This Post is by Keith Bond, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews.  You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

With the many facets of your art business comes many areas that need organization.  There is the obvious putting of supplies on a shelf or in a cabinet.  There needs to be ample storage space for paint, brushes, frames, canvases, even bubble wrap and other shipping supplies.  You need your office supplies put away where you can find them, and so on.  What about your reference photos?  Are they scattered on the floor or in piles on every desk, shelf, and easel ledge?  And of course you need somewhere to actually work!  Do you need to clear off your palette and easel just to find room to paint?

Aside from the mere putting away of your ‘stuff’, there is the organization required to manage projects, time, and track inventory.  This is perhaps a bigger challenge than keeping the clutter to a minimum.  Are your important reminders on post-it notes and scraps of paper?  Are they tucked here and there and everywhere?  Do you know where every painting is?  Really?  What about the one you did a couple years ago that has been in two shows and at least one or two galleries?  Do you remember when the image is due for that show you committed to six months ago?  What show?  Oh, yeah, that one! 

With deadlines coming and going, do some slip by you because you thought the due date was next week instead of last week?  Have you ever had to pay a premium to overnight a painting because you neglected shipping it until the absolute last minute?  Did you forget to send that ‘Thank You’ because that little reminder note you jotted to yourself got washed with your jeans?  If these sound vaguely familiar, you may need an overhaul to your organization methods (or lack thereof). 

Getting organized is a task that always seems to elude me.  I am much better than I used to be, but it isn’t my strong point.  Recently, I have been determined to improve in that area.  Certain aspects of my business are more organized than others.  But overall my system needs an overhaul.  I suppose this post is more of a request than anything else.  Please share your secrets to organization.  There are many different methods, each with their pros and cons.  Some work for some people, others work for other people.

There are various old fashioned methods such as using index cards, files, clip boards, calendars, cork boards, etc.  There are also more modern methods of organization through computer programs and hand held devices.  Each has its place, but each also has limitations.  What works for you? 

A particular request from you is your experience using computer software for artists.  I do not mean financial software, such as Quicken, or QuickBooks or other similar (I do highly recommend using one for your bookwork).  I mean database software designed to track your inventory, upcoming shows and exhibits, galleries, contacts, etc.  Some examples I am familiar with are: Working Artist, Artist’s Butler, ArtWorks, and Art and Craft Business Organizer.  I am sure that there are others in addition to this list. 

I have never used these programs so I cannot comment on them.  That is what I am asking of you.  Please share your experiences with them.  What works for you?  Why?  What limitations do the programs have?  What features are especially good?  Also feel free to add comments on other organizational tips (or woes) you’ve had. 

It is my hope that we can all help each other by sharing what works (and what doesn’t).  I suppose I should share with you my most valued tip:  Don’t take organizational advice from me!

 

Sincerely,

Keith Bond