How to write your artist statement or business biography

The Power of Your Story

Your artist statement or business biography is the bridge between your creative output and your potential customers. It should clearly explain who you are, what you create, and why you do it in a way that feels authentic and professional. This text humanises your brand, justifies your pricing, and helps potential clients or galleries understand the unique value of your work.

While often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. Depending on where you are using the text, you may need to lean more towards one or the other:

Feature	Business Biography (Bio)	Artist Statement
Focus	The person (you) and your professional journey.	The work itself and the creative intent behind it.
Tone	Professional yet personable; written in the third person.	Descriptive and visionary; usually written in the first person.
Usage	"About Us" pages, LinkedIn, Press Releases.	Gallery displays, portfolios, product descriptions.

How to Draft Your Narrative

To create a compelling piece of writing, follow these four steps to ensure you cover all the essential bases:

1. The Hook (The Who and What): Start with a clear sentence that defines your practice. For example: "Jane Doe is a Bristol-based ceramicist specialising in hand-thrown stoneware inspired by the Somerset coastline."
2. The "Why" (The Vision): Explain what motivates you. What themes do you explore? What emotion do you want to evoke? People don't just buy what you do; they buy why you do it.
3. The "How" (The Process): Give a glimpse into your workshop or studio. Do you use traditional 18th-century techniques? Do you only use recycled materials? This adds "maker value" to your brand.
4. The Achievements: Briefly mention any notable exhibitions, stockists, or relevant qualifications to build credibility.

"Your story is what sets you apart from mass-produced alternatives. Don't be afraid to show the person behind the products."

Top Tips for Success

• Write for your audience: Avoid overly academic "art-speak" if you are selling at local craft markets. Keep it accessible and relatable.
• Keep it punchy: For your website, aim for 200–300 words. For social media bios, you will need a "micro" version of just one or two sentences.
• Use British English: Ensure your spelling is correct for the UK market (e.g., "colour" instead of "color", "specialising" instead of "specializing").
• Read it aloud: If you trip over a sentence while reading it, your customer will too. Aim for a natural, conversational flow.
• Update regularly: Your style and business will evolve. Revisit your statement at least once a year to ensure it still reflects your current work.

Once you have a solid draft, keep it in a "Master Document" so you can easily copy and paste it whenever you need to submit an application or update a profile.