Artist Statement vs. Artist Bio: What’s the Difference?
Two and a half years ago when I started an art business I didn’t know anything about the art world. I was basically at the Kindergarten level and needed to learn a lot, fast. I was clueless the first time I was asked for a bio and an artist statement and it was difficult to find informative information. My hope is that this blog will help new artists write winning statements and bios that reflect who they are as artists and make their applications stand out.
Key Points:
A Bio should be written in 3rd person. Think of it as your introduction and a glimpse into your background. For example, if you were a guest on a podcast, the host would read your bio to the audience to introduce you.
A Statement is written in 1st person. This is your opportunity to allow the audience a peek inside your soul as an artist. What, how and why do you paint. What do you want people to feel when they look at your art.
Never combine them
Both of these documents are living works. This means they will evolve just like you and your art, and they should be continually updated to reflect that.
Writing An Artist Bio:
I found this analogy helpful; a Bio is to a CV as a book jacket is to a book. A highly condensed version of the story of you and your art journey. It is a summary of awards, achievements, education, your art, etc. If you are like me and didn’t attend art school and haven’t collected any awards yet, you may feel intimidated. Just skip that part and keep the bio short and related to your art. If you have any life experiences that have been impactful to your art journey, be sure to include them. Other items to include are:
Where were born and raised
Where do you currently live
What type of art do you create
Feel free to mention a hobby if it relates to your art. For example, if you are passionate about growing flowers and they are a strong influence in your work you should include this.
Include any awards, exhibitions, gallery representations, etc.
Your game plan should be to write a 1st draft, then edit it down to no more than 300 words. This will become your long version bio.
Next, edit the long version to 150 words or less. This will be your short version, and yes you need both. Different applications have different requirements.
Next, edit the short version down to 1-3 sentences. Occasionally you will need a very brief bio.
Writing An Artist Statement:
Your artist statement should describe your work with clarity, focus and passion in a way that conveys who you are as an artist, and what your art is about. Think of it as an embellished elevator pitch. Here are 5 questions that should be answered in your artist statement:
Why do you make the type of art that you do?
What does you art represent?
What inspires you?
How do you make it?
Don’t just list the supplies or method, explain why you choose your tools and method
What does your art mean to you?
Keep your statement short and simple, but make sure you convey the essence of you. Your goal is to stand out and entice the reader to want to see your art and meet you!