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Having a reliable data backup solution in place is essential to everyone who uses a computer, especially artists who create, modify, or store their artwork digitally. In this article we will discuss why you should backup your data, suggest which data you should backup, recommend data backup solutions, and offer tips to help you keep your valuable data safe.

Why backup your data and files?
It’s easy to think your data is safe, especially if you haven’t had any previous data loss situations. But the truth is your important files are subject to many hazards, including: data corruption, hard drive failures, accidental deletion, viruses, natural disasters, etc.

You should ask yourself this question: What would I do if I turned on my computer and all my files were gone? How much time and money would it take to replace or recreate all the files you lost? Could you even replace them? Take the time now to consider your current situation. If you don’t have any current data backups, do something about it now!

What data should you backup?
As an artist, you need to at least backup your images and artwork source files and any related documentation (contracts, invoices, proposals, client contact information, etc). Take a few minutes to think about every piece of information you need to do your job and add it to your backup list.

Other data you should backup: email and address book, browser favorites, IM contact lists, media files (music, movies, etc), important documents, application data, artwork source files, etc.

Data Backup Options
There are several data backup options you can choose from to fit your needs and budget. Automated backup software and manual backups are two.

Backup Software
Backup software running on your PC or Mac is the ideal option, as it allows you to backup your data and files at the click of a button. Most backup software lets you choose which hard drives, folders, or individual files you want to backup, and to schedule automatic backup times (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). You can choose where to backup your files to: a second hard drive, a CD burner, a DVD burner, or another computer on your network.

Reliable backup software is essential even if you are on a tight budget. There are lots of backup software available. (We use WinBackup for our personal and work computers).

Manual Backup
For those of you who simply can’t afford backup software, don’t worry. You can backup your data by hand by copying your files to another device, such as a second hard drive, a CD burner, a DVD burner, or another computer. Every day when you are finished working at your computer, copy your selected files to your device of choice. It is important to backup your data to a different location than your main hard drive. If your hard drive fails, a backup on that drive will be useless.

Data Backup Tips

• Backup your data everyday
• Keep multiple backup versions - Archive your backups and don’t overwrite existing backups. If may be several days or even weeks before you notice a corrupted file. If you’ve been overwriting your backups each day, you will have lost the intact file.
• Name your backups by date - For example, you should use names like: “artwork_backup_nov_16.xxx.” Use descriptive filenames so you know what files are where and can easily be recovered if needed.
• Store your backups in multiple locations - What happens if your house burns down or your computer is stolen? If your backups are located in the same place, they are at risk. You should create “master” backups of your data that can be stored in a safe deposit box, or with a trusted friend or relative.