# Artwork Codex Blog

> Practical guides for artists and collectors on cataloging, pricing, selling, documenting, and sharing artwork. Homepage: https://artworkcodex.com

## All posts

### Operations

- [How to Build an Artwork Inventory Numbering System](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/artwork-inventory-numbering-system): A practical guide to artwork inventory numbers: what they should include, common formats, edition codes, and how to keep numbering consistent as your archive grows. (2026-05-25)
- [How to Track Artwork Locations Without Losing Work](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-track-artwork-locations): A practical location-tracking workflow for artists: studio racks, gallery consignments, framers, collectors, storage units, and how to record every artwork move. (2026-05-24)
- [Artist Backup Strategy: Protect Images, Documents, and Records](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/artist-backup-strategy): A practical backup strategy for artists: artwork images, invoices, certificates, inventory exports, hard drives, cloud backups, naming, and recovery habits. (2026-02-07)
- [Annual Artwork Inventory Audit: A Year-End Checklist](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/annual-artwork-inventory-audit): A practical year-end inventory audit for artists: check locations, images, sold status, prices, documents, contacts, storage, backups, and public portfolio accuracy. (2025-10-18)
- [How to Frame Artwork: A Conservation Framing Guide for Artists](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-frame-artwork): A practical guide to framing artwork for sale and exhibition: acid-free mat board, UV glazing, spacers, hinges, backing, and how conservation framing protects work over decades. (2026-05-05)
- [How to Store Finished Artwork: A Long-Term Storage Guide](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-store-finished-artwork): Practical artwork storage for studios: racks for paintings, flat files for works on paper, climate, archival materials, and how to track what is in storage so you can find pieces years later. (2026-05-04)
- [How to Ship Artwork Safely: Packing, Crating & Carrier Guide](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-ship-artwork): A practical guide to shipping artwork, covering packing by medium, crating, carriers, insurance, customs, and the documentation that protects you if something breaks. (2026-04-22)

### Marketing

- [Artist Portfolio Website Checklist: What to Include Before You Share It](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/artist-portfolio-website-checklist): A practical checklist for artist portfolio websites: images, artwork details, biography, contact paths, sold work, mobile layout, and what to leave out. (2026-05-21)
- [Artist Press Kit Checklist](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/artist-press-kit-checklist): A practical artist press kit checklist: biography, statement, artwork images, captions, CV, press links, contact details, file naming, and when to send it. (2025-11-08)
- [How to Make a PDF Art Catalog That Helps You Sell Work](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-make-a-pdf-art-catalog): Learn what to include in a PDF art catalog, how to structure it, and how artists can turn a loose set of artwork images into a polished presentation for collectors and galleries. (2026-04-04)

### Selling

- [Private Viewing Rooms for Artists: When to Use Them and What to Include](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/private-viewing-room-guide): A guide to private viewing rooms for artists: collector previews, gallery submissions, studio visits, price sheets, passwords, expiry dates, and follow-up records. (2026-05-19)
- [Art Fair Preparation Checklist for Artists](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/art-fair-preparation-checklist): A practical checklist for artists preparing for art fairs: artwork selection, pricing, labels, packing, collector follow-up, sales records, and post-fair inventory cleanup. (2026-05-12)
- [Open Studio Sales Checklist for Artists](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/open-studio-sales-checklist): A practical open studio checklist for artists: selecting work, pricing, labels, visitor flow, payment records, packaging, collector follow-up, and post-event cleanup. (2026-05-08)
- [How to Sell Art Online: A Practical Guide for Artists in 2026](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-sell-art-online): A practical guide to selling art online, from setting up a portfolio and pricing work to shipping, viewing rooms, and keeping records that actually close sales. (2026-04-22)

### Documentation

- [Artwork Condition Reports: A Simple Guide for Artists](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/artwork-condition-report-guide): A practical guide to condition reports for artists: when to create one, what to photograph, what language to use, and how reports support shipping, insurance, and consignments. (2026-05-16)
- [How to Archive Sold Artwork So the Record Does Not Disappear](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-archive-sold-artwork): A practical guide to archiving sold artwork: what to keep after sale, collector records, certificates, invoices, images, provenance notes, and public portfolio choices. (2026-02-22)
- [What Is Artwork Provenance? A Simple Guide for Artists and Collectors](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/what-is-artwork-provenance): A simple explanation of artwork provenance, why it matters, which documents support it, and how artists and collectors can keep better records from the start. (2026-04-04)

