The Guide for writing Artist Materials + editable templates
What is an Artist Bio?
An artist bio serves as an introduction to your artistic identity and accomplishments. It is a concise, well-crafted summary of your background, education, exhibitions, awards, and any other relevant information. Crafted in the third person, an artist bio adapts seamlessly to various contexts, whether it’s for gallery exhibitions, websites, or social media profiles.
It should convey your unique artistic perspective and highlight your artistic journey, allowing viewers to connect with your work on a deeper level.
How to write an Artist Statement ?
An artist statement delves deeper into the artist’s creative process, inspirations, and conceptual framework. It serves as a window into the artist’s thoughts, motivations, and the ideas behind their work. A well-written artist statement should be clear, concise, and thought-provoking. It helps viewers engage with the artist’s intentions and understand the context and meaning behind their creations. An artist statement is a powerful tool that can elicit emotions and spark conversations around the artwork. View artist statement examples in our Artist Starter Kit.
What is included in an Artist CV ?
Next we’ll look at crafting an Artist CV, showcasing one’s creative journey and accomplishments. Start by detailing your educational background if you have a BFA, MFA or PhD, emphasizing your area of study, certifications, or specialized training relevant to your art practice. Highlight solo exhibitions distinctly from group exhibitions, organizing them chronologically from newest to earliest. For artists with many shows, adapt the group shows for ‘select group show’s and list your most important ones. For emerging artists without extensive exhibition experience, include participation in art fairs where works were sold.
As your career matures, selectively prune less significant fairs and shows. Structure each section with a breakdown by year, delineating significant achievements like public art projects, commissions, and awards. For instance, under “Public Art Projects – 2022,” specify project titles, collaborating organizations, and locations. Keep your Artist CV up-to-date, ensuring its accessibility as a downloadable PDF on your website.
Add separate sections for Grants, Awards, Residencies, Private and Corporate Collections, Art Events, Lectures, and Bibliography to provide a comprehensive view of your artistic trajectory. This meticulous curation and organization elevates your CV, presenting a clear narrative of your artistic evolution and professional milestones.
Create your Artist Materials with the full Artist Starter Kit
What is a Certificate of Authenticity?
A certificate of authenticity is a document that verifies the authenticity and origin of an artwork. The certificate confirms the artwork’s authenticity, offering collectors and buyers assurance that it is indeed created by the specified artist. This document includes crucial details such as the title, medium, dimensions, and edition number (if applicable). Normally, the certificate bears the signature of the artist, gallery, or an authorized representative of the artist’s estate. This document holds great importance in the art market, as it helps protect against forgery and ensures the long-term value and integrity of the artwork. Even if you do not sell through galleries or online marketplaces, including an a COA for original and limited edition artwork, is a valuable element of the art buying process.
Print your COA and either attach it to the back of the original artwork, or enclose it in an envelop and include it in the artwork shipment.
Career artists often embellish COA’s with an embossed stamp to raise perceived value of the artwork.
Our Artist Starter Kit includes 3 designer-made Certificate of Authenticity documents you can customize or print as is.
How to make an Artist Press Kit?
An artist press kit compiles a comprehensive array of materials. Its purpose is to equip the media, art critics, and curators with all essential details about an artist and their work. It typically includes the artist’s bio, artist statement, high-resolution images of their artwork, exhibition history, reviews or press coverage, and contact information. A professionally curated press kit not only helps in building credibility but also serves as a valuable resource for journalists and art professionals when featuring or reviewing an artist’s work.
In the multifaceted world of art, artists need more than just their creative talent to succeed. By utilizing these essential tools and well-considered pricing strategies, artists can enhance their professional image, establish their artistic identity, and navigate the art market with confidence.
Each of these elements plays a unique role in conveying an artist’s vision, fostering connections with the art community, and safeguarding the value and integrity of their artwork. By harnessing these tools effectively, artists can carve a path towards a fulfilling and successful art practice.
