ArTips©-The newsletter dedicated to the business of art.

Sometimes practical, sometimes techy, always helpful.

It's too easy to forget something if all you've done is make a mental note. Get into the habit of writing things down. Make sure you keep paper and pencil handy in your studio to jot down things as you think of them. If you prefer to use the computer, there's a free organization tool for the PC called Notesbrowser that will help organize your time and thoughts. A similar product called Organizer 2000 for the Mac is available at Tucows. Here are a few items that you might forget if you don't write them down.

1. Deadlines for grants or shows--keep a list in date order.
2. Getting slides reproduced in a timely manner--put this on your "to do" list.
3. Updating your artist's statement or bio--write down your thoughts as you think of them, or make a list of new exhibitions, articles written by or about you, classes you've taught, things like that.
4. Send out press packets or press releases--make sure you do this in sufficient time before your event.

When you write things down, you'll experience less stress and fewer missed opportunities.

And if you're in the Philadelphia area, look for my ARTBiz column each month in Art Matters.