Collective Conversations with Matt Lawson

Product Manager, Gallery Systems

With a background rooted in fine art and museum practice, Matt Lawson brings both creative insight and firsthand institutional experience to his role as Product Manager at Gallery Systems. Beginning his career at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Matt spent over a decade working in digital imaging and asset management, where he developed a passion for improving the systems that help museums manage their collections. His early involvement as a client collaborating on the development of TMS Media Studio offered a rare perspective on how integrated technologies can transform workflows across cultural institutions. Now, as Product Manager overseeing TMS for Windows, TMS Collections, TMS Media Studio, and TMS Conservation Studio, Matt draws on that experience to guide development, strengthen client connections, and shape tools that help museums work more efficiently. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, what motivates his work, and the shared sense of purpose that drives Gallery Systems’ culture.

Please can you tell us a bit about your museum background and how you got into product management?

I never imagined I would end up as a product manager; it’s been quite an interesting journey! I earned my bachelor’s degree in fine art photography and was fortunate to begin my career at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) as a Digital Imaging Specialist. As our collection of digital assets grew, it became clear that we needed a more efficient way to manage them, which sparked my interest in digital asset management (DAM) systems.

Over the 14 years I spent at MFAH, my role increasingly focused on DAM implementation and strategy. We eventually adopted a DAM solution, and I collaborated with the TMS Administrator to create an in-house integration. That experience opened my eyes to the potential of a fully integrated DAM–CMS platform for the cultural heritage sector. Around that time, Gallery Systems began developing TMS Media Studio, a DAM application built on the same database as TMS Collections and TMS for Windows, eliminating the need for complex integrations.

We became early adopters of TMS Media Studio and worked closely with Gallery Systems to refine features for its initial release. Not long after, I joined Gallery Systems as a Quality Assurance Analyst, focusing on TMS Media Studio. That role gave me the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of not only TMS Media Studio but also the entire TMS Suite. In 2022, I transitioned into the role of Product Manager for TMS Media Studio, and as of 2025, I’ve taken on the exciting challenge of overseeing product management for the full TMS Suite.

What drew you to work at Gallery Systems on TMS Media Studio?

As I mentioned earlier, I was intrigued by the concept of a digital asset management (DAM) system fully integrated with a collections management system, specifically, TMS Collections. I also recognized that the TMS database offers far more contexts than just Objects to which media can be attached, and that realization was what truly sparked my interest.

Most third-party DAM vendors that claim to integrate with TMS Collections tend to focus primarily on exchanging media related only to Object records. TMS Media Studio, however, enables users to link media files to all TMS modules and to specific contexts within those modules. For example, I can attach images or video footage documenting an event directly to its corresponding Event record, or link scanned documents related to loans and shipments to their respective records.

Because TMS Media Studio uses the same database as TMS, there’s no external “integration” layer, meaning there’s no lag in the data. When I view a record in TMS Media Studio, I know I’m seeing the most current and accurate information available. In contrast, when I previously worked with third-party DAM systems integrated with TMS Collections, we always had to warn users that the data pulled from TMS might be outdated (our system updated every 24 hours) and encourage them to verify details in TMS Collections before using them for projects. With TMS Media Studio, that concern disappears entirely, saving users a significant amount of time and ensuring data integrity.

Liz, VP of Product, and Matt, Product Manager, at a Gallery Systems event.

What does a typical day look like for you as a product manager?

I often joke that opening my computer in the morning feels a bit like being shot out of a cannon! What I mean by that is that Gallery Systems is a global company, and I work with colleagues spread across multiple time zones. Mornings are the few hours when our schedules overlap, so they tend to be packed with meetings and collaboration. Any spare time before noon is usually spent making sure that teammates finishing their day have everything they need from me before signing off.

Afternoons are when I can focus on deeper, uninterrupted work. As a product manager, my role sits at the intersection of nearly every department. Depending on the day, that can mean working with developers on new features, collaborating with marketing and sales on presentations or promotional materials, meeting with client special interest groups to gather feedback and inform roadmaps, or assisting the QA team during the final stages of testing before a release.

What’s one part of your role you find particularly rewarding or challenging?

For me, the most rewarding part is talking with clients. I genuinely miss “being in that seat” at a cultural heritage institution, and collaborating with clients allows me to stay connected to that world. Brainstorming ideas together gives me a chance to vicariously experience the work I once did directly. If I can help guide new development that enhances and streamlines a client’s workflow, that’s incredibly fulfilling. Having once been a Gallery Systems client myself, I know how valuable that collaboration can be and I want to pay that forward.

The most challenging aspect is not always having an immediate answer or solution when a client raises a question or issue. I’m a bit of a people pleaser, so it’s hard for me to feel like I’m leaving someone waiting without a quick response. Fortunately, our clients have been wonderfully patient and understanding, which I deeply appreciate. I’m also very comfortable admitting when I don’t know something, if there’s a silver lining, it’s that clients can trust I’ll only share information I know is accurate and reliable.

What do you love most about Gallery Systems’ company culture, and how does it influence the work you do?

Gallery Systems has always felt a bit like a family, even back when I was a client. Many of my colleagues have had similar career paths, having worked in cultural heritage institutions before joining the company. In some cases, I even knew them from conferences we attended while we were both in our previous roles.

