what to include in an art personal statement

Crafting Artistic Statements: 10 Powerful Examples & Guide

If you’ve been dreading writing your artist statement, you’re not alone. Although you love working on your artwork , coming up with an artist statement isn’t always easy.

But don’t fear! I’ll share some examples of famous artist statements here. Plus, I’ll walk you through how to write your own artist statement, what to include, and what to skip. 

So, let’s get started!

10 Excellent Artist Statement Examples

Here are ten great artist statement examples you can use for inspiration! Looking at good artist statements can help you decide what to include in your own. But don’t feel like you should copy a sample artist statement – remember to make it unique and personal! 

1. Wassily Kandinsky

“I let myself go. I thought little of the houses and trees, but applied color stripes and spots to the canvas… Within me sounded the memory of the early evening in Moscow – before my eyes were the strong, color-saturated scale of the Munich light and atmosphere, which thundered deeply in the shadows.”

2. Gustav Klimt

“I have never painted a self-portrait. I am less interested in myself as a subject for a painting than I am in other people, above all women… There is nothing special about me. I am a painter who paints day after day from morning to night… Whoever wants to know something about me… ought to look carefully at my pictures.”

3. Mark Rothko

“I’m not interested in relationships of color or form or anything else. I’m interested only in expressing basic human emotions – tragedy, ecstasy, doom, and so on – and the fact that lots of people break down and cry when confronted with my pictures shows that I communicate those basic human emotions… The people who weep before my pictures are having the same religion I had when I painted them.”

4. Edvard Munch

“I was walking along a path with two friends – the sun was setting – suddenly the sky turned blood red – I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence – there were blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city – my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety – and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature.”

5. Pablo Picasso

“I have never made trials or experiments. Whenever I had something to say, I have said it in the manner in which it needed to be said… I can hardly understand the importance given to the word “research” in connection with the modern painting. In my opinion to search means nothing in painting. To find is the thing.”

6. Jackson Pollock

“I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them. It doesn’t matter how the paint is put on, as long as something is said. On the floor, I am more at ease. I feel nearer, more part of the painting, since this way I can walk around it, work from the four sides and literally be in the painting. When I’m painting, I’m not aware of what I’m doing. It’s only after a get-acquainted period that I see what I’ve been about. I’ve no fears about making changes for the painting has a life of its own.”

7. Nancy McIntyre

“What do I want to say with my art? Celebrate the human, the marks people make on the world. Treasure the local, the small-scale, the eccentric, the ordinary: whatever is made out of caring. Respect what people have built for themselves. Find the beauty in some battered old porch or cluttered, human-scale storefront, while it still stands.”

8. Duane Keiser

“My subject matter tends to be those fragmentary passages that reside within the mundane – the in-between spaces of our lives that we see but often do not notice. For me, these paintings are about the pleasure of seeing; of being cognizant of the world around me, and pushing to find an alchemy between the paint, my subject, and the moment. I view each piece as being part of a single, ongoing work.”

9. Charlene Fuhrman-Schulz

“My subject matter is nature, whether it is a traditional landscape or a bird and flower painting. I use traditional materials, ink, and brush on rice paper, to capture movement and life — making the brush dance and the ink sing. Everything is captured in the spontaneous dance and movement of the brush as it meets the rice paper. There is no going back and correcting when painting with ink and rice paper.”

10. Georgia O’Keeffe 

“I have but one desire as a painter – that is to paint what I see, as I see it, in my own way, without regard for the desires or taste of the professional dealer or the professional collector. I attribute what little success I have to this fact. I wouldn’t turn out stuff for order, and I couldn’t. It would stifle any creative ability I possess.”

What is an Artist Statement?

Every artist needs to write an artist statement at some point. But, what is it exactly?

An artist statement gives insight into the artist’s process and creative decisions. It can also explain the themes, ideas, and vision of the artist. You can think of it as an initial introduction to yourself and your work to give a great first impression!

Artist statements officially date back to the 1990s . But while they haven’t been around a long time, artists have always tried to define and explain their work. 

These statements can vary in length from a few sentences to a page or more. Each statement will differ, but you want yours to be memorable and easy to understand.

Most importantly, it should help people to understand your work.

Artist statements are used for many reasons. You may use yours when applying for grants, submitting a portfolio, or for PR and press mentions.  It can also appear on your website. 

So, it’s an essential document you’ll need to create. It’s key to growing your following and building a successful career as an artist. 

Writing an artist statement can also help you to get clear on your overall vision and values. You might need to spend some time reflecting on what your art means to you.

And yes, it does mean you’ll have to put down the paintbrush briefly. But with these tips, you’ll know exactly how to write your artist statement. 

Once it’s written, you can use the same statement again and again. If your artwork evolves over time, you may want to update it slightly. But you’ll have already done the hard work researching, planning, and writing it.

How to Write an Artist Statement

Writing an artist statement sounds daunting, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Here are my simple steps for crafting an engaging and effective artist statement! These tips will take you from a bland statement to an amazing artist’s mission statement.

Use simple language

Don’t overcomplicate your statement or use very academic language. That can put people off reading it. Your statement must be powerful and accessible to everyone.

Use active voice and 1st person perspective

I always recommend using the active voice as it comes across as more confident and powerful. Avoid wishy-washy phrases like:

• I want to … in my work

Instead, switch it to active voice. Instantly, you’ll have a more interesting and captivating statement. 

Using 1st person perspective also ensures that your statement is clear and direct. 

Keep it short and sweet

You want to grab the reader’s attention and hold their interest. Avoid an artist statement that is several paragraphs (or pages!) long. A short artist statement is more powerful. So, it should be concise and to the point, without any filler. 

Condense what you want to say down into as little as possible without losing the meaning. Your artist statement should be short enough to quote! 

Ask yourself questions

Your statement allows you to provide a greater understanding of your creative choices. It can give a window into your thought process, so people can take more from your art.

But you need to ensure you include this information in your statement. Otherwise, you’re missing an opportunity. 

One effective method is to think about what people might want to know from you. What questions do you get asked in interviews?

Here are a few questions you could ask yourself:

• What do you want to achieve with your art?
• How do you create your artwork?
• What type of artist am I?
• How does the process, medium, or technique affect the work?
• What does the reader need to know to understand your artwork?
• What emotions do you want to invoke in the reader?
• Who has influenced you in your artistic career, and particularly in this work?
• Who or what are you addressing in this artwork?
• What else do you want your audience to know?
• How does this work relate to your other works?
• What is your art philosophy?
• How does your artwork fit into the history of art?

Don’t worry – you don’t have to answer all these questions in your statement. You can decide which ones make sense. Remember that short and sweet is better than long and dry – you want to get people interested in you!

Once you’ve identified what people want to know about you and your art, you can consider your responses. 

Do your research

A great way to get inspiration for your artist statement is by looking at other examples. You can read up on how the old masters or contemporary artists describe their work. 

Doing some research will help you understand how to structure your statement. It can also give you food for thought to delve deeper into the meanings of your artwork, too! 

If you’re still struggling, there are artist statement templates you can use to get you started. A template will help you build your statement’s structure so that you can concentrate on the details. 

Step away and come back later to edit

It’s easy to get caught up in the details and overthink something as important as an artist’s statement. This document is meaningful and may provoke lots of thoughts or emotions. 

If you find yourself writing and editing, again and again, take some time to step away. Any piece of writing benefits from a fresh eye. When you work on something for a long time, it’s easy to miss any minor details or mistakes.

I always recommend coming back another day to read through and make any final changes. 

The Wrap Up

Writing your artist statement doesn’t have to be a painstaking process. Now, you’ve had a look at some great artist statements. With these simple tips, you’re all set to craft your own statement now! 

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. Go ahead and share your artist statement once you’ve written it, too! 

Follow me on Pinterest for more tips, guides, and tutorials for creative professionals! 

Outmane is the founder of Proactive Creative. He is an artist/designer.

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12 Powerful Artist Statement Examples and How to Write Your Own

In the  vast art world , your  unique voice and vision  are paramount. Drawing from my extensive journey through both creating and analyzing art, this guide delves into the nuances of  12 powerful artist statement examples . My goal is to arm you with  knowledge and tips  for crafting a  compelling artist statement  that forges a profound connection between your  artwork  and the  audience . Through a blend of  original research, analysis, and storytelling , I strive to ensure easy readability and provide  actionable advice .

What is an artist statement?

An  artist statement  serves as a pivotal channel to express the essence of your  creative process ,  subject matter , and the underlying  ideas  behind your  artwork , all in your own words. It acts as a  bridge , drawing viewers deeper into your artistic realm and offering insights that may not be immediately visible.

Consider the findings of a study published in  American Art Magazine , which indicated that  art descriptions  can enhance the viewer’s experience by up to  65% , particularly when the language used resonates with the emotional and intellectual curiosity of the reader. This highlights the significance of an artist statement not just as a formality but as a crucial element of  artistic communication .

Why Every Artist Needs One

An  effective artist statement  does more than describe; it opens a  dialogue  between the  artist  and the  audience , enriching the viewing experience and deepening the understanding of the art. It’s an indispensable component of your  art portfolio , playing a vital role in  galleries ,  press releases , and your  online presence .

Statistics from a survey conducted among gallery owners reveal that approximately  85%  view an artist’s statement as a determining factor in their decision to exhibit works. This underscores the statement’s importance not only for audience engagement but also for professional opportunities within the  art world .

Furthermore, in a digital age where art is frequently discovered online, a well-crafted artist statement can significantly enhance the visibility and comprehension of your work. According to research from the  University of the Arts London , artists with clear, engaging statements see an increase in online engagement and inquiries, underscoring the statement’s role in the  art business  and  art career  development.

Table 1: Impact of Artist Statements on Viewer Engagement and Opportunities

Impact Percentage

Viewer Engagement

Gallery Exhibition Odds

Online Engagement

Crafting Your Masterpiece: The Artist Statement

Crafting a compelling artist statement is akin to painting with words; it requires  precision, depth, and a splash of vulnerability . Herein, I’ll share the essential components that make up a powerful artist statement, drawing on extensive research, interviews with seasoned artists, and personal experience in the art world.

What Are the Ingredients of a Powerful Artist Statement?

A powerful artist statement should serve as a mirror to your soul, reflecting the very essence of your work and artistic journey. Here’s how to blend the key ingredients:

• Clarity and Depth : Balance is crucial. While your statement should delve deep into the  themes  and  ideas  driving your work, it must also be easily digestible. According to a study by the  Artists Association of the World  (AAW),  78%  of art viewers appreciate statements that make them feel enlightened rather than perplexed.
• Artistic Vision and Inspiration : Share the genesis of your work. What ignites your creativity? Whether it’s a  personal experience , a piece of  music , or a  social issue , let your reader see the world through your eyes.
• Accessible Language : The  University of Art and Design Helsinki  found that artist statements using  accessible language  were  three times more likely  to be read in full. An active voice engages the reader, making your narrative more lively and personal.
• Engagement and Connection : Your statement is a bridge to your audience. The  Global Art Market Report 2023  highlighted that artist statements that forge a  personal connection  see a  40%  higher engagement on online platforms.

How Can Storytelling Enhance Your Artist Statement?

Storytelling transforms your statement from a mere description into a captivating narrative. Here are ways to incorporate storytelling effectively:

• Share Your Journey : Discuss your evolution as an artist. A survey conducted by  Art Business Today  found that statements with a personal narrative saw a  50%  increase in viewer engagement at galleries.
• Emotional Resonance : According to  the Psychology of Aesthetics  journal, viewers are  60% more likely  to remember and form a bond with artwork if they feel an emotional connection to the artist’s story.
• Artistic Practice Insights : Give a glimpse into your process. Do you sketch in nature, or are you inspired by urban landscapes? This peek into your world can be incredibly intriguing.

Why are clarity and authenticity important in your artist statement?

Authenticity and clarity are the bedrock of a compelling artist statement. Here’s why they matter:

• Authenticity : Being true to yourself in your statement allows for genuine connections. The  Journal of Artistic Research  notes that authenticity in art communication can increase trust and interest among viewers by  80% .
• Avoid art jargon : While specialized terms might seem professional, they can alienate a wider audience. A study from  Art Journal Open  suggests that  jargon-free  statements significantly enhance accessibility and enjoyment for the general public.
• Conciseness : A concise statement ensures that your message is not lost in verbosity. Data from  Art Insights Magazine  reveals that the ideal artist statement length is  150–200 words , striking a perfect balance between informativeness and brevity.

Table 2: Effective Elements of an Artist Statement

Importance Percentage

Clarity and Depth

Emotional Connection

Authenticity

Jargon-Free Language

Highly Recommended

Length (Words)

12 Powerful Artist Statement Examples

Crafting an artist statement is a unique challenge that bridges the gap between visual language and written word, providing a profound insight into the heart of an artist’s work. This section delves into examples spanning from  the classics  to  contemporary voices , each illustrating the diverse ways artists convey their visions and the underlying themes of their work.

What Can We Learn from the Classics: Timeless Statements?

The Classics  offer a window into the soul of art history’s most revered figures, revealing how their statements have stood the test of time.

• Edvard Munch : Famous for his work  The Scream , Munch’s statements delve into his exploration of psychological themes and his philosophy of art as an expression of life’s truths. His approach highlights the importance of emotional depth and personal experience in art. According to a study published in the  Journal of Historical Art Studies , Munch’s artist statements have influenced over  60%  of expressionist artists in how they articulate their artistic visions.
• Frida  Kahlo’s artist statements often reflected her intense personal pains and the socio-political upheaval in Mexico. Her ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader cultural and political themes offers a powerful example of how artist statements can serve as a manifesto of personal and collective identity.

How Do Contemporary Voices: Modern Takes Shape the Art World?

Contemporary Voices  shed light on how modern artists navigate the complexities of today’s world through their art and statements.

• Ai Weiwei : As a contemporary artist and activist, Ai Weiwei’s statements serve as a profound commentary on freedom of expression, human rights, and the role of art in social change. His integration of social media into both his art and artist statements exemplifies how modern platforms can amplify the message, reaching a global audience. Research from the  Contemporary Art Review  suggests that Ai Weiwei’s online statements have sparked significant international dialogue on political issues, engaging millions of viewers worldwide.
• Olafur Eliasson : Known for his large-scale environmental installations, Eliasson uses his statements to discuss the interaction between people and their environments, highlighting the impact of climate change. His approach demonstrates the power of art in raising awareness and inciting action on global issues, with his works and statements cited in over  30%  of academic papers on art and environmental activism.

Why is a picture’s worth so important for visual artists?

Visual artists  face the challenge of distilling the essence of their visuals into compelling narratives.

• Annie Leibovitz : As a renowned photographer, Leibovitz’s artist statements often explore the stories behind her iconic portraits, offering insights into her creative process and the relationship between photographer and subject. Her ability to convey the emotional depth and narrative behind each shot emphasizes the storytelling power of photography.
• Yayoi Kusama : Kusama’s statements frequently articulate her fascination with the concept of infinity and her personal experiences with mental illness. Her immersive, large-scale installations and the accompanying artist statements invite viewers into her unique perspective, blending visual spectacle with deeply personal narrative.

