I have yet to read an artist’s statement that doesn’t make me cringe.
Why? The typical artist’s statement represents an artist’s unfortunate attempt to market their art but it’s such a massive fail.
Why is this? Because…
- The typical artist’s statement is devoid of benefits to the buyer.
- It’s all about the artist and their creative process and or their inspiration and most often no one really cares.
Now I’m not saying that the creative process or an artist’s inspiration is not interesting. It can be fascinating, sometimes.
But just explaining your creative process and or your inspiration alone is not going to trigger someone to buy.
Bottom line, an artist’s statement is all about YOU.
Marketing copy needs to be about THEM; the benefit’s to your target market.
When you really make it about THEM, then it will be alllll about YOU.
So let’s have some fun!
But first let me make one thing very clear.
This contest is designed not hurt, humiliate, or insult anyone.
This content is designed to help us learn what’s not working so that we can fix it.
Please note: I will not be publishing name of the artist or their website. However, if you submit your artist’s statement I cannot absolutely guarantee that it will remain anonymous.
Why should you do this? Because if you submit “The Very Best of the Very Worst Artist’s Statement” and you win you will receive a free 50-minute private Monday phone consultation with me.
“The Very Best of the Very Worst Artist’s Statement” will be scored on a scale of one to ten based upon the following five criteria. The statement that scores the most points wins!
- Obscure language
- Reaching for meaning that no one else can see or even imagine
- Self-involved
- Use of platitudes or clichés
- Length, the longer the better
If you believe you have the worst artist’s statement. Great! Hand it over. Go here.
As an added bonus if you can possibly find a good artist’s statement, I’d LOVE to read it.
In fact, if you can find this needle in the haystack, I’ll award a 50-minute phone consultation to you for finding it!
“The Very Best Artist’s Statement” will be scored on a scale of one to ten based upon the following five criteria. The statement that scores the most points wins!
- Relatable language
- Clear benefits
- Customer focused
- Brand focused
- Concise copy
If you believe you have the best artist’s statement. Please. Let me see it. Go here.
The winner will be announced next month.
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This is what I actually had on public display in an attempt to sell my work (cringe)
Hedgepigg’s Art :
Hi I’m Lilith White and these are my paintings. I grew up in Taranaki but have spent many years in Wellington studying firstly Psychology at Victoria University then Art and Creativity at the Learning Connection, majoring in Photography
I have a love of mixing the old and the new I enjoy bright and vibrant colours and Texture. This comes out in my work where I explore “mixed Media” paintings and Photography.
Much of my work comes from a very personal space where I explore events and emotions in my life. My works symbolise this journey. By brining colour and vibrancy to these events and feelings I am able to lighten and transform them into things of beauty that can be enjoyed by others.
Time for a massive rewrite………………..
I believe this could compete in the worst statement category. I realise it is a lot about me and not much about them:
“Attracted by drawing since my childhood, I am a self-taught artist and I started painting about 15 years ago (with gaps in between). My main media is acrylic, but I used to paint with oil and I am now exploring the mixed media techniques and intuitive art. Painting makes me happy and I do it with the intention for the finished piece to bring joy and a positive feeling to the ones who look at them. I hope my creations will inspire the viewer but also to embellish and enhance the space they will be placed in.”