### Career

- [How to Prepare for a Studio Visit](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/studio-visit-checklist-for-artists): A practical studio visit checklist for artists: artwork selection, conversation flow, price readiness, documentation, follow-up, and how to avoid overwhelming visitors. (2026-05-10)
- [How to Track Exhibition History for Each Artwork](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/exhibition-history-records-for-artists): A practical guide to exhibition records for artists: what to track, how to connect shows to artworks, and how this supports CVs, provenance, insurance, and sales. (2026-04-18)
- [How to Handle Art Commissions: Contracts, Deposits, and Records](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-handle-art-commissions): A practical guide for artists taking on private commissions: setting expectations, pricing, the deposit structure that protects both sides, what to put in a contract, and the records that prevent disputes. (2026-05-04)
- [Artist CV Guide: How to Structure a Professional Artist CV](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/artist-cv-guide): Everything that belongs on an artist CV, including section order, formatting, what to include at every career stage, and the mistakes that make a CV look unprofessional. (2026-04-22)
- [How to Approach Art Galleries: A Submission & Outreach Guide](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-approach-art-galleries): How to approach galleries for representation or a show, with research, submission materials, etiquette, and what gets a real response from a busy gallery. (2026-04-22)

### Photography

- [How to Organize Artwork Photos Before They Become a Mess](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-organize-artwork-photos): A practical workflow for organizing artwork photos: file naming, hero images, details, verso shots, editing versions, backups, and attaching images to artwork records. (2026-05-02)
- [How to Photograph Artwork for Your Website, Portfolio, and Prints](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-photograph-artwork-for-your-website-and-prints): A practical photography guide for artists who need clean, accurate artwork images for online portfolios, print applications, catalogs, and sales materials. (2026-04-04)

### Sales

- [Artist Contact Management: A Practical CRM Guide](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/artist-contact-management-guide): A practical CRM guide for artists: collectors, galleries, curators, advisors, notes, follow-ups, artwork interests, privacy, and how to make contacts useful without feeling salesy. (2026-04-29)
- [Artist Invoice Records: What to Save After Every Sale](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/artist-invoice-records-guide): A practical guide to artist invoice records: buyer details, artwork details, price, tax notes, payment state, delivery, certificates, and how invoices support future provenance. (2026-03-28)
- [Preparing Artwork for Gallery Consignment](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-prepare-artwork-for-consignment): A practical guide for artists preparing work for consignment: selection, condition checks, paperwork, labels, pricing, delivery, and return tracking. (2026-03-08)
- [Gallery Consignment Agreement Checklist for Artists](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/gallery-consignment-agreement-checklist): A clear guide to the clauses artists should look for in a gallery consignment agreement, what records to keep, and how to stay organized once work leaves the studio. (2026-04-04)

### Presentation

- [Artwork Labels for Exhibitions, Open Studios, and Storage](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/artwork-labels-for-exhibitions): A practical guide to artwork labels: wall labels, storage labels, QR labels, what details to include, and how labels connect back to inventory records. (2026-04-11)

### Commissions

- [Commission Brief Template for Artists](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/commission-brief-template-for-artists): A practical commission brief template for artists: scope, size, medium, timeline, references, revision boundaries, payment terms, delivery, and final records. (2026-01-18)

### Practice

- [How to Plan an Artwork Series Without Losing the Thread](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-plan-an-artwork-series): A practical guide to planning an artwork series: concept, constraints, titles, numbering, documentation, pricing, editing, and presenting the body of work clearly. (2025-12-12)
- [How to Sign Your Artwork: Front, Back, or Both](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-sign-your-artwork): Practical guidance on signing artwork: where to sign, how to date a piece, what to include on the back, and why a consistent signature matters for provenance and resale. (2026-05-04)

### Painting

- [How to Mix Skin Tones in Oil Painting (With the Zorn Palette)](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-mix-skin-tones-oil-painting): A practical guide to mixing skin tones in oil painting using the four-colour Zorn palette and a wider extended palette. Covers value, temperature, undertones, and common pitfalls in portraiture. (2026-05-05)
- [Plein Air Painting Setup: A Practical Gear and Approach Guide](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/plein-air-painting-setup): A practical plein air painting guide: pochade boxes vs French easels, panel choices, a workable limited palette, brush kit, wet panel transport, and the field habits that make outdoor sessions productive. (2026-05-05)
- [The Pros and Cons of a Limited Palette in Oil Painting](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/limited-palette-oil-painting): A practical look at limited palettes in oil painting: the colour theory behind them, what you gain in harmony and economy, and what you give up. Includes Zorn, Earth, and split primary palettes. (2026-05-04)

