovering. My Print Club. fits into that category. You receive a print of my work, not an obligation to write back.
How do you get started with snail mail?
1. Choose your recipient
Start with someone you know. Think about what you want to say: thank them, share a memory, or let them know you are thinking of them. That is more important than the decoration.
2. Keep your materials simple
Paper, a pen, a suitable envelope, and sufficient postage are enough. Stickers and washi tape are extras, not requirements. Check out my snail mail starter kit if you want to expand your materials. You can also look at Post & Papier.
3. Write something concrete
For example, start with: ‘I was thinking of that afternoon when…’ or ‘I am sending this card because…’. Share something from your day and ask a question if you would like to receive an answer. Also read my tips for personal correspondence.
4. Check the complete envelope
Check the address and weigh the envelope including extras. The postage costs depend on factors such as weight, size, and destination. Check the current rates and shipping terms at PostNL. For international mail, also check what you are allowed to send with it.
Do you want to write more often? Choose an achievable time instead of a strict schedule. Read more about building a snail mail routine. For visual inspiration, you can search for snail mail ideas or letter ideas on YouTube.
Why I find tangible mail valuable
For me, the appeal is not in communicating as slowly as possible. It is about paying attention to something you can hold. With a print, you look at the color, paper, and composition. A letter can be folded, kept, and reread. That makes physical mail different from a message on a screen, without one having to replace the other.
What would you like to keep: a long letter, a photo with a memory, or a small artwork? Start with that. Snail mail does not have to be impressive to feel personal.
That attention to the tangible is reflected in my articles about slow correspondence and slow living and tangible art.
Snail mail with art: Print Club. by KOJO Art
KOJO Art is the brand name under which I, Jordy Koumans, paint and sell. From my studio in Carré in Tilburg, I create paintings and prints. With Print Club., I bring my work to the mailbox: a signed A6 art print every month, 10.5 × 14.8 cm. I ship worldwide.
This is for you if you like receiving art and want to give a small work a place in your home. You do not have to send a letter back or buy a materials kit. You can find prices and current membership options on the Print Club.-product page.
Receive art mail instead of making it yourself?
Discover my monthly art mail. A small print to look at leisurely, keep, or give a place in your interior.
Would you rather choose a work yourself? View my art prints. If you are looking for a hand-painted original, Affordable Art, max. €50 is another option. I also ship worldwide for those.
For a place on the wall, read more about art in your interior and styling your wall with art prints.
Experiences with Print Club.
Do you want to give art mail as a gift? Read about snail mail as a gift and Print Club. as a gift.
Frequently asked questions about snail mail
What does snail mail mean in Dutch?
Literally, it means snail mail. In use, it refers to physical mail as a counterpart to digital mail. In a creative context, people often mean personal letters and decorated mail.
Does snail mail have to be handwritten?
No. A typed letter, printed card, or art print that you send by post also falls under this. Handwriting is one way to make it personal, not a requirement.
What is the difference between snail mail and a postcard?
A postcard is a form of snail mail. The term is broader and also includes letters, envelopes with creative extras, and other physical mail.
Do I need a pen pal?
No. You can send a card to someone you know, write a one-off letter, or receive art mail. For back-and-forth correspondence, you can look for a pen pal.
How much does it cost to send snail mail?
That depends on weight, size, destination, and shipping service. Weigh your complete envelope and check the current rates with your carrier. For the current price of my art mail, I refer to Print Club..
What can I put in a snail mail envelope?
For example, a letter, card, photo, sticker, or small drawing. Protect fragile paper and check the shipping terms, especially for international mail or if you are sending other things besides paper.
Can I receive snail mail without writing back?
Yes. With my Print Club., you receive a signed A6 art print every month. It is art mail, not a letter exchange. I ship worldwide.
How do I store letters and prints?
Keep paper dry and away from direct sunlight. A box or folder helps to keep it together. For a print on the wall, choose a place without moisture or bright sunlight.
Related articles: choose your next step
- Gathering materials: snail mail starter kit
- Making something yourself: 10 creative ideas
- Designing your letter: templates and layouts
- A nice letter exchange: snail mail etiquette
- Writing more often: an achievable routine
- Slowing down with attention: slow correspondence
- Surprising someone: giving snail mail as a gift
About KOJO Art
I am Jordy Koumans. KOJO Art is the brand name under which I paint and sell. In my studio in Carré in Tilburg, I work with color, abstraction, and geometry. In addition to original paintings, I make prints and send art mail every month via Print Club.. I ship worldwide. Read more about me and my work.
