How To Write A Super Artist Bio Using This Simple Example

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Stand Out By Using This Brilliant Artist Bio Example

 

Every artist needs one, but that doesn’t mean we enjoy writing them. The artist bio is something you’ll be asked for time and time again, but how do you write it? When in the process of writing, it’s usually very beneficial to refer to an example or template. This is particularly applicable to an artist bio example and template where you can edit and make the document your own. Luckily we’ve got one for you within this simple artist bio guide.

 

 

What is an artist bio?

In the complex and fairly large ‘art world’, there are a few fundamental parts appear time and time again, no matter what stage you find yourself in. Such things are usually considered industry standard and can help establish someone as a professional artist in their practice, career and beyond.

 

One of these crucial parts is an artist bio. But what exactly is its purpose?

 

Essentially, this short description is used to sum up you as a person and your career as an artist. When reading an artist bio example, you’ll realise it’s very focused on the individual themselves. Whereas, an artist statement varies significantly. Rather than discussing the artist at hand, an artist statement takes a closer look at your work, influences and processes behind it. In the case of an artist bio, we’re only focusing on you, the creative.

 

The job of the artist statement is to explain why you make art with the job of the artist bio to discuss who is making the art.

 

Why write an artist bio?

If you haven’t got an artist bio written already, here’s why you should. Firstly, everyone requires an introduction. Whether it be on their CV, when they’re networking or when they’re filling out an Instagram profile, artists should have some kind of small description ready. Not to mention, a lot of institutions, galleries and competitions will require some kind of bio when you’re working with them.

 

In an increasingly online world, an artist bio is some of the first information that a potential customer or fan is going to read. This is why it’s so important to have a good one, or at least one at all. Without it, a reader is going to click off because they can’t gauge an overview of who you are. Artist bios can also help drive SEO for your benefit, bringing more people to your page through search engines like Google.

 

This piece of text may be short and concise, but it can have a positive impact on your overall artistic career, subsequent contacts and opportunities.

 

 

How do you write an artist bio?

Now that we understand the importance of a bio, how exactly do we write one? The following advice is what we recommend applying to your text when it’s time to start writing.

 

Use your creativity

Artist bios have the tendency to be slightly dull. At the end of the day, it’s only there to be a summary of the artist. But this doesn’t mean you can’t show off your creative flare. Grab the reader’s attention with an interesting and smart opening sentence to keep them reading.

 

A simple, certified way to begin is with your name, date of birth and origin. A top artist bio example will show you that key information can still be included but in a different style. Don’t prolong the introduction of that kind of information to the end of the bio; but just kick it off with some informative but imaginative text beforehand.

 

Keep it short

This piece of text may be some of the shortest you’ll write in your career, other than art titles. Don’t overlook it though, it may prove to be the most pivotal. It’s recommended you aim for around 120 words, or 1-2 small paragraphs.

 

Be straight to the point without waffling as someone isn’t going to spend ages reading your bio to get required information. Notably, audiences are struggling to pay attention for long periods, therefore your artist bio should include all the relevant facts whilst staying concise.

 

Should an artist bio be written in the first person?

Preferably, artist statements should be written in the third person. This is done by using words like her, she, they, him, his. It’s a professional way of writing and is normally expected within the art industry.

 

However, don’t completely disregard the first person. It’s applicable when writing your artist statement and when you don’t require your artist bio to be so formal. If in doubt, check where your artist bio is being used for, and make your decision based on that.

 

 

Things to include

To make the artist bio worth yours and the reader’s time, make sure to include these key pieces of information.

 

– Your name

– Where you’re based

– Key art themes and techniques

– What medium you mainly work with

– Your related education

– Recent/best artistic achievements

– Any other prevalent facts that set you apart from others.

 

Now we have the essentials out the way, it’s time to look at topics you should be mentioning amongst them. When briefly discussing the work and overall themes, you could name drop individual works with their correct labels so that the audience has a direct reference to search for.

 

It’s also worth placing the artist within their historical and cultural context. For example, try referencing how they contribute to a certain discourse, including the time and movements that influence their work. This would also be a good time to introduce their current political, social and everyday context. Without realising, these factors play a huge part in making the artist and the art what they are.

 

 

Check spelling and punctuation

As with a lot of art text, they’re quite formal. You want to provide the best impression possible – so your grammar and punctuation is going to play a big part. Consider your font and ensure it looks professional by using something clear and easy to read like New Times Roman, for example.

 

If mentioning an exhibition title or artwork name, make sure they’re properly formatted using italics and quotations. Of course, check for spelling and punctuation errors throughout. The more credible the artist bio is – the more likely the reader will want to find out more.

 

Ask for feedback

Once you’ve completed a draft, ask as many people as possible for feedback. Sometimes when you’re immersed into your own writing, you’ll fail to spot errors. You can ask anyone for feedback, including family and friends, but it’s also worth asking someone within the art industry. This way, they’ll know exactly what to look out for, having read countless art bio examples in their time.

 

Remember to update

This is particularly worth noting when it comes to young and beginner artists. Each time you send or print your artist bio, make sure you’re double checking to see if any new information needs adding. Your themes may have shifted, your choice of materials may have changed and you could have relocated.

 

These key points need to be up to date if you want readers to come away with the correct information and idea of you. It’s useful to always save a digital version of your artist bio that you can revisit and update when needed.

 

 

Common artist bio mistakes to avoid

╳  Too much praise/bias

Be aware of sounding too biassed in these artist bio’s. As much as you want to praise yourself (or other artists), the bio must be neutral. Avoid sounding too commercial like you’re selling the art and focus on educating. 

