About Me/Bio & Artist Statement
As an artist or designer, you need to let people know who you are and what you make. There are a number of contexts for this: an about me statement, a bio, or an artist statement. Below we look at what these should contain and when to use each one.
An about me statement, bio and artist statement all provide context for your work and offer a chance to show your personality. They all describe who you are and what you make, but they vary in the level of detail.
You’ll be writing and changing these continually over the course of your career. As your work and your interests evolve and change, so will your statements.
We’ve created a fillable worksheet to get you started on your bio or artist statement.
About Me/Bio
These are most commonly found on your portfolio website, but you might be asked to submit one for a gallery exhibition or other event or for another website where your work is displayed. The bio on the Grad Show website is another example.
The shortest version is typically 3-4 sentences, but they can be longer and include a couple of paragraphs.
Your About Me Statement/Bio should cover
Who you are and where you are located
What you do and what you make
What inspires you
Your unique skills, which can include characteristics of your work
EXAMPLE 1 – short and sweet
Bijou Karman is an illustrator based in Los Angeles. She graduated with Distinction from ArtCenter College of Design in 2014 with a BFA in Illustration. Bijou is inspired by nostalgia, strong women, plants, and a love of print and bright colors.
EXAMPLE 2 – long and playful
I love all things strange / fun / new. As a practicing designer with a diverse creative background, I have a fascination with DIY and printmaking aesthetics in both printed and screen-based formats. I have a playful style that reflects influences from both analog and digital design with my own interest in creating work that surprises, excites, and encourages closer investigation of connections that are often overlooked.
I’ve designed for PopBrand Co. and New Performance Works Society, and others both in Vancouver and internationally. I received a Bachelor of Design from Emily Carr University of Art + Design in early 2019. I also attended Vancouver Design Thinkers 2019 as a registered graphic designer and Emily Carr University delegate.
My personal interests include tinkering with & printing on my Risograph machine, curating the perfect Spotify playlists, and messing with my website—which has been featured on Typewolf and Cargo Collective.
I’m always approachable for interesting work, collaborations, investigations, and questions.
EXAMPLE 3 – fine art focused and more formal.
Born and raised in Tennessee, Cody Tumblin currently lives and works in Chicago, IL. Cody received a BFA from School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2013.
Watch our workshop
Watch this workshop to learn the importance of having an About Me/Bio Statement and where it fits within your professional materials. Learn how to tell your story on your professional materials!
Artist’s Statement
Coming Soon!
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