NEW YORK, NY.- As more artists turn to self-representation and digital platforms to share their work, one uncomfortable truth keeps surfacing: the world still isn’t built for artists to succeed. Fewer are represented by galleries, most juggle part-time jobs, and the pressure to self-market online has never been higher.

That tension between creative integrity and survival is reshaping what it means to be a working artist in 2025. And it’s also driving the rise of tools like Smartist, a visual staging app designed by artists, for artists to help them present their work professionally, without needing a gallery, photo shoot, or expensive software.



For founder Ilgar Tali, Smartist was born out of this simple but radical idea: to make it possible for artists to make a living as artists. His mission goes beyond presentation; it’s about removing barriers that keep creators from thriving. By giving them access to the same high-end visualization tools used by galleries and designers – but made intuitive, affordable, and immediate – Smartist helps artists sell more work, sustain their practice, and stay independent.

Unlike many “art tech” startups, Smartist wasn’t built to disrupt the industry, it was built to sustain it. By giving artists access to the same high-quality visualization tools used by designers and galleries, Smartist helps level the playing field, letting artists focus less on selling and more on creating.



Key features of the app include:

• A vast library of curated interiors (from modern lofts to white-cube galleries).

• Accurate dimensions, lighting, and shadow adjustments for realism.

• The ability to upload and stage multiple works, customize frames, and export high-res visuals.

• A “room upload” feature that allows artists to preview art in a real space (theirs or a client’s).

• Currently in development is a new AI-driven video staging feature that will be released soon.



In a post-gallery world where digital storytelling defines perception, Smartist represents something bigger: a shift toward tools that don’t just serve the art world, but serve the artist.

For more information, visit https://smartist.app/.