Getting Started with Artledge
Complete setup and first steps to get your art collection organized. Learn the basics of uploading, organizing, and managing your first artworks in Artledge with our comprehensive dashboard system.
Create your account and take a tour of the dashboard to understand the layout and navigation.
Detailed Steps
- Go to the Sign Up page and create your account with email verification.
- Log in and familiarize yourself with the dashboard layout and sidebar navigation.
- Explore the main sections: Archive, Collections, Artists, Contacts, Locations, Transactions, Upload, Analytics, and Settings.
- Check your profile and account settings in the user menu.
- Take note of the real-time updates and responsive design features.
Pro Tips
- Bookmark the dashboard for quick access.
- Hover over sidebar icons for tooltips and descriptions.
- Update your profile picture for a personalized experience.
- Familiarize yourself with the mobile-responsive design.
Navigate to the Upload section to add your first artwork with comprehensive documentation.
Detailed Steps
- Click the 'Upload / Import' button in the sidebar or use the Upload Cloud icon.
- Upload high-quality images (JPG/PNG, up to 15MB each) with multiple angles.
- Fill in essential artwork details: title, artist, year, medium, and dimensions.
- Add comprehensive metadata including condition, provenance, and notes.
- Set the artwork status (Draft, Published, On Loan, Sold, Archived).
Pro Tips
- Use natural lighting for your artwork photos.
- Include multiple angles: front, back, sides, and detail shots.
- Save as draft if you need to complete details later.
- Use the enhanced upload form with multi-image support.
Create collections to group related artworks and structure your portfolio logically.
Detailed Steps
- Navigate to Dashboard → Collections in the sidebar.
- Click 'New Collection' and enter a descriptive name and purpose.
- Add artworks to your collection by selecting from your inventory.
- Use collections for exhibitions, sales, personal organization, or thematic groupings.
- Set collection visibility and sharing options for collaboration.
Pro Tips
- Create themed collections for different styles, periods, or purposes.
- Use collections for portfolio presentation and client sharing.
- Regularly review and update your collections as your collection grows.
- Consider creating collections for different audiences (public, private, clients).
Add contacts and locations to build your professional art network and track artwork movements.
Detailed Steps
- Go to Dashboard → Contacts to add artists, collectors, dealers, and other professionals.
- Navigate to Dashboard → Locations to set up storage facilities, galleries, and other venues.
- Link contacts to specific artworks and transactions for complete relationship tracking.
- Set up location tracking for your artworks to maintain provenance records.
- Configure notification preferences for important updates and reminders.
Pro Tips
- Import contacts from external sources using the import templates.
- Create detailed contact profiles with professional information.
- Set up location hierarchies (storage facilities, galleries, private collections).
- Use the contact management system to track all interactions and follow-ups.
Set up financial tracking to monitor acquisitions, sales, and expenses for your collection.
Detailed Steps
- Navigate to Dashboard → Transactions to record your first financial activity.
- Add acquisition details including purchase price, date, and seller information.
- Set up expense tracking for insurance, storage, restoration, and other costs.
- Configure currency settings and exchange rate tracking if dealing internationally.
- Link transactions to specific artworks for complete financial history.
Pro Tips
- Record all financial transactions immediately for accurate reporting.
- Use the transaction categories for better organization and tax purposes.
- Attach receipts and documents to transactions for complete records.
- Set up automated reminders for recurring expenses and payments.
Use the analytics dashboard to understand your collection's performance and generate reports.
Detailed Steps
- Visit Dashboard → Analytics to view collection statistics and insights.
- Review financial summaries, artwork distribution, and collection growth metrics.
- Generate reports for insurance, tax purposes, or professional consultations.
- Use the real-time dashboard to monitor collection status and recent activity.
- Set up custom reports for specific needs or client presentations.
Pro Tips
- Regularly review analytics to understand collection trends and performance.
- Use reports for insurance appraisals and tax documentation.
- Export data in various formats for external analysis and backup.
- Set up automated report generation for regular monitoring.
Essential Best Practices
Follow these fundamental practices to get the most out of your Artledge experience.
Use consistent naming conventions and keep artwork statuses up to date for accurate reporting.
- Double-check spelling and formatting for all entries.
- Update artwork status immediately when it changes.
- Use clear, descriptive titles and collection names.
- Regularly audit your data for consistency and accuracy.
Record all contact interactions and financial transactions promptly to maintain complete records.
- Log every sale, loan, or movement with detailed notes.
- Keep contact details up to date with regular reviews.
- Attach receipts and documents to transactions.
- Use the activity feed to track all collection changes.
Use collections, tags, and systematic organization to create logical structure for your portfolio.
- Create collections for different purposes (exhibitions, sales, etc.).
- Use tags for quick filtering and searching across your collection.
- Archive artworks no longer in your active collection.
- Implement consistent inventory numbering systems.
Ensure every artwork movement is tracked for a complete provenance history.
- Record every location change with dates and reasons.
- Add detailed notes for each movement and condition changes.
- Keep a digital trail for insurance and provenance purposes.
- Use location tracking for security and loss prevention.
What's Next?
Now that you've completed the basics, continue your learning journey with these related guides.
Learn comprehensive techniques for cataloging and organizing your artworks effectively.
Build and maintain relationships with your art network effectively.
Learn professional strategies for managing your art collection effectively.