From Studio to Inbox: A Workflow for Sharing New Work

artisanadvantage
Jul 9
3 min read

Updated: Jul 14

Creating new work is gratifying and essential, but it's just the beginning of the process if you are looking for visibility and sales. How you share it can make all the difference. Many artists feel pressure to post their work everywhere the moment it's finished, and then some don't post it anywhere at all. But in reality, visibility isn't about shouting louder on social media. It's about having a simple system that works for you and supports your long-term goals.

Whether you're releasing a single new painting or an entire series, it's beneficial to have a clear, repeatable system to help you stay consistent, save time, and keep collectors engaged with new work.

Here's a Step-by-Step Guide To Use the Next Time You Have New Artwork to Share

Step 1: Finish and Document the Work

Once you have completed the work, take a few moments to document it thoroughly.

Photograph or scan the piece in good light
Write down the title, medium, size, and a short description or backstory
Optional: Record a short video or voice memo about the process

This is the raw material you'll use to share your work in a way that connects.

Step 2: Post to Your Website or Blog First

Instead of rushing to Instagram or email, start with your own platform. Your website or blog should serve as the hub for your artwork online.

Create a simple blog post or portfolio page with:

The artwork image(s)
Title, medium, size, and availability
A short narrative about the piece or what inspired it
A clear call to action (how to inquire or purchase)

If you use Artwork Archive, Shopify, or a custom site, make sure the post has a clean, shareable link.

Publishing on your site gives your content long-term visibility and builds your professional archive, which social media can't offer as well.

Step 3: Share via Email

Now that your post is live, it's time to invite people to view it.

Send a short email to your list:

Include a strong image and a link back to your blog post or artwork page
Write in a personal tone: "I just finished this piece and wanted to share it with you first."
Keep it brief. Your goal is to lead them to your site, not say everything in the email

Subject line ideas:

"New Work: [Title]"
"Fresh from the Studio"
"This piece took me by surprise…"

The goal here is connection, not a hard sell.

Step 4: Share to Social

You don't have to reinvent your message for social media. Just repurpose what you've already written.

Use:

1–2 images from the post
A short caption (or excerpt from your blog/email)
A link back to your post, if possible
Stories or reels for process snippets or casual updates

Social media is great for reach, but your website and email are where relationships deepen. Social supports the system, but it shouldn't be the system.

Step 5: Add It to Your Visibility System

Once you've shared, don't forget to update your systems.

Add the piece to your inventory or portfolio section
Save your blog copy and email in a content folder.
Track where the work was shared and when (especially for future reuse or show planning)

Over time, you'll have a repeatable process that doesn't rely on daily creativity or pressure.

Why This Workflow Works

It builds long-term visibility by prioritizing your website
It allows for reuse and consistency, rather than constant reinvention
It's sustainable - something you can repeat again and again without burnout

Sample Timeline

Day 1: Finish work, photograph it

Day 2: Write and publish a blog post

Day 3: Send an email to your list

Day 4–7: Post to social, respond to replies, follow up with collectors

Final Thoughts

Visibility doesn't have to mean exhaustion. With a simple system that starts on your own platform, you can share your work in a way that feels authentic, professional, and sustainable.

Ready to Make This Easier?

Need help writing your posts or setting up a system like this?

Check out my Content Strategy Session or Email Marketing Kickstarter to get help with a system that fits your art and your life.

Want to get started on your own? Get my free New Work Sharing Checklist below. If you're already a subscriber, check your inbox for this week's email for the download.