​Writing an Artist Statement

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What is an Artist Statement?

An artist statement is a written description of an artists work. They could be about an individual piece or a body of work. These statements might be anywhere from 4–5 sentences to several paragraphs.

How to Write an Artist Statement

There is no formula for writing an artist statement. 

When writing an artist statement be genuine, clear, and concise. Write in the first person, use your own voice, and be sure to use an active voice that engages your audience. Make sure your grammar and spelling is impeccable. 

Below are some questions that might help you get started (you do not necessarily need to answer all of these questions, but it is a good place to start.​)
​
When viewing (or making) a work of art it can help to think about what do you see, smell, hear, taste, or feel. ​​

What
  • Include the basic facts about the work. What is the medium, dimension (units of measurements), and title of the work?

Why
  • What are the underlying ideas/concepts that inform the work? 
  • What did you try to express or communicate? What is your work about?

How
  • How did you approach the project? How did you think it through before starting, what research did you complete, what solutions did you discover?
  • What part of the project was challenging? 
  • Have you revised your work? Did these revisions improve it?
  • Were you able to explore the project to your satisfaction? 
  • What breakthroughs have you had, or what did you learn as a result of your work?

Who
  • What or who inspired your work? What were your influences?

Get concrete, practical tips for how to write an artist statement. This video explains the most important parts of an artist statement, how to write succinctly, as well as options for adapting a specific voice. Different versions of your artist statement are discussed as well: a short version for your artist website, a 1 paragraph version for artist grants, and more detailed, in depth proposals that can be used for artist grant applications. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu. ~YouTube Description
Video Credit: How to Write an Artist Statement | Art Prof YouTube
​See the full video here.

Discover More

  • How To Write An Artist Statement: Tips From The Art Experts | Agora Gallery
  • How do I write successfully about my art? [PDF] | SAIC
  • The 99designs Guide to Critiquing Graphic Design | 99designs
  • How to Evaluate the Quality of Your Design | 99designs
Examples
  • Nikki Renne Anderson
  • Lynn Peters
  • These 20 Artists are Shaping the Future of Ceramics | Artsy
Chris Matusek | Copyright © 2025
  • Home
  • Design Topics
    • 3-Step Design Process
    • Interface and Net Art
    • Logo Design
    • Professional Practices >
      • Portfolio Design
      • Archiving Work
    • Typography >
      • History of Type
  • Vocabulary
    • Formal Elements >
      • Design Topics
    • Resources
    • Tutorials
  • News
  • Market MV
  • Exhibitions
    • JSAE 25-26
    • Visual Voices - 2024-11