Artist Resource: Project Management
All business owners are managers, whether they have a one-person operation or are a member of a team. Some artists are diligent about maintaining a work schedule, creating and meeting milestones; others of us get overwhelmed and don't know how to start a new project. From incorporating a business to installing an exhibit, dividing a project into four phases can help you come in on time and on budget.
Initiation phase: First, define the project. Write down what you want to accomplish, what the commercial benefit will be, and who you will work with.
Planning phase: Next, create a detailed plan.
Make a list of each task you will undertake, any cost associated with each step (a budget), and all the risks associated with the project. List the materials you'll need, and where will you get them. Assign begin-dates and end-dates to each task. Alongside the risks, map out your ideas for managing them.
Execution phase: This is where you bring the project to life. Use your begin- and end-dates as motivation. Be flexible. It is OK to adjust your timeline if you need to.
Closure phase:
Once complete, look back and ask yourself how you did.
In this important and often overlooked phase of managing a project, ask yourself what you could have done better. What worked well? What did you learn? How will you improve your work next time? Make notes of what you learned, and use them in the future.
If you are the kind of person who likes organizational tools,
Smartsheet is a great online project management tool that you can try out for free.
Want to learn more about project management for artists? The Arts Council would like to host a workshop. Please help us plan by
providing your feedback here.
