Recently, while helping an artist write her artist’s biography it took much longer than it should have because she failed to keep records. She couldn’t remember important details about exhibition titles and dates and didn’t know where to find them.
And, on another occasion, while curating an online art exhibition for Manhattan Arts International, I was surprised to see several artists submitted the same works of art they sent in previous years. Their art was rejected as a result of this simple mistake that could have been avoided.
These are two of many examples of failing to keep good records. The problem with these practices is they waste valuable time and block an artist’s career growth. Here are some of my simple organization tips for artists. I hope they make your life easier and bring more productivity and peace of mind.
Be Safe, Not Sorry!
1. List Competitions, Deadlines and Submissions
When a competition interests you place it in your calendar where you can add the entry deadline, notification date, and other pertinent information. Then, after you make your submissions, add the titles of those works of art you entered. This step will prevent mistakenly sending the same entries for the same competition.
2. Record Locations, Sponsors and Jurors
Don’t rely on your memory for names of locations, sponsors and jurors of exhibitions you enter. If you are chosen, you’ll have a record of which jurors have reacted favorably to your artwork for future reference. Plus, you’ll have the information to quickly add to your biography and resume.
3. Manage Your Mailing List
Maintain and periodically update your overall contact information in specific categories including art buyers, gallery owners, interior designers, museum curators, art consultants, and members of the press. That way you can access them anytime you need to.
4. Keep a Detailed Inventory
I advise you to know about every work of art that is available for sale: the title, medium and dimensions — in both cm and inches. List the beginning and completion date so you can estimate the time you need to set aside for commissions and future projects.
5. Keep An Active Inventory
When a work of art leaves your studio you should know where it went, the commission structure, length of exhibition and/or duration of the contract agreement. Review monthly and follow up if necessary.
6. Maintain A Record of All Sales
An ongoing list of all buyers and the prices paid including any discounts, time installments and sales commissions will help you manage your art business in the best way possible.
7. Store Your Images
Maintain a file of high quality, high resolution JPEGs of your works of art for when you need to send them without delay to prospective art buyers, galleries and corporate art consultants, the press and the printer.
8. Update Your Website
Set up a schedule for when you need to visit your website for a checkup and overhaul. Check to see if older works of art need to be removed and replaced, as well as when to update your resume, artist’s statement and write new art blog posts.
Quck Tip: Don’t forget to back up all of these records in case of computer failure or other emergencies. In my opinion an external hard drive is necessary.
Hi Renee,
As professional organizer (and artist/photographer) this article caught my eye! It’s very well presented and easy to understand. For any artist that is disorganized, this will help them tremendously.
I have assisted a few artisans with organizing their studios here in Las Vegas, and for myself as an artist, I am constantly reorganizing my art area, cataloging my work, prices, submissions etc. As new ideas for creating new art is a frequent thing, I have to come up with new storage solutions and ways to keep track of everything..
If you are interested, I can share with you how I organize my art etc so other artists can try what has worked for me in addition to the fantastic information in your article.
Thank you for your tip to maintain a record of all sales and commissions. My sister is an artist and she is not the most organized person. She also needs a place to store her art. I’ll be sure to help her organize her place using your tips.