How Do Performance Artists Use Their Bodies to Speak Through Their Art?

Performance art  stands out for its use of the artist’s body as the primary medium, creating a direct and powerful form of expression.

• Marina  Abramović’s artist statements often reflect on the limits of the body and the possibilities of the mind, themes central to her performances. Her work challenges viewers to engage with the concepts of presence and absence, endurance, and the artist-audience relationship. Her statements provide crucial context to her performances, many of which confront discomfort, pain, and the human experience, inviting viewers to partake in these explorations.
• Tania Bruguera : Bruguera integrates activism directly into her performance art, using her body to address political oppression and censorship. Her artist statements articulate her belief in the power of art to effect social change, offering a compelling example of how art and activism can intersect to provoke dialogue and action.

Step-by-Step: Writing Your Own Artist Statement

Crafting an artist statement is a crucial step for any artist, serving as a bridge between your work and your audience. It provides a glimpse into your world, your inspirations, and the meaning behind your creations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to writing an artist statement that resonates.

How Do You Get Started on Your Artist Statement?

Getting started  with your artist statement requires a deep dive into your creative psyche. Begin with  brainstorming  and  free writing  sessions to unleash your thoughts and ideas. This unfiltered exploration can reveal the core themes and motivations behind your art.

• Reflect on Your Artistic Journey : Consider the milestones and challenges you’ve faced along your path. According to a study in the  Journal of Creative Behavior , artists who connect their personal growth to their work create more engaging and relatable statements.
• Identify Themes and Messages : Pinpoint the recurring themes in your work. Whether it’s social commentary, personal exploration, or a fascination with certain aesthetics, understanding these elements is key to conveying your artistic intent.

What is the drafting process for an artist statement?

The  drafting process  is where your artist statement begins to take shape. Writing in the  first person  establishes a personal connection with your audience, making your statement feel more authentic and intimate.

• Organize Your Ideas : Structure your thoughts in a way that flows logically. Start with an introduction to your art, delve into the themes and inspirations, and conclude with what you hope to communicate to your audience. The use of  mind maps  or  bullet points  can be incredibly helpful at this stage, as recommended by a guide from the  University of the Arts .
• Use strong, active  verbs. Active voice brings energy and clarity to your writing. Instead of saying, “My art is influenced by,” you might say, “I draw inspiration from.” This directness makes your statement more powerful and easier to engage with.

How Can Revision Techniques Improve Your Artist Statement?

Revision techniques  are critical for refining your artist statement, ensuring clarity, and enhancing its impact. Embracing multiple drafts allows you to explore different ways of expressing your ideas, while feedback from others provides new perspectives.

• Embrace Multiple Drafts : Don’t be afraid to write several versions of your statement. Each revision can bring you closer to the most authentic and effective expression of your artistic vision.
• Seek constructive feedback : Sharing your drafts with peers, mentors, or even a writing coach can offer invaluable insights. According to research published in the  International Journal of Art & Design Education , feedback is crucial for artists to develop a reflective practice, aiding in the articulation of their artistic intentions.

How Do You Incorporate Feedback and Apply Final Touches?

Feedback and final touches  are about refining your artist statement until it accurately reflects your vision and resonates with your intended audience. Integrating feedback thoughtfully is key to enhancing the quality and authenticity of your statement.

• Selective Incorporation : While feedback is invaluable, it’s important to remain true to your vision. Assess each piece of advice carefully and apply changes that align with your artistic intent.
• Final Polish : Look for areas to simplify or clarify your language. A clear, concise statement is more accessible and impactful. Tools like  Grammarly  or the  Hemingway Editor  can help tighten your prose and ensure it’s engaging and free of jargon.

Table 3: Key Steps and Tips for Crafting an Artist Statement

Getting Started

Brainstorm, reflect on your journey, identify core themes

Drafting Process

Write in the first person, organize ideas coherently

Revision Techniques

Embrace multiple drafts, seek feedback

Feedback and Final Touches

Incorporate feedback selectively, apply final polish

How long should my artist statement be?

The length of your artist statement can significantly impact its effectiveness.  Best practices suggest aiming for a statement that is between 100 and 200 words . This concise approach ensures that you communicate the essence of your work and artistic practice without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details. A study from the  Journal of Art and Design Education  found that shorter, more succinct statements had a  30% higher engagement rate  compared to longer ones. The key is to avoid academic language and technical jargon, making your statement accessible to a broader audience.

Can I Change My Artist Statement Over Time?

Yes, and you should.  Your artist statement is not a static document but a living reflection of your evolving art career. As you explore new directions, themes, and insights, your statement should adapt to reflect these changes. This evolution is a natural part of your creative journey and helps keep your audience engaged with your current work. According to a survey by  Arts Professional UK ,  80% of gallery visitors  found updated artist statements more engaging, as they offered fresh perspectives on the artist’s evolving body of work.

What if I work in multiple mediums?

Working in multiple mediums showcases your versatility as an artist, but it can also pose a challenge when crafting a unified artist statement. The key is to find the underlying themes or inspirations that tie your work together across different mediums. For example, if your paintings, sculptures, and digital art all explore themes of nature and human impact, your statement can reflect this overarching focus. This approach helps create a cohesive narrative about your work, regardless of the medium. A study published in the  International Journal of Art Therapy  highlighted that artists who successfully link their diverse mediums in their statements can enhance audience understanding and appreciation of their artistic breadth.

Crafting an artist statement is more than a formality; it’s a vital step in sharing your art with the world. This guide aims to equip you with the insights, examples, and practical tips needed to articulate your vision and deepen your engagement with your audience. Remember, a great artist statement acts as both a reflection of your current work and a bridge to your future endeavors in the art business. It’s an opportunity to not just showcase your artwork but to share the story and the person behind the brush, the camera, or the canvas. Let your statement be a mirror to your artistic soul, inviting viewers into your world and connecting with them on a profound level.

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Write the Perfect Artist Statement

Writing an artist statement can seem daunting. In a visual profession, having to explain your work in writing can feel gratuitous. But a compelling artist statement is essential to your career as an artist. What’s more, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on your practice, appreciate the value of your art and tackle anything that isn’t working.

With Artweb’s comprehensive guide, drafting an artist statement has never been easier.

What is an artist statement?

An artist statement sets out your unique philosophy as an artist in no more than 300 words (and sometimes as few as 150). It offers insight into your work, in your own words. It also provides context for your art and enhances the viewer’s experience.

A concise artists statement may reside on a gallery wall at the start of your exhibition, on the opening page of a catalogue or on your website.

Why do you need an artist statement?

When done well, an artist statement can turn something simple into something serious and valuable, worthy of exhibition and purchase.  Your statement really is that important.

An artist statement fulfills the demands of many audiences. It is how you communicate your ideas and philosophy to viewers. Those viewers include potential galleries, the general public looking at an exhibition of your work, and academics considering you for a grant or residency. It may also form the basis of your online presence.

The chances are you will need to edit your statement for different audiences, but begin with one master statement that can be revised for varying purposes. If you went to art school, you probably practiced writing one over and over, honing it until it was good enough to impress lecturers and examiners.  But the habit can quickly erode.  If you are self-taught , it may be something you have never tried or don’t fully understand. 

Note that an artist statement is not an artist’s CV.  Your resume or CV will list your education and achievements in the same way all professional resumes do.

What to include in an artist statement

The recipe for the perfect artist statement is made up of three basic ingredients: the what, the how and the why.

Get to the point. Detail the medium of your work, key themes and ideas, and a brief description of what your art feels like. But remember, you are not providing a physical description of your work. That is evident in the work itself.

“I’ll paint what I see – what the flower is to me – but I’ll paint it huge so they’ll be startled and take the time to look at it.” Georgia O’Keefe

Tackle your process. Here, you’ll describe the materials you use and how you approach your research. You can also address any other unique elements such as collaboration with others or working in the public realm. You could use this section to describe an example of your work that demonstrates what you have discussed so far, something that encompasses your key themes and materials.

“I don’t manipulate or play with space. I declare it. It is by my declaration that my paintings become full.” Barnett Newman, star of the New York School of Painters

What motivates and drives you to create the work you do? Is it external or internal. This can be the hardest element of a statement to write, as it is often just a “feeling.” Your statement needs to explore that. Include one or two sentences about what you want to achieve through your work.

Roger Hilton was a pioneer of abstract art in post-Second World War Britain.  He talks of feeling: “Painting is a feeling… When I paint it is an affair of instinct and intuition, I feel the shape and colors inside myself.”

Create your unique voice

“Blue has no dimensions, it is beyond dimensions, whereas the other colors  are not… red presupposes a site radiating heat.” Yves Klein (1928 – 1962)

Start with your artwork. Look at your portfolio and pay attention to the work you’ve produced. Consider the medium, use of color and texture as well as subject and tone.  Identify the similarities among your work and explore why they are relevant.  What are the adjectives you would choose? What would a viewer see? Imagine yourself as a stranger, viewing your works in a gallery.

How does your work make you feel?  If you’ve done your job properly, this will come across in your work. But does your art convey what you intended? Jot your thoughts down in a notebook.

Why does it matter what the artist intended?

“My feminism expresses itself in an intense interest in what women do. “ Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010)

Sometimes, the intention of an artist means nothing to a viewer. Sometimes the title provides enough information. But a good artist statement can nudge your audience in the right direction, so make sure to notice the range of sentiment your work evokes.

If you find writing tricky, consider recording  yourself having a casual conversation about your work with a friend. Transcribe the audio and see if anything stands out.

Alternatively, have someone familiar with your work write an artist statement for you. Getting an outside point of view can be insightful and refreshing, and may help to expand your own perception.

Break your statement down

The overall aim of an artist statement is to give a general introduction to your work, a body of work, or a specific project.

It should be no longer than 300 words. This means no more than a single page.

Paragraph One

It should open with the work’s basic ideas in an overview of two or three sentences or a short paragraph.

Paragraph Two

The second paragraph should go into detail about how these issues or ideas are presented in the work.

Paragraph Three

Explain what inspires you. This isn’t a list of other artists, but what and why you view the world and your art as you do.

BE WARNED: Don’t use biographical elements to fill space.  This includes where you were born, schooled and work or every exhibitions you have ever taken part in. A gallery or viewer doesn’t need to know that you were born in Texas and now work out of a garden studio in New Orleans unless it’s relevant to your work.

Now create the perfect artist statement

Keep it short.

Every sentence should communicate its own idea in simple terms. Don’t overcomplicate it! Avoid the temptation to borrow lines from other artists and don’t be tempted to create a list. It should read like you – and no one talks in lists. The tone and structure of the text should be unique to you. However, there are some basic rules to follow in regards to the content.

An artist statement can be in the first or third person

You can write in either the first or third person. The third-person offers some interesting opportunities for writing style and self-criticism.

Avoid cliches

This means not starting your sentences with “I am passionate about…” or “My art excites me…”  If it didn’t excite or make you passionate, why would anyone else be interested?  Avoid too much use of “exploring” or “experimenting.”  It all sounds incomplete. You are asking for someone to retort: “Come back to me when it’s finished.”

Be economical with language

Think of sentence-building as a game of jenga. The aim is to remove any unnecessary words, while upholding the sentence’s core idea.  Once you’ve completed a first draft, read each sentence aloud and delete words as required.  You will probably find space for an additional sentence.

Match your statement to your art

Your art and your artist statement should complement each other.  An art expert should be able to pick them out and match them up without prompting.  If you are experimenting or exploring something new in your work that departs from the art you are showing, give it a mention.

Don’t waffle

Meandering descriptions of your work mean you aren’t confident or you don’t understand your work. Or, even worse, there is nothing to understand. Yves Kein created canvases of monochromes and his own unique Yves Klein Blue. If he hadn’t been able to say his work was a quest to “liberate colour from the prison that is the line “ , his work might have been mistaken for an oversized color chart. It certainly wouldn’t hang in New York’s Museum of Modern Art.  Keeping it short and unambiguous shows the work has a clear purpose.

Don’t quote other artists

Your artist statement is a written version of you and your artwork. It shouldn’t be a copy of another’s statement anymore than your art is a copy of someone else’s artwork. Don’t waste valuable space telling the reader what Henri Matisse had to say about colour or Picasso’s take on his Blue Period. Quotes usually work because they are definitive and concise, so create your own. It is always worth looking at the artist statement’s of successful artists, but don’t be tempted to copy.

Be Confident

Avoid words like attempts, hope, should, may, intends and could when talking about your work. It either does or it doesn’t do something. There is no it may do, I hope it does or my intention is that it should … If you’re not confident about your work, your viewer won’t be either. Don’t leave room for doubt. It’s better to leave room for disagreement!

Don’t use jargon

Art theory is important, but don’t show off with your knowledge of John Berger’s Ways of Seeing or apply Jacques Derrida’s concepts of deconstructionism to abstract painting.  Your text should clarify your work, not obfuscate.  If anyone asks you: “What do you mean?” you probably need to go back to the writing table.  Leave the formulaic jargon to the critics! If you have space to pontificate on the meaning of art, you probably need to start again.

Proofread, and proofread again. A second pair of eyes to spot typos is always useful, but friends and family might not have the distance to fully assess your statement.

“An attempt is everything. How marvellous!” Alberto Giacometti

Keep refining you artist statement

An artist will develop their practice over time.  Your mediums, interests and style will change massively even within a few months.  Check if you’re statement is still relevant every time you use it. 

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How to write an artist statement: dos, don’ts, and what you can achieve

If you’re reading this article about how to write an artist statement, there is probably an essential deadline on your horizon that requires you to write this description of what you do and how you do it as an artist. Usually, statements are a requirement along with a resume and portfolio for grants, exhibitions, masters, and degrees.

But why is writing an artist statement a synonym for stress, hours spent looking at a blank page, and clocks ticking faster than they usually do? Well, most artists spend so much time immersed in their craft that putting it in words can be daunting.

No one knows what you do, how, and why you do it better than you. Writing an artist statement is just about putting your ideas in order and opening yourself up to share your work with others, as you will learn with this guide.

To write an artist statement describe what you do, how, and why.

What is an artist statement?

Before actually starting to write it, you need to have a clear idea of what an artist’s statement is. This short text, divided into two to three paragraphs, is a description of your artwork, what its creation involves, and the motivation and inspiration behind it. A proper artist statement should address the questions that arise when the observer engages with your work and adds context to it.

As art is subjective, an artist’s statement works like the prism from which the public should look at a certain piece, a project, or even your full body of work . An artist statement should be adaptable to certain requirements like where and when you are presenting it. It’s not the same to write a statement needed for a gallery , a solo exhibition, or writing a statement for an upcoming interview in an art magazine.

  An artist statement can be a complement to a portafolio, resume, and even “About” page. 

What an artist statement isn’t

Sometimes when you don’t know where to start, it helps to know where you shouldn’t. An artist statement is not a resume . If your first draft starts looking like a LinkedIn profile: erase and restart. This is not a list of your academic achievements or artistic accomplishments.

