How to Write an About Me Page for Artists

Do you have your 'About Me' page set up on your website yet? Do you know that it's different than your bio or artist statement? Well don't worry at all because your Birdie is going to to break down your About Me page into easy bite-sized chunks that will make it an absolute breeze to write.

Your Bio is more of a professional write up, your About Me is more about you as a human and artist, and your Artist Statement is more about a specific body of work. None of these should be too long, nor are they too difficult to write if you just follow a few simple guidelines

Want to read my own Bio + About Me? https://www.caleighbirdart.com/about

Here's my Bio video and my Artist Statement video and even a whole playlist about writing about your art!

If you need any one-on-one help, remember I’m here for art + art biz mentoring via Zoom :)

2.7.2021

How to Write an Artist Bio

Did you know that your Artist Bio, your About Me page, and your Artist Statement are three totally different things? Yikes, right?!!?

Don't worry about a thing! Today we are going to talk about exactly what needs to go in your artist bio, either for your own website, or for when you/your art get featured somewhere. It should be short and sweet and contain all the interesting bits about your (professional) history as an artist.

Check out my How to Write an Artist Statement video here.

And next week I'll have How to Write an About Me Page

Check out this playlist for even more great advice on how to write about your art.

Yep, I’m available for art mentoring via Zoom! I'm happy to help fellow up-and-coming artists with anything from drawing or painting technique to small art business advice, as well as with perfecting your portfolio or thesis. See how I can help you here!

1.31.2021

How to Write an Artist's CV

Okee dokee folks, you know I like to do the difficult stuff together, so today let’s get professional by writing our CV’s. Yaay!

Have you ever heard of an Artist CV? CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for ‘life course’. A CV is basically a curated list of the artistic pursuits over one’s course of life. All artists need one as a way to succinctly list their accomplishments within the art world. Pretty much any gallery, grant, fellowship, or residency program is going to ask for a CV and, as a living document, it should be periodically updated with recent endeavors.

But trust me, even if you’re a newbie without a lot of ‘pro’ experience, it’s not hard to make yours look great!

Here’s the general order I recommend, but feel free to switch up a few sections to put the brightest stars on your resume front ‘n center. And leave off any sections that don’t apply, as well as any super duper old or mediocre pursuits.

And remember, the shorter CV’s get read more thoroughly than the longer ones. Short and sweet is the ticket here!

• Header: Name + Contact Info

• 1-2 Sentence Artist Statement (in 1st person)

• Education

• Awards

• Exhibitions (list as ‘Solo’, ‘Group’, or ‘Selected’ as needed)

• Collections

• Bibliography / Press

• Affiliations

• Related Professional Experience (can include short skills list)

Make sure your formatting is clear, consistent, and utilizes a basic font. As always, triple check spelling and grammar and if you have a friend or family member take a look it’s usually a good idea too.

And if you need a lil inspo on how to write a great short artist statement check out this vid + blog.

Would you like to see mine? This is the one I created for this video that is current at the time of this blog being written and will not be updated. Here is my ‘living document’ that I will update periodically, so it may be different than the video depending on when you are visiting this post.

And don’t forget, if you ever need professional eyes on any aspect of your art portfolio or small art biz I’m available via webcam for mentoring:)

6.28.2019

How to Write an Exciting Artist Statement + Motivation

Ok so today's topic is super duper daunting to many artists, but it really should not be... I'm talking of course about writing an artist statement... Yikes!

Now I know this video is a bit longer than usual, but I didn't just want to share some boring blah checklist like you can find anywhere online. I want to motivate you and give examples and get you excited about talking about your artwork because Lesson One is literally that no one will get excited about your work unless you are first! 

You should definitely watch the video first and then this handy dandy little list below is going to make a lot more sense. I just wanted to make sure that you as my audience have all the great info organized here so you don't necessarily have to take notes during the vid. 

Writing an Artist Statement:

1. Why?

• Builds a deeper connection with your audience
• Audience likes insight; likes to be 'in the know'
• Your message is not always obvious
• BE EXCITED ABOUT YOUR OWN WORK!!!!
• GIVE PEOPLE A REASON TO CARE!!

2. What?

5 Q's to Touch On:

• Are there any unusual processes or materials (especially if the medium is a direct correlation to the 'voice' of your work)?
• What exactly is the subject and what does it mean to you?
• How does the subject affect you and/or how would you like it to affect the viewer?            **why did you create this _______ to represent that ________
• What in your personal life or history made you gravitate to this subject?
• Is there anything you hope to accomplish by sharing this work with the world?

3a. How to Answer?

