We invited Nishant Jain, author of The SneakyArt Post—a publication sharing posts and podcasts from his sketches and observations of how we live in cities—to discuss his insights on how he honed his pitch, stays true to his principles while focusing on growth, and quit a career in science to pursue his creative dream.
Nishant has been an inspiration for my whole time on substack. He's showing the way to produce what feels right, and find an audience while doing it. Plus, I love his sneaky art. Thx for the up-close view of how he does it.
Firstly, as a former artist, I love these drawings, and I definitely agree with your philosophy on sharing the beautiful things we come across!
For my question: I would love to hear about what advice you'd have for a fairly niche substack author, as I'm currently writing one covering primarily French politics for an international audience, with touches on wider European and global politics.
Do you actively advertise your substack and do you have a particular focus when you do? Or do you focus primarily on achieving natural growth?
Thank you for the sincere, authentic advice, it felt accessible and relatable.
Two questions:
1) What is the value you offer to your paid subscribers if it’s not your best content? I’m very early in the Substack journey and had been thinking the same: to keep my best, juiciest content for paid subscribers. But if they don’t care (and presumably you’re now sharing that premium content with all your subscribers?) then what do you offer them and how do you articulate that?
2) I haven’t quite pinned down my niche and don’t think I want to yet - but I need to put something in ‘about me’/what this publication is about. Any advice on how to not pigeonhole myself too early but still help readers understand what I’m about? Thanks and good luck with your creative ventures.
Nice one - thank you for the insights. When you refer to the '1000 true fan model' I wonder if you've read 'Write. Publish. Repeat' - sure it's mainly about writing, but it's publishing all the same and I think if you don't know it you'd benefit. I'm working on the same principle, and with ten years stand-up comedy behind me and a YouTube channel I think it's working out. Substack is without doubt a good place to consolidate these 'fans'. I'll check out your '1000 true fans' link now. Thanks again,
Loved this post & how to develop a structure as well as the sprinkling of art!
Writing a book on curing rather than calming of Imposter Syndrome - seems a sprinkling of that really gets everywhere too! Anyone reading please shout to contribute ideas or questions
I really like the idea of having people pay to support you, rather than having a paywall. I shun newspapers who have paywalls, because with a little effort I can find the information I want and they have paid advertisers. Just my opinion of course. I support people with donations, I have people I pay just because I want to support, but not because I have to.
Thank you Nishant Jian and substack for this insight. I will definitely subscribe to Nishant newsletter. I love his arts. . . And the creativity he put into it.
I found your interview with Substack interesting. How did you build a following? Were most of your early subscribers friends and family? If so, how did you branch beyond them and other people in your network? Did people find you on Substack and subscribe that way? I look forward to your reply. Thanks.
Nishant has been an inspiration for my whole time on substack. He's showing the way to produce what feels right, and find an audience while doing it. Plus, I love his sneaky art. Thx for the up-close view of how he does it.
Firstly, as a former artist, I love these drawings, and I definitely agree with your philosophy on sharing the beautiful things we come across!
For my question: I would love to hear about what advice you'd have for a fairly niche substack author, as I'm currently writing one covering primarily French politics for an international audience, with touches on wider European and global politics.
Do you actively advertise your substack and do you have a particular focus when you do? Or do you focus primarily on achieving natural growth?
Congratulations on your feature! 🥳
It’s a well deserved highlight to a consistent Substack.
Thank you for the sincere, authentic advice, it felt accessible and relatable.
Two questions:
1) What is the value you offer to your paid subscribers if it’s not your best content? I’m very early in the Substack journey and had been thinking the same: to keep my best, juiciest content for paid subscribers. But if they don’t care (and presumably you’re now sharing that premium content with all your subscribers?) then what do you offer them and how do you articulate that?
2) I haven’t quite pinned down my niche and don’t think I want to yet - but I need to put something in ‘about me’/what this publication is about. Any advice on how to not pigeonhole myself too early but still help readers understand what I’m about? Thanks and good luck with your creative ventures.
Nice one - thank you for the insights. When you refer to the '1000 true fan model' I wonder if you've read 'Write. Publish. Repeat' - sure it's mainly about writing, but it's publishing all the same and I think if you don't know it you'd benefit. I'm working on the same principle, and with ten years stand-up comedy behind me and a YouTube channel I think it's working out. Substack is without doubt a good place to consolidate these 'fans'. I'll check out your '1000 true fans' link now. Thanks again,
Absolutely loved Nishant’s beautiful, grounded perspective on growth and showing up authentically!
Loved this post & how to develop a structure as well as the sprinkling of art!
Writing a book on curing rather than calming of Imposter Syndrome - seems a sprinkling of that really gets everywhere too! Anyone reading please shout to contribute ideas or questions
Nishant’s journey has inspired me from my earliest days as a substack storyteller. That streak of stealth humility underlying every creative breath.
Very relatable. Thanks for answering questions I didn’t even know to ask. Just subscribed to your SneakyArt Posts! ♥️
I found the advice here to be very down-to-earth and relatable. Thank you.
I really like the idea of having people pay to support you, rather than having a paywall. I shun newspapers who have paywalls, because with a little effort I can find the information I want and they have paid advertisers. Just my opinion of course. I support people with donations, I have people I pay just because I want to support, but not because I have to.
Thanks for another great interview! What advice do you have for pseudonymous writers?
Thank you Nishant Jian and substack for this insight. I will definitely subscribe to Nishant newsletter. I love his arts. . . And the creativity he put into it.
Wow, your commitment to creative independence is an inspiration! And the artwork is wonderful :-)
Hello Nishant,
I found your interview with Substack interesting. How did you build a following? Were most of your early subscribers friends and family? If so, how did you branch beyond them and other people in your network? Did people find you on Substack and subscribe that way? I look forward to your reply. Thanks.
Well done, Nishant! What a delight to get a peek behind the curtain of your thoughts and strategies.