### Materials

- [Hot Press vs Cold Press Watercolour Paper: A Complete Guide](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/hot-press-vs-cold-press-watercolour-paper): A clear comparison of hot press, cold press, and rough watercolour papers: surface texture, absorbency, weight, sizing, and how to pick the right paper for your subject and technique. (2026-05-05)
- [Paint Pigments and Lightfastness: A Practical Guide for Artists](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/paint-pigments-and-lightfastness): How to read pigment labels, understand ASTM and Blue Wool ratings, identify fugitive pigments to avoid, and keep a permanent record of the materials behind every painting you sell. (2026-05-04)
- [Linen vs Cotton Canvas: Which to Choose for Your Practice](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/linen-vs-cotton-canvas): A clear comparison of linen and cotton canvas for oil and acrylic painting: weave, weight, priming, longevity, cost, and how to choose the right support for each piece you make. (2026-05-04)

### Studio

- [Studio Lighting for Painters: North Light, CRI, and Colour Temperature](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/studio-lighting-for-painters): How to light a painting studio properly: why north light has been the gold standard for centuries, how to read CRI and colour temperature on bulbs, and how to set up consistent lighting in any space. (2026-05-05)
- [Oil Painting Solvents and Mediums: A Safety and Selection Guide](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/oil-painting-solvents-and-mediums-safety): A practical guide to oil painting solvents and mediums: turpentine vs odourless mineral spirits like Gamsol, when each is appropriate, fat over lean, ventilation, rag disposal, and how to set up a safer studio. (2026-05-05)

### Techniques

- [How to Varnish an Oil Painting (and When)](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-varnish-an-oil-painting): A practical guide to varnishing oil paintings: when the paint is genuinely dry, which varnishes to use, brush vs spray application, finish levels, retouch varnish, and common mistakes to avoid. (2026-05-04)

### Comparison

- [Best Art Inventory Software in 2026: Price, Features, and Free Tier Compared](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/best-art-inventory-software-2026): A side-by-side comparison of Artwork Codex, Artwork Archive, Artlogic, ArtCloud, and Masterpiece Manager, covering pricing, free tiers, catalog features, viewing rooms, and what each tool is best at. (2026-04-23)

### Writing

- [How to Write an Artist Statement (With Examples)](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-write-an-artist-statement): A practical guide to writing an artist statement that works for applications, galleries, websites, and grants, with structure, examples, and what to leave out. (2026-04-22)

### Editions

- [How to Number Art Editions: A Guide for Printmakers and Photographers](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-number-art-editions): A clear guide to edition numbering, including what the numbers mean, the difference between edition size and total run, artist's proofs, and the records collectors expect. (2026-04-22)

### Insurance

- [Artwork Insurance Guide: How to Insure Art You Make or Collect](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/artwork-insurance-guide): A practical artwork-insurance recordkeeping guide: questions to ask your provider and documents to prepare for policy reviews or claims. (2026-04-22)

### Guide

- [Art Inventory Spreadsheet Template: What to Track and When to Upgrade](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/art-inventory-spreadsheet-template): A practical guide to building an art inventory spreadsheet that actually works, including the essential columns to track and the point where dedicated software saves time. (2026-04-04)
- [How to Catalog Your Artwork: A Complete Guide for Artists](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-catalog-your-artwork): A step-by-step guide to building a professional artwork inventory, what fields to track, how to photograph your work, and how to choose the right system. (2026-03-14)
- [How to Create a Certificate of Authenticity for Your Artwork](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-create-certificate-of-authenticity): Everything you need to know about COAs, what to include, when to issue them, and how to generate professional certificates that protect both you and your collectors. (2026-03-14)

### Pricing

- [How to Price Artwork: A Practical Guide for Emerging and Established Artists](https://artworkcodex.com/blog/how-to-price-artwork): A practical pricing guide and free calculator for artists, with the option to save one chosen result with a first artwork record. (2026-04-04)

## About Artwork Codex

Artwork Codex is art inventory and catalog software for artists and collectors. Free plan available, Starter plan at $9/month or $96/year, Studio plan at $29/month or $288/year, live demo at https://artworkcodex.com/api/demo/start.

Blog index last updated: 2026-08-08