An artist statement is not a retelling of your life story . There are several differences between an artist statement and an artist biography. The latter one, for example, will usually be written in the third person and have details such as your date and city of birth , your first connection to the art world, education, training, and experience, along with your influences or particular point of view about art, the type of pieces you create and even the different stages your body of work has gone through. In summary, an artist statement is NOT a bio that tells the essentials of an artist’s life.

Just to make it clear, an artist statement is not :

– A manifesto

-A short story

– A thesaurus 

-A collection of pompous adjectives about you or your artwork

-A group of generic phrases about art

– An ode to yourself

An artist’s statement should be clear and concise and yet full of personality.

How long should an artist’s statement be?

An artist’s statement should tell the viewer what they need to know about you and your artwork in a simple and concise way. In general, an artist’s statement shouldn’t be longer than 150 to 200 words . To give you an idea: this amounts to around four tweets.

An artist statement should be an adaptable text that can appeal to different readers.

Common types of artist statements

Depending on its recipient and the main objective, there are a few types of artist statements to name:

Short statement

This is a brief description of a certain piece and lets the reader know its main subject, characteristics, and media.

Short project statement

This artist’s statement focuses solely on a certain project, like an exhibition, and describes its particular subjects: themes, medium, and what sparked its creation. It might be closer (in concept and content) to a curatorial statement.

Full-Page Statement

This “longer” statement intends to give the reader a general overview of your body of work, what your recurring themes are, subjects you are interested in, techniques, and methods.

What do you do? The first thing that comes to mind can kickstart your writing process for an artist statement.

Facing the blank page: write like an artist

How exciting and yet intimidating a blank page is! Just as you do with a blank canvas, you need to start somewhere: draw a line , or in this case, write one . It doesn’t have to be the phrase that will redefine art in the 21st century, drop the weight of expectation s. Just write a line that says something about what you do.

There is no other person in the world with your identity and experiences . Two artists can be put inside the same box because they work with a similar theme or use the same medium, but the truth is each one of them is unique. Sometime s telling others what you do and what makes your art one-of-a-kind can be scary because it asks for a certain vulnerability and, at the same time, a recognition of your value and expertise. But there are some little exercises you can do to get you into writing:

• Fill in a page with everything, literally, everything you could say related to your work and why you do it. It’s freestyle! Say it however you feel like it and then start editing.
• Write a paragraph talking about your art as it was another person’s body of work.
• Record a voice note explaining your artwork like you would do to a friend and then write it down.
• Change the medium: are you used to writing on your computer? Go back to the trustworthy pen and paper, and vice versa.
• Make a list of the information that you want to mention and then play around with the structure of when and how to say it.
• Question yourself: what makes my work unique? What makes me stand out from others? Write it down.

One last piece of advice: don’t edit while you write. Let your hands go wild typing and once you have finished, start summing up and correcting.

At first sight, an artist’s statement should answer the three w’s: what, how, and why .

What an artist statement should say: what, how, and why

An artist’s statement should answer in just a few sentences the three big W’s about your work: what you do, how you do it, and why you do it . Follow these steps to answer each one of them:

It might seem obvious, but you have to explain exactly what it is that you do because the viewers should know what they are looking at. Is it a landscape painting? A sketch portrait drawing? Or a mixed-media piece? Explain it all: medium, subjects, materials, formats, and even what is being portrayed.

Sometimes the “how” is the most important part of this mix. To fully understand the significance or concept of a piece the observer needs to know how an artwork came to be . You went through a full journey to make that piece and that context can refocus how it’s going to be seen.

What was your purpose? There was something that motivated you to create a certain piece or project. Open a window to your world: what are you saying and why is it important to you to express that message and put it out in the world?

Your artist statement should reflect who you are: it should sound like you!

Once these three main points are clear you can play around with the structure. What comes first? What is going to be the killer closing line? Well, that’s your choice! The text should reflect your style and personality , even your humor and vulnerability, and how you approach your craft and passion.

And before you hit the “send” or “publish” button read your text and make sure it follows these essential tips to write an artist statement:

– Use an active voice.

-Don’t write it in the third person.

– The phrase “the artist” should not be present (pun intended).

-Refer to yourself in the first person instead.

-Avoid worldly sentences.

-Read the text and see how it sounds.

– Correct spelling and style , and pass the text through a grammar checker.

-Share your text with a colleague, a friend, or a mentor and ask them for their opinion.

-Proofread your text.

– Proofread your text one more time, just to be sure.

Your artist statement could “welcome” visitors to your 3D online show. Example: a virtual exhibition of Paolo Petrucci’s work.

Making the best out of it: when and how to use your artist statement

When it comes to your artist statement it is better to have one ready at all times : either the first draft for a particular work or a general one that gives an overview of your body of work. Why? That way you won’t be battling with deadlines for grants, scholarships, a teaching position, or a submission for an exhibition. You’ll have a “base” artist statement that you can adapt according to the occasion and particular requirements.

But is that all you can do with your artist statement? Not today! If you want to promote and sell your work as an independent artist , your artist statement is a great way to introduce your work to potential customers , retailers, media outlets, and even something to add to the description of a piece in an art marketplace to make it stand out.

If you have taken the lead and created a 3D digital gallery for a particular project, there is a creative way to enhance that experience for the viewer . Take for example ArtPlacer’s virtual exhibitions, your artist statement could work both as a description or as a welcome text for the viewer , or you could add it to a wall like you would do with an image or video and turn it into an actual visual statement. Sign up to ArtPlacer’s free trial and test it!

Now that you know how to create an artist statement and what to do with it, put your vision into words and give your audience a more informed and richer way to look at your artwork. 

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Personal statement advice: art and design

Applying to university.

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What art and design tutors are looking for

The underlying message is that tutors want to know about you, your practice, your inspirations, and your aspirations, and for your personal statement to act as written accompaniment to your portfolio and performance at interview.

How to make your art and design statement stand out

Admissions tutors prefer to read personal statements that don't stick to a predictable formula – here are a few tactics to ensure yours packs a punch.

• Focus on the course: Martin Conreen, design admissions tutor at Goldsmiths, University of London, urges applicants for design courses 'not to over mention art' but to stay focused on design. He also feels some applicants waste too much space on non-relevant factors like their sporting achievements.
• Your influences: Martin adds he wants to hear who your influences are, why they inspire you, and 'how their work has resonance with your own, or with your own ideas'.
• Examples of what inspires you: David Baldry, fine art course leader at University Campus Suffolk, echoes this: 'Tell us what inspires you. We want to know what contemporary art interests you, so talk about key artists or an exhibition that made an impression on you. We want to know how you respond to the world creatively, so talk about your experiences or projects you’ve developed independently. Also, edit it so it sounds punchy'.
• Demonstrate your artistic ambitions: Alison Jones, fine art admissions tutor at Goldsmiths, is looking for 'interesting individuals who have a passion for art and a commitment to developing themselves as artists. Therefore, your personal statement should demonstrate an understanding of your own work, focusing on what is unique about your practice'.
• Be original: starting your statement with a well-known quote – such as 'fashion is not something that exists in dresses only' – is inadvisable. 189 applicants quoted that exact Coco Chanel snippet last year, so it really won't make you stand out from the crowd.

It's all summed up nicely by Arts University Bournemouth whose advice is:

'Be focused on the field you're applying for (no scattergun approach), name artists or designers you admire, think contemporary, reflect on exhibitions or galleries or events you've visited, and don't think "I'll tell them at the interview" – put it in the statement!'

Find out more about studying art and design, including entry requirements, why you should study it, and possible careers it could lead on to.  

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How to Write an Artist Statement in 7 Steps

Tackle this necessary evil with confidence. Here are seven steps for writing a better artist statement, plus a checklist.

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For many artists, it’s a difficult challenge to explain their visual work in words. It almost seems like an oxymoron, but writing is a necessary evil for everything from grants to portfolio “about” pages . The most important thing for artists to write is their artist statement. It can greatly dictate how people view your work, whether you like it or not. A boring statement for exciting work can do a great disservice to the artist—and the world is full of boring artist statements full of abstract language that doesn’t accurately represent the work.

An artist statement should briefly describe how the artist works, and what their work means. It is no longer than a page and can be as short as one hundred words. You can use it for galleries, press mentions, art portfolios , applications and submissions. To write a powerful artist statement it’s important to:

• Describe your artist works and what your work means.
• Incorporate your personality and dig deep to find your voice.

Try to approach writing a statement as an invigorating challenge. Going through this exercise can lead to new ways of thinking about your practice and can propel you towards positive changes. Your artist statement is not a comprehensive description of your work—instead think of the statement as leading into the work.

To help you write an artist statement worthy of your art, we put together this step-by-step process. We’ve also included a handy do’s and don’t’s checklist to ensure you avoid common mistakes.

1. Make a mind map.

First you need to get an overview of your work. If you try to jump right into your statement you might miss connecting the reader to overarching themes. Mind maps are a simple brainstorm strategy that really work. It might seem silly or that you’re back in elementary school but it’s standard for a reason.

Sitting in a quiet place, like your studio, write down anything that comes to mind about your work. How does it connect? What repeats? What collides together and stands out? What is the most unique? The answers to these questions are likely the guts of your statement. This simple strategy can kick off the process in a lighthearted and easy way.

2. Interview yourself

Sometimes mind mapping isn’t enough because you can get trapped in the same words over and over again. It can be hard to get out of your head. Another strategy is to either interview yourself, or better yet, have a friend interview you.

Set up some important questions, then record yourself speaking the answers aloud. This can be a fantastic way to avoid using complicated language, and keep your ideas clear and simple. It will also provide a conversational tone to your writing (i.e. not sounding pretentious). Listen back to the recording. Then transcribe a few good sentences. Suddenly, you’ve already started the artist statement that you dreaded.

Now sure what questions to ask yourself? Here’s a starting list:

• Who is your audience?
• Who are your influences?
• Explain your work to a child.
• How do you make your work?
• How do your materials inform your concept?
• How is your work unique?

3. Outline necessary information

When you’re working with big ideas, it can be tempting to slip into abstractions. These are words that encompass big ideas but lack specificity. According to associate English professor John Friedlander, examples of abstractions include: love, success, freedom, good, moral, democracy, and any -ism (chauvinism, Communism, feminism, racism, sexism).

“Does this mean we shouldn’t use abstract terms?,” he writes. “No—we need abstract terms. We need to talk about ideas and concepts, and we need terms that represent them. But we must understand how imprecise their meanings are, how easily they can be differently understood, and how tiring and boring long chains of abstract terms can be. Abstract terms are useful and necessary when we want to name ideas …but they’re not likely to make points clear or interesting by themselves.”

Your artist statement needs specific information. It can be helpful to make an initial list of essential information which becomes the skeleton for your statement. By clearly stating this information, your writing can be more concise.

4. Avoid jargon

It is important to watch out for jargon. Artists are often guilty of using unnecessary and fanciful words. Some artists feel they need to embellish language to legitimize their work, but this often achieves the opposite effect. The more jargon used the more the work appears insecure.

Instead of explaining with academic language, find a way to simply lead the viewer into the work. The statement is not a representation of the work but a strategy to get people interested. It is is more of a teaser. It’s the elevator pitch, not the novel—allow the writing to excite the reader about viewing the work.

Avoiding jargon doesn’t mean dumbing down your work for a mass audience either. It means using the most specific language with economy. If you are reading Derrida as an essential reference to your new work, definitely say that. But don’t say “As a significant reference point to my research based practice I have been absorbing the astute work of Derrida initially to commence this new body of work.” Instead try: “Initially, Derrida was a reference for my new work.” See, wasn’t that a relief!

5. Write in the “active” voice

Using the active voice in your writing accomplishes a few things. It allows your writing to be as brief as possible. It also keeps your work in the present. This makes it feel current, important, and urgent which is especially impactful when applying for grants or residencies. It makes it feel like that work is happening now rather than already achieved. A handy app as a first editing strategy to keep in active voice is Hemingway Editor . This online app screens writing for passive tense, adverbs, and run-on sentences.

Before handing the writing to an outside reader you want to sharpen the writing as much as possible. After running it through Hemingway Editor, there are a few other helpful strategies. First, take a break, go for a walk, or take a nap. Then return to read it through again. Creating distance from the writing is a major key to editing. If you’re too absorbed in writing you won’t be able to see it with fresh eyes.

Another tool that is helpful is a text-to-speech app to read it out loud. Listening to a robotic voice instead of the voice in your head allows mistakes to surface. Suddenly grammatical errors, unnatural tone, or poor sentence order are apparent.

Also, consider the order of paragraphs in your statement. Sometimes, we edit until we realize that the whole piece of writing needs reordering. Do yourself a favor and consider this early on. It can save a piece of stale writing, suddenly make it more concise and shorten it to your maximum word count in a snap.

6. Use proofreaders—at least three!

There are few documents more important than your artist statement. Honor its importance by scrutinizing it with as much outside feedback as possible. Try to choose proofreaders with different skills. Include someone who understands your art work, someone who’s an expert writer with great grammar and lastly, someone who doesn’t know your work. Make sure not every person is an artist—readers should be able to understand your statement without knowing all the references or terms.

7. Create different versions for different opportunities

Artist statements are the cover letter of the art world and, just like a cover letter, you should modify your statement for the application. This doesn’t mean adjusting what your work is about, it means shortening or lengthening it depending on requirements of the application. It could also mean emphasizing different aspects of your work. If you apply for an opportunity at a print studio but your artist statement doesn’t shine a light on your interest in 17th century etching, you should slice something out and add this information. If you’re applying at a university you will want to emphasize more academic language. If you’re providing a statement for a public gallery space you want to keep language conversational and simple. Each statement should consider the context for the statement.

Bonus: The Do’s and Don’ts Checklist

Get to the point

Include precise references

Use active voice

Use many editors

Be specific

Match your writing to your work

Change your statement based on the opportunity

Draw the reader into your world

Use passive or inconsistent voices

Include unnecessary but pretentious references

Include biographical information (this should be only used in a bio or CV)

Romanticize

Use statements starting with “I hope to…” , “I will…” or “I am trying to…” instead tell say what you do with confidence

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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!

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The Artist Statement: 5 Do’s and Don’ts

NYFA Staff read thousands of artist statements a year. Here is their advice on what to do, and what not to do.

The artist statement. Frequently required in residency applications, project proposals, and grant applications, creating this document can be a pain point for artists who want to get it just right. The goal is to get to the heart of who you are creatively, and how that informs your work. It gives you the opportunity to sell your work and ideas, which is not something that comes naturally to a lot of artists.

NYFA Staff members are no strangers to the artist statement, collectively reviewing thousands of statements a year. Here, they share five things they like to see in artist statements, and five pet peeves. 

