Why Artists Need a Website Bio Page and What It Should Include
Maybe you're modest and you don't want to "brag" about your qualifications. Maybe you're too busy doing your art and you just don't have time. OR maybe you just don't know what to include on the page.
Most importantly - especially with scams and spam online - you want people to know that you are a real, legit artist or artisan. You are not only competing against "real" artists, but also against people that cheaply copy art and other products they find online and then sell them as your own. But in many cases, those vendors are faceless. People feel better about buying from people and organizations that they know have "real" people running them.
Most importantly - especially with scams and spam online - you want people to know that you are a real, legit artist or artisan. You are not only competing against "real" artists, but also against people that cheaply copy art and other products they find online and then sell them as your own. But in many cases, those vendors are faceless. People feel better about buying from people and organizations that they know have "real" people running them.
So, by including a bio page, you become more "legit"! Now that you've decided to put a "face" on the organization, what should you include on the page?
Let's be creative and tear apart pre-conceived notions. A bio page doesn't really have to be a "bio" page chock full of boring details about you and your work. It should:
Let's be creative and tear apart pre-conceived notions. A bio page doesn't really have to be a "bio" page chock full of boring details about you and your work. It should:
- Speak to the heart
- Including interesting facts
- Tell a compelling store
- Give people reasons WHY they should buy your work
Here's what we recommend:
- A photo that is large enough that visitors can see what you look like (approximately 375 x 475 pixels).
- Basic facts such as where you live, what mediums you work in, and anything else you think other people would find particularly interesting.
- A very short bio, no more than 150 words, describing your general background.
- If you are a very expensive or credentialed artist, you should also include qualifications, showings, etc. In other words, anything that gives you credibility. That is critical if you are asking high dollar amounts for your work.
- An "artist statement" or story. This is the part that speaks to and from the heart. And this is the part of the page that can really help sell your work. It should include if you've overcome great obstacles in your life, or lived with disease or pain, or were inspired by a special person or message, or created a new, unique way of doing something that no one else does. In this statement, you want to convey to the audience what is special about you and about your work. If you can do that, then people will be moved and they will want to buy your work.
For a sample of an artist or bio page, visit Josephine's Bio Page.
If you're an artist that needs help with art marketing, visit our Artist Marketing Resources page.
Written by Katharine Coles 010420
If you're an artist that needs help with art marketing, visit our Artist Marketing Resources page.
Written by Katharine Coles 010420
