An Artist Bio

Some Quick Tips

• On your website limit your Artist’s Biography to approximately 250 words or less.
• Avoid writing about intimate experiences that are not related to your career or artistic vision.
• Avoid the use of jargon, colloquialism, and esoteric language that will alienate most potential buyers.

Size matters:

Mini: You will need a mini bio for your social networks and for your ‘elevator pitch’. A few short sentences.
Short: A short bio needs to have all the components of a long one, but only highlights the very best. Short bios will be used for your blog, newsletter, interviews, brochures, magazines and query letters. Keep the short bio at 100 – 175 words or less – if it is too long, people won’t read it.
Long: A longer bio is generally used when you feel like you have a lot to say. For instance, you might want to use a longer bio on your ‘about me’ page of your blog or website. Keep the longer bio to a page in length and consider room for a picture.

What to include in Your Artist Biography?

• Where and when were you born?
• Where you currently live? ( if it is different from the place your were born )
• Did you come from a family of artists?
• What is your family’s cultural background?
• When, where, and/or why did you begin to take interest in art?
• Did you study art in school, or were you self-taught?
• What degrees have you earned?
• Did you go to college or art school? Where? What did you study?
• Did you receive any reviews or articles written about you on blogs, magazines or newspapers? Have you discussed your art on TV or radio?
• Did you study with well-known artists?
• What one-person and group exhibitions did you participate in? Some of you may have lots to post on this do the most current ones so it will still be short or the ones you are most proud of.
• Is your art in any important collections? Which ones?
• What awards and other professional achievements have you earned?
• Have you served in other art related capacities, such as being a curator, art writer, or an artists’ advocate?