The Important Differences Between Your Artist’s Biography and Your Artist’s Statement and How to Write Them

On a daily basis I have the pleasure of visiting dozens of artists’ websites, either as part of my curatorial process for a new exhibition or in preparation for my writing services when artists are seeking feedback about their art. Suffice to say, I have read a myriad of diverse examples of Artist’s Biographies and Artist’s Statements, ranging from excellent to those that are written incorrectly. Many artists make courageous attempts to writing them; however it seems they may be confused about what they are and how they differ. For those reasons I felt compelled to write this article that explains the important differences between your Artist’s Biography and your Artist’s Statement.

You also find links to several articles that will help you write them properly and avoid unnecessary pitfalls artists fall into when writing them.

What is Your Artist’s Biography?

When selling and promoting your art your Artist’s Biography provides prospective buyers, gallery owners, curators, grant givers and writers knowledge about you. They want to know about your career accomplishments before they decide to invest in your art and/or grant your request.

Your Artist’s Biography is essential for you as a professional artist and must be written with the highest degree of care and attention.

It serves to provide the reader with background information about you as an artist and learn about your career credentials.

Your Artist’s Biography contains much of the same information as a résumé, however, unlike a résumé or CV which is arranged in a listing format your Artist’s Biography is written in an editorial style format.

Briefly stated, your Artist’s Biography is text written in the third person (she, he).

There are many uses for your Artist’s Biography which is why it is important to write it the best way you can. You can use it to promote your art on your website and blog on your “About the Artist” page. You will find it useful when creating your profile on your social media platforms. It will serve as information in your cover letter to a gallery or other art official. Last, but not least, you will need it most often when applying to a juried exhibition or submitting a grant application, among many other professional uses.

What is Your Artist’s Statement?

Your Artist’s Statement is text written in the first person (I, my).

Your Artist’s Statement describes your artwork, your goal/intention as an artist, and your source(s) of inspiration.

An artist’s statement aims to describe, inform, connect with an art context, and present the basis for your artwork.

The many benefits to having a well-written Artist’s Statement include providing you with the opportunity to share your creative process and inspiration and communicate how you produce your art in your chosen medium.

Your Artist’s Statement will serve as a useful tool on its own, and it will also enhance your verbal communication about your art.

As you grow your art career, your Artist’s Statement will provide you with a clear direction when you are creating your art.

Your Artist’s Statement will help you explain your work to a dealer, grant giver, writer, and prospective buyer.

Why do you need an Artist’s Statement?

An Artist’s Statement is often a requirement when applying for a grant, submitting your art to a gallery, supplying materials for an upcoming one-person exhibition or an article or interview with a member of the press, etc.

On a practical level, your Artist’s Statement helps you sell more art. Selling requires reaching out to and connecting with prospective buyers. As your viewers learn more about you by reading your Artist’s Statement they will become more engaged with you and your work and their desire to purchase it will grow. Read How to Write Your Artist’s Statement

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