5 Tips for Organizing Your Digital Assets
Who opens up their computer and cringes when they look at their files? As artists, It is so easy for our professional digital files to rapidly become disorganized as we hastily save things while getting ready for a show or during a big round of applications.
Here, we help you wade through the process of getting all things digital in order. This could be images of work, artist’s statements, CVs, and all those other files that support our work as artists. We know these things can feel very intangible and maybe not as important as your physical studio space, but these digital assets are VERY important to your success. Read more to learn how to get on a path toward professional digital bliss!
#1- Create a Naming System
Decide on the format you are going to use to name your photos and other digital assets like your CV, resume, or artist’s statement. Move forward sticking to these formatting rules you’ve made for yourself and your life will get a lot easier!
#2- Create Your Process
Determine the way you are going to save, store, and organize your files. This could be on an external drive or a cloud-based system. There are even softwares you can subscribe to like Artwork Archive that provide an inventory system you can follow.
#3- Be Consistent
These systems only work if you follow the plan exactly. The more disciplined you are in following your plan, the quicker it will be when you are updating your website, organizing instagram posts, and completing applications. The upfront time will pay off later! You will thank yourself for doing this work when the clock is ticking on a deadline.
#4- Save Twice
This means having a backup of your digital files. Don’t put all your files on one device without storing them somewhere else as well. Keep this backup up to date. You don’t want to lose or damage a hard drive and no longer have a record of your work. These files are crucial, so treat them that way!
#5- Start Where You Are
It may feel like you need to make everything you have ever done be perfect or why start at all!?! But, we disagree. The next time you make a piece of art, photograph it, name the file according to your system, and save it in two places. That is a great way to start.
We hope this gives you confidence as you approach organizing your digital space. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! You can learn more about joining our community here.
