What you need to include and what you need to leave out
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EXAMPLE: Parsons School of Design BFA Instructions

Artist Statement: What do you make, how do you make it, and why do you make it? Where do you visualize your creative abilities and academic study taking you after your education at Parsons? (Maximum 500 words)
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BFA Admission Application Instructions
It's fair to say that the content of an artist statement will vary depending on:
  • the age and status of an artist and 
  • where they are in their career - and 
  • what sorts of activities they are involved in.

So that means that what you write that's appropriate for you won't be the same as what somebody else writes if they're a different age, status, experience etc - and vice versa.
This page provides a number of links to reputable sources that I rate. Various people have various opinions as to what an artist statement should contain. 

I'd also advise that you give your Artist Statement to somebody you know for feedback. See if they can advise you as to whether it's representative of you and presents you well.

Finally - Looking at examples is good - but don't copy!

Formats or Templates?
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The answer to all your prayers?

People seem to be very keen to get an artist statement format or an artist statement template.

I'm guessing there's an assumption that having one of these might make dull and/or sparse content look better.

However anybody thinking this would be wrong!  Dull content is just dull whichever way you present it.

A more practical reason for needing a format?

A more practical reason why some artists want a template or format is because they experience mild or profound dyslexia and actually have very real problems organising words on a page.

The best option for people in this position is to:
  • find somebody to work with to write a statement
  • start with a simple check-list of questions and record your answers
Will anybody read your statement the way you've presented it?

Experienced artists and art business bloggers give their perspective on how to present your Artist's Statement

Good Advice from.....
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Educational Institutions

The Artist Statement - UCA: University for the Creative Arts
A good artist statement will support your professional practice, for example: 
  • Giving brief information to support an exhibition or catalogue
  • Submitting a proposal 
  • Applying for a grant 
  • It should be concise and effective​
Practising Professional Artists
Art Business Writers
  • GYST: Getting Your Sh*t Together: Artist Statement
    Almost every institution, gallery, critic, curator, funding resource, and collector will ask for or require an artist statement at some point, so it’s good to have an updated artist statement ready at all times
The Relatively Pain-Free Artist Statement Kindle Edition by Alyson Stanfield
This book recommends a journalling approach to developing a statement.

My own view is that the price is somewhat expensive relative to its length. I can't help feeling it would sell more and get more reviews if the pricing recognised it was a 42 page Kindle book!
Is my artist statement done?

The problem of gaps in your artist statement

Have you finished your artist statement?

The Infographic in this post Is my artist statement done? (see below) is a neat check on whether or not you have actually finished your artist statement
.... or need to work some more on it.