• Do use direct, concise language and steer clear of jargon. A clear and grounded artist statement that reflects the work in a straightforward way is better than the all-too common alternative: one that uses grandiose language for no particular reason. Follow the “less is more” rule. If you are able to convey your statement in less than the maximum word count, it will not be held against you.
• Do make sure the artist statement you submit with a specific application matches the work samples you are submitting in that application. This will require editing your statement. Being more specific can help a panelist understand how your text relates to the work samples you are sharing. 
• Do connect your personal experiences to the wider world to help people understand your work in relation to other ideas. Consider: Why are you making this work, and why are you making it now? Is there a life experience or idea obsession that drives you? How does your inspiration for the work connect to a wider artistic discourse? If applicable, how does your work connect to a discipline outside of art (philosophy, science, social justice, etc.)?
• Do use descriptive language (this is different from adjective use) to give the reader a sense of what your work looks/sounds/feels like, so that they can walk away with a vision of your practice before even seeing your work samples. Try looking/listening/watching 1-2 pieces of your work that you feel best embodies what you are trying to accomplish. Then, walk the reader through your work, describing it in rich, sensory language. Things that you think are obvious or immediately evident (ex. referencing architecture, jazz influences, a style of dance, etc.) are helpful context for someone who is unfamiliar with your work. 
• Do create a longer version (500 words) and a shorter version (150 words) of your artist statement  if you’re struggling with word count limits. This exercise of cutting down a lot of ideas into something concise is a useful practice. It also gives you flexibility to pull from your long version artist statement when editing something shorter over time.

• Don’t confuse artist statements with bios. A bio covers factual experiences and accomplishments, such as where you went to school; relevant awards, residencies, grants, etc. An artist statement is about the conceptual underpinnings and aesthetic choices behind your work.
• Don’t reference childhood experiences as the reason you became an artist. Just about everyone who makes work fell in love with their discipline at some point, often from an early age. It may be a treasured memory and experience, but it’s a cliché that won’t represent you well. Ex. “I’ve been making art since I was 4” or “I discovered my love of painting at 7.” If you start a paragraph by writing “Ever since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by… [my art medium],” you will not endear yourself to readers. 
• Don’t use unnecessary jargon. Avoid words, phrases, and ideas that are so specific to your discipline that a general arts reader might not understand them. If there’s a term or phrase that’s essential to include, just explain it briefly. This can be accomplished in as little as a phrase within the sentence. You might think that everyone reading your statement knows the term, but there are a lot of art niches out there. Sometimes the people reviewing your work on a panel are in a different area of the arts entirely, or are part of the development of the project but do not have an arts background at all (e.g. city council people in a public art panel).
• Don’t write something generic that could apply to any artist. Be specific about what makes your work unique, as long as the details you include are relevant to your application. It’s easy to get the “describe what you makes you unique” assignment wrong. For example, a phrase like, “I have a uniquely strong approach to color” asserts  that an artist is special in a way that does not convince the reader they’re special. The artist would be better served by describing their approach to color and its intentions, thereby showing instead of telling. 
• Don’t try to connect your work to a discourse/movement that is not true to your work. Avoid trying to fit your work into trending themes or using buzzwords that you think might advance your application, as this will be clear to reviewers. Always follow the “honesty is the best policy” mindset.

Before Submitting

Think your artist statement is ready to go? If you’re satisfied with it, walk away from it. Spend some time away and come back to it later to review with fresh eyes. Try reading your artist statement out loud for a different perspective on whether it is working or not. You may find that it needs further refining.

If you still think the text is working, share it with friends who know and understand your work. They may offer suggestions on things you may have missed, further refining the language and helping you understand what reviewers may see and think when reading your artist statement. 

It’s also helpful to share with a colleague in the field who is less familiar with your work. They might have questions that you or someone familiar with your work would gloss over. And, if you’re looking for a professional review of your artist statement, consider booking a one-on-one consultation session with a NYFA Coach .

Once you have an artist statement that you like, remember to update it so that it reflects your current art practice. Your work will change over time, so revisit annually or semi-annually to keep it up-to-date.

You can find more articles on arts career topics by visiting the  Business of Art section of NYFA’s website .  Sign up for  NYFA News  and receive artist resources and upcoming events straight to your inbox.

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How to write an artist statement

I like to think of the artist statement as the wedding toast of the art world. If you wing it, suddenly you’re on the spot in front of a crowd of expectant faces, trying to put into words a relationship (between you and your art) that you’ve always felt intuitively. We’ve all seen those toasts. They don’t go well.

But if you put time and energy into crafting your message beforehand, you’ll actually add to that crowd’s understanding of the significance of this event (your art) and help them feel all the feels more deeply.

I’ve been wrestling with my own artist statements for as long as I’ve been making art. And I must confess, it’s never a task I look upon with glee. This, despite the fact that I write about art for a living. But reading other people’s statements has taught me a lot about what works and what doesn’t, and how to reverse-engineer a killer toast: a clear, concise and compelling artist statement.

— Artist and writer Sarah Hotchkiss

First things first: What is an artist statement?

In the interest of clarity, let’s define “artist statement,” since I’ve already needlessly complicated things by introducing a wedding metaphor into the mix.

An artist statement is a not-too-long series of sentences that describe what you make and why you make it. It’s a stand-in for you, the artist, talking to someone about your work in a way that adds to their experience of viewing that work.

Here are a few things an artist statement is not: a manifesto, an art history lecture, a story about discovering art, short fiction, self-psychoanalysis, a string of adjectives, a grand theory of everything you’ve ever made, or a list of your career accomplishments.

You’ll be called upon to submit artist statements when you apply for residencies, grants, and sometimes, exhibition opportunities. I wrote my first substantial one when I applied to MFA programs. And here’s the secret: even though they can be hard to write, they’re immensely useful. It truly helps me understand my own practice to sit down every few months and translate this nonverbal solitary thing I spend countless hours on into words for a specific audience.

If you’re reading this guide and it’s not the night before an important application is due, you’re already in good shape. Artist statements take time, but they don’t have to be torture. If you can get into the habit of stepping back, evaluating your work, and writing a few sentences about it, you won’t have to start from scratch when you’re down to the wire.

The brainstorming phase

All that said, sitting down and writing clear, concise, and compelling sentences about your art is daunting. So don’t start with sentences. Ease your way into it with a writing exercise that feels exciting, or generative, or natural to you. A few suggestions:

Gather your art in one digital or physical space and really look at it. It’s possible you’ve been working on such a micro level you haven’t taken a macro view in a while. What commonalities and differences do you see? Think holistically about a specific body of art.

Write out a list of adjectives that describe your work. Use both visual and tonal descriptors. Be specific and avoid art jargon. If your art follows in the footsteps of minimalism, could you describe it as quiet? Or rhythmic? Is your work funny, raunchy, messy?

Record yourself describing your art to a friend, family member, or fellow artist. Chances are you’re making statements about your work all the time. Have a studio visit coming up? Record the conversation (with the other person’s permission), transcribe the audio, and mine it for pertinent details.

Think about the emotions and reactions you want your audience to come away with. An artist’s intent may have little bearing on an audience’s interpretation, but an artist statement is one of the few places you get to nudge that audience towards your desired result. Do they learn something from your art or make new connections between disparate subjects? Are you trying to make people feel agitated, joyful, incensed?

Write a casual letter to your best friend about what you’ve been up to in the studio. “Dear Laurie, today I spent five hours papier-mâché-ing a cardboard version of a hamster toy. It came out looking like a first-grader’s craft project, but that’s what I was going for. I think it’ll make you laugh.”

Jeopardy your practice. What are the questions you hope to answer in your work?

Artist statement basics

Suddenly, you have a bunch of words describing your art. Now you get to pick the best ones to fulfill the very basic elements of an artist statement: what, why, and (possibly) how.

What. Make sure to state what medium you work in (paintings, sculptures, installation, non-narrative video, durational performance, etc.). It’s amazing how many statements don’t include that basic fact.

Why. Try not to overthink this one. Look back at your brainstorms and your casual conversations. You make this work because you’re excited about it. What, exactly, are you excited about? Be confident: Your art shouldn’t “hope” or “try” to do something to the viewer, it should just do it. Here is where you can also bring up, without going too far into the art historical weeds, your influences and inspirations.

How. If you have a truly unique process that’s important to understand—or one that images can’t accurately convey—briefly describe how you make your work. (Please note: Collage is not a unique process and there’s no inventive way to describe it as such, even if you use the word “juxtapose.”)

Beyond fulfilling these basic “what, why, and how” requirements, an artist statement can be relayed in whatever tone and sentence structure feels best to you. (I encourage the use of full sentences, as fragments sound flighty.)

That’s it! Really!

Red flags, bad practices, and other traps to avoid

In my many years of reading artist statements (and gallery press releases), I’ve developed an ever-growing list of banned words and phrases. While these ways of writing may sound fancy, they’re actually empty. And using them makes a piece of writing look lazy and nonspecific. Artist statements are particularly susceptible to these traps because we write what we think people want to hear instead of what’s actually true to our work.

Your artist statement should feel like it’s written by you, the artist—not by a critical theorist or an art history professor or a dealer or a curator. The people reading it are looking for an enriched experience of your work and proof that you’ve put some thought into what you’re making. They want to hear your voice—not that of some formulaic art-jargon robot.

So, some things to avoid:

Extreme binaries. Is your work really “examining the strangeness of both interior and exterior spaces?” Is it “both casual and formal?” “Light and dark?” (Similarly, ask yourself, is your work truly “blurring the boundaries between text and subtext?”)

Lazy clichés. Only you make your artwork—so shouldn’t the words you use to describe it be unique and specific as well? If you find yourself using certain words as crutches, or as highfalutin stand-ins for hard-to-articulate ideas, I highly recommend creating your own “banned words” list and keeping it somewhere handy. Then, go back to your brainstorm notes and pick out words or phrases that feel concise, fresh, and truly related to your work.

“International Art English.” Chances are you’ve seen it, read it, and felt unsettled by it in press releases, wall labels, and other people’s artist statements. This muddled and imprecise language seeks to elevate what it describes through nonspecific word choices, invented “spaces” (the space of the real, the space of the dialectical), and complicated grammatical structures. For an in-depth analysis of this phenomenon, propagated most intensely by the art world announcement email service e-flux, please see this fantastic article in Triple Canopy .

False range. Does your practice “range from drawing to sculpture to video to artist books” or do you simply make “drawings, sculptures, videos, and artist books?” False range is a rampant and completely accepted form of writing these days, but the discerning reader will notice it and judge you for it. A false range creates a continuum between one thing and another when there is no actual continuum. Yes, your palette can “range from blues to reds” (color is a spectrum). But your influences cannot include “everything from Wanda Sykes’ stand-up to Tamagotchi pets to tinsel” (there is no middle point between Tamagotchi and tinsel).

Theory. My extremely wise friend and colleague Bean Gilsdorf, longtime art world advice-giver, says this best: “Art theory only has a place in an artist statement if it has a direct bearing on your day-to-day studio practice. Otherwise, skip it.”

You have a draft, now what?

You’ve brainstormed, you’ve answered the what and the why. You’ve avoided all of the above. But chances are you still have a lot of extra baggage in that statement, or it’s not striking quite the right tone, or you feel like it could be more fun to read. Now you get to edit, revise, tweak, trim, and whip that statement into shape.

Read your statement out loud. Trust me, this works. As you read, ask yourself: Is it accurate? Is it descriptive? Is it compelling? Is it me ? Could this statement just as easily be applied to someone else’s work? Make sure it’s specific to what you make—and provides a sense of who you are to the reader.

Look at your art while you reread. Remember, your artist statement should be current . You don’t need to sum up a wide-ranging practice from the beginning of your baby artist days to the present moment. It should reflect whatever images you’re providing alongside it. Put another way, your artist statement shouldn’t be so aspirational that you talk about making room-sized installations while your images are a few small-scale watercolors.

Work it into submission. Read aloud, edit. Read aloud, edit. Take a break (a day, a week), come back to it, read it aloud and ask the above questions again. Remember that this doesn’t have to represent your work forever and ever. Like the U.S. Constitution, an artist statement is a living document. You can update it as often as you like.

Shorter is better. Being economical with words proves you know what you’re doing, that you’re confident in your work, and that you don’t have to couch it in elaborate language to legitimize it. Your statement should be somewhere between 100 and 300 words in length. (This is an example of true range.)

Consider your audience

The tone that you strike in an artist statement for a local group show should probably be different from an artist statement you write for a $100,000 grant opportunity. Every time you start reworking your statement, remember to ask yourself who or what this particular piece of text is for. Write a basic statement that can serve as the foundation for all future artist statements, but make sure you revisit and reevaluate for each application, exhibition, and request.

In order to truly know how your artist statement will be received, and if it’s doing the work you want it to do, you need to have other people read it. I recommend finding a diverse audience of art friends and non-art friends, family, and mentors. This statement should be as legible as possible. Tell them to be brutally honest with you and listen to what they say.

Have a writer friend read your statement for typos. Have someone else read it for typos. Triple-check for typos!

And most importantly, give the people you ask for feedback enough time to read your statement and reply to you. Do not do this: “Hiiiii, this is due in an hour can you look it over for me pls thx bye!”

In summary…

As those who exercise say: no pain, no gain. Statements are hard to write, but they’re good for you. They can help someone gain a deeper understanding of your art, feel more connected to that art and, ultimately, value it. They can make or break an application. And they can help you put words to your practice, giving you the language to understand just what you’re doing and why it’s amazing.

Sarah Hotchkiss

Sarah Hotchkiss is an artist and writer in San Francisco. Since 2015, she’s been the visual arts editor for KQED, the Bay Area’s NPR and PBS affiliate, covering the local visual arts and film scene in online articles. Before wading into the earnest waters of public media, she worked as the communications director for the venerable San Francisco arts nonprofit Southern Exposure. And before that she wrote condition reports in a warehouse that stored Indiana Jones -level amounts of art. She holds an M.F.A. from California College of the Arts and a B.A. from Brown University. In addition to her own studio practice, she watches a lot of science fiction, which she reviews in a semi-regular publication called Sci-Fi Sundays .

How to Write an Artist Statement

What is the artist statement all about? When do you need it? And most importantly, how do you write one? In this article, we’ll answer these and other essential questions.

What is an artist statement?

An artist statement is a written description of your creative work. It provides context and background information and helps to clarify your intentions and artistic goals. An artist statement touches on your creative process, inspirations, and themes. It’s concise, clear, and reflective.

When to write an artist statement?

The statement introduces your work to potential buyers, galleries, curators, and other art world members. It’s an essential tool for:

Gallery exhibitions: When applying for gallery exhibitions or shows, curators and gallery owners will often ask for an artist statement to better understand your work and to see if it aligns with their mission and aesthetic.

Art fairs: When participating in art fairs or festivals, you will often be asked to provide an artist statement to be included in promotional materials and for your booth space.

Artist portfolios: An artist statement can be a valuable addition to your portfolio, providing context and background information that helps clarify your work’s meaning.

Artist websites: If you have a website, including an artist statement can help provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of your work and your creative vision.

Grants and awards: When applying for grants, residencies, or awards, you may be asked to provide an artist statement as part of your application materials.

Whether you apply for exhibitions, participate in art fairs, or showcase your work online, having a well-crafted artist statement is essential for promoting and advancing your creative career.

Is an artist statement written in the first person?

Yes, the artist statement typically uses the first person, as it allows you to directly express your thoughts, ideas, and intentions behind your art and to communicate your personal connection to your work.

How long should an artist statement be?

There are no fixed rules that define the length of an artist statement. We recommend writing 1-2 paragraphs, or roughly 150-350 words in total, which allows you to express your ideas without overwhelming the reader.

