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Do you need to write an artist statement if you are selling art online or at craft shows? The truth is, you should have an artist statement no matter where you will be selling your art. If you do not know what an artist statement is or are having a difficult time writing one you are not alone.
In this post, you will discover what an artist statement is and how to write one so you can start building a prosperous art business.
How To Write An Artist Statement That Sells Art
By the end of this post, you will know…
- What is an artist statement
- Importance of an artist statement
- Artist Statement Workbook
- Write your artist statement tips
- Example of a good artist statement
- Bad artist statements
What Is An Artist Statement
Are you ready to start selling more art and make more money?
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.”
An artist statement describes or gives a general introduction to an artist’s art.
Providing an artist statement on your artist blog and website will give your new visitors a way to get to know you.
Your first objective for your artist blog is to attract your target audience.
Your second objective is to have your audience return to your site on a regular basis.
By allowing your audience to get to know more about you and your art business you will considerably increase the odds of return visits and sales.
Below are two types of artist statements you will want to consider writing.
Long Statement – Your long statement will provide your viewer with information about your artistic methods, the 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.
Importance Of 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.
Basically, your artist statement bridges 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 your creations.
If you are selling your art at a gallery or craft show, a potential buyer will be able to ask you questions.
When you are selling your art online 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?
Why? Because you feel connected to the singer or band. You have learned about them as a person, followed their career and you respect their message.
Your goal is to have the same connection with your art collectors.
Artist Statement Workbook
Write Your Artist Statement Tips
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Below 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 magnificent 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?
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
Your statement should answer why you are an artist and you sell art.
- 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 for 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 rainforest?
Example Of A Good Artist Statement
Below is an example of a good 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.
This will give you an idea of how to write an artist statement.
Do not copy Margaret’s statement, use it as an example.
“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’s 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 of 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:
Your artist statement is one-way your audience can get to know more about you and your art business.
Selling art online takes more than posting images of your artwork.
Take the time to learn who your audience is and develop different marketing strategies that will inspire them to feel connected to your brand.
Popular Online Art Marketing Video Courses:
Most Popular – How to Make a Living Selling What You Make by Megan Auman
Most Popular – Build a Successful Creative Blog by April Bowles-Olin
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Pinterest Marketing for Makers & Designers by Megan Auman
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This was a very helpful idea. I will be sure to save it. I will be needing this. I am just now starting to draw..so I’ll start checking this out now.
Hi Claire, I am happy to hear that you found the post helpful.
Best wishes on your art journey.
Dave
I liked the idea of the artist to explain his art in simple words,thank you for this greet idea and this is really what I need to display my artwork. Thank you
Hi Layla, I am happy to hear that found the post helpful. An easy to read description of your art journey will help to connect your audience with you online. This often overlooked but so important.
Best wishes with your art business.
Dave