How to Write Your Artists profile. Written by Member Artist Greg Howard
You have sorted out the paintings you want to exhibit, got them framed, sorted out your prices,booked the advert (Always a sore point. Why don't the galleries pay for their own advertising, after all why do you pay them commission in the first place - do they want empty walls?) you have told all your family and friends several times and, wait a minute you seem to have forgotten something! Oh yes, the gallery asked you for an artists profile. Hmmm!
Artists profile? Just what exactly is that? Well to put your mind at rest it is not an essay about your life history, your views on politics, your bra size or whether you prefer dogs or cats.
So just what is an artists profile? Your artists profile in a nutshell is a short biography the gallery stick up next to your paintings to let potential clients know a little bit about you. It gives your work a little provenance and also puts a face to the name. So, bad news for those of you that don't like people seeing your photograph!! A photograph is a must for any artists profile.
Your "Artist's Profile" is anything you wish to say to the people that will be viewing your artwork. The best artist profiles are always those that are written in everyday language, almost conversational so don't worry too much about being grammatically correct. Unlike speaking to a group, writing gives you the advantage of speaking directly on a one-to-one basis, since each person reads at their own pace and reading is a very personal experience. Therefore it is important to write your profile as though you are talking just to one person.
Tell people a little bit about yourself. People always feel better about purchasing artwork if they know a little bit about the artist that painted it. Your artist's profile is where you have the chance to explain why you chose to create what you have created. What motivated you? Is there a background story to your art? And if so do you wish to share that? What thought processes did you go through to arrive at certain ideas or conclusions?
Do not be intimidated by this. Part of being an artist is self-exploration. You are already "putting yourself out there" by showing your work. So follow through, for those who would love to know more about what you have to say.
Finally don't make it too long or you will bore people. Always remember to include your name - the bigger the better, burn it into the minds of those viewing your work after all if they like what they see even if they don't buy that day they may in future. Always remember to include your contact details - address, telephone number, email and most importantly your website address. (If you do not have a website use the url of a gallery you have online.) Last but by no means least have fun writing your profile. it's your big chance to tell the world or at least a small part of it who you are and why you love what you do - go for it and good luck!!
Greg Howard
You have sorted out the paintings you want to exhibit, got them framed, sorted out your prices,booked the advert (Always a sore point. Why don't the galleries pay for their own advertising, after all why do you pay them commission in the first place - do they want empty walls?) you have told all your family and friends several times and, wait a minute you seem to have forgotten something! Oh yes, the gallery asked you for an artists profile. Hmmm!
Artists profile? Just what exactly is that? Well to put your mind at rest it is not an essay about your life history, your views on politics, your bra size or whether you prefer dogs or cats.
So just what is an artists profile? Your artists profile in a nutshell is a short biography the gallery stick up next to your paintings to let potential clients know a little bit about you. It gives your work a little provenance and also puts a face to the name. So, bad news for those of you that don't like people seeing your photograph!! A photograph is a must for any artists profile.
Your "Artist's Profile" is anything you wish to say to the people that will be viewing your artwork. The best artist profiles are always those that are written in everyday language, almost conversational so don't worry too much about being grammatically correct. Unlike speaking to a group, writing gives you the advantage of speaking directly on a one-to-one basis, since each person reads at their own pace and reading is a very personal experience. Therefore it is important to write your profile as though you are talking just to one person.
Tell people a little bit about yourself. People always feel better about purchasing artwork if they know a little bit about the artist that painted it. Your artist's profile is where you have the chance to explain why you chose to create what you have created. What motivated you? Is there a background story to your art? And if so do you wish to share that? What thought processes did you go through to arrive at certain ideas or conclusions?
Do not be intimidated by this. Part of being an artist is self-exploration. You are already "putting yourself out there" by showing your work. So follow through, for those who would love to know more about what you have to say.
Finally don't make it too long or you will bore people. Always remember to include your name - the bigger the better, burn it into the minds of those viewing your work after all if they like what they see even if they don't buy that day they may in future. Always remember to include your contact details - address, telephone number, email and most importantly your website address. (If you do not have a website use the url of a gallery you have online.) Last but by no means least have fun writing your profile. it's your big chance to tell the world or at least a small part of it who you are and why you love what you do - go for it and good luck!!
Greg Howard
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