How to Write an Artist Statement: The Dos and Don'ts You Need to Know

Are you an artist struggling with writing an artist statement that accurately represents your unique style and vision? Look no further! Your artist statement is just as important as your art itself as it defines why you create the work you do for your audience. In this blog post, I'll guide you through exactly how to write an artist statement that is effective. From understanding the purpose of your statement to choosing the right words and tone, I've got you covered.

Understand the Purpose of Your Artist Statement.

Before you can learn how to write an artist statement, you first need to know the purpose of your artist statement. To craft an artist statement that truly represents your talent and speaks to your audience, it's essential to understand what you want to say. Your artist statement is not just a summary of your work but a statement of your vision, style, and motivation behind your art. It is the first step towards building a connection with your viewers and helping them to understand your creative process.

Identify Your Unique Style and Vision.

Your statement should not only talk about the work itself, it should talk about you and why you create this type of work. Therefore, it's essential to take time to reflect on your art and what inspires you. This will help you create a statement that's authentic, meaningful, and helps your viewers connect with your work on a deeper level.

The next step is to choose the right words to communicate your message effectively. I️ recommend starting with a bullet pointed list. What is everything that inspires you. It can be words, colors, phrases, etc. Then start pulling trends from this list and see if you can craft this brainstorm into a few sentences about your inspiration and unique style.

Identifying your unique style and vision is the foundation for creating an artist statement that stands out. By using the brainstorming technique you can get to the heart of why you create what you create much faster.

Choose the Right Words and Tone.

Choosing the right words and tone is crucial in crafting an artist statement that accurately reflects your artistic vision and style. Your language and tone should match the personality of your art. If your art is playful and whimsical your tone will sound different than if it is more serious and thought-provoking.

To make a lasting emotional connection with your viewers, take the time to identify this tone before writing your statement. Make sure you also consider your brand image. Does this tone match the work, who you are, and the brand you are trying to build?

Your artist statement should convey your creativity and passion, but it should also be clear and concise. Avoid using complicated language or jargon that could confuse your viewers. Instead, use simple and direct language that everyone can understand. Sometimes artists feel the need to use lofty words to describe their work. You shouldn’t have to rely on big words to make your statement sound good. Instead, focus on what you are trying to say and what you are trying to convey through this statement.

Edit, Edit, Edit!

The key to learning how to write an artist statement is understanding how to edit. Editing helps you to refine your message and ensure that you have communicated your artistic vision accurately. Start by reading through your statement several times to check for errors and typos. Make sure your sentences are clear and concise and that your message is cohesive. Ask a friend or colleague to review your artist statement and offer feedback. Their input can help you to identify areas where you can improve your statement and make it more effective.

When editing, be sure to pay attention to your choice of words. Delete any unnecessary words or phrases that do not add meaning to your statement or that seem repetitive. This is one of the biggest mistakes I️ see artists make. They get repetitive to make it longer, but you want every word to make an impact versus repeating the same message over and over again. Who wants to read that?

Keep in mind that your artist statement should be easy to understand for your audience. Use action words that capture the essence of your work and make it engaging for your readers.

Lastly, don't forget to proofread your statement carefully. Errors and typos can detract from the impact of your message and make it appear unprofessional. By editing and proofreading carefully, you can ensure that your artist statement accurately reflects your artistic vision and helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Writing an artist statement can be a challenging task, but it provides a valuable opportunity to communicate your passion and share your creative vision with your audience. By following the dos and don'ts outlined in this article and carefully editing your statement, you can create a compelling message that resonates with your viewers.

Now that you know how to write an artist statement, I️ encourage you to write and share yours today! I️ can’t wait to learn about everyone’s artistic endeavors!