Let’s talk about a little business.
Being entrepreneurial as an artist isn’t optional — it’s essential if you want to sell your work and build a sustainable art business.
One of the most powerful (and underused) tools for artists? Email marketing.
It remains one of the most profitable marketing strategies in any business — yet so many creatives either do it wrong or skip it altogether.
You simply can’t rely on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to sell your art. These platforms change constantly, and you have zero control over who actually sees your posts — unless you pay for ads (and even then, it’s a guessing game).
Your #1 marketing asset is your email list — a list you own.
Email platforms like MailChimp, Aweber, and Ontraport make it easy to stay connected with collectors and fans. I personally use Aweber and love how it lets me organize and send targeted messages to different audiences.
But here’s the thing: as artists, we have way more to track than just email subscribers.
You need to know:
- Where each piece of artwork is right now
- Who owns it (and who owns multiple pieces)
- What it sold for
- Which galleries you’re courting
- What work has been exhibited or listed online
- When to follow up with collectors or prospects
- And whether your pieces are properly keyworded and documented
That’s where a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system for artists becomes invaluable.
I’ve used FileMaker Pro for years in various businesses, but as my art career evolved, I needed something more visual, intuitive, and art-focused. After testing seven different CRM platforms over nine months, I finally discovered Artwork Archive — and it changed everything.
Artwork Archive is truly art inventory, simplified. It’s designed specifically for artists, galleries, and collectors, making it easy to:
- Track every piece of artwork (with images and details)
- Record sales and collectors’ info
- Generate inventory lists and tear sheets
- Set reminders for gallery and client follow-ups
- Send invoices directly from the platform
- Even showcase private viewing rooms
You can also sync your portfolio directly to your website and accept digital payments with no commission fees.
Best of all? It’s incredibly user-friendly — much simpler than any CRM I’ve tested before.
If you’re ready to get organized and grow your art business, I highly recommend checking out Artwork Archive.
They’re even offering a 20% discount when you sign up through my link.
Do yourself — and your artwork — a favor.
Get organized. Build your list. Sell more art.
Visit Artwork Archive and see how much easier your art business can be.
Let me hear from you. I’d love for you to join the conversation about how you manage your artwork database.
Be well….be creative,
Thank you for all of this useful information Clare! This is one area that I need to get more diligent about. As always, your posts and thoughts are greatly appreciated. 🙂
You are very welcome Bev. I think I think it’s something that a bunch of us neglect from time to time.