But it’s more than just seeing familiar faces. I’m surrounded by people who share a genuine passion for the same kinds of work and ideas that inspire me. That shared enthusiasm creates an environment where collaboration feels natural and meaningful, and it directly influences how I approach product development, with empathy for our clients and a real understanding of their goals and challenges.

The team and clients enjoying an evening of great food and conversation.

How has the product evolved since you joined the team?

When I first stepped into the Product Manager role for TMS Media Studio, the company was in the midst of a multi-year initiative focused on expanding digital asset management (DAM) functionality and reinforcing our value as a DAM solution built specifically for the cultural heritage sector. I kept returning to two guiding principles: enabling more meaningful ways to associate media assets with different types of records and eliminating the need for integration altogether.

One of our first major achievements was developing a comprehensive, web-based Media Importer tool that allows users to import and link media assets across all modules in the TMS database. After that, we expanded TMS Media Studio to include all TMS modules for media search and retrieval. Step by step, we’ve continued to add DAM capabilities to bring feature parity with other systems while maintaining our focus on what matters most to our clients.

Most recently, we launched TMS MediaCapture, a companion mobile application that pushes the envelope even further making it faster and easier to upload media assets directly to the TMS database and link them to corresponding records. We also have some exciting enhancements in development right now, so stay tuned!

I recently stepped into the Product Manager role for TMS Collections and TMS Conservation Studio, in addition to overseeing TMS Media Studio. While I’m still getting my feet wet, two guiding priorities keep coming to mind.

First, I want to ensure that each release meets the highest possible standard of quality by thoroughly addressing any software issues reported in previous versions. Second, I’m focused on helping clients feel confident and comfortable transitioning from TMS for Windows to our web-based products. As a former die-hard TMS for Windows user myself, I can completely empathize with those who have spent years mastering the system and know it inside and out.

Finally, I’m committed to making sure we continue improving all of our products across the board, so be on the lookout for ongoing enhancements and new developments in the near future.

What’s one recent feature or improvement you’re especially proud of?

I’m especially proud of the launch of TMS MediaCapture, the mobile companion application for TMS Media Studio. It’s Gallery Systems’ first-ever mobile application and mine too! I learned a tremendous amount during the process of setting up the company’s iOS and Google Play developer accounts, as well as navigating the testing, approval, and release workflows for both platforms.

I also want to give a special shoutout to our mobile developer, Khobab Zubair. Years before I joined Gallery Systems, Khobab had built a proof-of-concept object lookup mobile app. When we began brainstorming new functionality for TMS Media Studio, he mentioned that earlier prototype, something I hadn’t known existed. He was able to build on that foundation to bring TMS MediaCapture to life in a remarkably short period of time.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your role?

I think many people assume that a Product Manager makes all of the high-visibility decisions, and while that’s true to an extent, the reality is that those decisions are ultimately driven by our clients’ needs. My role is really about translating those needs into solutions that benefit as many clients as possible.

The real decision-making behind the scenes is far less glamorous. It’s about ensuring that client needs are met effectively, balancing competing priorities, and coordinating efforts across teams so that we can deliver meaningful improvements in a realistic timeframe. It certainly doesn’t all happen overnight, though I often wish it did!

What inspires or motivates you most in your work?

I often think back to my roots in fine art. In a drawing or painting class, you refine, iterate, and continuously improve the piece you’re working on—and that rhythm has always resonated with me. I trust that process deeply, and I see product management in a similar way: evolving, refining, and striving to make something better with each iteration.

It’s especially rewarding to work this way within a team. There’s real satisfaction in seeing every member excited about their contributions and supportive of one another’s efforts. Everyone at Gallery Systems genuinely seems happy to be working toward a common goal that’s bigger than any one of us. I’ve never cared much about “leading” a team; what matters to me is being part of one. There’s something really beautiful about collaborating within a like-minded group where everyone values and understands each person’s unique strengths.

Allison, Dave, and Matt enjoying dinner together after completing a successful group project.

Any advice for someone looking to break into product management?

Be very intentional about how you manage your time. Pay attention to how much of your day is spent in meetings versus how much is spent on focused work and find the right balance between the two. Every meeting, even the quick ones, is an opportunity to learn something new, so approach each one with curiosity and purpose.

What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you that might surprise people?

I’m an extremely curious person and love to constantly learn new things. One of my favorite ways to entertain myself is to have these ‘adventures in…’ phases where I pick a topic and explore every variety or version of it. It’s my way of developing both knowledge and personal taste while having fun in the process.

Most of the time, these adventures involve food… “adventures in apples,” “adventures in heirloom bean varieties,” “adventures in wine appellations and grape varietals,” “adventures in baking different types of bread.” Okay, fine, it’s always about food!

Matt’s path from museum professional to product manager highlights how deep sector knowledge and lived user experience can translate into meaningful innovation. His collaborative approach embodies Gallery Systems’ values, listening closely to clients, focusing on quality, and ensuring that every enhancement to the TMS Suite supports real-world museum needs. From launching TMS MediaCapture to improving the transition from TMS for Windows to TMS Collections, Matt’s work reflects a commitment to both technological progress and the people who make it possible. As museums continue to evolve their digital ecosystems, his perspective underscores the importance of empathy, teamwork, and a shared dedication to the stewardship of collections.

If your institution is ready to discover how Gallery Systems can support your collections management goals, contact us today to connect with our team of experts.