“Artists are visionaries, but they are often expected to do everything on their own… we build tools that save time, increase visibility, and make professional presentation possible for everyone.”

Smartist supported our most recent ACAVA Talks series, our professional development events programme for creative practitioners.

Tell us a bit about yourself and why you created Smartist

As an artist myself, I quickly realised how difficult it was to present artwork online in a way that truly represented its size and impact. Posting a flat image often felt misleading because people could not imagine how it would look in their home or office. I started creating mock-ups manually in Photoshop, which was time-consuming and expensive. Yet every time I shared those visualisations, engagement and sales grew. That experience showed me that presentation plays a huge role in selling art. Smartist was built to make that process fast, accurate, and accessible for every artist.

How would you describe the ethos or mission behind the app?

Artists are visionaries, but they are often expected to do everything on their own. They take photos, write descriptions, design social media posts, and even handle sales. Smartist exists to lighten that workload. Our goal is to help artists focus on creating while we handle the visual presentation and marketing side. We build tools that save time, increase visibility, and make professional presentations possible for everyone.

How does it work?

Not every artist has access to a large, well-lit studio or professional photography equipment. You can upload your artwork and instantly receive recommendations for interiors that complement your piece’s colours, size, and orientation. For artists who struggle to name or describe their work, our AI suggestions make the process faster and more creative. It helps artists maintain a consistent and professional look across social media, websites, and online marketplaces. These small but important time-savers help artists focus on what truly matters: creating new work.

Smartist has proven to help artists increase both engagement and sales by improving how they present their work. Our data shows that artists who use Smartist-generated mock-ups receive more attention online and are more likely to make a sale. It’s not just a visualisation app; it is a creative assistant built to support artistic growth.

Can you say a bit more about some of these tools within the app?

Two of our most loved tools right now are Smart Recommendations – which automatically analyses an artwork’s size, colour palette, and orientation to suggest interiors where it will look best. It saves artists time and helps every mock-up feel natural and well-curated, almost like having a built-in advisor. The AI Title & Description Generator helps artists who struggle with writing. It suggests creative titles and short, professional descriptions that capture the mood and story of each piece. We’re also adding Video Mock-ups, which will let artists create short, dynamic visualisations for social media.

Are there any specific artistic practices or media that benefit most from using Smartist?

Smartist is especially popular among painters, photographers, and artists who work with wall-based pieces such as mixed-media or wall sculptures. However, we are expanding to include features for muralists, sculptors, and video artists who also want to visualise their work in real environments.

How do you feel Smartist can help artists navigate some of the challenges of the art market?

The art market can be complicated, and even experienced artists sometimes struggle to navigate it. In today’s world, visibility is key. There are far more artists than galleries, which means artists can no longer rely solely on representation. Their social media has become their online gallery, open twenty-four hours a day. Many collectors, including experienced ones, now discover artists on Instagram or other platforms. Smartist gives artists the tools to take control of their presentation and sales. Smartist makes it easier for collectors to see the artwork in context and make confident buying decisions. It empowers artists to sell directly to collectors and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

What has been the most rewarding part of building Smartist so far?

The most rewarding part is seeing over a million people download Smartist and hearing their stories. Meeting artists who show me Smartist on their phones, or seeing our mock-ups appear on their social media feeds, is always a special moment. Seeing how Smartist impacts real creative careers motivates our entire team.

What’s next for Smartist?

We are developing some new tools; Smartist Studio will let artists manage their entire visual presence in one place, making self-promotion easier and more effective. We are also working on Smartist Folio, a complete AI-powered environment that allows artists to create cohesive portfolios, mock-ups, and promotional materials without needing design skills and present their portfolios to collectors and galleries. Our broader vision is to build the most artist-centred creative platform in the world.

How do you hope platforms like Smartist will change the way artists manage and present their work in the future?

Technology continues to shape every industry, and the art world is no exception. We hope Smartist will make professional presentations accessible to every artist, regardless of background or resources. Our goal is to empower artists to manage their own careers, reach collectors directly, and showcase their work with confidence.

If you could offer one piece of advice to artists trying to share their work with the world, what would it be?

Do not overthink it. Keep creating and keep sharing your work. Consistency matters more than perfection. Post your art, talk about it, connect with others, and let your work live outside the studio. Every post and every small step builds your audience. Stay active, stay curious, and success will follow.

Smartist are offering a 30-day free trial and a discounted annual subscription for ACAVA Talks attendees. Claim your offer here.