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.
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:
Use Canva for:
*Paid upgrade available for more features
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 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:
Bonus: You can embed videos, track revenue, link documents, and even journal inside your Notion dashboard. An all-in-one sleek place.
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:
Pro tip: Set due dates and use color-coded labels to keep everything organized and on schedule.
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:
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.
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!
Financial clarity = creative freedom. Wave is a free app for invoicing, tracking revenue, and managing expenses, no accountant required.
Why artists love it:
This platform is essential for serious artists. Keep track of all your artwork, collectors, sales, and documents, all in one place.
Features include:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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...
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.
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.