Art Business Info. for Artists
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    • How to write an Artist's Statement >
      • What is an Artist Statement?
      • Why you need an Artist's Statement
      • TIPS How to write an artist statement
      • The Language of an Artist's Statement
      • What an artist statement should contain
      • Examples of Artists Statements
    • How to write an Artist's Resume or CV >
      • Social Media summaries
      • CV for Artists
      • Resume for Artists
      • Biography for Artists
    • How to sign a painting, drawing or fine art print
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    • Publicity for Juried Exhibitions
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      • Why websites matter
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      • How to pack and ship pastel paintings
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What should an
​Artist's Statement contain?

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

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?
​

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.

Good Advice from.....
​

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

Is my artist statement done?

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.

BACK to 'How to write an Artist Statement'
NEXT to:
  • What is an artist statement?
  • Why you need an artist's statement
  • How to write an artist statement (TIPS)
  • The language of an Artist's Statement - serious and humorous
  • ​Examples of Artist Statements - including what famous artists do
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  • Home
    • Art Business Information Index
  • NEWS
  • PRACTICE
    • Starting Out - Tips
    • Being a Professional artist >
      • Working Lives of Professional Artists
      • Artists' Side Hustles
      • Artists' Residencies
      • Artists Unions
    • Best Art Business Books
    • Learning Opportunities >
      • Art Schools in the UK
      • Art Business Courses
    • Image Management for Artists >
      • How to photograph art
      • How To Scan Artwork
      • How to back up image files
    • Law for Artists >
      • Legal Matters
      • Data Protection for Art and Artists
      • Brexit Guidance for Art and Artists
    • Business Management for Artists >
      • Risk Management for Artists
      • How to spot Art Scams / Fraud
      • Life in an Art Market Recession
      • Coronavirus COVID-19 and Art
  • MARKETING
    • How to write an Artist's Statement >
      • What is an Artist Statement?
      • Why you need an Artist's Statement
      • TIPS How to write an artist statement
      • The Language of an Artist's Statement
      • What an artist statement should contain
      • Examples of Artists Statements
    • How to write an Artist's Resume or CV >
      • Social Media summaries
      • CV for Artists
      • Resume for Artists
      • Biography for Artists
    • How to sign a painting, drawing or fine art print
    • Business Cards for Artists
    • How to write a press release for an artist
    • The Private View Invitation
    • Publicity for Juried Exhibitions
    • Websites for Artists >
      • Why websites matter
      • Options for Websites
      • Web content for Artists
      • Web design for artists
      • Keeping Google Happy
      • Writing for the Web
    • Image & Video sizes for Social Media Sites
    • How to be mobile-friendly
  • SELL ART
    • Trading Law & Regulations for Artists (UK)
    • E-commerce for artists
    • Art Exhibitions & Competitions >
      • Juried Exhibitions & Art Competitions
      • Juried Art Exhibition Checklist for Artists
      • How to cost a juried exhibition entry
      • How to make labels for an art exhibition
    • A Guide to Art Agents and Consultants
    • A Guide to Art Dealers & Galleries >
      • How to find the right gallery
    • The Artist-run Gallery
    • The Vanity Gallery
    • Art Fairs
    • Alternative Options for Exhibitions
    • How to Sell Art from Home
    • Open Studios
  • FRAME ART
    • List of Recommended Picture Framers
    • Conservation Products
    • Framing for open exhibitions and art competitions
    • Framing Videos
    • How to hang a picture
  • SHIP ART
    • How to pack artwork >
      • How to pack and ship pastel paintings
    • Packaging materials
    • How to ship art internationally >
      • Rules of Origin
      • Export Licences for Cultural Goods
    • How to ship art to exhibitions
    • How to mail art - Post & Parcel Services
    • UK & Ireland: Art Transport Services
    • USA Art Transport Services
  • COPYRIGHT
    • Copyright and artists' rights
    • BASICS: Copyright Infringement and Fair Use
    • How to protect artwork online
    • How to do a reverse image search
    • What to do about copyright infringement - for artists
    • Global Conventions on copyright >
      • Copyright in the UK
      • Copyright in the USA
      • Copyright in Canada
      • Copyright in Australia
  • MONEY & TAX
    • How to work out profit from an art sale
    • How to Price Your Art >
      • How important is price when buying art?
      • Options for Pricing Art
      • Terminology and Formulas for Pricing Art
      • Art Experts on Pricing Art
      • How artists price their art
      • The price of affordable art
    • Payments to Artists >
      • Paying Artists
      • How to create an Invoice
    • VAT for Artists
    • Tax Tips for Artists >
      • Tax on prize money
      • UK Tax Tips for Artists
      • UK: Self-Assessment Video Tips
      • USA Tax Tips for Artists
      • Ireland: Tax for Artists
      • Australia: Tax Tips for Artists
    • Insurance for Art and Artists >
      • Insurance for Art Teachers
      • UK Insurance Policies for art and artists
      • USA & Canada: Insurance Policies for Art and Artists
    • Artists' Grants & Scholarships
    • Retirement and Pensions for Artists
    • The Art Legacy >
      • Estate Planning for Artists
      • Estate Planning for Art Collectors
      • Famous Artists Estates
      • Artwork Inventory
      • After the Death of an Artist
      • Copyright and Resale Rights after Death
      • Art and Inheritance Tax
  • About + Help
    • Would you like me to help?
    • Privacy & Cookies Policy
    • Contact