Today, I’m sharing something that can transform your art business: systems.

Now, before you think systems kill creativity, let me assure you—they actually enhance it. By setting up simple systems, you free your mind from the busywork, making space for creativity, confidence, and success. Whether you're self-taught or formally trained, mastering systems will help you confidently show up as an artist, sell your work, and manage your marketing.

Many artists feel like they’re constantly scrambling—whether it’s managing enquiries, handling shipping, or marketing their work. This chaos can stifle your creativity. But every business already has systems, whether you realise it or not. The magic happens when you intentionally set them up to work for you, not against you.

Systems don’t mean rigidity. They’re flexible tools that give you structure without suffocating your creativity. Let me show you how.

1. Systems Create Space for Creativity and Joy

Take Claire Cusack, one of my VIP artists, for example. A busy mum juggling her kids’ activities, Claire felt like she never had time for her art. Then, she set up a mobile art studio in her car. Now, she sketches between school pick-ups and extracurriculars—reclaiming time for her creative work without sacrificing her family’s needs. This simple system gave her time, joy, and freedom.

Look at one part of your day that feels hectic and set up a system to simplify it. Maybe it’s using canned email responses or creating a shipping checklist. Start small.

2. Balance Structure and Flexibility

Rachel Sheree created a flexible schedule to manage her art practice, day job, and family responsibilities. She keeps it loose but intentional, allowing her to focus on both admin and creative tasks without burning out. Her system isn’t rigid, but it ensures she gets everything done.

Create a flexible schedule for your week that includes time for both your creative work and admin tasks. Adjust it as needed, but keep the structure in place to maintain balance.

3. Creative Blocks Happen Without Systems

Overwhelm kills creativity. By setting up systems that handle the busywork, you clear mental space and avoid burnout. One way to do this is by creating a pre-creative routine. It could be as simple as setting up your workspace, playing your favourite music, or lighting a candle to signal the start of your art session.

Write out a simple pre-creative routine and stick to it for a week. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just something that helps you get into the flow.

Systems are the invisible ingredient that makes your art business run smoothly, allowing you to focus on creating and selling. Start small—a simple routine, a flexible schedule, or batching your social media content—and build from there.