How to Write an Artist Bio: Examples, Templates, and Tips

How to Write an Artist Bio: Examples, Templates, and Tips

Your artist bio is your professional introduction. While your artist statement explains your work, your bio explains you - your background, training, achievements, and what makes you credible as an artist.

This guide covers how to write bios for different contexts, with examples and templates you can adapt.

The Three Bio Lengths

You need multiple versions for different contexts.

Short Bio (50-75 words)

Used for:

• Social media profiles
• Exhibition checklists
• Brief introductions
• Catalog contributor notes

Template: [Name] is a [medium] artist based in [location]. [His/Her/Their] work [brief description]. [Name] has exhibited at [1-2 notable venues] and received [1-2 notable awards/recognition]. [He/She/They] holds [degree] from [school].

Example: "Maria Santos is a mixed-media artist based in Chicago. Her work explores immigrant identity through textile and found objects. Santos has exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and Manifest Gallery, and received a 2023 Illinois Arts Council Fellowship. She holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago."

Medium Bio (100-150 words)

Used for:

• Gallery websites
• Exhibition catalogs
• Grant applications
• Press releases

Add: More exhibition history, awards, collections, or teaching positions.

Example: "James Chen is a sculptor and installation artist based in Los Angeles. His large-scale works investigate the relationship between industrial materials and natural forms, often incorporating salvaged metal, concrete, and living plants.

Chen has exhibited at the Hammer Museum, LACE, and the Torrance Art Museum, with solo presentations at Commonwealth and Council and Charlie James Gallery. His work is held in the collections of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Hammer Museum. He received a 2022 California Community Foundation Fellowship and a 2020 Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant.

Chen holds an MFA from UCLA and a BFA from CalArts. He teaches sculpture at Otis College of Art and Design."

Long Bio (250-400 words)

Used for:

• Personal website
• Major exhibition catalogs
• Fellowship applications
• Press kits

Add: More context about your practice, influences, critical reception, publications.

What to Include

Always Include

• Full name (as you want to be known professionally)
• Location (city and state/country)
• Medium or discipline
• Education (highest degree)
• 2-3 notable exhibitions or achievements

Include If Relevant

• Awards and grants
• Collections holding your work
• Residencies completed
• Teaching positions
• Publications or press mentions
• Professional affiliations

Generally Avoid

• Age or birth year (unless standard in your field)
• Personal life details (unless directly relevant to work)
• Exhaustive CV information (save for your actual CV)
• Subjective claims ("acclaimed," "innovative")

Writing Tips

Lead with Strength

Your first sentence should establish credibility. Lead with your strongest credential:

Weak: "Jane Smith has been making art since childhood..." Strong: "Jane Smith is a Guggenheim Fellow whose paintings are held in the collections of the Whitney Museum and MoMA PS1."

Use Third Person

Professional bios use third person (she/he/they). It reads as more authoritative and is standard practice.

First person (avoid): "I am a painter based in New York..." Third person (use): "Sarah Johnson is a painter based in New York..."

Be Specific

Vague claims waste space. Be concrete:

Vague: "Her work has been exhibited widely." Specific: "Her work has been exhibited at the New Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia, and SculptureCenter."

Show, Do Not Tell

Let achievements speak for themselves:

Telling: "He is a highly accomplished sculptor..." Showing: "His sculptures are held in the collections of SFMOMA and the Walker Art Center."

Update Regularly

Your bio should reflect current achievements. Update it when you:

• Complete a major exhibition
• Receive an award or grant
• Join a significant collection
• Change locations

Common Mistakes

Bio Templates by Career Stage

Emerging Artist Template

"[Name] is a [medium] artist based in [location]. [His/Her/Their] work [brief description of themes or approach]. [Name] has exhibited at [venues] and was a [residency or program] participant. [He/She/They] holds [degree] from [school]."

Mid-Career Artist Template

"[Name] is a [medium] artist whose work [brief description]. Based in [location], [he/she/they] has exhibited at [notable venues including museums if applicable]. [His/Her/Their] work is held in [collections]. [Name] has received [awards/grants]. [He/She/They] holds [degrees] and [teaches at/is represented by] [institution/gallery]."

Established Artist Template

"[Name] is a [medium] artist known for [signature aspect of practice]. [His/Her/Their] work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at [major museums] and is held in the permanent collections of [major institutions]. [Name] has received [major awards] and [fellowships]. [He/She/They] is represented by [galleries]. [Name] lives and works in [location]."

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Your artist bio introduces you professionally across countless contexts. Write it once, maintain multiple lengths, update regularly, and let your achievements speak for themselves.

Keep it factual, specific, and current. Save the poetry for your artist statement.

Ready to build your professional presence? Create your free Artsume profile to store your bio, CV, and portfolio together.

Last updated: January 2025

Related Guides:

• How to Write an Artist Statement
• The Complete Guide to Artist CVs
• How to Approach Galleries