Writing your artist statement can feel like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple steps to help you figure out what to say and how to say it.
You’ll get writing prompts, editing advice, and ideas for how to actually use your artist statement once it’s done. Let’s make it easier—and way less intimidating.
Comprehensive guide for writing an effective artist statement (221) Read
For some artists, being asked why they make art is unfruitful—even debilitating. A better strategy is to focus on the people who will be viewing, talking about, and living with your art.
How does your art make people feel? Bernadette Jiwa says, “People don’t buy why you do something. They buy how it makes them feel.” If you think about it, this, ironically, leads to your Why: Connection.
How Your Art Makes People Feel (ep. 184) Read
What good is an email list if you’re not using it? (Answer: No good.)
Neglecting subscribers for months or,yikes!, years, renders your list cold. If you’re ready to commit to staying in touch with the people who asked to hear from you, you might need to reintroduce yourself.
It’s not as difficult as it sounds, but the longer you wait, the bigger the task seems.
How to warm up a cold email list Read
Meeting people and building relationships is the most important thing you can do for your art career, especially when your goal is to be a full-time artist. You must be social in the real world as well as online.
There is no way around it. You must. Be. Seen. It sounds simple, but I know this is not easy for many artists.
Being seen: networking for artists (148) Read
I see versions of this repeated across artists’ social media accounts: What do you think?
If, at some point, you have typed that fateful phrase, I suspect that asking people who follow you what they think is for one of three reasons.
1. Because you think you care what people think.
The Art Biz ep. 115: How to Get Better Feedback When You Want to Improve Read
it can be difficult to introduce yourself as an artist when you are in the process of becoming. You must summon your courage and present yourself as you want others to see you.
“I’m an artist” doesn’t seem to roll off the tongue easily for some people. And yet it’s critical to be able to say those words with confidence. You must summon your courage and present yourself as you want others to see you.
Introduce yourself confidently as an artist (65) Read
Art buyers often have as many insecurities about the process of buying art as you do, which means they are sensitive to the signals you’re sending.
It’s your job to reassure them that they are making the right decisions – and you can do so in very subtle ways without resorting to sales speak.
And it has just as much to do with what you don’t do and say.
Here are seven practices that will scare off your audience and potential fans.
Indecision makes you appear less confident.
Set your prices after you’ve done your homework and be ready to share them in person and online.
If you’re ever pushed for a price that you aren’t certain about, say, “Let me check my list and get back to you. I wouldn’t want to give you the wrong price.”
The apologetic artist who brushes aside compliments about her art is not market-attractive.
I am not in any way condoning arrogance. I’m saying that you need to hold your head up and say “Thank You” when you are given a compliment.
As Julia Child said in Julie & Julia, “Never apologize. No excuses. No explanations.” Along the same lines . . .
Heart surgeons don’t look at the ground and say, “I’m kind of a heart surgeon.” When someone asks what you do, you shouldn’t respond meekly with, “Well, I’m kind of an artist.”
7 Ways You Might Be Scaring Off Potential Buyers Read
All is right with the world. I have proof.
I’m at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to see the Matisse/Diebenkorn exhibition. I arrive early with Rob, my trooper of a husband. He’s agreed to be my companion through the permanent collection galleries before our afternoon ticket time.
What I witness restores my faith in humanity.
Here’s how it goes down.
As a former museum educator, I know that it’s wise to avoid school tours in the galleries. If I had thought about that, I might have visited later in the day. But then I wouldn’t have been fortunate enough to have had this experience.
There is at least one group in each of the galleries. Most students have assignments and a docent.
One docent teaches native Spanish speakers how to say Marcel Duchamp.
Mahr-sel’ Du’-shahn
They giggle.
She stands in front of Duchamp’s Fountain and asks: Is it art? They are pretty certain it isn’t. It’s a urinal, for Pete’s sake.
I don’t stick around to hear more of their reasoning. I already feel like I’m an intruder.
I’m less interested in the art history lecture than in the way these kids are fully engaged with the art. They are hanging on every word she says.
My husband finds me and asks what I’m up to. “This docent is awesome,” I say.
Then I catch a glimpse of another heartwarming scene.
Life Is Beautiful and I Have Proof Read
You only get one chance to make a first impression. True? True!
Competition is fierce in today’s art market, and you must distinguish yourself.
How will people come to know you? More importantly, how will they remember you?
Consider this advice when you want to be memorable in the right way.
Be prepared.
There is no excuse to go into a meeting or situation blindly when you have the virtual world readily available. A simple check with search engines or a social media account might lead you to a treasure of information.
Conduct your research in advance to show people that you’ve heard of them – this always impresses.
You might also discover facts in your research that will help you skillfully navigate any conversation.
Be on time.
The little computer we all carry around in our purses and pockets has made it far too easy for us to be tardy to appointments. All we have to do is text someone to tell her we’re running late.
This is usually fine when you know the other person well. It’s not fine if it’s your first meeting or if you make it a habit.
Be interested.
People will think
How to Make a Dynamite First Impression Read
It’s easy to meet people when you’re at an opening of your own art because you’re the host or hostess. Your job is to meet everyone and to introduce your guests to one another.
Not true when you’re the guest at someone else’s opening. When you don’t have a role to play, it’s uncomfortable to force yourself to meet people.
And, yet, you know it’s important.
Students in my Art Career Success System understand how critical it is to meet more people. New relationships might lead to opportunities, sales, and lifelong fans.
So what do you do? How do you start a conversation with a stranger without getting sick to your stomach?
Alyson to the rescue! Below is a list of conversation starters that you can start practicing immediately.
You don’t even have to be at an opening to begin. Try talking to
Opening Lines at Art Openings: Starting a Conversation Read
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