Prominent journalists have been using the “Inverted Pyramid” style for ages. It’s a valuable lesson I learned while serving as the Editor of Manhattan Arts International magazine under the mentorship of a leading United Press International correspondent. Since then, whenever I write an art business article or an artist’s biography I follow this style.
When you write your artist’s biography with the Inverted Pyramid style you’ll enhance your art writing skills and self-promotion.
This style of writing is called an “Inverted Pyramid” because it follows the visual image of an upside-down pyramid. It reminds you to think about priority order and write the most important information first and less significant facts in the paragraphs that follow.
This style of writing is more important now than ever, as visitors to your art website will probably be in a hurry and read or recall only the first part of the first paragraph of your biography. Based on what you write in the beginning, readers will quickly decide whether they want to read more. Also, by focusing on the most important keywords in the first paragraph on your “About the Artist” page, you’ll be boosting your SEO.
So, the simple and vital lesson is, don’t bury your important achievements in the middle or bottom of the pyramid! Begin your artist’s biography with confidence. Don’t be shy. Write about your proudest accomplishments and most interesting events in your life and you’ll be encouraging your readers to continue reading more about you.
See the Difference – Before and After
Below you will see two biographies about an artist who was asked to submit her text for an important gallery exhibition. The first version is quite adequate but it doesn’t emphasize the most important accomplishments in the right order. The second example followed the “Inverted Pyramid” style and added some important details. Do you see the difference?
Ordinary Artist’s Biography
Amy Richards converted an old barn into her art studio where she gives art lessons to children and adults. Every year she presents a portrait painting demonstration for the local community college. She is inspired by the portrait paintings of famous artists Renoir and Sargent and paints in the style of realism with bold and expressive elements. She has exhibited her artwork internationally. ABC magazine has written about her work and featured it on the cover. She won First Place in the Blue Ridge Art Association’s annual exhibition at the GMA Museum. She works full-time as an artist.
Artist’s Biography Using the Inverted Pyramid Style
Amy Richards is an internationally exhibited full-time artist known for her bold and expressive portrait paintings created in the style of realism. She has received many awards including First Place in the Blue Ridge Art Association’s annual exhibition at the GMA Museum. The ABC Art magazine featured her artwork on the cover of their “Outstanding Artists of the Year” issue. In her art we see influences by Renoir and Sargent; however, her style is uniquely her own. For this reason she is often invited to present portrait painting demonstrations. She creates art and teaches painting to children and adults in her new modernized 2,000 square foot art studio.
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