• Brainstorming/ Mood board creating + At home art show to view your works together
• Choose 2-4 most interesting topics
• Freely write about each

3b. How to Write It?

• Make sure to answer 'How/What/Why did you create?' 
• Connect those thoughts together
• Write a strong intro with a hook to captivate your audience
• No more than 400 words + great to have an abbreviated version too
• Keep your paragraphs short and concise
• Tone is conversational and intelligent without being lofty
• This is not your bio!
• Be brave and bold with adjectives but not too fluffy or flowery
• Triple check grammar and spelling
• Put away for one week then reread with fresh eyes and update
• Have at least 3 people critique your statement
• Ta-daaa! DONE!

Links to Help You:

• https://dictation.io/speech  
• https://www.thesaurus.com/  

Hope that gets you started in the write direction! See what I did there ;) Happy brainstorming!

::

originally published on August 2, 2018

Artist Statement Update :: Shadow Play Series

Aloha friends! Every time I create a new body of work or series I like to write a new artist statement to touch on my most current work. I think this is a really important step when making art because even though our audiences usually aren't looking for a novel, they do appreciate a little insight into what the artist is trying to get across. 

It's a great way for your audience to get to know you as well as being a great way to get a handle on your own art making. It can be very easy to create without purpose but it can tend to lead down a rabbit hole that may not be obvious to everyone who wants to enjoy your work. (Make sure to read to the end for a little guidance when writing about your own artmaking)

Any way an artist can better connect with their viewers makes for a stronger impression and therefore a stronger work of art. So enjoy my latest statement and this small collection of my shadow play series:

I have always been a lover of light and these days now find myself a chaser of shadows.

I am a contemporary realist portrait and figure artist living the dream in Hawai’i. While in my studio I find myself constantly using the plant life, tropical atmosphere, and beautiful brilliant sun to capture my muses in unusual and remarkable positions playing and reflecting in elaborate cast shadows. One of the most important aspects of my work is my desire to help foster an inclusive atmosphere in the fine art world by portraying a culturally rich group of subjects, as well as representing an inclusive milieu of body types.

I believe that the modern art scene in general, from its exhibiting artists to its muses, should be ever more representational of all the unique citizens of this earth, so I use my work to lovingly highlight the beauty and character in everyday people from all over the world.

Things to reflect on when writing about your own art....

• Are there any unusual processes or materials (especially if the medium is a direct correlation to the 'voice' of your work)?
• What exactly is the subject and what does it means to you?
• How does the subject affect you and/or how would you like it to affect the viewer?
• What in your personal life or history made you gravitate to this subject?
• Is there anything you hope to accomplish by sharing this work with the world?

Certainly don't feel limited to these questions (and I'm for sure not the end-all-be-all for artist statements!), but sometimes just having a jumping off point can help get the creative juices flowing. And I often have two versions of my artist statement prepared for posting and gallery entry forms. One that is no more than two really short paragraphs and another that's more involved since some places like you to submit a long one and other like a short one. 

Happy writing!!

::

originally published July 29, 2018

Bohemian Goddesses Artist Statement (Revisit)

[Please Note: I'll be back in the studio working on my Goddesses and new blogs and videos this week - hooray!! If you haven't already read my artist statement about my most important body of work to date go ahead and give it a look; hopefully it will bring new love and light to your experience with my paintings:) ]

At last I feel satisfied and confident about the statement accompanying my current Bohemian Goddesses series - woo hoo!! I have been going back and forth on what and how much to share, and I decided to get pretty deeply personal. I felt that it was the only way to really show my audience how much this body of work means to me. 

It is of the utmost importance to me that my message of love and admiration accompanying this series is heard loud and clear, while at the same time being a sensitive writer to sensitive matters.

After you've read through, I would greatly appreciate any feedback in the comments or you can contact me personally if you have any thoughts you would like to share with me. Artists are almost always a bit nervous of public reception when introducing new works, and this release is no exception, especially because of the message I am trying to spread. In this day and age of uncertain futures of civil liberties and common decency sitting in the crosshairs, I am hoping to be a small vessel of love and inclusion and admiration. Hopefully you, as an art lover, will feel positively about the work I am doing, but please know that I am grateful for a thoughtful critique no matter what the opinion. 

So without further ado..... 

"In my latest series, ‘Bohemian Goddesses’, I am exploring women whose beauty transcends the (crumbling) traditional American ideal standards of perfection. Namely, unique and exquisite women who are not primarily of Anglican descent. Women who may have been marginalized in the past, but today are finding their own powerful voices and loyal audiences and are helping to create a more balanced, in tune, and accepting future. 

