What you need to include and what you need to leave out

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)
BFA Admission Application Instructions

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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!

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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

• Joanne Mattera Art Blog: Marketing Mondays: Rethinking the Artist's Statement
  Joanne Mattera focuses on the presentation of the Artist Statement and how it can be improved - so it actually gets read "Considering the way we read the printed page as just described, or surf the net with a series mouse clicks and flashing images,
• Joanne Mattera Art Blog: Marketing Mondays: 10 Tips For Writing a Clear Artist Statement
  10 Tips For Writing a Clear Artist Statement
• Deborah Paris: Artist Statement, part II
  Recently I contacted Alyson Stanfield with a marketing question. She asked me for my artist statement and noted that she could not find it on my web site. Hmmm-well, of course not.

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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

• Joanne Mattera Art Blog: Marketing Mondays: 10 Tips For Writing a Clear Artist Statement Joanne Mattera offers ten very practical and thoughtful tips for writing an artist's statement
• Joanne Mattera Art Blog: Marketing Mondays: Rethinking the Artist's Statement Here's what I hate about artists' statements: On an 11 x 8½ sheet of paper, the artist writes "Artist Statement" at the top and sticks a couple of short paragraphs of often impenetrable prose toward the top of the page
• Artist Bio vs. Artist Statement - The K-W Central Art Walk
  If you want to write a better bio or statement, here's a quick primer on how to do it, as well as some tips on knowing the differences between the two.

Art Business Writers

• Rework Your Artist Statement with 3 Answers | Art Biz Blog Aside from your contact list, an artist's statement is his or her most useful marketing tool. Rework your statement by answering 3 questions.
• Supply Your Why In Your Artist Story | Art Biz Blog Your artist story is an opportunity for you to connect with readers, followers, and potential buyers. Your brand revolves around it. Your artist story is your 'Why?'

• 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!

UK: The Relatively Pain-Free Artist Statement

USA: The Relatively Pain-Free Artist Statement

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The problem of gaps in your artist statement

• What to do with a gap in your artist resume | Art Biz Blog I received this question from Judith Glover. She asks:My resume from 14 years ago when I was a watercolor artist is impressive, but I didn't create art between then and now. My new work is totally different.

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.

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BACK to 'How to write an Artist Statement'
NEXT to: Examples of Artists' Statements

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