At Milan Art Institute, we believe artists aren’t just dreamers - they’re innovators, business owners, and change-makers. But to thrive in today’s creative economy, talent alone isn’t enough. You need the right tools to bring structure, visibility, and momentum to your art career.
Ready to turn your passion into a profitable business? Start leveraging these digital tools today, and don’t forget to explore exclusive free resources when you sign up for the Mastery Program Pre-enrollment list.
1 – ChatGPT: Your AI Assistant for Content Creation
Whether you’re crafting Instagram captions or writing artist bios, ChatGPT is like having a content strategist at your side. It helps you express your voice clearly and consistently so you can stay focused on what you love: creating art.
Artists use it to:
- Prompts to write blog posts and emails
- Generate collection descriptions
- Brainstorm social media content ideas
- Goal setting help
- Write your CV (artist resume) and Artist's Bio
2 – Canva: Create Beautiful Branded Graphics
From social media graphics to flyers for your next show, Canva.com is a free application that makes design simple with drag-and-drop ease. No experience needed, just bring your art and creativity.Use Canva for:
- Instagram reels and posts
- Email headers and promo banners
- Course or workshop materials
*Paid upgrade available for more features
3 - Project Management Tools: Run Your Art Business Like a Pro
Behind every thriving artist is a well-organized system. Whether you're planning a solo show, managing client commissions, or launching an online course, having the right project management tools can turn chaos into clarity. These platforms help you manage time, track progress, and stay accountable to your creative goals, without draining your energy.
Here are three tools we love for different styles of organization:
Notion - The All-in-One Creative Workspace
Notion is perfect for artists who love flexibility and want to build their own custom workflows. Think of it as a digital bullet journal meets studio planner.
What artists use it for:
- Art project timelines and task lists
- Commission and client tracking
- Weekly to-do lists and habit tracking
- Idea vaults for future paintings or courses
Bonus: You can embed videos, track revenue, link documents, and even journal inside your Notion dashboard. An all-in-one sleek place.
Trello - Visual Planning at a Glance
Trello is ideal for visual thinkers who like to move tasks across boards. If you’re the kind of artist who wants to see your progress, this kanban-style board is your dream tool.
Use Trello to:
- Track steps in a multi-piece collection
- Manage social media content calendars
- Plan launches for workshops or products
- Collaborate with team members or assistants
Pro tip: Set due dates and use color-coded labels to keep everything organized and on schedule.
Monday – Professional-Grade Workflow Management
Monday.com is great for artists who are scaling their business and need more robust automation or collaboration features. It’s especially helpful if you’re running a team or working with contractors.
Why artists choose Monday:
- Advanced project timelines and dependencies
- Time tracking and budget management
- File sharing and status updates all in one dashboard
Whether you're prepping for a gallery exhibit, launching an online course, or running your own mentorship program, Monday helps you stay on track and in control. Both Trello and Notion have paid and free versions.
*No matter which tool you choose, structure = creative freedom. These platforms let you focus less on logistics and more on doing what you love: making art that matters.
4 - Coolors: Discover Your Signature Color Palette
Need color inspiration? Coolors helps you generate perfect palettes in seconds. Whether you’re planning a painting series or creating a cohesive brand aesthetic, it’s a visual lifesaver.
Check out our Coolors demo on the Milan Art YouTube Channel!
5 - Wave: Free Bookkeeping for Creatives
Financial clarity = creative freedom. Wave is a free app for invoicing, tracking revenue, and managing expenses, no accountant required.
Why artists love it:
- Professional invoices
- Simple income tracking
- Real-time reports
6 - Artwork Archive: Manage Your Inventory Like a Pro
This platform is essential for serious artists. Keep track of all your artwork, collectors, sales, and documents, all in one place.
Features include:
- Artwork inventory
- Expense and revenue tracking
- Certificates of authenticity
7 - Milan Art App: Learn, Connect & Grow
This is more than just an app; it’s your launchpad. Access the Mastery Program, watch exclusive tutorials, and connect with a global artist community right from your phone. (The app can be accessed for free after purchasing any Milan Art Institute class.)
Inside the app:
- Mentorship from professional artists
- Weekly lessons and challenges
- Inspiration on demand
8 - Smartist: Market Your Work with Style
Impress potential buyers by showing your art hanging in beautiful, curated interiors. Smartist lets you easily place your art in mockup rooms to elevate your branding and marketing.
Great for:
- Social media promotion
- Portfolio presentation
- Online gallery listings
9 - Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Fresco, Procreate for iPad: Sketch Digitally
Sketch ideas, paint digitally, or prep compositions using tools like Adobe Fresco or Procreate on the iPad. Add a Wacom tablet (Adobe Illustrator) or Apple Pencil (iPad) for precision.
Artists use these tools to:
- Create digital art
- Manipulate painting sources
- Plan murals or large-scale work
- Record time-lapse process videos
10 - Tools That Elevate Your Creative Flow
- Meta Quest 3
If you work large scale or have dreams of creating murals and immersive installations, Meta Quest 3 allows you to prototype in 3D. Artists are beginning to explore virtual spaces for layout planning, gallery simulations, or just new ways to experience scale and space.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones and Music Playlists
Sometimes, getting in the zone just takes the right soundscape. Whether you’re painting in a busy household or blocking out distractions in your studio, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones paired with a curated playlist can boost your concentration and mood.
Check out Artist John Milan's Spotify playlist...
- Audible
Fuel your mind while your hands are busy. Listen to business-building audiobooks like “$100M Leads” by Alex Hormozi or “Stories Sell” by Matthew Dicks, while you paint, sketch, or prep canvases. It’s a simple way to grow your skills and shift your mindset without taking extra time away from the studio.
You don’t need to use every tool — just the right ones for your creative goals.
Start small, build momentum, and keep evolving.
Whether you’re organizing your studio, planning your next collection, or launching a course, these tools are here to support your vision.
Ready to take the next step? Start leveraging these digital tools today, and don’t forget to explore exclusive free resources when you sign up for the Mastery Program Pre-enrollment list.
