If I asked you why you decided to become a professional artist, chances are you’re most interested in creating artwork. The unfortunate truth is there are many other things you need to do to be successful, like applying for shows, social media, image editing, video documentation, networking, and the list goes on. These may not be within your power zone, so let’s make it a little easier for you.

In order to get your work out in the world, there are certain, specific items you need to have in writing. This applies to all forms of visual, experiential, public and performing art. Whether you’re pursuing grants, gallery placement, solo shows, or public art opportunities – you should have the following documents on hand:

1. Artist Statement

2. Bio

3. C.V.

   
   

So how do you come up with these written pieces? What are they supposed to say and how are they formatted? Read on to learn how to put your most professional foot forward and maximize your chances at getting the paid opportunities you deserve.

Artist Statement

This is where you let your personality shine. Use this statement to discuss your inspiration, aesthetic, and process; how your medium conveys your message; and why it is important in a greater context. A few grammatical notes:

• Write your artist statement in the 1st person

• Use active voice for more impact. For example: “I came up with this series during my travels…” (active) vs. “My series was imagined when I traveled…” (passive)

• Avoid repetitive language, extraneous words, grandiose claims, and generalizations. I’ve read so many confusing statements that don’t explain anything but sound really self-important. You can do better than this.

• Keep it concise so your ideas to get lost in “fluff.”

• Change it up when you come out with new bodies of work. When submitting your work for grants or shows, your package should make sense, so if your artist statement is ten years old when you were primarily painting and now you focus on photography, be sure your writing reflects that.

Biography

An artist bio contains much of the same information that you would expect from a resume, written in an editorial style. When crafting your bio, use the 3rd person to list your accomplishments in order of relevance or importance.

Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts when writing your bio:

Do…

• Try to keep it under 200 words.

• Keep it brief. You don’t need to include every single exhibition if you have a lengthy history. Stick to the most noteworthy shows, solo exhibitions, and group exhibitions among other artists in your career level or above. In other words – if you’re running with the big dogs, let the world know!

• List prominent curators.

• Include your birthplace and year, education, and where you are currently living & working.

 Don’t…

• List accomplishments in chronological order if it doesn’t make sense.

• Feel compelled to write extra if you have a short history. It’s okay to be new!

• Use this as a place to express your ideas. Save that for your Artist Statement.

C.V.

Your C.V., or Curriculum Vitae, is an expanded list of everything you’ve done in your [art] career. This is a well-organized, running document that you should update with every new development, and often spans many pages. You CV should include:

• Contact info

• Education

• Birthplace and year

• Solo exhibitions

• Group shows

• Notable collections your work is in or commissioned to

• Guest lectures, classes, or workshops you’ve taught

• Press

Beyond these three key pieces, you may be asked for a statement about yourself (think of museum placards), descriptions of your individual works, or a statement on your inspiration. Be prepared with this information and be sure to check the requirements every time you’re asked. Keep a document with this information and practice being concise!

TL;DR:

You need professional documentation to get grants, gallery placement, solo shows, and public art opportunities. It’s not fun, but it doesn’t have to be complicated when you know what’s expected.

If you’d rather spend your time creating and let professionals handle this part, contact us!