There are many ways to write your biography. What you need to decide first is if you
want it to be formal, or if you would like your viewer to have a personal impression. Be positive. You are marketing yourself and your art.

If you are unclear, art-in-canada suggests that you follow the guideline below for a formal biography.


A formal biography can be written in the 3rd person, a statement.

“Jane Smith is a native of ... and graduated from.....”

You can include your degrees, from where, when, any artists you have studied under and/or
associations or societies you are member of and what mediums you work in.

If you feel comfortable having this more personal, you can add where you are from in this
first statement. A viewer’s interest often lies in your background.

A personal statement explaining the essence of your art is important for many artists.
Use descriptive words.
“ love of nature, snow, inner spirituality, evocative, thought-provoking, elemental, hands,” etc.

You can keep this statement formal, by keeping it in third person, or personalize it by writing
it in first person.

“ My art is about...”
“ I use my camera as a ...”

Finally, you may include locations where your art is hanging or has been hung, any upcoming shows, awards/prizes won and information where you can be reached.
- home/studio telephone
- studio address
- home address
- email address
any or all of these depending on your sense of privacy

Remember, a person looking at your web site is interested in you and your art. Be positive.

Susan Lapp, Curator