Keeping It Simple

Okay, I admit it: I've tried to reinvent the wheel on more than one occasion.  Particularly when it comes to organizing the upcoming deadlines for submitting applications to juried shows or art associations I might be interested in joining. 

Last year I missed several important opportunities, so at the beginning of this year I came up with an elaborate system using one of those multi-pocket file folders plus a monthly calendar where I dutifully filed the applications and entered each date.  And then I stowed the file folder and calendar where they would be convenient and...

It's the out of sight, out of mind thing.

So, I've developed a new system.

It's called a clipboard.

And those little post-it flags. 

And a red pen.  

And a small nail where I can hang it up right where I can see it.

Now when I find something interesting on the internet I print it off and file it on my high-tech clipboard.  I list the date when the application is due on the post-it note and then put the applications in order.  

I am optimistic that this system will work better for me than the old system.

Progress.

Yes, sometimes it is hard to tell whether you are moving forward or backward.

But at this age, any movement is a good sign. 

Comments

[Patrice Federspiel]

GREAT idea! You and I must both be Visual Organizers. We need to SEE things in order to keep them in mind.

[Alyice]

You know, that's not a bad system! I mean you'll have all the recent deadlines up front and in plain sight. Hope it works. May have to try that once I'm ready for submission.

[Margaret Ryall]

There's something about seeing the actual papers, compiling them and then using colour. It gets my attention every time.

I've tried various ways to keep track of my art life, but I keep going back to the simplest format. I use a 6 pocket file, one per month, and file the calls back to front. I keep a master sheet glued to the front with the dates due and cross off as I've completed the task. Up to this point I've never needed more than six pockets.

Your blog is on my blog list so I've been checking in with your blog for awhile now and I'm enjoying your posts.

[Jan]

I'm with you! Sometimes the simplest way is the best way. But I use the Sunbird calendar software (it's free). I put everything in it and it starts up when I check my email. I have it set up to show a list of what's due when along with the current month. I use to keep track of everything - when bills are due, art contest, shows, etc. And it supports color coding of items. It works for me.