GYSTBasic Has Hundreds of Features to Help You Get Your Sh*t Together!

The best way to check out the software is with our free 30 day trial.

TRY Now

Buy Now

Comparison Chart

Written expressly for visual artists, GYST is a database program to help artists keep track of their artwork, business aspects, proposals, mailing lists, etc. It also includes tons of information on every aspect of an artists' career, including over 200 web links and resources for additional perspectives on business aspects of the arts, and 400 pages of vital information for artists.

GYST User Guide, Getting Started Guide and Installation Instructions
User Information Survey
Exhibition Information
Presentation Ideas
Master To Do List
Artwork Inventory
Getting The Word Out
Proposal Tracking
Grants & Proposals
Legal Issues and Contracts
Artist's Statements
Resume
Research Notes
Business Issues (less than Pro version)
Links and Resources


 

GYST Installation Manual PDF

GYST Getting Started Guide PDF

GYST User Guide PDF: Over two hundred pages chock full of User Information that you didn't even know you needed!

(all three are located inside the GYST Folder, inside the Documentation Folder after you install)

User Information: To personalize this file, fill in your user information. It will automatically pop up on all other parts of the database.

Survey: Take the GYST survey to get an idea of what you know and don't. It is a good idea to take the survey at the beginning. Gauge your learning curve by taking the survey as often as possible. The survey will automatically add up your score to see how you are doing.

Exhibition Forms: Forms to help you keep track of your exhibitions, budgets, and to do lists for each project. Create an Artwork List for each of your exhibitions and print it out in a number of ways.

• A form for each of your exhibitions
• A list of your exhibitions
• An Artwork Checklist for each show or project
• Exhibition or project budget
• An Exhibition To Do List

Presentation Ideas: A list of what to expect from different venues, pros and cons and ideas for showing outside a traditional context.

• Museums
• Commercial Galleries
• Nonprofit and Artist-run Spaces
• Alternative Venues
• College and University Galleries
• Private Art Dealers and Agents
• Rental Galleries
• Corporate Art Collections
• Slide Registries
• Open Studios
• On-line Galleries and Sales Sites
• Vanity Galleries
• Juried Exhibitions
• Co-op Galleries
• Public Art Programs
• Art Fairs and Festivals
• Auctions and Benefits
• Other Sites to Consider

Master To Do List: A handy "to do" list to keep track of all the details. It can be sorted by project, dates, and/or priority. You also have a separate Exhibition To Do List in the Exhibition Forms section so you don't have to lump everything together. Includes three different views to keep track of your life.

Artwork Inventory: Enter each artwork you finish in this database and never lose an artwork again. Keep track of your inventory by titles, sizes etc. You can import a photo, describe the work, and track by number. You can also keep track of where the work is, when it should have been returned, and if it has sold. Don't wait until you have made a name for yourself to begin this process. Even Robert Rauschenberg doesn't know where all his early work is.

• Artwork Form to keep track of all the details of your work, including prices, if it is available, editions, condition of the work, expenses and other information.
• Artwork List will list each work you enter into a list where you can see all of it at one time.
• Print multiple image reports including one, two, four or 9 images at once, or as a list with or without prices and an image Artwork Expenses: keep track of the expenses for each artwork so you will know that your pricing is correct.
• Artwork Tracking: keep track of just where your artwork is. Enter a time when it should be returned and never forget about where that work is again. You can then contact the person who did not return it and find out what is up.
• A Sales section: includes an invoice/receipt form and list of your sales.
• Add as many images as you need per artwork, including details.
• Manage your Editions.
• Framed and Unframed sizes both in inches and centimeters.
• Multiple choices for currency.

Getting the Word Out: A guide to writing and sending out press releases, press packets, invitations, and other public relations ideas. Once you make the work, make sure others know about it.

• Information about publicizing your project
• Instructions on doing a press release
• A form for your press release
• A list of your press releases

Proposal Tracking: Ever forgotten where you have sent proposals and slides? Keep track of all your grants, proposals, deadlines, and when you should hear from funders or organizations.

Grants & Proposals: This is a good place to keep track of all the research information you gather about funders, grants and proposals. Have the contact information, and deadlines at your fingertips.

• Contact information about everyone you send a proposal or grant out to
• Dates you should hear a reply and the status of the proposal
• A list of your proposals and grants
• Track invoices and payments you receive

Legal Issues and Contracts: This has information about copyright, and various artists' rights laws. It also includes a list of contract content you can use as a checklist.

• Legal Issues:
• Copyright
• Visual Artist Rights Act
• Resale Royalties Act
• Other Rights

• Contracts:
• Introduction to Contracts
• List of Contracts (checklists):
• Contract for the Sale of an Artwork
• Invoice for the Sale of an Artwork
• Contract to Commission an Artwork
• Contract for the Receipt and Holding of an Artwork
• Artist Gallery Contract
• Contract for an Exhibition Loan
• Contract for an Artist's Lecture
• Contract to Create a Media Piece for Distribution
• Licensing Contract for Images
• Release Form
• Property Release Form
• Independent Curator's Contract

Back to Top

Artist's Statements: A good guide to writing an artist's statement. Helpful hints are included, as well as suggestions for writer's block.

• How to write an artist's statement
• A form for writing your artist's statement
• A list of your artist's statement
• An article on writer's block

Resume: A guide for creating useful resumes for jobs, teaching, and artist projects. Useful hints for keeping your resume up-to-date.

• Hints for writing a resume
• A form for writing your resume
• A list of your different resumes
• A sample resume

Mailing List: A good mailing list is a must for getting the word out about your projects and exhibitions. This searchable database has all the categories for a basic mailing list. Sort by category, zip code, address, or name.

• A form for entering information on all your contacts
• A form for a second address
• Import mailing lists from other sources
• Categories or similars to keep track of who they are (artist, press, gallery, etc)
• A list of your contacts
• A Table form to view information
• Letter Form
• Mailing Labels
• Envelopes
• A report list with name, company and phone only

Documentation: Although slide labels will be history soon, many applications still require them. This section will introduce the current changes in documenting your work.

• Information on portfolios
• Information on documentation changes
• Information on documenting your work
• Slide label information
• Slide label entry form
• Slide label print form
• Information on digital portfolios
• A portfolio checklist
• Applying to art school

Research Notes: A place to keep track of your research notes. Great for writers or for collecting gobs of information and sorting it later. You can sort by keywords, project name, the notes text itself, if it is a quote or not and the source.

Back to Top

Links and Resources: Links and resources for most of your business-related needs and more. Includes publications and organizations, Web sites, and more.

• A reading list of suggested articles, books, or web sites with information.
• A links and resources data entry page where you can delete and enter your own resources, as well as use the ones included.
• A list of links and resources to scan easily, and sort by category.

 

Back to Top