Overuse technical terms or jargon: Avoid using International Art English even if you’re writing for a specific audience familiar with this style.

Be too personal: While reflecting on your experiences and perspectives is important, your statement should focus on your work and its themes rather than your personal life. Writing about yourself applies more to the artist bio , in which you introduce your creative career.

Neglect to revise: Writing is rewriting. Read your statement several times and make revisions to ensure it represents your work and effectively communicates your ideas.

Artist Statement: Examples for Painters

• “I am a painter inspired by the natural world’s beauty and mystery. My paintings celebrate color, form, and texture and meditate on the relationship between light, shadow, and atmosphere. I work primarily in oil on canvas, using a combination of thick impasto and delicate glazes to create depth and luminosity in my work. My paintings are often landscapes, but they are not simply depictions of the world around us but rather an expression of my emotional and spiritual connection to the natural world. Through my work, I hope to evoke a sense of wonder and awe and to invite the viewer to consider the beauty and complexity of the world around us.”
• “I am a painter who explores the theme of human identity and the search for self-discovery. My work combines abstraction and representation, exploring the relationship between form, color, and emotion. I work primarily with oil on canvas, using a process of layering and wiping to build up the surface of my paintings. My goal is to create a sense of depth and complexity and to invite the viewer to look beneath the surface of my work to discover the emotional and psychological layers that are hidden there. My own experiences inspire my paintings. They are a reflection of the struggles, triumphs, and ambiguities that are part of the human experience, and they are an invitation to the viewer to reflect on their own lives and experiences.”
• “As a mixed media artist, I explore the relationship between nature and the man-made world. My work comments on human activity’s impact on the environment and celebrates the beauty and resilience of the natural world. I use various materials, including found objects, recycled products, and natural elements like branches and leaves. I enjoy the challenge of taking something discarded and giving it new life in my art. My creative process is heavily influenced by my background in sculpture and my love of nature. I often work with organic forms and incorporate elements of nature, like tree branches and leaves, into my pieces. I see my work as a way to bring a piece of the natural world into the man-made world and to encourage others to think about the environment and their impact on it. My goal as an artist is to raise awareness and start a conversation about the environment and the impact of human activity on it. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to think more deeply about their relationship with nature and their role in preserving the environment.”

Example of Digital Art

• “I am a digital artist drawing inspiration from the infinite possibilities of technology and the intersection of art and science. My work explores the relationship between digital media and the natural world, celebrating beauty and complexity. I create my work using a combination of digital tools, including 3D modeling software, animation tools, and programming languages, to build abstract and surreal landscapes filled with intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and flowing forms. I believe that digital art has the power to transcend time and space and to create new worlds and experiences for the viewer. As an artist, I aim to use this medium to inspire others, provoke thought and emotion, and help bridge the gap between technology and the natural world.”

Examples of artist statements for photography

• “As a fine art photographer, I draw inspiration from the beauty and mystery of the natural world. I use long exposures and intentional camera movement to create ethereal landscapes that blur the line between reality and fantasy. My goal is to evoke a sense of wonder and to encourage others to see the world around them in new and different ways.”
• “I am a street photographer drawn to the energy and chaos of urban environments. I aim to capture the human condition in all its variety and complexity, and I believe that there is beauty in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Through my work, I hope to reveal the poetry and unpredictability of city life.”
• “As a portrait photographer, I believe every human face tells a story. I use my camera to capture my subjects’ unique personalities and emotions. My goal is to create intimate and universal images that reveal the humanity and beauty in every individual.”

Statements by Renowned Artists

• “I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them. As long as something is said, it doesn’t matter how the paint is put on. On the floor, I am more at ease. I feel nearer, more part of the painting since this way, I can walk around it, work from the four sides, and literally be in the painting. When I’m painting, I’m unaware of what I’m doing. Only after a get-acquainted period do I see what I’ve been about. I’ve no fears about making changes for the painting has a life of its own.” – Jason Pollock
• “I have never painted a self-portrait. I am less interested in myself as a subject for a painting than I am in other people, above all women… There is nothing special about me. I am a painter who paints day after day, from morning to night… Whoever wants to know something about me… ought to look carefully at my pictures.” – Gustav Klimt
• “I want the people in my pictures to stare back. I want to show exactly what my world looks like without glamorization, without glorification. This is not a bleak world but one in which there is an awareness of pain, a quality of introspection.” – Naan Goldin
• “By translating my hallucinations and my fear of hallucinations into paintings, I have been trying to cure my disease. I painted infinity nets daily; while doing so, the whole room appeared to have been covered with nets. So, I created pieces by covering sculptures with nets. I gradually feel myself under the spell of the accumulation and repetition in my ‘nets’ which expand beyond myself, and all over the limited space of canvas covering the floor, desk and everywhere.” – Yayoi Kusama

Crafting a well-written artist statement is an important step in establishing your personal brand and showcasing your work. By understanding your artistic vision, defining your unique voice, and presenting your work clearly and concisely, you can effectively communicate the story behind your art to a wider audience. Remember, your artist statement should be an evolving document that changes and grows as your art and your creative vision evolve over time. So, take the time to reflect on your work and focus on your message.

This text was created in collaboration with Open AI’s Chat GPT-4.

Tips on How to Write an Engaging Artist Bio

Whether for galleries, exhibitions, or your portfolio website, an artist bio is a valuable asset that introduces your creative career

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The Complete Guide to Writing an Artist Statement

Whether it’s a single piece of art or your whole body of work, an artist statement can provide clarity and context to your purposes and processes. A good artist statement can have the power to sway how an audience distinguishes your work. Providing insight on your choice of mediums or the themes you’re aiming to convey can give viewers a deeper understanding and appreciation of your creative intentions.

In this complete guide to writing an artist statement, we will discuss the importance of an artist statement for your art career and provide tips for writing an artist statement . We will also share examples of excellent artist statements and explain what makes them so powerful.

What is an Artist Statement?

Simply put, an artist statement is a description of your work in your own words. It is an explanation of why you do what you do and how you made what you created. You can have an artist statement for each piece of art you create. You can also have an artist statement that represents your entire body of work. An artist statement explains your creative process, including your motivations, inspirations behind, mission, and methods. It should include your choice of mediums and use of tools and techniques.

A well-written artist statement can have the power to break a tie in an art competition, an artist grant application, or secure your spot in a coveted artist residency program. Think of your artist statement as a caption in a broadcast program, similar to what you would include on a social media post. An artist statement , like a caption, aims to improve engagement by giving the visual image desired context and relevance. It will likely appear alongside your work at a gallery, exhibition, art fair display or on a press release of your show. 

Artist Statement vs. Artist Bio

An artist statement is not your life story, a manifesto, or a list of your accomplishments. It is also not an artist biography . An artist biography is a summary of the significant events of your life that lead up to your art career. Unlike an artist statement, an artist bio can be written in the third person. It will include when and where you were born and where you are now based.

An artist bio can talk about how you first became interested in art and where you studied. It can discuss your education, degrees, formal art training, or apprenticeship programs you participated in. Essentially, an artist bio connects the impact your life history has on your artwork and talks about your concepts, philosophies, inspirations, and influences.

An artist statement is typically required when you join an art competition, submit your portfolio to a gallery or museum; it may also be used in press releases. Your artist biography, on the other hand, can be used on your website or your profile on a gallery site. It may also be used in articles, interviews, or exhibition catalogs.

Because an artist bio is the account of your life as an artist, it should remain relatively the same throughout your art career. Artist statements, on the other hand, are more flexible and may change depending on its purpose. It may be changed or tweaked from time to time to stay relevant with any status or developmental changes in your work.

Why You Need an Artist Statement in 2021

From portfolio websites to artists galleries, arts professionals benefit from artist statements in more ways than one. Whether you’re applying for residencies or art collectives, submitting your portfolio to a gallery, or participating in a competition, your artist statement will help you stand-out. Decision-makers will want to learn more about your process. When someone becomes familiar with you, they may search the internet to see what others are saying about your work.

Up-and-coming contemporary artists and performance artists alike use the online platforms to reach more audiences and spread their artistic messages. It’s where people may see your work for the first time and learn about you as a talented visual artist. So without realizing it, your personal brand already exists online – especially if you are active on social media or have a website for your work. And while people are free to form their own opinions about your art, remember that you are the best person to represent and describe your work.

Writing an artist statement is how you can take control of your narrative. We live in a digital era where most things, even art, are first experienced on the internet. And unfortunately, seeing art on a screen can often make it impossible to determine the true nature of the piece.

If they are seeing your art online or a photograph, they will want to know your medium and methods. A still image of a performance art piece may be mistaken for photography while a picture of a sculpture may look like a painting. A hyperrealistic art piece may be so accurate and detailed that it is thought to be a photograph of a real person or object. And without the right description, it may go unnoticed that you have used mixed media or used a highly unique method that sets you apart.

Without proper context, an audience, whether online or in-person, can view your art and become confused, be misled, or often make their assumptions about your message or intention behind your work. And while you have little control over how people interpret your work, the goal of your artist statement is to tell your story in your own words and sway readers in the right direction.

The Components of an Artist Statement

Artist statements vary in length, tone, and purpose. However, all effective artist statements have some qualities in common. They answer the “how,” the “what,” and the “why.”

Medium, materials, and methods – Describing the medium and the materials you use to answer the “how.” How do you create your art? Do you use acrylic, oil paint, or charcoal? Do you use metals, wood, stone, or recycled materials? Do you take your photography work using old film cameras and develop them in your darkroom? Or like everyone, a digital camera?

Subject matter – Sometimes subject matters aren’t always obvious. And often, visual artists would prefer not to put labels on their work to let their audience interpret the work for themselves. However, you can describe your subject matter without directly saying it is. Instead, you can answer the “what” by saying it’s an abstract painting, a landscape, or your interpretation of an everyday object.

Relationship between your concept and materials – Talk about your influences and how they manifest in your work. This is your opportunity to differentiate your work from art that is similar to yours and answer the “why.” Explain why you do what you do and what you hope to achieve. What are your intentions? What message do you hope to convey?  

Tips for Writing an Artist Statement

Feeling the pressure of being both artist and writer? Connecting with your audience by explaining your visual art through written words can be a challenge. However, it doesn’t have to be a painful process. Here are some tips on how to help your audience understand your art and gain insight into your process:

Write in the first person – While some may argue that the third person sounds more professional, the goal of your artist statement is to communicate your work effectively. And the best way to do that is by using your own words, active voice, and first-person language to connect with your audience. When crafting your artist statement, imagine you’re having a conversation with the reader; use “I” and “me.” Allow the reader to see your work through your eyes. The problem with writing in the third person is that it may detach you from the reader and make it seem like someone else is describing your motivations.

Use your voice – Using your voice is different from writing in the first person. Your voice refers to your writing personality. Your style may be humorous, witty, technical, or heartfelt. When writing your artist statement, use your unique perspectives and experiences. And while many artists have inspired your work, try not to copy other people’s words to describe art that is similar to yours.

Consider your audience – While it’s important to stay true to your voice, different situations call for different artist statements. A basic artist statement will suffice if it accompanies your artwork on your website. However, if the artist’s statement is for a grant opportunity, you may need to change your tone slightly to focus more on your goal, purpose, and/or techniques.

Write different versions – It is wise art practice to create different versions of your artist statement. This will save you the time of shortening and lengthening your statement depending on the situation. So before you write your artist statement, know your audience.

Because artist’s statements are used for different purposes, they can vary in length. An artist’s statement accompanying a single piece of work can be a few sentences or a short paragraph long. Generally, an artist statement should only be between 100-200 words because shorter statements are better for the average attention span.

On the other hand, an artist statement submitted with your portfolio for review by jurors on a grant committee or graduate art program may require a detailed description of your concept and processes. Therefore, they can be longer if the intended purpose for the artist statement requires a more comprehensive explanation of your work.

Answer the right questions – An effective artist statement answers the “how,” the “what,” and the “why. Think about all the questions you would typically have if you were looking at a piece of art. Interview yourself. What would a prospective buyer, grant-giving organization, or art competition judge want to know about your work?

Use accessible language – Overly technical language and art jargon can be intimidating for the average reader. And while an art expert or a scholar who may understand complex art terms may be reading your artist statement, using fanciful words may come off as pretentious. Instead, use clear, accessible vocabulary that will enlighten your audience rather than confuse them.

Read your statement aloud – When you read your artist statement out loud, does it sound like you or someone else? Remember that your artist statement should sound natural coming from you, after all, they are your words and your voice.

Read your artist statement to a fellow visual artist, a teacher, a mentor, or even an art critic. Sometimes it’s best to seek the opinion of an unbiased third party who has no formal art background. Ask them to point out any inconsistencies, grammarly errors, or confusing comparisons.  

Excellent Examples of Artist Statements

To get inspiration when it’s time to write about your work, read sample artist statements from reliable art resources, art news, artist books, related articles, and art business publications. The best artist statements have a few elements in common. They are short personal narratives that give the reader insight into the art-making process and deeper meaning of the art. They are also written in the writer’s unique voice. Here are some of our favorite artist statements:

We start with an artist statement by Henri Matisse:

“ I don’t paint things; I paint only the differences between things… I do not literally paint that table, but the emotion it produces upon me. What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter – a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue. ”

– Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse wrote this artist statement for his painting Harmony in Red (1908), considered to be Matisse’s masterpiece by many critics and art historians. While this statement is over a hundred years old, it shows that a well-written artist statement stands the test of time and secures itself in art history.

Here is another artist statement that we love:

“ Getting outside is good for the soul. Through my artwork, I try to bring the outside in. While I make no attempt to portray actual plants or animals, I do want my creations to look like they could have lived or grown somewhere. Living with beautiful objects that pay tribute to the natural world reminds us to slow down and helps us reconnect with nature. ”

– Alison Sigethy

Alison Sigethy is an artist who makes environmentally themed sculptures out of glass. In her artist statement, she explains beautifully where she draws inspiration from when creating kinetic water features and nature-inspired glass art.

Here is another compelling artist statement from Charlene Fuhrman-Schulz:

“ My subject matter is nature, whether it is a traditional landscape or a bird and flower painting. I use traditional materials, ink and brush on rice paper, to capture movement and life — making the brush dance and the ink sing. Everything is captured in the spontaneous dance and movement of the brush as it meets the rice paper. There is no going back and correcting when painting with ink and rice paper. This love of spontaneous Chinese painting has provided a unique segue for my exploration of more abstract techniques of Oriental painting such as “Splashing Ink” or “PoMo”.  These techniques entail pouring color and creating an image from the abstract through the use of traditional brush work. At this point my work ranges from the very traditional to abstract and a blending of the two. ”

– Charlene Fuhrman-Schulz

Charlene Fuhrman-Schulz is a sumi-é artist who began Chinese Brush painting in 1989. We love her artist statement because it gets straight to the point and describes her medium, techniques, and intentions.

Take a look at Georgia O’Keefe’s artist statement for Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1 (1932):

“ When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else… Nobody really sees a flower – really – it is so small – we haven’t time – and to see takes time… So I said to myself – I’ll paint what I see – what the flower is to me but I’ll paint it big and they will be surprised into taking time to look at it. ”

– Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia O’Keefe’s artist statement puts focus on the piece’s subject matter, the flower. She talks about her motivations for painting it.

