Stop! Before You Do Anything Else, Set up Your Art Inventory System

This week’s Art Is An Advantage video discusses the importance of an artwork inventory system and the options for setting one up.

Weekly Video Recap

Setting up a system to track your art inventory keeps you organized and makes you more efficient in the long run.
Options for Your System

Here are some options for keeping track of your artwork inventory:

Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets are the tried-and-true method of organizing data, and they can serve as a simple yet effective way to inventory your artwork. Programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets allow you to create customizable tables to input details such as artwork title, dimensions, medium, creation date, pricing, and location. While spreadsheets offer flexibility and familiarity, they may lack specialized features tailored to the needs of artists. But they are a great place to start quickly organizing your information.

Hybrid Platforms

Hybrid platforms such as Airtable and Notion are examples of cloud-based platforms. They combine a spreadsheet’s simplicity with a database’s functionality, allowing you to organize and manage data flexibly. It offers customizable views, real-time collaboration, templates, integrations with other apps, and automation features.

Art Inventory Software

If you seek a more comprehensive solution, art inventory software provides specialized features explicitly designed for managing artwork. Platforms like Artwork Archive offer robust tools for cataloging artworks, tracking inventory, recording sales, generating reports, and creating online portfolios.

Online Platforms and Marketplaces

Many online platforms and marketplaces cater to artists looking to showcase and sell their work while offering inventory management features. Websites like Etsy, Saatchi Art, or your artist website can serve as platforms for organizing your artwork inventory.

How to Choose

When considering options for inventorying your artwork, evaluate your needs, preferences, and budget. The best inventory solution for you could depend on factors such as the size of your art collection, your level of technical expertise, your budget, and your long-term goals as an artist.

The Bottom Line

Whether you opt for a traditional spreadsheet, a dedicated software solution, or an online platform, organizing and cataloging your artwork will streamline your administrative tasks, enhance your professionalism, and help you maximize opportunities.