Comments on Nat Dickinson Doing Art: Back to Business, Art Business That Is

Thanks so much for all you offered here on informa...

2008-12-17T02:29:11.732-05:00

Thanks so much for all you offered here on information - great!!!

I was looking - all night google searching for software that would do much of what the better programs here accomplish, but also link, and import / export data to QuickBooks Premiere 2008 Contractor Edition. Having softwares that don't integrate can make for an amazing amount of extra work. I would be very interested in trying out some of the offerings listed here, but hope to get a response back tomorrow about the Australian software {Artists Management System (AMS) by John Barton & Adam Griffiths} I listed here in my post. It is compatable - exports, imports, and links with QuickBooks, and uses Microsoft Access 2003, (or a free download substitute of Access 2003) as well. Not sure if it will work with Access 2007? - again waiting to hear back. I don't know yet if it is compatable with QuickBooks 2008 yet??? Waiting to hear back in an email. I also do not know the cost yet???

I did write to a couple of the softwares you listed here to get a response if any link / import / export data to QB 2008 as well. None of the listed ones mention such, so I think probably they do not?

Artists Management System (AMS) by John Barton & Adam Griffiths

http://www.gfcomms.com.au/amsclients.htm

http://www.gfcomms.com.au/ams/

Hi Nat. Thanks for your blog and for bringing up t...

2008-10-07T16:23:31.509-04:00

Hi Nat. Thanks for your blog and for bringing up this important topic.
So first off I just want to let you know that, yes, I am promoting GYST, one of the software programs you mentioned in your blog. Just wanted to say that upfront.

GYST (which stands for Getting Your Sh*t Together) is an artist-run company designing software and services for artists. You can visit us online at www.gyst-ink.com

Everyone who works for GYST is a practicing artist and we are personally and professionally tied into the LA and larger US art world.

I want to say is that our software is truly different from all the programs you mentioned because our software comes out of time-tested TEACHING EXPERIENCE. Karen Atkinson, GYST’s founder designed our software after having taught professional practices classes at Cal Arts and around the country for over 20 years. GYST is the only professional practices software integrated into Cal Art’s curriculum and many other schools across the country are integrating it into their classes as well.

Unlike other programs, we are recognized as an organization with a reputation of putting the needs of artists before profits. Our reputation is very important to us and is reflected by our close connection to a variety of individuals and organizations. We work with important non-profits like The New York Foundation For the Arts, Fractured Atlas and The Cue Foundation in New York, Chicago Arts Resources and Side Street Projects in Los Angeles. Additionally our software is sold through prestigious art schools such as Cal Arts, The Art Institute of Chicago and Otis College of Art and Design.

That said, the GYST software does a lot of the same thing our competitors do. Our software tracks your artwork, holds a great mailing list system, and archives sales, budgets, exhibition history, artist statements, etc. But what sets us apart is that we provide all the instruction and information you need to do the things you need to do in order to establish a successful art career. We walk you through how to write your artist statement, apply for a grant, contact galleries, create a portfolio, write contracts, etc. There are over 300 pages of information about how to navigate the world as an artist included in our software.

GYST is a teaching tool containing an abundance of information you wouldn’t get anywhere else.

We have a new demo available on our website and I invite anyone who is interested to download it and try it out free for 30 days. You can dowload it at http://gyst-ink.com/buy/buyonline.php

We also maintain a blog about professional practices at www.gyst-ink.com/blog If you have any questions feel free to email me at tucker@gyst-ink.com
Thanks and keep up the good work!

Hi great blog, like your artwork. I've listed you ...

2007-12-04T07:18:47.497-05:00

Hi great blog, like your artwork. I've listed you on

http://art-blogging.blogspot.com/

as requested.

Mom used to put all her receipts for the business ...

2007-12-03T18:31:34.695-05:00

Mom used to put all her receipts for the business in a shoebox and drop it off at the accountants'. They complained, now she uses a big brown envelope. Too complicated for her mind to wrap around, it's easier to pass it off to someone else.

William Tell

3Dogs,Still more questions than answers.Jelaine,On...

2007-12-01T15:35:22.122-05:00

3Dogs,
Still more questions than answers.

Jelaine,
Only the revered Duane Keiser, pulling in $400 a pop, may have an assistant. But, dang, you are awfully close. Drawing in multiple bidders is a lot better than most daily painters. And I can't even give away postcards.

What I would not give to be able to hire someone t...

2007-12-01T14:58:09.902-05:00

What I would not give to be able to hire someone to do this for me.

Very informative...even for the non-art business. ...

2007-12-01T14:12:46.632-05:00

Very informative...even for the non-art business. Thanks.

3dogs