Artist Statement Help

Knowing where to start when writing an artist statement can be tricky, especially if you are still quite new to being a practicing artist. In this guide, we will take you through all the key points to writing a successful artist statement. 


What is an Artist Statement?

Your artist statement is kind of like the dating app bio that people see for your art. It is usually people's first impression of you as an artist, it tells them the basic info about you, it usually appears next to some visual work, and if it is done well it can be really helpful.

It needs to be short and simple but communicate a lot of information in that space. 


Why Do I Need One?

Chances are if you are reading this you have already been asked for an Artist Statement. You might be asked by a gallery, publisher, residency, fair, or other organisation for an artist statement. Everyone will have slightly different requirements, some places have very specific requirements, so make sure you read their guidance too.

It is good to have a standard artist statement which can be tweaked to fulfil different requirements for different uses, and it can also be used on an "About" page on your website.


Artist Statement Basics

Keep it Simple:
Try to keep your statement simple, whether it is going to appear on a website, in a magazine, in a gallery, or on social media, it needs to be widely understandable. We're not saying don't use any medium-specific terms, but try to make sure the average person knows roughly what you are talking about.

Be Honest:
An artist statement isn't the place to brag. If you try too hard to look perfect and really accomplished it can come across as cocky, and if you exaggerate too much it can be seen as lying, which is a great way to not get invited back by a publication or gallery.

Consider Tense:
Some places prefer - or even require - your artist statement to be in 3rd person. This is especially true for more traditional organisations. But, sometimes less formal works well too, and a 1st person statement can make it feel more personal. It's good to have a statement you can adapt as needed.

Introduce Yourself:
If you bump into an acquaintance in the street or visit your great aunt, and they ask about your work, what do you say? How do you describe it to someone who hasn't been around while you're making it? That is what you need to aim for in the statement, this is someone's introduction to you as an artist!