The CEO in the Studio: Mastering Art Management

There is a pervasive stereotype that being organized is "unartistic." We are taught that the muse is messy and that administrative tasks kill the vibe. But look closely at the most successful contemporary artists—Koons, Hirst, Abramović—and you will find operations that rival mid-sized corporations.

You don't need a factory of assistants, but you do need a system. Art management is simply the infrastructure that ensures your work doesn't just sit in the studio, but actually reaches the world (and pays your rent).

1. Inventory is Your First Asset

If a curator calls today asking for a 40x50 inch painting from your "Blue Period" three years ago, can you find it in 5 minutes? Or do you have to dig through a storage unit?

• The Strategy: Assign a unique inventory number to every single piece you make (e.g., 2024-05-A). Create a simple spreadsheet or use database software like ArtLogic or Airtable.
• The Result: You look professional instantly. You know exactly what is available, what is sold, and what is out on consignment. You can't sell what you can't track.

2. Your Network is Your Net Worth (The CRM)

Collecting business cards at openings is useless if they end up in a drawer. Your contact list is the most valuable tool you own.

• The Strategy: Categorize your contacts. Don't just dump everyone into one "Newsletter" list. Tag them: Collector, Curator, Press, Peer.
• The Result: When you have a show, you send the press release to the Press list. When you have a studio sale, you send it to Collectors. Targeted communication respects their inbox and increases sales.

3. The "Paper Trail" Rule

Handshake deals are romantic until a gallery closes down and your work disappears. Never let an artwork leave your possession without a signature.

• The Strategy: Use Consignment Agreements. This simple document states: "I still own this art, you are just borrowing it to sell it, and you are responsible if it breaks."
• The Result: You are legally protected against damage, theft, or bankruptcy of the venue. It establishes clear terms on commission splits and payment timelines.

4. Separate Church and State (Banking)

Using your personal checking account for art expenses is a nightmare for taxes and mental clarity.

• The Strategy: Open a separate business bank account. All art income goes in; all art expenses come out. Pay yourself a "salary" transfer to your personal account.
• The Result: You instantly know if your art practice is profitable or losing money. Come tax season, you simply download the statement rather than sifting through grocery receipts.

5. The "Admin Day"

Code-switching between "creative brain" and "manager brain" is exhausting and inefficient. Trying to answer emails while painting usually results in bad emails and bad paintings.

• The Strategy: Batch your tasks. Dedicate one day (or half-day) a week solely to admin: applying for open calls, updating the website, and invoicing.
• The Result: The other days become sacred studio time. You enter the studio guilt-free, knowing the "business" side is handled.

Being a good manager doesn't mean you stop being an artist. It means you respect your art enough to give it the professional platform it deserves.