How To Write An Artist Statement That Sells Art

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Artist Statements

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 difficulty writing one, you are not alone.

Many artists struggle when it is time to write about their visual creations. Maybe it is because painters and drawers communicate to the world with visuals instead of vocabulary.

Whether you are selling your art online or offline, a digital portfolio will help you grow your art business. 

People searching online for art like yours will stumble upon your online gallery and read your artist statement and bio to learn more about you as an artist.

There will also be occasions when you are talking with someone, and they are interested in seeing your art. All you have to do is pull up your portfolio on their smartphone, and they see your work and read more about you at a later time. 

Even though you might struggle writing your artist statement, it is a project you will want to get done, and this post will make it less painful so you can move on to other more enjoyable jobs relating to your art business.

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.”

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.

The first objective for your artist blog is to have new people to discover your website.

The second objective is to have your readers return to your site regularly and turn them into loyal art collectors.

Allowing your audience to get to know more about you and your art business will considerably increase the odds of return visits and sales.

Your artist statement will connect your art with the viewers personally because they will learn about your visions, missions, and values.

Whether you like it or not, your statement dictates how people perceive your artwork.

A long-winded statement for breathtaking art can ruin the artist’s brand and lower the artist’s chance of landing a sale.

An artist’s statement briefly describes an artist’s vision and mission behind their creations.

Two Types Of Statements

Below are two types of artist statements you will want to consider writing.

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

An excellent 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.

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

An excellent place for your short statement is on your social media accounts.

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 that 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 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’s 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

This is a 17-page workbook that is created to make it easy for you to write the perfect artist statement.

 Write Your Artist Statement Tips

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

Start With An Outline

Writing compelling sentences that accurately describe you and your art is a challenge.

First, jot down some key ideas that you want to write about like:

• When did you start creating art?
• What inspired you to start creating art?
• How did you learn your skills?
• When did you decide to start selling your work?
• Where do you sell your art?
• What message do you want viewers to leave with after looking at your art?

Next, write down a list of adjectives that describe your artwork. Use a thesaurus for more ideas. 

Find adjectives that describe:

• The colors of your artwork
• The style of your artwork
• The subjects
• The emotion
• The message

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 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?

Examples Of Artist Statements

One of the best ways to get started writing your artist statement is to look at how other artists have written their statement.

Below are two examples. One is a well-written statement, and the other is a poorly written statement just to give you an idea of what to do and what not to do.

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.

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’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?

Final Thoughts On How To Write An Artist Statement

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.

Writing an artist statement is not as painful when you break it down into smaller sections.

Look at artist statement examples above and use them as a guide for your statement

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