Important Advice For Creating Your “About The Artist” Page

Every day I have the pleasure of making several hundred visits to artists’ websites; however, I’m sorry to say that on many of those visits, I am disappointed by what I encounter. Many artists fail to present themselves professionally to visitors of their websites and ignore how they share information with potential art buyers, galleries and curators. They don’t give proper attention to creating their “About The Artist” page. Hopefully, this article “Important Advice For Creating Your About The Artist Page” will change that.

It’s More Than Your Art That Determines Your Art Career Success

As an artist mentor and curator I take several things into serious consideration when I visit artists’ website.  I view them from different perspectives. My art education, knowledge of art history, experience as a curator, and many years as an artist mentor — all of these factors influence me.

I closely examine the artists’ jpeg submissions for the quality of the images, their overall creative vision, innovation, technical skills, and more. I also take time reading the statements they submitted. That procedure is followed by visits to their websites. At a quick glance, I can determine the level of professional commitment and so much more about the artists, which influence my decision-making process.

And, may I add, I’m not alone. I know that many art collectors, gallery owners, corporate art consultants, grant sponsors, and the press also pay attention to these details.

Where Are the “About The Artist” Pages?
On these visits to the artists’ websites, I always shocked to see the absence of  professionally created “About the Artist” pages. It’s a shame that many artists defer to a brief introduction on their home page that may best be described as a superficial or non-professional description about themselves.

At the risk of seeming harsh, I’d rather read about the three art awards you earned than learning how many dogs you own and each of their names. And, I’d rather read how you create your art now than what you created as a child.

We all have limited time so please prioritize what you write about and make it clear and succinct.

The Inaccurate Conclusion
A large number of artists may have added an About the Artist page; however, they are often missing important career-related experiences such as exhibitions, awards, or press. That leads the visitor to believe (maybe not accurately), that they do not have any credentials, or they do but the artist doesn’t think it’s important to include them on their website.

That’s a big mistake.

Writing With Errors
Many artists do display information about their career journey; however, they do it improperly. For example, they don’t know how to arrange the text in order of priority. Or, they write and publish content without checking for typographical errors. For example, they may list an exhibition with the incorrect title or have misspelled the name of the award, gallery or juror of the exhibition.

The Difference Between an Artist’s Biography and Artist’s Statement
Another major misstep is many artists don’t know the difference between an Artist’s Biography and Artist’s Statement and how to write them properly. Sadly, these errors lead to many missed opportunities.

You’ll find links to informative articles on both below.

Bravo to the Artists Who Get it Right!
Many artists make me jump for joy! Visiting their websites is a smooth, enjoyable experience and answer to a curator’s dreams. They have easy to navigate pages. They have an easy to find and visible link to their About page and include all important components, such as using subheadings: Artist Biography; Statement; Resume; Exhibitions; and Press.

Their “About the Artist” pages say to me, “Welcome to my website. I am a professional artist! Learn more about me!”

Time and Effort Pay Off
It is quickly apparent that these artists have spent time learning and writing their Artist’s Biography in the third person, a summary of their career journey.

They have written a clear and unique Artist’s Statement, in the first person, that informs us about the choices they make in creating their art. They show us they know why they create the art they do.

They may offer us a separate Resume or CV page that is in listing format, and they know the proper way to do it.

They may choose to display a separate Exhibitions page and post the images of the exhibition announcements.

These artists also add the Press category to their Resume or may opt to create a separate page and share visuals of the pages from publications that have featured their art. They know that having received publicity for their art is an important credential for art galleries, writers, buyers, and collectors.

They also add a photograph of themselves in “their zones” — whether it is en plein air or in their studio at their easel, working on a painting or sculpture, or with a camera in their hands. They know this will give potential art buyers the opportunity to see the creative spirit behind the artwork. People are more likely to support businesses when they feel as if they “know” the owners.

The photograph of Denisa Prochazka, shown above, is a perfect example.

Reaping the Rewards
These artists have learned that the more organized, clearly defined, detailed and easy to follow pages they share, the more apt they are to increase their chances of receiving the attention, respect, and the opportunities they deserve.

Visit Other Professional Artists’ Websites
I encourage you to visit any of the online exhibitions I have curated on the Manhattan Arts International and The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS websites. Then, visit the artists’ websites of those who have been selected. Pay close attention to how they created their “About the Artist” pages. I think you’ll learn a lot from what you see.

Read These Articles
If you need to be reminded how to create your written pages, visit these articles:
What is An Artist’s Resume/CV and How to Prepare It
How to Write Your Artist’s Biography
How to Write Your Artist’s Statement
Simple Basic Writing Tips

Also read, Does Your Art Website Pass Their Test?

Do You Need Help With Writing?
I write Artist’s Biographies and Art Reviews for Artists. Check out those services.