Do you need to write an artist statement if you are selling art online? Do you need an artist statement if you sell art at craft shows?

The answer is, you should have an artist statement no matter where you will be selling your art.

 

How to Write an Artist Statement That Sells Art

Are you ready to start selling more art and make money?

What is an Artist Statement?

Wikipedia defines an artist’s statement as:

“An artist’s statement (or artist statement) is an artist’s written description of their work. The brief verbal representation is for, and in support of, his or her own work to give the viewer understanding.”

Your artist statement is information that describes or gives a general introduction to your art.

There are two types or artist statements you will want to consider writing.

Long Statement – Your long statement will provide your viewer information about your artistic methods, history of your work, people who inspired you and up-to-date information on your current work.

A good place to have your long statement is on your blog. You can include a link on your “About Me” Page or on your “Bio” Page.

This will allow the reader to learn more about you as an artist.

Short Statement – Your short statement is less detailed than the long statement and gives an overview of your artistic style.

 

Why Do I Need an Artist Statement?

Many artists ask, “Why do I need an Artist Statement?”

Some might feel they are an artist, not a writer.

Others might feel it is a waste of time.

The truth is your artist statement is essential to your art business.

It does not matter if you only sell art online, at craft shows or in Galleries.

Your artist statement tells a verbal story of you as an artist. It explains how you got to where you are today, where you are headed and what you are trying to say with your art.

Your artist statement will bridge you,  your art and your collectors together.

People will feel more connected to your work because they have learned facts about you as a person and as an artist.

Humans communicate with words. People who come across your art will want to learn more about it. If you are there in person, they will be able to ask you questions and you will be there to answer and share your story.

When you are selling your art online or in an art Gallery your artist statement will tell the story for you.

People purchase art because they feel a connection to the art and/or the artist.

How many times have you purchased a new song just because you like the artist?

You might have found out your favorite singer is releasing a new song, and you buy it without even hearing it.

Why? Because you feel connected to the singer. You have learned about them as a person, followed their career and you respect their message.

 

How to Write an Artist Statement

Here are some tips to think about when you are writing or revising your artist statement.

 

Write Simple

You do not have to be a great writer to write a great statement.

Many artists forget that writing is a form of communication. Your goal is to be able to get your message across to your readers.

Do not use complicated words and keep it simple. Many artists think they will look smarter if they use large complicated words. This is nonsense. If people cannot understand what you are saying they will just move on.

Another tip is to write as if you were talking to a friend.

How would you explain your art and art career to a friend?

What words would you use to describe your art?

What words would you use to have your friend feel connected to your art?

You wouldn’t use words they would not understand. You would be clear and to the point.

How

A brief description of how you create your art should be included in your statement. In one or two sentences describe your techniques.

What makes your art unique?

What special techniques do you use?

 

Why

Why do you create art?

Why do you create the art that you do?

What made you choose the medium you use?

Your statement should briefly explain your inspirations and motivations of being an artist.

What message do you want to get across with your art?

 

Personal

Be personal. This is difficult for some people. Revealing something personal might be the most difficult part of writing your artist statement.

You do not need to tell them everything about your life.

When you are writing something about yourself, think about what you would like people to remember you for.

Do you want to create world peace?

Do you want to save animals or the rain forest?

Is family your life?

Try to keep it under 155 characters. This will keep you from rambling on.

 

Example of a Good Artist Statement

Here is an example of an artist statement. It will give you an idea of how long your statement should be as well as how to use words to describe your art and passions.

Do not copy Margaret’s statement, use it as an example.

Margaret Cerutti –

“Capturing the light is everything. As a plein air painter, it is always the light that I remember most about any location. It is my inspiration.

It’s elusive quality can transform a figure or a landscape in just a matter of seconds. I strive to convey that sense of place by capturing its fleeting magic.

My work may be found in private collections in the United States, as well as in the collection of Martha Jefferson Hospital. It has also been featured in Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s seasonal program. Where Does The Music Take You and in American Artist Magazine.”

Painting by Margaret Cerutti

This is a well-done artist statement.

The statement is short, descriptive, to the point, personal, and explains why and what.

The statement and her artistic style are one.

 

Bad Artist Statements

Here is an example of a bad mission statement.

The statement rambles on with complex words.

Even the first sentence has you asking,” What does this mean?”

This is a great way to lose your audience attention.

“I’m fascinated by the construct of strata in any context.  For example – geologically, as a visible record of the continuous deposition of natural and human-generated matter; sociologically as an arbitrary categorization system affording both separation and unification of humans; and psychologically has a chronological composition of our experiences. In all these contexts, the juxtapositions of and transitions between disparate elements result in descendants and harmony, muddy vagueness, and sharp clarity. Each layer shifts settles, and adjusts to make room for the knees and elbows of the next; the pigment or character of one stratum irrevocable colors it’s neighbors; a disturbance in one level beans or fishers outward through multiple others. It’s an infinitely additive process what we are at present as the top the surface the current thing is inevitably absorbed, buried, reclaimed by and in the process serves to inform whatever comes next.”

Artist Statement courtesy Art Amiba

I dare you to read that statement again without dozing off.

Can you get a clear picture of what style of art it is talking about?

Do you feel connected to the artist?

Did you have to go to a dictionary?

Conclusion:

This post gives you some examples and tips on how to write an artist statement that will help you to connect with your audience and sell more art.

If there is one key I would like to emphasize, is to respect your audience’s time.

Make your statement easy to read and get you point across quickly.

Have them leave remembering you not forgetting about you.

You might also be interested in:

• 10 Mindsets Of A Successful Artist
• How Artists Get Found Online?
• How to Sell Art Online in 5 Easy Steps
• Artist Vision and Mission – Online Business
• Art Marketing

 

 

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Are You Struggling with Your Writing Skills?

If you are struggling with your writing, you might want to consider reading Ann Handley’s book Everybody Writes: Your Go – To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content. (Amazon Affiliate Link)

When I first started writing posts and content for my art businesses, I struggled. Writing posts was never one of my strong points. I would sit in front of a blank screen for hours. I knew how important writing content was in order for me to grow my business but I had a difficult time writing even four hundred words.

I remember hearing someone recommending Ann’s book, so I decided to give it a try. Ann’s book has helped me in so many ways and was one of my best investments. Not only did she show me the best means to write for my audience but she also gave me the confidence I needed to write great content my audience would love.

I enjoyed the book so much I also purchased the audio book and periodically had it on while I am in the studio drawing. I will never claim to be a great writer, but Ann has helped me to get my points and views across to help my audience.