Decide on a two- or three-panel brochure. Look at samples of brochures that you have saved. Ask yourself what features of each brochure caught your attention. A two-panel 8.5-inch-by-11-inch brochure is easy to place in a pocket or purse, but a larger brochure offers more visual space. Sort out the size, how many colors you want, the type of paper and your overall budget. Work with a printer from the start so you know what producing a quality brochure will cost. If you produce a cheap product, the recipient may think that cheap is your artistic aesthetic.
Find scrap paper in the size of the brochure. Fold the paper to match your brochure. On a separate piece of paper, list what must be included in the brochure. Your list should include at a minimum the artist's name, a description of the type of art, contact information and upcoming shows. It should include photos of art and might include a photo of the artist and a brief biography noting credentials and awards. Think about what would attract your attention as a consumer, and use those ideas to attract your customers.
Approach each panel of the brochure like a blank canvas. At the top front, position the name of the artist in large letters. If you are including a photo of the artist at work, this is a good location for that image along with a caption about which piece the artist is working on in the image. The brochure should tell a story about the artist and his work. It should be interesting, inventive and a good showcase for the artist.
Open the brochure. The inside of a three panel brochure is three separate panels. You can see each panel as distinct or all three as a single piece. The most important feature of the brochure is the art. In this inside space, you can position two or three pieces of art with captions and a brief biography of the artist. The last usable panel should be dedicated to upcoming shows and contact information. The final panel is for a shipping address when you use the brochure in the mail.