And finally, here is an artist statement from an old master:

“ The pre-homoeroticized body forms both my field of action and the basis of my conceptual taxonomy. My sculptures explore both the flux of transfixable signifiers and their complimentary anecdotal formations. My choice of Carrara marble as a medium creates a dialectic between proto-Classical conceptions of idealized form and later Humanistic naturalism. Each figure’s physical struggle is simultaneously inoperative and adjectival. ”

– Michelangelo Buonarroti

In this excellent example of an artist statement, Michelangelo, one of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance, talks about The Rebellious Slave , a marble sculpture piece from 1513. What makes Michelangelo’s artist statement so effective is that it answers the “how,” the “what,” and the “why” of the masterpiece sculpture.  

Your artist statement is a useful tool for explaining your creative process and allows you to steer your narrative in the right direction rather than leave it open to misinterpretation and confusion. While you may dismiss writing an artist statement to allow your visual work a chance to speak without verbal cues, remember that artist statements are necessary if you want to grow as an artist and gain the attention of audiences and potential patrons and buyers.

Whether you’re in New York City or Los Angeles, somewhere in Europe or Latin America, applying for national or international residency programs, or a hardworking emerging artist finding your niche in the artistic community, an artist statement is your ticket to the art world.

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4 Tips for Writing a Good Artist Statement

Writing an artist statement can be a daunting task. The prospect of composing a concise summary of your art practice to help others understand your work is understandably intimidating. However, having a clear, direct artist statement is essential, particularly on applications for grants, art schools, open-call exhibitions, residencies, and other career-advancing opportunities.

While some artists use this text to exercise their creative writing skills or to stretch their philosophical muscles, others take the opposite route, employing staid, generic formulas to guide their writing. However you go about it, it’s important to set forth a statement that can be easily understood and does your work justice. To help, we spoke to two writing experts on steps you can take to develop a strong artist statement.

1. Map out your ideas

Often, artists are instructed to write a three-paragraph statement that begins with a broad overview of their ideas, then gives an explanation of their materials, and ends with a description of their personal philosophies. While there is nothing wrong with giving a formal description of your art, discussing your material choices, or offering context you deem important to your practice, a formulaic artist statement will not help you stand out from the competition.

“So many artist statements sound the same,” warns Jennifer Liese, director of the Rhode Island School of Design’s Center for Arts & Language, and editor of Social Medium: Artists Writing, 2000–2015 . “My top tip would be to not follow a model or formula.” Instead, try brainstorming specific content that will help your audience—be it a viewer, juror, or critic—understand your work better.

If you’re not working from a traditional artist statement formula, however, getting started can be tricky. Instead of jumping straight into writing, Jeff Edwards, a writing instructor at the School of Visual Arts, recommends organizing your ideas before you begin. One way to do this is by jotting down keywords and concepts on index cards and spreading them out on a table, or  by using a large sheet of drawing paper to create a diagram of what you’re planning to write about. Some subjects to get you started include your artistic influences, your process, the formal qualities of your work, an origin story, or a quote that connects to your work.

Similarly, Liese recommends giving yourself prompts to help yourself start writing. Some of her favorites to give students include “Write down five questions you would want an interviewer to ask you” and “Create a family tree of your artistic influences.”

2. Start with free writing

Next, you can start free writing—getting your ideas on paper continuously, without fretting over things like grammar and style. When you begin, you might feel stuck or insecure about your ideas, but try to resist these impulses. “Don’t sit down and just expect to have the perfect sentences and prose come out,” Liese advises. If your artist statement needs to be around 200 words long (as some applications require), try writing three times that amount; you can cut it down later. The more you write, the more likely you are to raise pertinent questions and connections in your work.

If you have difficulty jumping into the writing process, try setting a timer for 15 minutes. The pressure of the clock may help you forgo anxieties that are holding you back, and can force you to work through the initial ideas that come to mind.

Another great way to start free writing is to use a prompt; Liese often starts writing workshops by asking participants to describe a memory that aligns with their work. One of her students, an artist who creates rooftop planters, found a connection between her art and the blueberry bush she would tend to outside of her childhood home. Another artist remembered the influential experience of seeing Laurie Anderson ’s O’Superman (1981) as a child. This prompt encourages you to re-enter a moment when you first had a spark of discovery or inspiration; from there, you can work towards communicating that idea to your reader. “We all have this kind of authentic knowledge of who we are and how that comes into the work,” Liese says. “So when you share that with someone, they’re often very grateful to have heard from you.”

3. Edit your piece

Free writing can often leave you with a long or messy draft; it’s extremely important that you put as much energy into editing as you do writing. This process may seem intimidating, but Liese assures that “learning how to revise your own prose is accessible.” A good place to start is by reading up on some simple editing techniques; Liese recommends learning about the Paramedic Method , which helps people focus on editing one part of a sentence at a time.

In similar fashion, Edwards advises that you focus on removing cliches, art jargon, pointless repetitions, and irrelevant tangents. “When you first go back to edit it down, you’ll find yourself eliminating a lot of material that seemed important initially, but is actually superfluous,” he says. “Deciding what to cut can be painful at first, but it always improves the writing.”

In addition to revising your own writing, ask someone who knows your work well to take a look at your statement. If you’re not in an academic setting where you can ask a professor or writing advisor to read over your writing, try swapping statements with a fellow artist. When you’re requesting feedback from someone, Liese recommends asking them “What isn’t working?” as well as “What is working?” Asking these questions can help isolate the parts of your statement that are working, and those that aren’t.

4. Write another draft

When you break the process of writing an artist statement into small steps—brainstorming, free writing, and editing—the task becomes less daunting. But, as Liese explains, “the benefits of writing a single artist statement are limiting.” If you tell yourself that the statement you’re working on is going to be the sole, definitive statement for all of your art, you may well send yourself into an existential crisis.

Instead, it’s best to acknowledge that artist statements are ephemeral texts; while the statement you write today may perfectly capture your artwork now, it may not work next week or next year. To help free yourself of the “single artist statement” mentality, Liese suggests putting a date on your statement and returning to it regularly; your artist statement should be a living document that you’re consistently working on. In addition, Edwards suggests having multiple versions of your statement that can fit different parameters, like length and specificity to different bodies of work.

However, no matter the version you’re working on, your writing skills, or the level of frustration you’re experiencing, it’s important to remember the benefits of an artist statement. As Edwards says, “Committing your ideas to paper helps you understand your artistic practice on a deeper level, and allows you to explain it to others more effectively.”

• Vertical The Example Article Title Longer Than The Line By Example Name Jan 1, 1970

Writing Your Artist Statement

Writing your artist statement is a rite of passage.

Your artist statement will be requested by everyone from gallery dealers to show promoters to curators to art writers, bloggers, and podcasters. But what exactly   is  an artist statement?

In truth, there is no strict definition, and  there are no precise guidelines for an artist statement.  I know it would be a lot easier if there were a standard statement format, but there isn’t.

But I’ve got your back. I’ve developed this comprehensive guide to help you write your statement.

[🎧   Prefer to listen?  Listen here .  ]

What is an artist statement?

Ask 100 people in the art community what they want in an artist statement and you’ll get 100 different answers. Here’s my definition:

An artist statement is a written document that guides viewers to a better understanding of your artwork.

My biases, reflected in that definition and the rest of this article, come from my  background  as an art historian and museum curator and educator, as well as more than two decades working with artists.

You will never convince me that art speaks for itself. For as long as it’s been around, art (perhaps yours) has been written about, scrutinized, and categorized by those I mentioned earlier: arts writers, critics, gallery dealers, and curators. You might occasionally like what others say about your art, but more than likely you will wish you had found the words for yourself in the first place.

You can do more than simply react to what others say about your art.  The right language can put you in  control .

Communicating effectively about your art begins with your artist statement because, again:  An artist statement is a written document that guides viewers to a better understanding of your artwork.

You have to make sense of your art before you can share your message in other formats or through  social media  channels. This is accomplished through the  process  of writing your artist statement. And it  is  a process.

Why you need an artist statement.

The pensive and deliberate process of writing your artist statement can be a boon to your promotional efforts. Once you take the time to become intimately acquainted with your work and learn to articulate your ideas more clearly, you’ll find many uses for the language in all of your promotional materials. More about that coming up.

Writing your statement is the first step in marketing your art.

Contrary to what you may think, the establishment isn’t asking for an artist statement to torture you. They’re asking because they want to know about your art. They want to hear how you describe it.

You don’t write an artist statement just because   someone asked for you to submit one .

You write an artist statement because you are  in charge  of your art career.

Your statement is the backbone of your marketing because it’s all about your art. It’s your chance to guide the perception of your work. It makes little sense to hang a show , send out a press release, or apply for a grant before you develop a meaningful statement.

Why should viewers spend time trying to connect with your art if you haven’t spent time trying to understand it for yourself?

[🎧  Prefer to listen? Listen here . ]

This isn’t going to be easy.

It’s difficult to stand back from your art and think about it objectively, much less articulate what comes from your soul.

I get it. It’s a challenge to put into words what you have expressed visually. The process from which it evolves is complicated and words describing it rarely flow easily.

But you have to keep trying.

You wouldn’t expect your art to improve if you didn’t put in the hours. Language skills are no different. You have to put in the hours. To work on the words. But the effort will be worth it because your artist statement is an opportunity that should not be wasted. It’s free. It costs nothing except time to communicate these ideas to your viewers.

A good starting point for your statement would be journaling about your art. This is a process I walk artists through in my programs.

I understand that you would much rather be making art than talking or writing about it. Know that you are not alone. Many, many artists are in the same situation, but that’s no excuse to neglect writing your statement.

Don’t miss this opportunity to clarify your thoughts—for yourself and for others.

I won’t lie and tell you this is going to be easy, and you shouldn’t believe anyone who says otherwise. You must ( must! ) make time to write your statement. It will not be any good if you don’t work at it. 

Don’t expect to get it right immediately. You’re too close to your work to uncover a deeper meaning without a lot of effort, but you’ll be rewarded for that hard work.

It’s important to collect your thoughts (and a lot of words) before you begin to narrow down what you want to say and how you want to say it.

Let me get you started with some journaling prompts.

Use these prompts for writing your artist statement.

Respond to these questions in depth during your journaling time. Get a notebook out and do this the old-fashioned way. When you type into a computer, there’s a temptation to self-edit. To make the words perfect.

This is no time for perfection. Allow the words to flow by using pen and paper without editing yourself. Your goal is to collect as many words as possible.

[ An imperfect journaling practice for artists ]

1. What do you want people to see?

What is important to you? What do you want viewers to get about your art? Is it . . .

• Your labor?
• A special material?
• An emotion?
• Color? Line? Texture?

Write in your journal about how you handle this aspect of your work. The words you ultimately select for your statement should be clues that lead viewers  to these discoveries.

For example, declaring “I love color” isn’t helpful because, well, who doesn’t love color? I call this lazy language. Show us exactly  how you respond to color and use it to transfer meaning from your head and heart to the viewer.

2. What is a distinguishing characteristic of your art?

A distinguishing characteristic might be one of the items in the list under #1 above or something completely different.

What makes  your art different from artists working along the same lines? Emphasize this quality when you speak and write. Help us to see what makes you an original.

Part of your job, if you haven’t already figured this out, is to educate others how to look at your work. Most people haven’t had a visual education. They need to be shown, through words, what to look for.

3. What do other people find delightful or surprising about your art?

If it captures one person’s attention, it will probably be fascinating to others as well. Listen to  what people say about your art. Their discoveries might shock or confound you, but trying to understand where they’re coming from is part of the communication process.

What are people saying?

You might uncover new language by listening to their insights.

After you’ve responded to these 3 questions, take a break—a day or two—and write more. See if you can collect enough words for 10 artist statements. Keep writing even if it doesn’t make sense to you right now.

The more words you collect, the more you have to choose from for not just your artist statement but for all of your promotional material.

Guidelines for your artist statement.

Here are some tips as you start writing the first draft of your artist statement.

Stick to the body of work you are trying to define.

If you have many different bodies of work, write a statement for each of them. Trying to write a comprehensive statement for diverse works will result in a watered-down attempt.

Do not dredge up past work that is no longer pertinent, but feel free to mention past work that is closely related. This helps us see your progression.

Do not include anything about the teachers and historical figures who influenced you. Whenever you mention someone else, the reader’s mind starts wandering and comparing. You want them to stay focused on your art.

Write in the first person .

It is a statement, after all. It comes from your lips (or pen or keyboard). Own the words.

Which brings me to …

Avoid quotes from other sources.

When we first started writing as youths, our English teachers, bless them, taught us how to start an essay with a quote. Then, if you were like me, it became your favorite way to start all of your essays. It was easier to fill the page with someone else’s words. More lazy language.

We’re no longer in English class.

Use your own words to describe your art. To repeat: Any mention of other names will cause readers’ minds to wander to someone other than you.

Resist including biographical information.

Your biography (which is written in the third person) is not the same as your statement (which is written in the first person). These are two different documents .

Allow your statement to be organic.

This document isn’t your life’s treatise. You won’t be defined by the words you choose forever.

Your artist statement should grow, change, and mature along with your work. Don’t cast it in bronze and consider it done.

While I said this will take a lot of time and won’t be easy, don’t labor so much that you think you have the perfect statement and never need to look at it again. You shouldn’t be afraid to change it and make it better.

Keep it short.

Most artist statements don’t need to take up anymore space than a couple of paragraphs. Often, a single paragraph will do.

Always, always, always aim for brevity. If you decide to create a statement that is longer than two paragraphs, be sure that every word adds to your message. If not, leave it out.

The Ultimate Test

Think of your statement as a connecting device—something that connects viewers’ experiences with your art.

Above all, your artist statement should compel viewers to look back at your work. This is the ultimate test for a successful statement. Your statement has failed if people read the words you’ve written and then go on to the next artist without being intrigued enough to take another look at your work.

This advice I’ve given over the years has often been misinterpreted to be that you should be didactic with your language. I urge you to write without telling people (literally) to look at specific aspects of the work. See how Linda Hugues does this in the example below.

Writing a draft of your artist statement.

It was necessary to get thoughts out of your head and onto paper. To collect words. That process was for you.

When you write your statement draft, you are writing for a reader. You cannot and should not try to find a place for all of those words you have collected and, hopefully, will continue to collect.

Don’t be so in love with what you wrote that you can’t remove it for a bigger impact. Don’t worry! You didn’t waste your time. You might be able to use scraps you cut for other purposes, like social media posts. 

This is where I leave you to write your draft.

I can’t tell you to write this sentence first and then that one next. You’re on your own to mold your words into impactful paragraphs. The onus is on you to select the most pertinent thoughts and present them to the reader as succinctly as possible.

Remember, at this point you are not committing the U.S. Constitution to ink. Heck, you aren’t even committing to these words for yourself. You are writing what author Ann Lamott calls a shitty first draft .

Remember, it’s a process. Allow the ugly phases.

If you want your words to improve, you will write and rewrite the same thoughts. This is sometimes difficult, which is why, again, you must allow time between writing and editing.

