The artist statement is a short document that will give you a unique voice in your creative work. It is usually a single page, though it can be as short as a one-liner. As the name suggests, it is an artist’s statement, however, it does not have to be. You can use it to introduce yourself as an artist, or to the public at large. It can be used to pitch various galleries and museums, or to promote your work. In short; it is a precious document that you should put a lot of thought into. It will help you establish your artistic voice, and give you some valuable insight into the workings of the creative mind.
The Difference Between an Artist Statement And A Bio-ography
An artist statement is a short document that will give you a unique voice in your creative work, whereas, a bio-ography is a longer document, (often a one or two-page essay) that will give you a comprehensive profile of the artist.
The difference between the two is subtle, yet important. An artist statement is usually a single page, and it is a quick and easy introduction to the creative process and to the readers. An artist statement is a short introduction to the creative process that will give you a voice in your creative work. It is usually a single page, and it is a fast and easy introduction to your artistic identity. An artist statement does not have to be limited to one page, (though it can be) and it can be as short as a one-liner.
On the other hand, a bio-ography is a longer document, and it is a more comprehensive introduction to the creative process. A bio-ography will give you a more rounded view of the creative process, and it will establish you as an artistic voice. In other words, a bio-ography will give you a more convincing pitch, (a compelling argument for why the work should be funded, or purchased) and it will make a better case for the creative identity of the artist.
The Different Formats For An Artist Statement
An artist statement does not have to be a one-page document, and it does not have to be written in a single, formal or rigid voice. It can be any length, it can be in any form that you choose. Typically, an artist statement will be a short document, (1-3 pages) that will provide an insight into your creative process. It will usually be a fast and easy introduction to the creative process, but it can also be a longer and more detailed description.
As a general rule, (this is not always the case) short, (1-3 pages) artist statements are usually made up of the following elements, (in no particular order):
- a hook (usually a short, compelling sentence that will draw readers into your document)
- a short description of your artistic process (what you did, how you did it, why you did it, etc.)
- a short pitch or abstract (this could be a summary of the previous point, or it could be a new, single idea)
- an artistic statement (this is what the whole thing is called; it is a combination of the previous three elements)
- a bibliography (this is a listing of previous works that you are particularly proud of, (literary, musical, artistic, etc.) and it is a great way to introduce your work), or
- a section on your website (this could be an online portfolio of your work, it could be a blog with links to your work, it could be a Facebook page with links to your work, etc.).
Things To Include In Your Artist Statement
There are some things that you should absolutely include in your artist statement, (no matter what you are writing, whether it is fiction or non-fiction, (including creative non-fiction such as Memoirs and Autobiographies)) some of these things are:
- a short pitch (this could be a summary of the previous three points, or it could be a new, single idea)
- an artistic statement (this is what the whole thing is called; it is a combination of the previous three elements)
- your website (this could be a section on your blog, or a Facebook page, or a LinkedIn profile, it could be a link to your online portfolio, etc.)
- your email address (this will allow potential sponsors, or galleries to contact you about your work)
- the title of the work you are writing (this should match the title of your work, otherwise, it will seem like you are trying to trick the reader, (unless you are writing an autobiography, Memoirs, or Life Story)).
You should also strive to make your artist statement as interesting and unique as possible. It is a short document that will introduce you as an artist, so you want to make sure that it is both interesting and interesting. Be sure to include interesting details that will make the reader lean forward in their seat, (“the little details that make or break a narrative” as we have discussed in a previous article).
The Rationale For An Artist Statement
An artist statement provides you with a unique voice in your creative work; it gives you a way to describe your artistic process in a way that will interest potential sponsors, or galleries. This is why you want to include one in your creative writing portfolio. It will make a better case for your work.
Writing an artist statement for creative writing is different from writing one for other types of art; it is shorter, and it is usually only one or two pages. An artist statement for creative writing should include the following elements, (in no particular order):