 

╳  Not updating

Don’t forget about your artist bio, and only update it when you need to. If not, you’ll more likely to rush writing a new one – forgetting how to structure a good bio altogether. See it as a regular job, updating it as you progress through your career. That way, it’ll be ready to go whenever it’s called upon.

 

╳  Art jargon

The point of an artist bio is to get all the relevant information across in a simple and concise manner. Purposely filling your text with fancy art jargon isn’t going to allow for an accessible read, and it’s lieky even the smartest art collector will see through it. Use appropriate language that actually communicates an idea with overcomplicating it. 

 

╳  Too long

A common issue that arises in art bio’s is a long piece of text. Perhaps try to write your artist statement first, so you’re less inclined to cover everything all over again in the bio. This text is supposed to be short, so don’t worry that you can’t fit every exhibition you’ve ever done. Save that for your artist CV.

 

 

3 artist bio examples

If you’re looking for some additional help, check out the included artist bio examples below. Remember, everyone’s bio’s follow different structures and requirements. To write your perfect bio, dig deeper into what your version is for and why.

 

Sarah Lucas – artnet.com

Sarah Lucas is a contemporary British artist known for her kinesthetic photographs, performances, and sculpture. Appropriating commonplace materials, the artist creates crude and often inflammatory comments on sexuality, death, and gender. She is recognized as among the most prominent members of the Young British Artists alongside Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, and Gary Hume.

 

Born in 1962 in London, United Kingdom, she studied at the Working Men’s College, the London College of Printing, and Goldsmith’s College where she received her BFA in 1987. The artist rose to prominence and critical acclaim during the late 1980s. Her work has been exhibited at the Walker Art Centre in Minneapolis and the Tate Liverpool. In 2015, Lucas represented the United Kingdom at the Venice Biennale, where she exhibited her controversial installation I SCREAM DADDIO. The artist currently lives and works in London, United Kingdom. Her works are in the collections of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.

 

Artist bio example taken from artnet.com

 

Patrick Heron – tate.og.uk

Patrick Heron (30 January 1920 – 20 March 1999) was a British abstract and figurative artist, critic, writer, and polemicist, who lived in Zennor, Cornwall. Heron was recognised as one of the leading painters of his generation. Influenced by Cézanne, Matisse, Braque and Bonnard, Heron made a significant contribution to the dissemination of modernist ideas of painting through his critical writing and primarily his art.

 

Heron’s artworks are most noted for his exploration and use of colour and light. He is known for both his early figurative work and non-figurative works, which over the years looked to explore further the idea of making all areas of the painting of equal importance. His work was exhibited widely throughout his career and while he wrote regularly early in his career, notably for New Statesman and Arts New York, this continued periodically in later years. 

 

Artist bio example taken from tate.og.uk

 

Alexander Calder – artsy.net

Alexander Calder changed the course of modern art with his three-dimensional kinetic sculptures, which Marcel Duchamp named “mobiles.” Resonating with tenets of Futurism, Constructivism, and early non-objective painting, Calder’s mobiles consist of boldly colored abstract shapes, which are made from industrial materials and hang in lyrical balance. Calder was an international phenomenon during his lifetime. He won the grand prize for sculpture at the 1952 Venice Biennale, where he represented the United States. He earned the French Legion of Honour and the American Presidential Medal of Freedom, among other honours. 

 

Calder has been the subject of solo exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art, the Rijksmuseum, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and the Museo Reina Sofía. His work regularly sells for eight figures on the secondary market. Though Calder is best known for his mobiles, his diverse practice also encompassed standing sculpture, painting, set and costume design, large-scale public installation, and jewellery-making.

 

Artist bio example taken from artsy.net

 

Free artist bio template

If you’re a beginner artist and you’re wanting to get started straight away, an artist bio template will able to help you out. Simply replace and fill in the blanks with your own details and you’ll have a basic artist bio in no time. Feel free to rearrange the layout and come up with your own intriguing opening sentence. 

 

 

Free Artist Bio Template Covers:

– Your name

– What materials you use

– Where you’re based

– Where/what/when you studied

– What type of artist you are

– The year and place of birth

– Your notable exhibitions

– Your applicable awards, residences and projects

 

In Conclusion

Every artist needs an artist bio, so there’s no point putting off the creation of one. It’s better to have a rough idea or draft that you can work with, than nothing at all. You never know, your next big opportunity could be around the corner – and they’ll want an artist bio for sure. Follow these steps and take inspiration from our examples to make sure yours is the best it can be, when the time comes.

 

WHAT ARTIST BIO EXAMPLE DID YOU FIND MOST HELPFUL? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.

Also, don’t forget you can always share your art with us or tag us on Instagram – @darkyellowdot.

 

Thank you for reading and if you found this article useful, share it around, that makes us happy. To receive more posts like this and updates, join our mailing list, everyone is welcome.

 

NEED MORE ADVICE?

ARTICLES TO HELP:

5 Easy Tips For Building Your Instagram Presence As A Digital Artist

How to Write Successful Art Proposals In 2022 (Easy Tips For Artists)

How To Write An Artist CV When You Don’t Have Much Experience

SITES TO HELP:

Tate.org.uk

Artsy.net

Artnet.com

COURSES TO HELP:

Write an Effective Artist Bio, Build Your Creative Business, Series for Artists & Makers

How to write an Artist Bio that will Impress Art Directors + Gallery Curators.

Write Your Artist Statement In 3 Simple Steps