Once you have pulled everything together in paragraph form, you can begin to hone your draft.

Editing your artist statement.

My first rule of thumb for editing is to put aside your draft for a day or two before looking at it again. You need a little space between the writing and revisions.

There are 5 things to look out for when editing your artist statement.

1. Don’t say your art is  unique .

Just. Don’t. Do. It.

“Unique” doesn’t mean anything and, I’m sorry to say, odds are that your work isn’t unique in the clearest definition of the word. All art is informed by work that came before and anyone who knows art history can point to an artist who did it first place.

But your work does have  qualities  that make it yours rather than someone else’s. Instead of using the word “unique,” describe your work in a way that makes the reader  think it’s unique. These are the distinguishing characteristics I mentioned in the prompts above.

While this Facebook Live was recorded in 2017 when we were still Art Biz Coach, the information is still solid. I think you’ll understand the editing process if you watch. 

2. Remove the phrases that many artists default to.

I see these phrases in so many statements that they put me straight to sleep. They are more lazy language. Do  not use any version of these in your statement.

• I am excited by . . .
• I’ve always been an artist / I have always made art
• I have to  make art
• My work is about the human condition

I could go into detail on each one of these and tell you why they send up red flags for me, but the bottom line is that the words usually following these phrases are, and I’m being kind here, far less than interesting.

3. Beware of redundancy.

Say it one way and move on.

Don’t  drag it out  and duplicate the same meaning in a new sentence. Don’t make me be redundant by going any further with this warning.

4. Get rid of the lists.

One of the things I see in artist statements that makes me want to take a delete key to them is the overuse of adjectives. Lists of descriptors are a rampant virus in artist statements. Get rid of them!

If you have more than 3 or 4 commas in your statement, dig deep to see what can be eliminated.

5. Reduce the number of personal pronouns.

Yes, you\’re writing in the first person, but you don’t need all of those I/me/my/mine/myself  words in there. Really! I challenge you to get rid of most of them.

After you’ve cleaned up these 5 things, give yourself a little more time and step away from what you’ve written. When you return to the document, look it over and (here’s a ninja move) read it out loud.

Does it make sense when you read it out loud? Are these words you would speak naturally? It is a statement, after all. Reading your draft aloud will help you uncover any odd passages.

Facebook Live from 2018, when we were still Art Biz Coach, shows how I go about editing an artist statement. The process is the same today as it was then.

Example of a good artist statement.

Awhile back, I worked with artist Linda Hugues on her statement. The words and ideas are wholly hers. It was my job to help her massage the message. I think it stands up even after the passing of a few years.

Note that Linda’s statement is longer than a paragraph or two, but that it isn’t redundant. Every word contributes to an understanding of her painting.

I paint sun-drenched cityscapes of Florida and Europe because I love the blend of architecture, history, and lifestyle in these favorite locations. My works are studies of the character and energy of each city told through a carefully balanced construction of the elements of urban landscape. Rearranging and enhancing these elements allows me to satisfy my search for beauty and order. To that structure, I add the passersby, who bring the scene to life and contribute their own story. Viewing the activity from a comfortable distance I tend to wonder, “Who are they? What are they thinking about? What will their day be like?”  My figures suggest answers to these questions through their posture and movement. The steps of my painting process allow me to concentrate on one aspect of design at a time. Beginning with my photos of the scene and my memories of how I felt at that moment, I rearrange the elements, focusing on shape, contrast, and repetition to strengthen the composition. Before putting brush to canvas I make small sketches in oil paint and ink to try out different value and color ideas. When I start on the full-sized canvas I use large brushes and big strokes, working to capture the emotion of the scene. Then I add in more detail, revising until I feel the work reflects my original vision. Ultimately, I want my paintings to be a love poem to the city and evoke the joy of that sunlit moment.

Notice how Linda has given us clues for looking at her work: sun-drenched, architecture, passersby, story.

How and where to repurpose your artist statement.

Linda’s statement above could easily be broken up in to two different pieces of text: one about subject matter (the first two paragraphs) and the other about technique (the last two paragraphs). That relates to the final point I want to share.

Once you have a statement you’re proud of, it will sustain you. Use your artist statement in the following situations.

• On your website. This is obvious. But here’s something that might not be so obvious: Make sure people can look at the art that the words are describing—that they can see words and images side by side. Remember that the ultimate test for a successful artist statement is that your words compel people to look at the art. I understand that some website templates make this difficult, so please note it’s just a preference, not a mandate.
• In your artist introduction . The second sentence of your artist introduction is a whole lot easier after you write a meaningful statement.
• On a gallery label. Your artist statement can serve as an introduction to your exhibition. [ Pointers on wall labels for your art exhibition   ]
• As the framework for a section of your grant application.
• In a  brochure . By all means use it in your brochure, but there’s no need to add the words “Artist Statement” as a headline. Most people have no idea what an artist statement is, so you can leave off those two words in marketing pieces intended for the general public.
• In a catalog. A catalog , even when self-published, is an excellent marketing tool. It’s also an opportunity for you to curate your body of work—recognizing the strengths and identifying common threads among the individual pieces. You artist statement, of course, belongs with those works in print.
• In your email signature block. Pull out your best sentence to use below your sign-off and name in your emails. Don’t forget to include a link to your website.

A Final Word about Your Artist Statement

As I said way back in the beginning of this article, these guidelines reflect my biases. There are no hard and fast rules .

Regardless of what you read here, follow any guidelines for your artist statement that you’re given when entering an exhibition or applying for an opportunity. Always follow directions and you should be okay.

I hope this has clarified any questions you might have had about your statement. Remember, writing your artist statement isn’t easy. It’s a process—a necessary process.

🎧  Listen to the podcast: Guidelines for Writing Your Artist Statement .

• Alyson Stanfield
• February 15, 2022

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How to Write an Artist Statement (for Fine Artists)

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Your artist statement is a fundamental piece of writing in your art career, so it is important to invest a good focused time on producing your artist statement.

You may draft an artist statement for each meaningful artwork you produce, or you can have an artist statement that represents the underlying theme for all of your work.

It is typically used in exhibitions, your artist website, grant applications, art fair display, galleries, press releases, fellowships, and many more.

Additionally, it can serve as a marketing tool for galleries, collectors, and other stakeholders to get in touch with you.

What is an Artist Statement?

Your artist statement is a concise description of your work that bridges your audience to your art. It explains your creative process, motivations, influences, inspirations, medium, and technique.

The purpose of your artist statement is to help viewers and potential buyers (your audience) understand and appreciate your artwork on a deeper level.

👀 After reading your artist statement, the goal is for your audience to begin looking at your artwork with fresh eyes, as your artist statement gave them a new appreciation and understanding of the inspirations and meaning behind your art pieces.

Who is your “audience”?

To put it simply, your audience is anyone who might be a potential buyer of your artwork .

But if you have a target audience in mind, it’s important that you tailor your artist statement in such a way that your audience can relate to and easily understand it.

Some potential audiences for an artist statement may include:

✔️  Art Critics, Curators, and Historians

These individuals look at the artist statement to gain more context when writing or analyzing an artist’s work.

They may refer to the artist statement to understand the creative process and the underlying philosophy behind the pieces.

✔️  Gallery Owners and Art Dealers

These people refer to the artist statement to determine the suitability of the pieces for the gallery. They may need the statement to effectively promote and market the pieces.

✔️  Peers and Fellow Artists

Your artist statement can also open up important collaborations with different artists.

Fellow artists may refer to your artist statement to determine your artistic approach and creative process, which will then be the groundwork for all artistic discussions and critique sessions.

✔️  General Public

We all know that art can connect to people beyond words can explain…

Therefore, even people outside the artistic community can be potential buyers.

Your artist statement can serve as a window to your personal creative world where people can foster a deeper connection to your work.

Artist Statement vs. Artist Bio

How to write an artist statement

Do not expect that your artist statement will be ready from the get-go.

It will take some time for you to produce that artist statement that really speaks to your audience. It might take multiple revisions and fine-tuning to have a finished, concise, and compelling written product.

When writing your Artist Statement, remember these steps:

✔️ Get to the point

Brevity is the key. Form simple sentences in order for the readers to retain the information better.

✔️  Write then rewrite

Rarely will you produce a written output that is good to go on the first draft.

Be kind to yourself and expect that the 1st draft is not going to be very good and polished.

By allowing yourself to write and rewrite, you will be able to eventually produce a piece that is inspired and in tip-top shape.

✔️  Avoid passive voice

Using passive voice makes the sentence weaker and makes it harder to retain the main point of the sentence. On the other hand, sentences using the active voice are easier to follow and digest.

Active voice : The subject of the sentence is performing the action.

For example, I painted the masterpieces you saw in the gallery.

Passive voice: The action is received by the subject. In these sentences, the focus is on the action itself and not on the doer of the action . And this is why these draw the attention away from the author.

For example, The masterpieces you saw in the gallery were painted by me.

✔️  Provide Context and Reference other artists only when necessary.

It is OK to mention the inspiration behind your work, but remember to draw attention back to your work. Create images for the reader, even if they are unfamiliar with the referenced artist.

Mention the work of that artist that inspired yours: explain the ideas, themes, creative process, materials used, and concepts that spoke to you and how those contributed to the foundation of your artwork.

✔️  Write in the first person and use your unique voice.

Use your own voice when writing the artist statement to make the tone more genuine and sincere. Dig deeper, and do not be afraid to show your personality.

After all, your unique self, experiences, and influences are what made the artwork whole.

Aim for clear, concise, and engaging language that reflects your unique artistic perspective.

✔️  Avoid artspeak—do not alienate your audience.

An effective artist statement conveys the message successfully not only to the members of the art community but to the general public as well. In order to sound more relatable, you want to use language and terminologies that are easy to understand.

Avoid the use of jargon that only art enthusiasts would know.

Like any other piece of writing, the flow of ideas plays an important role in being able to retain important information. Here is where effective storytelling with solid structure comes into play.

Your artist statement should have a beginning, middle, and end.

✔️  Start from the beginning

Just like when you’re telling a story, you want to start from what happened first. Begin with a clear and concise introduction that catches the reader’s attention and gives an overview of your artistic journey/practice.

✔️  Talk about your medium

Ask yourself:

• How did I make this?
• What was my process? Was it trial and error?
• What is the concept behind my work?
• What are my artistic style/techniques, themes, and influences?

✔️  Talk about your motivations and inspirations

This is where you can reference other artists’ work. Ask yourself:

• How has their work inspired me?
• What concepts spoke to me, and how do I apply those to my own practice and artworks?
• What is the main underlying philosophy behind all of my work? What is my main message?

Remember that your job is not to convince or debate. You only need to communicate and let your art do all of the talking.

✔️  End it with a short summary of your artistic practice

Think about the one thing you want your readers to retain. You can also invite readers to connect with your work through your contact information.

How to begin writing the artist statement

Treat writing your artist statement as a thoughtful and introspective process where you can really know more about yourself and your art.

Here are some recommendations for how to begin writing it:

✔️  Ask a close friend to interview you

If you are not a fan of writing, sometimes it can be difficult to find the right words to describe what you really want to say. Good news, you may find exactly what you want to say by actually saying it.

We recommend supplying a friend with questions you want to include in your art statement and recording your answers. Then, listen to it and take down the sincere, honest, and genuine answers you want to include in your artist statement.

✔️  Reflect on your work

It is a good practice to spend some time reflecting on your work and thinking about the creative process and inspirations behind each one of them. Also, reflect on the uniqueness of each artwork and the message you want to communicate to your audience.

✔️  Think about your roots

Your culture and heritage can also be the main influencers of your work. Take some time to think about how your upbringing and culture inspired your art, then ask yourself if you want to include this piece in your art statement.

✔️  Mull over some social issues and your political stance

If you are an artist who draws inspiration from certain social and political causes, you may want to think about the main cause that inspires most of your artwork.

But again, remember that the goal of your artist statement is not to change people’s perspectives and fight with them in doing so but to communicate your passions and inspirations, hoping that the artwork itself speaks to the audience.

✔️  Spend some time in nature

A lot of artists draw inspiration from nature, and being in nature sometimes gives you new perspectives and clarity. You want to be in a peaceful state in order to put your thoughts on paper.

Truly, writing the artist statement can be intimidating at first. But remember that in the process of writing it, you’ll surely discover more about yourself and your art.

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a timely Godsend, I've been going through the process of creating a website with a student who is a bit shy with feedback, so this ' artists statement ' can in effect be my content ..

Nice article, now I have a better understanding of how I might use several layers of Artist Statements to paint a word picture of the different styles I paint as well as the different paintings.

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Fine art personal statement example 2.

To me, art is like a mystery which is to be solved. I see an artwork as the concentration of an idea or concept into a physical entity. The idea or concept is rarely evident through just looking at piece; it requires analysis or scrutiny to interpret it. This is why I am rarely happy with a piece of art unless I can see some meaning behind it. Whether it is my own or another person's, I feel a great satisfaction when I discover an underlying theme or message; deliberate or not. It is like poring over a cryptic riddle or a puzzle for time until all at once it falls into place.

Perhaps it is my obsession with problem-inducing things: cryptic crosswords, chess, Rubik's cubes, poker, cribbage and scrabble that have induced this vision of art. It is the same either way. If I am looking at a Mark Rothko painting, Rothko has set the puzzle to be deciphered and I am attempting to solve it, even if the answer is as simple as, 'a perfect combination of colour'. If I create an artwork, it will have hidden parameters evident only by scrutiny. It may be easy to interpret or it may be difficult, it doesn't matter. I don't mind if people don't interpret it the way I intended; only that it makes sense in their own minds and that it gives them that same sense of satisfaction that I get when I solve a puzzle. You could say that that is the ultimate motivation for the art that I produce.

This theme has also played a strong role in the work that I have been doing over the past year in my Art Foundation course. In the last 'self'-orientated project I focussed on my fascination with playing cards and chess combined with the physical aspects of my life. This has developed into my current project that concentrates on aspects of chance (chess, playing cards) combined, symbolically, with aspects of purpose (religion, gods, fate, strategy) through many different mediums, including customised board games and sculptures. I am intrigued with hidden meanings, so I am looking at artists such as Joseph Beuys and Leonardo Da Vinci who are known to use a lot of symbolism in their work.

My current work has developed from many of the foundation course projects I have done since the beginning of the year. I feel that this year has been a significant indication of what path I want to follow in the future. I initially enrolled with the mindset of trying it out and deciding what to do later on in the year. I have worked hard at keeping up with work and have enjoyed being able to develop my own ideas creatively over the last two terms. The foundation course has already taught me how to be broad-minded about what art can be, and the learning process has been somewhat enlightening. Ultimately I have enjoyed the course; whether it is experimenting with interesting ideas in my own space, sharing ideas with my peers about what we are doing or constructing sculptures in the workshops. Upon having wandered around the degree student's areas a few times just to look at the work that is being produced I feel a connection to what they are doing and what I am currently learning about and it makes me want to go further with my work. This is why I wish to continue on at the degree course. I believe it will challenge me and help me to evolve the art that I do to an even further level.