Growing up and attending art school in the Southeastern US, all of my art professors, live models, and almost every artist we studied, were read more..... 

PS. See the full series here

--

originally published: February 23, 2017

Brand New 'About Me' Page - Whew!

As I'm sure you know by now, ether as a creative yourself or just by reading along, there are a million tiny things to do to continue turning this dream of a sustaining art career into a reality. Some of them I love, some of them I less than love.... but something about writing 'formally' about myself just gives me worse writer's block than anything. Ugh! 

Just try and guess how often my Bio and Artist Statement get updated as a result? I have a horrible habit of procrastinating those rewrites until they are embarassingly stale - which is terrible since that's usually the first place folks look on the website right after checking out the artwork! C'mon, get it together, Caleigh;) 

So take five minutes to read my newly reworked short summation and then you can thumb through a little slide show of some recent works. I would certainly love any feedback in the comments too!

Please Note: It's in third person which may seem odd since I wrote it and I normally write in first person on my website, but that's just how things are done in the art world.

"Caleigh Bird is a figurative artist living in Hawai’i whose blend of contemporary and classical realism serves to portray her modern subjects in true-to-life bold character, while still being rendered as carefully as the traditionally trained masters she has spent her life studying here and abroad. While primarily an oil painter, Caleigh is also known for her signature greyscale portraits in graphite and contè, as well as for creating weekly live model charcoal drawings on a colorful array of toned paper.  

One of the most important aspects of Caleigh’s work is her desire to help foster an inclusionary atmosphere in the fine art world by portraying a culturally rich group of subjects. She believes that the modern art scene in general, from its exhibiting artists to its muses, should be ever more representational of all the unique citizens of this earth, so she uses her work to lovingly highlight the beauty and character in everyday people from all over the world." 

--

originally posted: May 24, 2017

Bohemian Goddesses Artist Statement

At last I feel satisfied and confident about the statement accompanying my current Bohemian Goddesses series - woo hoo!! I have been going back and forth on what and how much to share, and I decided to get pretty deeply personal. I felt that it was the only way to really show my audience how much this body of work means to me. 

It is of the utmost importance to me that my message of love and admiration accompanying this action to help change the modern art world for the better is heard loud and clear, while at the same time being a sensitive writer to sensitive matters.

After you've read through, I would greatly appreciate any feedback in the comments or you can contact me personally if you have any thoughts you would like to share with me. Artists are almost always a bit nervous of public reception when introducing new works, and this release is no exception, especially because of the message I am trying to spread. In this day and age of uncertain futures of civil liberties and common decency sitting in the crosshairs, I am hoping to be a small vessel of love and inclusion and admiration. Hopefully you, my loyal supporter, will feel positively about the work I am doing, but please know that I am grateful for a thoughtful critique no matter what the opinion. 

So without further ado..... 

"In my latest series, ‘Bohemian Goddesses’, I am exploring women whose beauty transcends the (crumbling) traditional American ideal standards of perfection. Namely, unique and exquisite women who are not primarily of Anglican descent. Women who may have been marginalized in the past, but today are finding their own powerful voices and loyal audiences and are helping to create a more balanced, in tune, and accepting future. 

Growing up and attending art school in the Southeastern US, all of my art professors, live models, and almost every artist we studied, were read more..... 

--

originally posted: February 23, 2017

Plants as Inspiration for Figures

'Room to Grow' 2014

I spent a few hours in my garden today, but instead of working on my beets or green onions, I decided to give a little love to my decorative and indoor plants, which they sorely needed. I noticed the dirt getting quite low in a few of their pots and figured the nutrients in the soil had pretty much run its course. Poor little guys! 

The dirt had gone down almost an inch!

Much happier with full, fresh, composted soil.

As I was enjoying feeling my hands in the dirt and admiring the intricate geometric patterns and striking colors within these favorite studio companions, I started to remember just what had inspired me to do my grad school thesis project about human bodies juxtaposed with succulents and other plant life. The little fat fingers and petals of these succulents look and feel so much like animalia rather than plant creatures, and working with them today just brought all those energized and full-of-wonder feelings back.  

View fullsize

Succulent buddies lined up in front of my big basil bush

These little guys are so otherworldly!

The similarities between us and plantlife are present because we are all connected; the same matter, the same energy is what makes each creature on the planet, and after we expire, we will all become the same dust. 

Ready to come back in and cheer up my studio!

'Bell Pepper' 2015

If you want to learn more about any of the paintings pictured here, you can also view the full gallery and artist statement from my Figure & Flora exhibition. 

--

originally posted: October 19, 2016