Comments on: Writing an Artist Biography

By: Drake

Drake — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 18:09:43 +0000

When I wrote mine, I found it really helpful to browse other artists’ websites and look at theirs. Here is mine:

Drake Collins is a jewelry artist living and working in Metro Detroit, Michigan. He received his BA in sociology from Kent State University with a crafts minor specializing in Jewelry/Metals. He has been showing his work throughout Northeastern Ohio for the last 3 years, and southeastern Michigan for the last year. He has been teaching silversmithing and chainmaille for the last 8 years.

Drake’s current work centers on Chainmaille-based jewelry in precious metals and gemstones. He enjoys the mechanical regularity of chainmaille, but has recently been incorporating more organic forms into his work. He draws inspiration from ancient and pagan art, particularly the Jewelry of Classical Rome. He is fascinated by the beautiful pieces of jewelry created by people with no access to the technology we have today.

By: coraNation

coraNation — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:51:07 +0000

great suggestions given so far. also include any recognition, awards, publications where your work was featured. Much success at the shop!

By: Karen Hess

Karen Hess — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 16:44:14 +0000

In addition to the above mentioned points, I always include a brief summary of the materials I use in my jewelry ~ sterling, bronze, nickel, lead-free solder, gemstones, freshwater pearls. This also serves as an alert to soneone who might have an allergy.

By: Jannea Varni

Jannea Varni — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 16:10:22 +0000

Sheila, I really like the idea “I’m a creative person, and making jewelry has given me another dimension……” I think that is a great start! People that purchase handcrafted jewelry oftentimes love the idea of being able to know the person and story behind their purchase so think of that – what would you tell them about yourself if you were sitting there selling it yourself?

By: Bev Carlson

Bev Carlson — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 15:49:09 +0000

What Karen said: “what would you tell them about yourself if you were sitting there selling it yourself?” is the best advice I’ve been given. It makes it easy if you think about just talking to someone about your designing. Once written, set it aside and come back and think like an English teacher and make it sound great. Watch spelling and grammar. Makes a difference, in my opinion, and adds to your professional appearance.

By: CindyC

CindyC — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 14:46:38 +0000

Your bio is a short version of your artist resume written in the third person. It should be factual. Include where you are from, where you live now (if different) any art education or how you got to where you are today if you don’t have formal education in art. It should be a pretty short paragrah or two. The creativity part is usually in the Artist Statement. There are MANY articles on the subject on the net. Good luck.

By: Sheila Meador

Sheila Meador — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:24:44 +0000

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and tips that have worked for you. Most of the bios I’ve read online look like business résumés. The artist has art eduction that is impressive. Me? I’m just a creative person, and making jewelry has given me another dimension. I am driven to create! Hmm…I could use that. Art education began in kindergarten when the teacher gave me a lump of clay.

By: Priscilla Vigil

Priscilla Vigil — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:58:54 +0000

Sheila,
You could also mention the classes you teach and what inspires you to create your jewelry.

Priscilla

By: Sheila

Sheila — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 12:00:09 +0000

Mary, thanks for those suggestions. I need to start putting these thoughts on paper.

By: Mary Morris

Mary Morris — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 05:41:53 +0000

You could include how long you’ve been making jewelry. Also, what your favorite technique or supply is. If you want, include your family, married/not, kids, pets? things that make others more comfortable by knowing you a bit.