Since October 2007, I have had a Saturday job working as an assistant in a butcher's. This job requires me to make deliveries, clean the shop, serve customers, prepare meat and I often help out at the hog roast functions that the shop hires out. I have done my best to work hard at this, as it is the only proper job I have had apart from a paper round. Alongside attending the foundation course I feel that it has made me a much more organised and confident person in terms of arranging my life. I have definitely enjoyed working there as much as I have worked hard at it. To resound the work I have done I have been offered more work at the shop and at supervising hog roasts during the summer.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Morgan for application in 2008.

Morgan's Comments

My tutor said this has an element of personality to it, which is good. He also said it would sound pretentious if it didn't, which is also good. (Pretentious is bad).

Related Personal Statements

From reading this i got a.

Tue, 04/11/2008 - 19:28

from reading this i got a really clear picture of what kinda person your like. i guess intelligent and quite nerdy no offence/ argumentative. good luck

Some excellent language and

Wed, 03/12/2008 - 12:36

Some excellent language and descriptive text included. Perhaps you should try and keep it to the point though and leave out some of the pretentious bollocks that is in there.

There is some brilliant

Mon, 02/02/2009 - 08:27

There is some brilliant language in this but it is a load of jargon , to much , you need to kep it to the point

Fri, 29/01/2010 - 15:36

whats with the hog roast?

Do you prepare the meat then

Tue, 05/10/2010 - 09:59

Do you prepare the meat then sell the bacon too? Poor pig...

it is very discriptive, if

Wed, 13/10/2010 - 21:04

it is very discriptive, if not a bit to much, but what is most important is that you explain what you have got out of certain experiences and what skills you have learned

tom watson was ea with iez

Thu, 02/12/2010 - 14:11

tom watson was ea with iez 2k7

who the focks tom watson

Thu, 02/12/2010 - 14:23

Tue, 01/11/2011 - 11:11

I LUV DIS STATEMENT IF NE1 WANTS MY STATEMENT ADD ME ON PS3 CHINGLING555

Tue, 20/03/2012 - 22:28

I really enjoy the article post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.

lovely stuff

Wed, 04/09/2013 - 11:27

Add new comment

Category 8 minutes read

6 Best Letterhead Examples + Key Elements to Include

March 28, 2022

Part of any good brand kit is a letterhead. What may have once been reserved for legal firms and government documents is now a visual element that helps keep a company’s brand identity consistent across all mediums.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about letterheads , how to create your own, and share some cool letterhead examples for both business and personal use. 

What is a Letterhead? 

First thing’s first – what is a letterhead? We’re glad you asked. Letterhead is a graphic design at the top of a sheet of paper or document. It’s typically in-line with a company’s branding and lets you know who penned the content that you’re about to read. Letterheads can be used both online in digital docs and in print. While typical letterhead examples show the graphic at the head of a document, it can also run down the sides. 

Why are Letterheads Important?

Think of your company letterhead as a version of your business card . They convey just the right amount of relevant information so people know how to contact you after reading your document. They also help add an element of style, giving readers an impression of your brand. 

What Elements Should a Letterhead Have?

Be sure to include the following key elements in your letterhead design. 

Contact Information:

Use this space to feature your company name, website, physical address, and contact information such as an email or phone number. In short, it should include only the most essential information about your company.

Eye-Catching Design:

While eye-catching graphic design is helpful, it should ultimately support these vital contact information elements rather than distract from them. That’s why the visual design of a letterhead is as important as the information it conveys. Whether it’s a company letterhead or something more personal, it should feature a coherent, well-thought design that matches the energy and feel of your brand. 

Use your logo and brand colors in your letterhead design for consistency. 

Brand Fonts: 

Stick to your company’s fonts. The idea when making a brand kit is to establish a “family” of products – ones that look good together, complement one another, and share a similar vibe. 

Professional Letterhead Examples

Sure, you could look at your latest bank statement or tax bill, but there are a lot of other letterhead examples to pull design inspiration from. Check out the creative letterhead design solutions below.

1) Simple Shapes

Keeping it simple, but with eye-catching shapes and colors, is a great way to stand out from the crowd while not distracting from the overall message. It’s not too busy, and the standard shapes are easy to reproduce across a number of platforms and mediums. Plus, whenever you work with a simple shape-based scheme, you can invert the tonalities on different products to create visual interest across your branding suite. 

2) Vibrant and Modern

A little color can go a long way, especially if you choose colors that complement one another like those in the image above. This will help consumers associate your company with a certain hue and recognize it easily after the fact. Another strong design aspect of the letterhead above is the ability to achieve consistency in visual elements. The large graphic logo, with its modern font, can be broken down into smaller sizes on business cards, a website, and more. This helps maintain a coherent theme. 

3) Focus on Fonts 

Let your company name do the work by using it in a logo with eye-catching font . This simple letterhead draws attention with a maximalist font in the brand’s colors. 

Pro tip: A photo may be worth a thousand words, but if you’re trying to find the right font for your brand it might be the other way around. 

Personal Letterhead Examples

If you’re looking for design inspiration for your personal correspondence, check out the following examples. Whatever your message, make it visually appealing. A personal letterhead is a great way to add a thoughtful touch to handwritten notes. They can also be used when just starting a small business. 

4) Shabby Chic

When deciding on a personal letterhead (or even one for a small business), lose the corporate feel. Whether you want to have more visually-appealing correspondence with friends or promote your wedding planning services through a monthly newsletter, consider neutral and pastel shades for a calming, grounding touch. Modern shapes and dotted lines can lend a fun mid-century modern vibe to your personal letterhead. Or consider a lush but tasteful floral motif. 

5) Laid Back

For personal correspondence, your branding doesn’t need to be over the top. Choose a design that’s subtle, with clean lines and a soft palette. This will let the text of your letter shine brighter than the letterhead itself. 

If you consider yourself more of a trend setter than a trend follower then this one is for you. Stay ahead of the curve with personal letterheads that have fun pops of color. Use a stand-out typeface and color scheme to head up the content, and then, choose a minimalist font for the body text so it’s not fighting for attention.

How to Create a Custom Letterhead with Picsart:

Not ready to design a letterhead from scratch? If you have an idea of the direction you’d like to take, but the thought of a blank canvas is daunting, consider using a letterhead template . For more easy-to-use resources that can help you with Letterhead design, Picsart Quick Tools is invaluable.

If designing on the web:

1) Open the Picsart web editor and choose See All from the Templates menu. 

2) From the All Templates drop-down menu, select Letterhead . 

3) Choose from any of the ready-made letterhead templates. In the below steps, we’ll walk you through how to fully customize a template.

4) In the right hand column of the editing screen, you can see all of the design elements that make up the letterhead template: graphics, fonts, images, etc. You can click on any element there to edit it or click directly on the element on the canvas. 

5) To change the font, highlight the text box that you’d like to work on using the instructions in Step 4. The Text tools will pop up in the menu above your canvas. This will bring up a panel of options where you can change the font, color, shadow, and size of the text.

6) Once you’ve gotten the fonts exactly as you like them, tackle other elements, like graphics. To change a graphic or background element, first highlight it using the procedure in step 4. Some elements cannot be changed and will need to be deleted in order for you to put in a new element in its stead. To delete an element, click on the three dots on the miniature of said element and choose Delete from the drop-down menu that pops up.

Here, we deleted the boarder frame for a more minimalist letterhead design. 

7) Now, search our image library for a background or frame that suits your letterhead design style. Click on Stickers and search for whatever you are looking for: lines, marble, flowers, and more. Simply click on a sticker to add it to your canvas. 

8) You will likely find that the image or element you added to your canvas is now covering up other important information. You can fix this by resizing the element and changing its position on the canvas.

First, resize the element by dragging on the corners and pulling it around the page until it is exactly where you want it. Then, highlight the element in the right-hand column and click on the three tiny dots. From the drop-down menu that appears, choose Send to Back . Continue to resize the element as needed. 

9) Once you’re pleased with your new letterhead design, download it by clicking on the Export button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. 

If designing on mobile:

1) Open the Picsart app and select the plus sign (+) at the bottom of the screen to start a new edit. Scroll down to Color Backgrounds and select a plain white canvas.

2) Select Text in the bottom Editor toolbar to open up the text tools and type in your letterhead copy. Change the font, size, placement, and more here.

3) Tap on the Stickers and search for additional design elements.

4) When you’re done designing your custom letterhead, tap Next then Save .

Now that you have a custom letterhead, it’s time to start using it! Write your next letter, blog update, or marketing piece because it’s time to share your letterhead design with the world. 

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Picsart is a full ecosystem of free-to-use content, powerful tools, and creator inspiration. With a billion downloads and more than 150 million monthly active creators, Picsart is the world’s largest creative platform. Picsart has collaborated with major artists and brands like BLACKPINK, Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, One Direction, Sanrio: Hello Kitty, Warner Bros. Entertainment, iHeartMedia, Condé Nast, and more. Download the app or start editing on web today to enhance your photos and videos with thousands of quick and easy editing tools, trendy filters, fun stickers, and brilliant backgrounds. Unleash your creativity and upgrade to Gold for premium perks!

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How to cite ChatGPT

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We, the APA Style team, are not robots. We can all pass a CAPTCHA test , and we know our roles in a Turing test . And, like so many nonrobot human beings this year, we’ve spent a fair amount of time reading, learning, and thinking about issues related to large language models, artificial intelligence (AI), AI-generated text, and specifically ChatGPT . We’ve also been gathering opinions and feedback about the use and citation of ChatGPT. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and shared ideas, opinions, research, and feedback.

In this post, I discuss situations where students and researchers use ChatGPT to create text and to facilitate their research, not to write the full text of their paper or manuscript. We know instructors have differing opinions about how or even whether students should use ChatGPT, and we’ll be continuing to collect feedback about instructor and student questions. As always, defer to instructor guidelines when writing student papers. For more about guidelines and policies about student and author use of ChatGPT, see the last section of this post.

Quoting or reproducing the text created by ChatGPT in your paper

If you’ve used ChatGPT or other AI tools in your research, describe how you used the tool in your Method section or in a comparable section of your paper. For literature reviews or other types of essays or response or reaction papers, you might describe how you used the tool in your introduction. In your text, provide the prompt you used and then any portion of the relevant text that was generated in response.

Unfortunately, the results of a ChatGPT “chat” are not retrievable by other readers, and although nonretrievable data or quotations in APA Style papers are usually cited as personal communications , with ChatGPT-generated text there is no person communicating. Quoting ChatGPT’s text from a chat session is therefore more like sharing an algorithm’s output; thus, credit the author of the algorithm with a reference list entry and the corresponding in-text citation.

When prompted with “Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that although the two brain hemispheres are somewhat specialized, “the notation that people can be characterized as ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’ is considered to be an oversimplification and a popular myth” (OpenAI, 2023).

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

You may also put the full text of long responses from ChatGPT in an appendix of your paper or in online supplemental materials, so readers have access to the exact text that was generated. It is particularly important to document the exact text created because ChatGPT will generate a unique response in each chat session, even if given the same prompt. If you create appendices or supplemental materials, remember that each should be called out at least once in the body of your APA Style paper.

When given a follow-up prompt of “What is a more accurate representation?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that “different brain regions work together to support various cognitive processes” and “the functional specialization of different regions can change in response to experience and environmental factors” (OpenAI, 2023; see Appendix A for the full transcript).

Creating a reference to ChatGPT or other AI models and software

The in-text citations and references above are adapted from the reference template for software in Section 10.10 of the Publication Manual (American Psychological Association, 2020, Chapter 10). Although here we focus on ChatGPT, because these guidelines are based on the software template, they can be adapted to note the use of other large language models (e.g., Bard), algorithms, and similar software.

The reference and in-text citations for ChatGPT are formatted as follows:

• Parenthetical citation: (OpenAI, 2023)
• Narrative citation: OpenAI (2023)

Let’s break that reference down and look at the four elements (author, date, title, and source):

Author: The author of the model is OpenAI.

Date: The date is the year of the version you used. Following the template in Section 10.10, you need to include only the year, not the exact date. The version number provides the specific date information a reader might need.

Title: The name of the model is “ChatGPT,” so that serves as the title and is italicized in your reference, as shown in the template. Although OpenAI labels unique iterations (i.e., ChatGPT-3, ChatGPT-4), they are using “ChatGPT” as the general name of the model, with updates identified with version numbers.

The version number is included after the title in parentheses. The format for the version number in ChatGPT references includes the date because that is how OpenAI is labeling the versions. Different large language models or software might use different version numbering; use the version number in the format the author or publisher provides, which may be a numbering system (e.g., Version 2.0) or other methods.

Bracketed text is used in references for additional descriptions when they are needed to help a reader understand what’s being cited. References for a number of common sources, such as journal articles and books, do not include bracketed descriptions, but things outside of the typical peer-reviewed system often do. In the case of a reference for ChatGPT, provide the descriptor “Large language model” in square brackets. OpenAI describes ChatGPT-4 as a “large multimodal model,” so that description may be provided instead if you are using ChatGPT-4. Later versions and software or models from other companies may need different descriptions, based on how the publishers describe the model. The goal of the bracketed text is to briefly describe the kind of model to your reader.

Source: When the publisher name and the author name are the same, do not repeat the publisher name in the source element of the reference, and move directly to the URL. This is the case for ChatGPT. The URL for ChatGPT is https://chat.openai.com/chat . For other models or products for which you may create a reference, use the URL that links as directly as possible to the source (i.e., the page where you can access the model, not the publisher’s homepage).

Other questions about citing ChatGPT

You may have noticed the confidence with which ChatGPT described the ideas of brain lateralization and how the brain operates, without citing any sources. I asked for a list of sources to support those claims and ChatGPT provided five references—four of which I was able to find online. The fifth does not seem to be a real article; the digital object identifier given for that reference belongs to a different article, and I was not able to find any article with the authors, date, title, and source details that ChatGPT provided. Authors using ChatGPT or similar AI tools for research should consider making this scrutiny of the primary sources a standard process. If the sources are real, accurate, and relevant, it may be better to read those original sources to learn from that research and paraphrase or quote from those articles, as applicable, than to use the model’s interpretation of them.

We’ve also received a number of other questions about ChatGPT. Should students be allowed to use it? What guidelines should instructors create for students using AI? Does using AI-generated text constitute plagiarism? Should authors who use ChatGPT credit ChatGPT or OpenAI in their byline? What are the copyright implications ?

On these questions, researchers, editors, instructors, and others are actively debating and creating parameters and guidelines. Many of you have sent us feedback, and we encourage you to continue to do so in the comments below. We will also study the policies and procedures being established by instructors, publishers, and academic institutions, with a goal of creating guidelines that reflect the many real-world applications of AI-generated text.

For questions about manuscript byline credit, plagiarism, and related ChatGPT and AI topics, the APA Style team is seeking the recommendations of APA Journals editors. APA Style guidelines based on those recommendations will be posted on this blog and on the APA Style site later this year.

Update: APA Journals has published policies on the use of generative AI in scholarly materials .

We, the APA Style team humans, appreciate your patience as we navigate these unique challenges and new ways of thinking about how authors, researchers, and students learn, write, and work with new technologies.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

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